More about: Dublin Pass and Other Tourist Cards in Dublin
The capital of Ireland is a city full of museums, monuments and places to visit. When we travel, we want to make the most of our time, save money and, above all, not miss anything. That's why there's the Dublin Pass, the tourist card for visiting Dublin.
What is the Dublin Pass and how does it work?
If you are planning a trip to the Irish capital and want to visit its main attractions without any hassle, tourist cards are a practical and flexible option. Both the Dublin All-Inclusive Pass and the Dublin Explorer Pass give you access to a selection of more than 40 attractions and experiences in the city, including the Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle and the Irish Emigration Museum.
The main difference between the two cards is how they work: the All-Inclusive Pass gives you unlimited access to all the attractions you want for 1 to 6 consecutive days, while the Explorer Pass allows you to select a specific number of visits (3, 4, 5 or 7) and make them within a 30-day period. Both are digital passes and offer discounts for children and additional benefits at local shops and restaurants.
How to get your Dublin Pass
The easiest and safest way to get a tourist card for Dublin is to buy it online before your trip. Both the All-Inclusive Pass and the Explorer Pass are available in digital format and will be sent directly to your email address after completing your booking. You don't need to pick anything up in person or print any documents: you can carry your pass on your mobile phone via the app indicated on the confirmation voucher.
If you have chosen the Dublin All-Inclusive Pass, after purchase you will also receive access to the app where you can consult the complete and updated list of attractions, as well as manage reservations at those places where necessary. From S$122
In the case of the Dublin Explorer Pass, the process is just as simple. Just select how many attractions you want to visit (3, 4, 5 or 7), and you can activate it from the app when you're ready to start using it. In both cases, you can cancel your purchase free of charge if your plans change before you activate the pass. From S$104
Main attractions and experiences included in the Dublin Pass
A visit to the Guinness Brewery
This factory, converted into a museum, has seven floors, a bar with panoramic views and includes a beer tasting. It is one of the most popular experiences in Dublin because it not only provides information about the beer-making process but also cultural facts that give a better understanding of the Irish character and the importance of this drink in the country. Find out more here: Guinness Storehouse in Dublin Tickets and Tours.
24-hour tourist bus
When you purchase the Dublin Pass, you will receive a 24-hour pass for the city's tourist bus. You can hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the stops. During the tour, you will enjoy panoramic views and audio commentary. You can also read all the information about the tourist bus in my article Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Buses.
Dublinia Museum
This is an ideal place to visit with the family. It tells the medieval history of Ireland with life-size exhibits on Viking Dublin and medieval Dublin.
Jeanie Johnston Museum Ship
This legendary ship, now a museum, focuses on the period of the Great Famine that ravaged Ireland. This ship is not the real Jeanie Johnston, but a successful full-scale replica.
Irish Emigration Museum
This museum consists of different themed galleries with interactive activities. Here you can discover the history of Irish emigration and its connection with modern-day Ireland.
Little Museum of Dublin
This is one of the most comprehensive and popular museums in Dublin. The objects on display have been donated by private individuals and trace the history of the Irish capital.
Jameson Distillery
If beer is Ireland's main drink, whisky is not far behind. That's why this museum is one of the most visited places in the city. It offers a totally immersive experience.
National Wax Museum
Every big city has a wax museum, and although it may not seem like it at first glance, it is one of the most entertaining places to visit with the family. The one in Dublin is not to be missed.
Dublin Castle
In the heart of Dublin, you will find this castle, which is currently used for conventions and state meetings. With the Dublin Pass, admission is free.
Malahide Castle
This castle is located north of Dublin and is well worth a visit for its architecture, gardens and interiors.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
This cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland is a must-see. Its Gothic architecture and ornate interior will pleasantly surprise you.
Dublin Zoo
If you are travelling with children, this is a highly recommended visit, especially if you are spending several days in the city. With the Dublin Pass, the entrance fee is well worth it, as it is one of the most expensive attractions in the city.
