Ready to start sipping? Here is a guide to Irish beer and drinks. And remember: if you order at the bar, there’s no need to tip the bartender. Keep your change.

Guinness

Ireland’s most famous stout, Guinness Draught, is brewed right in the city center of Dublin. Often called the “milkshake of beers”, Guinness is known for its rich, creamy head and hint of chocolate flavor. Remember to be patient when ordering a pint — the perfect Guinness takes time to pour, but it’s worth the wait. Walk into any pub in Dublin, and you will see a lot of locals drinking the black stuff (and they always wait for it to settle before taking that heavenly first sip).

Smithwick’s is older — and lighter — than Guinness. Photo: ach10

Alternative Irish stouts: Beamish stout, Murphy’s Irish Stout

Smithwick’s

Smithwick’s Irish Ale is even older than Guinness and other one of the most famous Irish beer and drinks. This smooth ale dates back to the 14th century and is produced in the oldest operating brewery in Ireland. While many of the best known Irish beers are stouts, Smithwick’s is the biggest ale producer in the country. If you find Guinness a little heavy (especially after the first one or two), switch to Smithwick’s for something lighter, but still flavorful.

Harp Lager

On a sunny day in Dublin, grab an outdoor table at a pub and sip on a refreshing Harp lager. This crisp beer is a light alternative to heavy Irish stouts. This smooth, light beer doesn’t have the same history as Guinness or Smithwick’s — it’s only been around since 1960 — but it’s a tasty Irish alternative to other foreign lagers on tap.

Irish Coffee

If you happen to be in Dublin on a rainy day, there is nothing more satisfying than an Irish coffee. This mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and brown sugar topped with a thick layer of cream will warm you up on more than one level. Don’t over-stir the concoction; simply sip the coffee through the cream.

Irish Whiskey Punch (or a Hot Toddy)

Another traditional drink — often enjoyed when you have a case of the sniffles — is an Irish Whiskey Punch or Hot Toddy. Irish Whiskey is mixed with hot water, brown sugar, cloves, and lemon, resulting in one steaming, soothing drink.

When in Dublin, go local. Drink Irish beers and whiskey, eat Irish cheese, and don’t leave without sampling local smoked salmon and roasted lamb (preferably with a pint of Guinness on the side).

Your favorite pour? What do you order when you cozy up to the bar at a Dublin pub? Share your favorite Irish beer and drinks in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Heading to Dublin and looking for a great affordable hotel? Our editors have hunted down the best cheap hotels in Dublin, from hostels to three-star hotels, all centrally-located, clean and cheap. Read more in our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Dublin: A quick guide to Irish beer and drinks appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So book one of our favorite budget hotels in the city, and start planning your eating adventure in Dublin.

And remember, the dining scene now offers much more than just fish and chips!

How to save on dining in Dublin

If you’re ready to explore all the delicious eats Dublin has to offer, here are a few tips to help you save along the way.

1. Seek out markets and street food

Staying away from restaurants is one of the best ways to keep your euros. Several markets offer great value (and large portions), such as the Temple Bar Market (Saturdays) or the Mespil Road Market (Thursdays). Browse through the market options for price and portion size. Check out the Visit Dublin website and the Irish Village Markets website for more details.

2. Plan a picnic

There’s great value in grocery stores, bakeries, and specialty shops. One of the best ways to enjoy a gourmet meal without the price tag is to stock up on products straight from the stores. Grab a sandwich, cheese, and charcuterie from Sheridans Cheesemongers, duck into the basement shop at Avoca for a loaf of fresh Irish brown soda bread, or stop into the grocery store Tesco to gather picnic supplies.

3. Take advantage of the early bird

Show up early to experience the best Dublin restaurants for reasonable prices. If you eat a light lunch, you might be ready for an affordable pre-theater dinner. For example, check out the lunch or pre-theater menus at Hugo’s, or Achara offers an early-bird menu from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with three courses for €25 per person.

