Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Live Commentary Dublin

Trinity College and the Book of Kells

Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592, is the oldest university in Ireland and sits in the heart of the city on College Green. Its cobbled squares are a peaceful break from the traffic, and the Old Library houses the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the Gospels made by monks around 800 AD.

The Long Room, with its tall shelves and rows of marble busts, is one of the most photographed interiors in Dublin. A Trinity College visit is one of the reasons people book a Dublin hop-on hop-off tour, since the stop is close to Grafton Street and the shopping area. Book entry to the Book of Kells ahead separately, as it is not part of this ticket.

Dublin Castle, Christ Church and St Patrick's

Dublin Castle was the centre of English and British rule in Ireland for centuries, and its state apartments and the medieval tower still stand beside the Chester Beatty Library. Nearby are the two medieval cathedrals, Christ Church, founded around 1030, and St Patrick's, the largest church in Ireland, where Jonathan Swift was once dean.

The bus route passes all three, and you can hop off at the stop that suits you. They sit within a few minutes' walk of each other, so this is an ideal cluster for a half-day on foot between rides. Opening hours change by season, so check on the day, and remember that entry to each site is not included in the bus ticket.

Kilmainham Gaol, Phoenix Park and the museums

West of the centre, the route reaches the Irish Museum of Modern Art in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and Kilmainham Gaol, the prison where leaders of the 1916 Rising were held. Phoenix Park is next, one of the largest enclosed city parks in Europe, with open grassland, wild deer and Dublin Zoo.

Further along are Collins Barracks and the National Museum, and the Four Courts by the river. These are the stops for travellers who want more than the city-centre sights. Tickets for Kilmainham Gaol often sell out, so plan ahead, and note that entry fees at attractions are not included. Is a Dublin hop-on hop-off bus worth it? For the reach to Phoenix Park alone, yes.

The Little Museum of Dublin, St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square

The Little Museum of Dublin sits on the edge of St Stephen's Green and tells the story of the city in the 20th century through everyday objects donated by Dubliners. Entry is included with your ticket, so it is an easy stop and a friendly introduction to local history and humour.

Close by are Grafton Street, the Georgian houses and gardens of Merrion Square, the birthplace of Oscar Wilde, the National Gallery and the Natural History Museum. The route also passes the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, a landmark of the 1916 Rising. Hop off, walk around a few blocks, and rejoin the next bus.

How the ticket works and choosing your duration

Your ticket is valid for the number of hours you choose, from first use. Buses run through the day, roughly every 20 to 30 minutes, generally between 09:00 and 17:00 or a little later. A full circuit takes longer than an hour before counting the stops you make, so many visitors choose 48 or 72 hours to see more.

If you want to see the highlights in one day, take the 24-hour option, and if you plan to visit several museums, choose a longer ticket. The live commentary is in English, with audio commentary in nine languages. Bring a light waterproof, since the top deck can be breezy and showers are common.