Solo Female Travel Dublin Guide: Weekend Itinerary + Map

Are you planning a trip to Dublin alone in 2024? My five solo voyages to this emerald isle have not only confirmed my love for Ireland, but it inspired me to write this solo Dublin travel guide for women!

Traveling to Ireland alone is a place for any first-time solo traveler! In Ireland, the warmth of its people truly shines through in the lively atmosphere of its pubs.

As a solo traveler, you’ll find Ireland to be a delightful destination. It’s a place where you can stroll in by yourself but are guaranteed to depart with new friendships.

The inviting nature of the locals in these social hubs ensures that you’re never truly alone, making Ireland an enjoyable and friendly experience for those exploring on their own.

On this page, I’ve curated a list of experiences that are perfect for women traveling alone and seeking to uncover the true spirit of Ireland solo.

From choosing the ideal accommodations to offering practical advice before and during your journey, these insights are gleaned from my firsthand experience.

Let me guide you through planning your Irish escapade, where every path leads to discovery and every moment is an invitation to join in the joy of Irish life.

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I’m gonna be real honest with you about Dublin…

Chances are you are really going to enjoy visiting Dublin by yourself. I know I did the many times I have visited.

But there are things about Dublin you wanna watch out for.

On my first solo trip to Dublin, I didn’t really do enough research. I stayed in the worst possible area.

I would suggest you don’t stay in the following neighborhoods:

• North Inner City: Some parts of Dublin’s North Inner City have historically been associated with higher crime rates, though it’s also home to many cultural and tourist attractions.
• Sheriff Street: Though much of the area has been developed, some parts may still feel less welcoming, especially after dark.
• Certain parts of Ballymun and Finglas: While these areas are away from the city center and less likely to be visited by tourists, they have had reputations for social issues in the past.

Some parts of Dublin might not be as appealing, so it’s important to carefully consider hotel locations.

Reading reviews thoroughly can help you find a charming and comfortable area for your stay.

Check my recommendations further down the post.

I’ve personally never had any issues, but I don’t want to sugarcoat the city. There are dodgy areas just like most cities these days!

IS Dublin Is a Good Place for Solo Travel?

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1. My first reason for choosing Ireland for a solo weekend trip is the city sizes are small. Getting around by foot to all the major attractions is doable. I recently spent a four-night getaway in Dublin and took notes of every possible reason why you should go. 
2. Reason number two for choosing a solo trip to Ireland is the friendly locals. Sure, in any city, you may come across some rude and unhappy souls, but generally, the people are a friendly bunch. And ladies, if you fancy the men, that accent is sexy ; )
3. The third reason I recommend Ireland for a weekend trip is the country is safe. But, like any city, you will find dodgy areas, just do your hotel research thoroughly. 
4. Reason number four why solo travel in Dublin is great is the comfort food. My favorite part about eating alone is ordering everything I want and not having to share!
5. And finally, Dublin is a good place for your soul! Ireland has some pretty incredible landscapes, the perfect place to go and reflect.

Getting to Dublin From The Airport Alone

One of the reasons I found Ireland to be a great destination for solo travel, is that Irish people speak English.

Assuming your native language is also English. Traveling solo can be stressful at times, so it is better to choose a destination where the language is your own.

Some buses and taxis will take you to the city center if you are coming to Dublin by plane. The traffic will determine the cost, but a taxi generally costs between 30 – 40 euros.

The bus is a more cost-effective option, but depending on the time of day can take a while. 

You can spend 7 euros from the airport to the city center of Dublin by pre-booking your ticket with The Airlink Express. A fantastic option if you want to take the bus.

If it’s your first-ever solo trip, sometimes it’s better to just pay for an airport transfer to take you to your hotel.

A smart way to start your weekend trip is by getting the 3-Day City Pass. 

With this pass, you will have access to the Dublin Hop-on Hop-off City Tour buses and the Dublin Bus public service buses, Airlink Express.

In Dublin, you want to download the App Free Now. Free Now is the taxi app used in Dublin, and it’s good to have it all set up before you land. 

