A thriving city since the Vikings ruled in the ninth century, Dublin has been Ireland’s largest city and main economic hub for centuries. In fact, Dublin ranks sixth among European metropolitan areas by gross metropolitan product. The city boomed particularly during the Celtic Tiger period, a series of years of rapid, real economic growth across Ireland between the 1990s and 2000s.

Teeming with many multinational corporations, Dublin continues to grow in the information technology, digital media, financial services and pharmaceutical industries and houses the headquarters of companies such as Bank of Ireland, Ryanair and AIB Group. American companies including Apple, IBM, Pfizer, Microsoft and Google also have a strong presence in the city. With these companies becoming such a staple in the city, Dublin boasts its own designated and named clusters such as Digital Hub and Silicon Docks, pointing to just how much these companies drive economic expansion in the city and country. Digital Hub alone includes more than 50 businesses, once housing Amazon and Etsy, and Dublin is often now referred to as the “Tech Capital of Europe.”

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While Dublin continues to support various traditional industries like food processing, brewing, distilling and textile manufacturing, the city is experiencing a gradual decline in these sectors. This is not to say brands like Guinness suffer, though. This brand has been brewing drinks at the St. James’s Gate Brewery since 1759 and draws more than 1 million tourists each year.

Many Americans flock to Dublin each year, particularly in the summer when temperatures average in the 60s Fahrenheit. Landing at Dublin Airport, travelers can take a bus to the city center, located less than 7 miles away. That said, a new train line from Metrolink has recently been approved to connect the airport to the city center across 16 stations, allowing for faster and more efficient travel. This underground train system will also link up Dublin’s northern and southern areas, transforming the entire city’s transportation network by 2035.

CHECKING IN WITH ALICE MANSERGH
CEO, Tourism Ireland

What’s new in terms of development?
Dublin is always on the move. As a bustling European capital, it holds its history near but thrives on reinvention. From a tourism perspective, we are blessed to have new experiences pop up every year. From food trails to festivals and events, there is always something to look forward to. One of the more recent phenomena in Dublin is the prevalence of whiskey distilleries. The city now boasts fantastic locations you can visit, including the Jameson Distillery Bow St., Roe & Co, Teeling, the Dublin Liberties and Pearse Lyons. These distilleries offer a glimpse into old Dublin and an industry that has sustained itself in the city for generations.

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Do you have any tips for a first-time visitor’s trip to Dublin?
Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse and Grafton Street are places that are hugely popular — and with good reason. They not only have a historical resonance, but they are also very much alive today in 2025 and are an integral part of contemporary Dublin. One location that takes a little more digging to find, but is absolutely worth the effort, is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which profiles the stories of Irish emigrants and their impact on the world. Here you can discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.

How does sports/entertainment play a role in Dublin’s tourism?
In terms of sports, we are lucky to have some superb locations in the city. Croke Park is the home for Gaelic games, and as well as visiting the stadium and its fantastic rooftop walkway, it also has a wonderful museum profiling the complete history of our national games. If rugby is your thing, Aviva Stadium lies just a short stroll from downtown, and with regular games at both locations, you might be lucky enough to catch a match. U.S. college football fans will be familiar with these venues, as they have hosted recent regular-season games under the banner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. Tens of thousands of fans have traveled for the games and taken the opportunity to discover Dublin and, indeed, the entire island of Ireland.

What are the strongest businesses and industries?
Dublin is lucky to have quite a wide variety of industries and employers. It is the European headquarters for many international companies, particularly those in the tech sector. Its location, infrastructure and access to a highly educated workforce make it attractive for businesses. We also have a robust tourism industry that remains a significant employer and contributor to Ireland’s gross domestic product. We offer a great range of accommodations and attractions. From 5-star luxury properties to family-run B&Bs, there is something to suit every budget. We also have many long-established visitor attractions and civic amenities such as Phoenix Park, Malahide Castle, St. Stephen’s Green and the National Museum, which make a trip to the city an occasion to savor.

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How will new development like the new underground transportation affect business and tourism?
Dublin is an eminently walkable city. Most of its main attractions can be visited on foot, and there is nothing quite like a day wandering the city’s historic streets. That aside, we warmly welcome any new transport infrastructure that makes things more accessible and convenient for the visitor and Dubliners alike. Ease of movement is hugely important for the smooth running of a city and plays a strong role in the positive experience visitors will have in Dublin. It’s a vibrant city, always changing and developing, yet its spirit remains as warm and engaging as ever.