4. Eat your biggest meal at lunchtime

Many restaurants have a similar prix-fixe menu for lunch. You can save a few euros by eating your bigger meal at lunchtime. Some restaurants with great lunch specials include The Winding Stair and Pichet.

5. Ethnic eats

Dublin doesn’t have the widest range of ethnic eats, especially in comparison to other European capitals. These restaurants do offer great value, both in the food and drink department. Stop into Hop House for affordable Korean and Japanese, Govindas for huge helpings of Indian-influenced vegetarian food, and Thai Spice for tasty Thai dishes.

The post Dublin: 5 easy ways to save on dining appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Manhattan Basics

The long, slender island of Manhattan is broken into neighborhoods in an organized, sensible way. Uptown is north, downtown is south, the west side hugs the Hudson River (next stop: New Jersey), and the east side flanks the East River with landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Each neighborhood has its own character and attracts different kinds of people. Are you right for the Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, TriBeCa, or somewhere in between? Decide after consulting these neighborhood descriptions.

Staying in the blocks near Central Park South gives you easy access to the park and to Midtown. Photo: Nouhailler

Central Park South

This micro-neighborhood—squeezed between the southern edge of Central Park and the much more bustling Theater District—is just about the dead center of Manhattan. Some people will choose this locale from 55th to 59th Street for close proximity to Central Park’s bike trails or sunbathing meadows, while others want to be near landmarks like Carnegie Hall and a variety of subway lines.

For nightlife, boutique shopping, and intimate restaurants—go elsewhere.

The High Line, an elevated outdoor park, draws throngs of tourists and locals to the west side of Chelsea. Photo: Michaeltk

Chelsea

Once you’ve seen the major midtown landmarks, you might want to get a feel for local neighborhoods instead. Chelsea, on the west side just north of the West Village, is home to blocks of historic brownstones, a thriving gallery scene, and a variety of businesses that cater to the local gay community.

One Chelsea highlight is the High Line, an old elevated train track that has been converted into a park with Hudson River views. This sophisticated neighborhood appeals to creative types seeking the latest in art and style.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Chelsea Inn or the Inn on 23rd.

East Village

The East Village may have shed some of its edgy reputation in recent decades, but it’s still one of Manhattan’s best hubs for cheap eats, rowdy bars, and affordable stores. These days you are just as likely to find a proper cocktail (with a proper price tag to match) as a cheap beer, but that’s part of today’s East Village appeal.

If late night pizza by the slice, noodle bars full of local NYU students, and streets with quirky characters sounds right up your alley—go with the East Village. Some streets may have been somewhat dodgy in the past, but are now safe.

Hotel suggestions: Try St. Marks Hotel or East Village Bed and Coffee.

Greenwich Village and West Village

There is a distinct energy in Greenwich Village, from the musicians playing in Washington Square Park to the cafés, used book stores, and cheap ethnic restaurants that cater to local NYU students. Late night the volume gets turned up a bit too loud around Bleecker and MacDougal streets, so visit during the day.

Or simply cross 7th Avenue into the West Village, home to some of Manhattan’s most charming (and confusing) streets, local bars, literary history, and every type of restaurant imaginable. Affordable hotel choices are slim, but worth investigating, as most New Yorkers dream of one day moving in to that perfect West Village apartment.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Jane Hotel or the Larchmont Hotel.

Hell’s Kitchen

The story of the westernmost area of Midtown is the story of ever-changing New York City: one of the least desirable neighborhoods is now red hot. The turf wars and crime scenes are gone from Hell’s Kitchen, with trendy wine bars and restaurants serving small plates taking over. If you want your New York with a bit of grit, it still exists in Hell’s Kitchen. Locals have followed the shiny new condos and promising young chefs into the neighborhood. For some of the best cheapo shopping in the city, check out the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel 414 or Yotel.

Lower East Side

A former tenement neighborhood full of immigrants, the Lower East Side is in a state of flux. Here, boutique hotels are located across the street from penny candy stores. Stylish young people share the streets with a new wave of immigrants and young families.