Getting around Dublin by bus or train is very manageable and affordable.

Is Dublin Safe for Solo Female Travel?

Yes! Dublin, Ireland is a safe destination for solo females traveling alone. I advise you to stay in the city center and do additional research on sites like Numbeo.

I’ve never had any concerns on my five trips to Dublin, but I always practice caution when I travel.

The common sense stuff I’m sure you know is, don’t leave items unattended. Also, don’t overdo it with alcohol or walk in a dark alley by yourself.

Choosing The Right Neighborhood to Stay in Dublin

What makes a neighborhood in Dublin great? That really depends on what you are into.

There was a time in my life when staying in Temple Bar would have been my top choice.

But now, as a solo female traveling in her 40s, staying in Temple Bar would be a nightmare. Quaint and quiet streets are music to my ears!

I seek out neighborhoods with artisan coffee shops and high-end bistros.

Let me give you a better overview of the neighborhoods so you can make the right choice! If only a weekend in Ireland, make it a great one!

Personal Dublin Travel Stories: One of the hardest lessons I learned when I first started traveling was not paying close attention to hotel reviews. I failed to notice that everyone that gave this hotel a great rating were guests that liked to party all night at the clubs next to the hotel! Earplugs were needed!

-Melissa A Solo Woman Traveling personal story

Where to Stay Solo in Dublin

There are so many neighborhoods in Dublin that are all suitable for a weekend in Ireland. Where you stay in Dublin will be vital to what you can see and do in a short time.

You will want to research ahead and be aware that accommodations in Dublin can be costly.

For this reason, I recommend booking.com and finding a short-term apartment stay. I find the best places when I book months in advance.

Pro Tip: Even though I found solo travel in Ireland to be super safe, I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance to avoid any mishaps. Lost luggage or getting sick can happen at any time. And if you are savvy, you should get a travel credit card with travel insurance.

What to Expect in the Temple Bar Neighborhood

Temple Bar is your bang-on, party all night into the morning and into the next week, neighborhood. A good place to stay in your 20’s for sure, and if you are traveling in your early 30’s you might love it.

You can find all iconic Irish Bars with Irish music, Irish food, and Irish spirit here. Just consider how lite of a sleeper you are if staying in this neighborhood.

The good times could be heard from the streets and in your hotel room…

Best Hotel In Temple Bar

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Temple Bar Hotel

If you solo traveling ladies are looking for my top choice of hotels in the Temple Bar neighborhood, I highly recommend the Temple Bar Hotel.

The Temple Bar Hotel is truly a unique stay in Dublin! Located right in the center of some of Dublin’s most iconic attractions and pubs, this hotel is sure to provide a memorable experience.

The Temple Bar Hotel provides a cozy atmosphere with comfortable rooms adorned with natural wood furnishings and plush carpets.

But the real charm comes from the stunning views of Dublin’s streets, rivers, and buildings – you’ll never want to leave!

You can also enjoy a delicious selection of traditional Irish dishes at the hotel’s restaurant. And if that wasn’t enough, Temple Bar Hotel is also home to an impressive collection of Irish whiskey and craft beers.

What to Expect in The St. Stephen’s Green Neighborhood?

The neighborhood of St. Stephen’s Green is very central and within close distance of Temple Bar.

The streets are lined with beautiful townhomes of Georgian-style architecture.

Whatever you do, don’t stay on Harcourt Street.

Harcourt Street is the famous street where all the nightclubs are located, and it’s loud AF. 

I had truly the worst night’s sleep on my first night in Dublin.

Best Hotel in St. Stephen’s Green

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The Westbury Hotel

On my 2nd trip to Dublin, I stayed in the St. Stephen’s Green neighborhood, my favorite hotel is The Westbury Hotel!

It is the perfect spot for you to stay and explore this vibrant Irish capital.

The Westbury offers all the amenities a modern woman needs – from complimentary WiFi in-room to more-than-comfortable beds. And if you’re feeling daring, why not take advantage of their 24-hour room service?

