Visiting Dublin – Should You Buy a Dublin Pass?
A Dublin Pass can be an incredible deal- if you plan to spend a few days in Dublin. But it could be a waste of money for some families. Is it the best deal for your family vacation in Ireland?
Should You buy a Dublin Pass?
Dublin Pass offers free admission into more than 30 of Dublin's most popular attractions- including the Guinness Storehouse, Malahide Castle, the Dublin Zoo, and the Little Museum of Dublin.
It also offers gifts and discounts at many of Dublin's already free attractions including the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology and the Museum of Natural History (aka the Dead Zoo).
Some attractions offer “fast track” admissions to Dublin Pass holders and select local businesses offer discounts and complimentary items if you flash your Dublin Pass.
You will also receive a free guidebook with each Dublin Pass you purchase. (The guidebook is really quite nice, conveniently pocket sized and with a map so you can plan activities based on location.)
If you don't plan to pick up your car until after your time in Dublin the Dublin Pass also includes a discounted trip from the Dublin airport to the city center via Aircoach.
Buying a Dublin Pass
You will want to buy your Dublin Pass online before your trip to get the best deal.
You can choose to have it shipped to you- in which case order as soon as you know your travel dates- or you can arrange to pick it up when you arrive in Dublin.
The Dublin Pass is valid for 12 months from date of purchase; your usage dates beginning the first time you use it.
The Dublin Pass can be purchased in 1, 2, 3 and 5 day durations.
Is a Dublin Pass Right for You?
That will, of course, depend on what you plan to do in Dublin.
If you have only one day in Dublin- the day your flight lands- then I would say you may not get your money's worth. But if you pair one of Dublin's hostels or less expensive hotels with a Dublin Pass for 2 or 3 days, you'll enjoy everything the city has to offer without breaking your budget.
Here is a sample 2 day Dublin itinerary, created for a family of 4; 2 adults, 2 children.
| Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin. Use Aircoach into city centre €19.50 – Dublin Hop on Hop Off Bus €60- EPIC Emigration Museum Family Pass €35 – Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship Family Rate €25 | Lunch at The Church Bar & Restaurant- save 10%; evening of Food, Folklore & Fairytales – save 10% |
| Day 2 – Dublinia (Dublin's Viking Heritage) Family Pass €25 – Christchurch Cathedral Family Ticket €17 – Little Museum of Dublin €20 – Malahide Castle €30 | Lunch and souvenir shopping at The Kilkenny Shop – save 10% + free wine or dessert with every meal |
| Cost €231.50 | Family Dublin Pass €222.00 |
This is a sampling of only a handful of the attractions you can visit with the Dublin Pass. If it were my family we would purchase the pass as it offers savings for the attractions we would visit, as well as additional discounts on dining and tours.
Get More Dublin Pass Tips
Best Dublin Pass attractions with kids
How to Use the Dublin Pass to Save Time & Money
- Musical History Tour of Dublin with Fiona Dalton - October 3, 2024
- The National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park and the National Famine Way - October 3, 2024
- 5 Common Mistakes When Planning an Ireland Vacation - September 26, 2024
