The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Dublin
Dublin is the perfect destination for your solo trip
Traveling solo, especially as a female, is extremely rewarding. It’s freeing and powerful and introduces a level of spontaneity that can be absent in everyday life. But, it goes without saying that choosing a destination as a solo female traveler can be intimidating, as there is a lot to consider— safety often being the main concern.
Ireland is an absolute dream for solo female travelers. Dublin is generally a safe city and it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself in an unpopulated, desolate part of town. Your time in Dublin will be dynamic. If you’re a city girl who prefers marveling at architecture and visiting cute local coffee shops, there’s plenty for you to love. On the other hand, if nature is what gets you going, the green countryside with its rolling hills and impressive views will leave you awestruck.
If you’re considering Dublin for your next solo female trip, look no further than this guide packed full of tips and the ultimate guide of things to do on your trip to Dublin.
Accommodation & Travel
While traveling alone, especially if you’re a novice solo traveler, you may feel safer staying at a hotel. In fact, that was the case for me when I visited Ireland. Hostels and Airbnb are great options for traveling in groups or if you’re familiar with the city you’re visiting. Hotels offer security and convenience that may ease some of your safety concerns as a solo female traveler.
There are plenty of great places to stay in the city center of Dublin, but I highly recommend the Wren Urban Nest Hotel. The Wren Urban Nest Hotel is in the city center and is a short walk from all the main sites. The rooms are small (as expected) but comfortable for my one-person stay. I found the majority of Dublin hotels to be on the expensive side, but the Wren Urban Nest Hotel was on the cheaper side of the scale.
Getting into Dublin city center from Dublin Airport is so easy! And CHEAP! The Dublin Express is a direct bus from the airport and it’s only €7.00. Once I landed, I quickly bought a mobile ticket for the next departing bus (there were plenty of departure times). I took the bus from Dublin Airport to Dublin Aston Quay Stop 325 and walked a few blocks to my hotel.
Best things to do as a solo traveler in Dublin
Visit St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a beautiful park located amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin. There are plenty of parks throughout the city, but St. Stephen’s Green is my favorite park for solo traveling.
This park gives you the gift of slipping away into the background environment because it’s a green space full of life. Every bench is full of friends catching up, couples having picnics, or families enjoying the (rare glimpse) of sunshine. One of the best parts of my entire trip was laying on the grass and getting lost in my book. Not to mention, I visited Dublin in the spring, so I was lucky enough to see the park in full bloom!
Dinner at Drury Buildings
Drury Buildings is the perfect spot for a solo dinner date in Dublin. Their Spanish-style tapas menu differs from typical Irish cuisine (obviously), but this Dublin hot spot hits it out of the park.
The food is delicious, with the gambas and cheddar jalapeño croquettes being two of my favorite menu items, but the star was my cocktail! The Flirtea with gin and lemon tea had me feeling flirty (wink wink). Overall, Drury Buildings is a laid-back place to take yourself out on a sexy date in Dublin.
National Gallery of Ireland
I have a love-hate relationship with museums. I love them, but I don’t have the patience for a lot of them. Museums could be enlightening and inspiring, or they could be sterile. But, good news! The National Gallery of Ireland has the Happy Hour with Sophie stamp of approval (not that it means much to anyone besides… well, me)! The National Gallery of Ireland is an incredible experience, as the art and museum interiors are beautiful.
Take bus excursions out to the county
Experiencing the Irish countryside and the Cliffs of Moher has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I mean… Ireland is named the Emerald Isle for good reason. The Irish countryside is nothing short of magical, as it’s a dreamscape of rolling green hills and mountains. Seriously, visiting the Irish countryside is a must while staying in Dublin. Don’t worry if you’re a solo traveler without a car because there are plenty of ways to escape the city center and head towards the country.
The best option to see the Irish countryside and the Cliffs of Moher as a solo female traveler is to book a guided bus tour. A tour to the Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains only takes half a day (about 5 hours total roundtrip). Alternatively, an example of a longer day trip can be to the beautiful Cliffs of Moher, which takes a full day. The two companies I recommend are Paddywagon Tours and Wild Rover Tours.
Temple bar
Visiting Temple Bar is just one of those things you must do when visiting Dublin. It’s incredibly iconic, with its red exterior dripping in twinkly lights once the lights go down. Temple Bar is the first place I stopped at during my solo trip to Dublin— and what a start to my trip it was!
From the moment you walk in, the live folk music envelopes the space. There’s a homey yet lively atmosphere, so it may be hard to find an open seat. As a solo female traveler, I did not feel uncomfortable for one minute at Temple Bar. However, I went early in the evening, so I can’t say how it would be with the late-night crowd. Seriously, you can sip your drink and listen to these talented musicians for hours.
Eat at Tang
The hottest lunch spot in Dublin is Tang. Tang was highly recommended by a friend who went to Trinity College, so it was on my list of places to try in the city. Around lunchtime, it’s jam-packed with working Dubliners who make up the long line during their lunch break. Once you try it, you’ll get all the hype.
The thing to try here is the Flatbreads, which can be filled with hummus, protein, and yummy veggies. Note that they are closed on Sundays and close after lunch on weekdays.
The Library of Trinity College Dublin
You don’t need me to tell you that the Library of Trinity College is a must-see on your trip to Dublin. The world-famous Long Room is one of the most stunning interiors I’ve ever seen— it’s simply ethereal. You’re not here to check out books, you’re here to marvel at the high archways, hidden spiral staircases, and dark wood interior. Seriously, you feel like you’re stepping into a Harry Potter film. Not because any of the movies were filmed here, but because it’s the closest thing you’ll get to that magical Hogwarts feeling.
A standard ticket to the Book of Kells and the Long Room is €18.50. This ticket does not grant entry to a Trinity College campus tour!
Stop for a sweet treat at Beanhive
There’s something special about sitting in a cafe and watching life deliciously unfold around you. Treating yourself to a sweet treat makes it all the more fabulous. Luckily, Beanhive is just the place to do that. Beanhive is family-owned and has a great location off St. Stephen’s Green. Not only is their coffee deliciously bold and creamy, but the bakery items are so amazing.
While there, listen to your favorite podcast, make a playlist, read, or journal. Have your little main character moment and enjoy the people-watching.