Whether it’s afternoon tea or a late-night snack, the Westbury will have your back.

The Number 31

To give you more options in St. Stephens Green, you could consider staying at Number 31 Hotel in Dublin. It is an absolute treat for solo female travelers!

What to Expect in the Christchurch Neighborhood

Christchurch neighborhood is the area where you might have guessed it, Christchurch Cathedral is located.

This is an excellent choice in the neighborhood if you can find a reasonably priced hotel.

Since it is so central and less noisy, the desirability drives up the room cost. 

I stayed right on the edge of this neighborhood before the canal just across from the Rathmines neighborhood.

So I can recommend staying here and walking into the city center. 

Wear your most comfortable shoes in Dublin. Transit by bus is available, but my guess is you will find yourself walking from one end of the city to the other.

I would say I averaged 25,000 or more steps a day if that gives you an idea.

Ranelagh, Rathmines, Ballsbridge, and Donnybrook Neighborhoods

If you are okay with taking a very short bus ride to the city center, the neighborhoods mentioned above are great places to stay.

You can find terrific restaurants and shops located in these neighborhoods. 

Staying in any of these neighborhoods will give you the experience of really living in Dublin. I like to feel like I am part of the culture, rather than a tourist.

Best Solo-Friendly Hotels Outside the City Center of Dublin

Dublin Itinerary for Solo Travelers

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Day 1 Dublin Itinerary

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Guinness Factory, Christ Church Cathedral & St. Patricks Cathedral

Start your morning exploring Dublin alone by visiting the most incredible cathedrals! Be sure to download my FREE GOOGLE MAP with all these locations saved.

Christchurch and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are a short distance from each other, and if the weather is decent, you can walk. 

After you have marveled at these magnificent structures, it’s time to move on to the Guinness Factory! 

Guinness is a staple of the Irish culture when it comes to picking a pint. The factory’s location is within the current neighborhood you are exploring, so walking there could be an option.

Once you arrive, you will pay an entrance fee of 26 euros.

This fee will gain you access to the factory Guinness storehouse, a self-guided tour of the brewery, and will get you 1 pint of Guinness in the sky bar. 

The factory has several on-site restaurants ranging in price and dining style. I enjoyed a wonderful lunch here on my day trip to the factory. 

And to end your day, fill your belly on this Irish Food Trail Tour!

Day 2 Dublin Itinerary

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Trinity College, Jameson Distillery, Traditional Irish Food & Music

In the morning, head over to Trinity College and view the 8th-century Books of Kells.

☘️ It is best to book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

After a visit to Trinity College, head on to Dublin Castle for picture-taking and sightseeing. 

A must-try place for lunch is Fish Shop on Benburb Street. This restaurant on Benburb Street is more casual and is open for lunch. I highly recommend the fish and chips! 

After a filling lunch at Fish Shop, continue to the Jameson Distillery for a tour and a taste.

The Jameson Distillery offers a few different tour options. The tours all vary in terms of times and prices. 

GET TICKETS: Jameson Distillery

No trip to Dublin would be complete without a night in the Temple Bar! For a traditional Irish food experience, head on over to The Stags Head.

This place gets very, very busy so… I would go earlier than later. At Stags Head you can expect some live music in addition to all the delicious food!

☘️ Or maybe you want to enjoy a traditional Irish House Party Dinner and Show!

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Day 3 Dublin Itinerary

Hopefully, you aren’t feeling too wobbly from your night out in Temple Bar and are ready for a bike tour! 

It’s the best way to see Dublin! And don’t worry this one starts at 10:30 so you can sleep off your night before ; )

This 2.5-hour bike tour hits the rest of the sites in Dublin you don’t want to miss like, the Samuel Beckett Bridge, Oscar Wilde Memorial, and Dublin Castle!

After your tour you can spend the rest of the day just walking around to the parts of the city you loved the most.

Best Dublin Bars and Restaurants

If it has to be your last night, and you want to have a nice dinner, check out Etto or Uno Mas. These restaurants have the same ownership and were the best meals I had in Dublin.