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DIVERSIONS
Dublin’s pub culture, live music and rich history remain its main draws. There’s a reason the cobblestoned, pedestrian- friendly Temple Bar neighborhood made a name for itself: Many pubs here host live folk music and DJ sets, lights adorn the streets when the sun sets, and boutique shops highlight clothes and crafts by local designers. Many other (and often cheaper but equally good) pubs lie outside of the Temple Bar area, including The Brazen Head and The Duke.

Scheduling a tour of the Guinness Storehouse remains a popular experience, during which visitors can even have their faces drawn onto the top of a pint of Guinness.

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A MEGAW, JR | DREAMSTIME.COM

Grafton Street teems with both midscale and high-end shops, and buskers provide entertainment all day long up and down this pedestrian-only road. A lunch or coffee at Bewley’s Grafton Street involves craft espresso drinks amid stained-glass windows and elegant décor.

Trinity College, located in the city center, houses the Book of Kells, an illustrated, ninth-century manuscript. Seeing this text also involves walking through the halls of the university’s iconic library.

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A major chapter of Ireland’s 1916 Easter Rising took place at Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison now open to the public. Many Irish revolutionaries were imprisoned here, and leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by the British government within its walls. Purchase tickets for a guided tour of the jail.

Historical sites like 11th-century Christ Church Cathedral point to both Dublin’s lengthy past and continued cultural significance. Having been the filming location for The Tudors, visitors can see costumes worn by actors from the show in its crypt. Next to the church discover Dublinia, a historical recreation museum delving into the city’s Viking and medieval history.

The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology displays Irish and other antiquities as well as bog bodies, while EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum promises interactive and educational exhibits on Irish culture globally.

LODGING
ANANTARA THE MARKER DUBLIN
Boasting views of the River Liffey, this ultra-modern hotel captures Dublin’s trendy side with a rooftop bar, chic restaurant, lively lounge, spa, infinity pool, and contemporary guestrooms and suites.
Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, Ireland
$$$$

THE MERRION HOTEL DUBLIN
Sleep within a restored Georgian building, where elegant accommodations are complemented by fireplaces and clawfoot tubs. An upscale restaurant offers views of its gardens, while an 18th-century wine vault-turned-pub lies beneath. The hotel also boasts a spa, infinity pool and cocktail bar.
Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
$$$$

THE SHELBOURNE, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
This 5-star hotel overlooks St. Stephen’s Green, blending traditional Irish luxury with modern touches. Opulent guestrooms and suites, fine-dining restaurants, intimate cocktail lounges, a spa, and event room where the Irish Constitution was signed await.
27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
$$$$$

DINING
CHAPTER ONE RESTAURANT
This North Dublin restaurant highlights the finest in French and Irish cuisine. Four-course tasting menus and sommelier wine pairings further elevate the experience.
18-19 Parnell Square N., Rotunda, Dublin 1, Ireland
$$$$$

FIRE STEAKHOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR DUBLIN
Dine on an array of Irish beef beneath Victorian-era vaulted ceilings. Selections include prime center cut filet, sirloin, rib eye, T-bone and porterhouse.
The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
$$$

THE SADDLE ROOM
Located within The Shelbourne, this restaurant showcases Ireland’s best ingredients via dishes like Castletownbere scallops, Liscannor crabs, Charleville beef and Kildare lamb. The team conceptualizes and heightens the best of Ireland’s produce, seafood and meat into unforgettable dishes.
27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
$$$$

JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: GMT
Phone code: Country code: 353 City code: 1
Currency: Euro
Key Industries: Technology/ information technology, financial services, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and logistics

COMING AND GOING
U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for the duration of stay in Ireland. No visa required for stays of up to 90 days.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English, but all road signs are in both Gaelic and English

INFO TO GO
Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 is home to U.S. airlines including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue and American Airlines. The city links to large cities such as Atlanta (ATL), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Chicago (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Newark (EWR) and Washington-Dulles (IAD).

The airport connects to the city via a range of bus and coach routes, with more than 700 buses servicing the airport daily. For access to the outskirts of Dublin, Bus Éireann runs from the airport to destinations such as Dundalk, Waterford and Drogheda. Taxis are also available outside terminals 1 and 2. While no direct train runs from the airport to city center, once in the city, visitors can access Iarnród Éireann from rail stations like Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston, which provide both intercity and cross- country service.