Advantages of the Dublin Pass
Before describing the advantages of the Dublin Pass, it is important to know what a tourist card is. It is a pass that you can purchase for one or more days and gives you free access to the city's main attractions and tourist experiences. It saves you money and is a good idea if you plan to visit many museums and monuments in a short period of time.
- Free access to more than 30 museums and monuments in the city
- Free use of the tourist bus with unlimited stops for one day
- Discounts and offers at selected shops and restaurants
- A Dublin travel guide
- Skip the queues and enjoy hassle-free access to the city's main attractions
How the Dublin sightseeing pass works
The Dublin Pass is designed for all types of trips, from a quick getaway to an in-depth visit. You have several options: you can purchase this tourist card for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days. My recommendation for Dublin is to choose between the two-day or three-day pass; with less time, you'll miss out on some things, and you won't need much more time to visit the city's main attractions.
What you need to know about the Dublin Pass
- It works for consecutive calendar days, so it's always best to activate it first thing in the morning.
- Children under 5 do not need a card if they are travelling with an adult who has one.
- There is a reduced price for children aged 5 to 12.
- You cannot visit the same attraction or monument more than once; the card is only valid for one visit.
- You don't need a physical card, as you can load the Dublin Pass directly onto your mobile phone and organise your visits around the city using the official Mobile Dublin Pass app.
- You can activate the Dublin Pass at any time after purchase; the validity period of your card will start from the first time you use it.
When to buy the Dublin Pass
Let's be honest: purchasing the Dublin Pass is a significant investment, so it's logical to wonder whether or not you'll get your money's worth. The answer will depend on your travel plans; the most practical way to find out whether the Dublin Pass is right for you is to add up the prices of the different attractions you plan to visit during your trip and compare the total with the price of the card.
However, don't forget that the Dublin Pass isn't just about free admission; it also offers discounts and experiences. For example, if you want to use the city's tourist bus for a day, the Dublin Pass is probably worth it.
It is also important to consider how much time you will be spending in Dublin and the pace of your trip. If you are in the Irish capital for a long weekend and want to visit several museums and monuments in two days, the Dublin Pass is probably right for you. If, on the other hand, you are spending two weeks in Dublin, it is not worth concentrating all your visits into one or two days, so you will not need the tourist card.
Regardless of what you decide, my advice is to thoroughly explore the advantages of the Dublin Pass, including the restaurants and shops where you would get a discount. If you organise yourself well, you could save a considerable amount on your trip without missing out on anything.
The tourist bus included in the Dublin Pass
The Dublin Pass includes a 24-hour pass for the city's tourist bus. Although this service may seem like an option reserved for tourists, it is one of the most enjoyable advantages.
Why? Because the tourist bus in Dublin is a convenient way to get around the city while sheltering from the rain, because it offers panoramic views, because it includes audio commentary on the city's monuments and because it saves a considerable amount of time travelling between Dublin's main attractions.
If you are interested in seeing Dublin from the tourist bus, you can also purchase a pass for one or more days without having to buy the tourist card. An important piece of information that you will be interested to know is that the Dublin tourist bus pass gives you free access to several guided walking tours of the city centre. In this article on Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Buses I'll tell you how to get it.
Other interesting cards for tourists in Dublin
Leap Visitor Card
Public transport card that allows unlimited use of buses, trams (LUAS) and commuter trains (DART) for 1, 3 or 7 days. Very useful for getting around Dublin without worrying about individual tickets.
Combined tickets
Some attractions, such as the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery, offer combined tickets with other visits or experiences. These are a good option if you already know which places you want to visit and are looking to save a little money.
Other interesting activities in Dublin
If you want to explore the city and make sure you don't miss a thing, there's nothing better than taking a guided tour to learn about Dublin's history and secret legends. And if you have enough time to spend a morning or a whole day visiting other parts of the country, I recommend reading my article on 7 Best Tours and Day Trips in Dublin to help you organise your trip.