I highly recommend getting reservations at least a few weeks in advance. Otherwise, you may miss out! 

I travel to eat, it’s that simple. When I find an outstanding place, I want to share it with the world.

Below is a list of places that do it better than the rest! For an excellent dining and drinking experience, be sure to check out these places!

• Circa– Higher-end dining without the suit and tie. This place is a must-try!
• Bread 41 – Bread, lots, and lots of fantastic bread!
• Fumbally – Delicious cafe with lots of fresh food options
• VCC- Bar– Vintage Cocktail Club, need I say more…
• Peruke & Periwig – For a unique, one-of-a-kind dining experience, check this place out.
• The Long Hall – Traditional Irish Bar, come thirsty!

Dublin is becoming more Vegan friendly, and although none of these restaurants are strictly vegan, you are often able to find vegan items on the menus.

Bonus: Day 4 | Day Trip From Dublin Itinerary

If you have more time on your weekend in Ireland and are looking for a day trip from Dublin, I suggest Howth! You can travel to the seaside town of Howth from Dublin in approx 45 mins.

There is transportation by bus or by train. I took the bus, and it was effortless and fast. 

Howth is a port town on the coast of Ireland and offers spectacular views and a great coastal vibe. I spent around 2 hours walking around and taking pictures.

This is a pleasant day trip for all of you photographers, and the photo opportunities are endless.

I had lunch at Mamó Restaurant and was very impressed! This place is classy and small, so book ahead.

They serve a seasonal food menu with excellent wine pairings. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly.

A Solo Weekend in Ireland Safety Tips

Is Dublin safe? I have been to Ireland five times now. Each time I always felt welcomed and safe in my surroundings.

Every city has its areas you should be wary of, and even in good neighborhoods, you want to be vigilant.

Remember not to go overboard at the bars. This can be easy to do in Dublin, as the good times are infectious. Trouble seems to follow the loud and obnoxious, so don’t be that tourist.

Keep yourself sober enough to remember your evening, and you will be fine.

I don’t travel with fancy and expensive items, so I recommend you leave the designer labels at home. It is one less thing to worry about in general.

The Best Time of Year For Ireland Solo Travel

When visiting the Republic of Ireland alone, I suggest you visit between May through December. During these months you will have somewhat better weather, but most notably, there will be more things to do.

Christmas in Dublin is really magical and has lots of fun stuff to see. You could also get lucky with a good flight deal if you visit in early December.

It becomes the most important thing if you plan to check out small towns in Ireland. During the winter months, a lot of attractions are closed in winter.

Dublin Solo Travel Tips

1. Dublin has a great coffee culture. Spend your mornings in different coffee shops like 3FE, Brother Hubbard, or The Fumbally. These are great places to relax, people-watch, and even strike up conversations with locals or fellow travelers.
2. Don’t be afraid to take local transit. I took the buses and trains throughout Dublin and beyond with no issues.📲 Download the Irish Rail App!
3. Join a tour to make connections. Every time I travel solo to any European destination I always join a tour. It is such a great way to make a friend or two and ensures you won’t get lonely.

Packing for a Solo Trip to Ireland

A great way to ensure you will have an easy breezy solo trip is to pack smart. Below are a few of my must-haves when I visit Ireland!

• Comfortable shoes, leave the heels at home. I bring just one really comfortable pair and something a little less casual but nothing fancy.
• A warm coat with a hood. Bonus points for waterproof
• Leggings. That comfort food doesn’t go down so easy in jeans
• Casual tops and sweaters.
• A journal. When traveling solo, you have the time to write down special moments.
• Don’t forget the umbrella!
• Hat & gloves in winter

Conclusion of A Solo Woman’s Guide to Dublin

I really hope you learned about what to expect when traveling to Dublin alone. My experiences in the city are something I truly cherish!

If you are feeling unsure and have questions, reach out to me directly via my contact form. I am here to support your travel journey!

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FAQ’s Solo Female Travel to Ireland