This is a neighborhood for the hungry: Eat your way through the Essex Street Market, tackle a huge pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, or sample a classic New York sandwich of lox on a bagel at historic Russ and Daughters. Nightlife and live music thrive all week long here, with plenty of during-the-day things to do like exploring the Tenement Museum.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel East Houston or SoHotel.

Midtown East / Murray Hill

Stretching from Fifth Avenue east to the river, Midtown East is a neighborhood of skyscrapers filled with businesses. Visitors are drawn here by the iconic sights—Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, the United Nations—but local character is just about absent. Sure, bars and restaurants are packed at Happy Hour with people just off work, but later the streets can feel a bit deserted. Stay here for a convenient, quiet base between downtown and midtown attractions, just don’t expect charming cafés and pretty brownstones.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Pod Hotel.

SoHo and TriBeCa

Short for “South of Houston,” SoHo has morphed from an artist’s enclave to upscale shopper’s paradise, but it is still home to some of the prettiest cobbled streets in the city. Scamper down Crosby Street to browse at the Housing Works Bookstore, stop into the Balthazar Bakery for the perfect croissant, or venture into west SoHo and check out the ‘hood’s Italian background at small shops like Alidoro for sandwiches or Joe’s Dairy for mozzarella made daily.

Short for Triangle Below Canal, TriBeCa is also home to cobbled, non-numbered streets that feel like a neighborhood. Expect to see mothers pushing strollers towards the farmer’s market as well as financial types stopping into the excellent local restaurants on their lunch break. An artistic background and a sophisticated edge combine in TriBeCa, where wine bars and new restaurants are opening at a quick pace. Nearby Chinatown is great for cheap eats. Both neighborhoods offer nightlife, but aren’t as rowdy (or young) as neighboring Lower East Side or East Village.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel Azure.

Staying near Times Square gives you easy access to theaters, Central Park, and lots of subways. Photo: Gane

Times Square / Theater District

Congestion is the best single word to describe Times Square and the Theater District. Many visitors think they want to stay here—especially with sights like the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway theaters nearby—but clogged streets might make you think twice.

A better option might be to plan a visit to see the neon lights and electronic billboards, but choose a more local neighborhood instead. That being said, depending on the time of year, there are great deals to be found in the Times Square area, and the escape of Central Park is close by.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Ameritania or the Milford.

Union Square / Gramercy

If you want upscale, local, and somewhat quiet, set your sights on Union Square or Gramercy. Union Square is home to one of New York’s most beloved greenmarkets, a source of both delicious picnic supplies and entertaining people watching. Victorian townhouses line the leafy streets of Gramercy, along with a few historic pubs and dependable, small restaurants. With the East Village on its fringe, nightlife isn’t too far away from this quiet area.

Hotel suggestions: Try Ye Olde Carlton Arms Hotel.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is truly its own world, one where wealth is pretty normal and every block is home to a Chanel, Armani, or similar caliber store. However, beyond this façade is a local neighborhood, with small coffee shops, excellent bakeries, and some of the city’s best museums along Museum Mile. If you want to spend your days between the sunny paths of Central Park and the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is a decent choice, but nightlife is pretty nonexistent and restaurants can be pricey. Keep in mind, the UES is a few short express subway stops away from a downtown neighborhood.

Upper West Side to Harlem

On the opposite side of the park, the Upper West Side is the down-to-earth sibling of its eastern neighbor. This residential area has historic bagel shops and classic food stores like Zabar’s, along with landmarks such as Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum. Central Park is never too far away, and unlike the Upper East Side, affordable restaurant choices like Shake Shack are firmly rooted in the neighborhood.

At the northern stretches of Central Park is Harlem, a changing neighborhood that is attracting ever-more attention for its restaurants. These brownstone-lined streets often offer good bang for your buck.

Hotel suggestions: Try Harlem Flophouse.

The post New York City: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no time like the present to hop a flight to Dublin (with cheap airfare, of course!) and discover this fun city.

Once you’re on the ground and you’ve booked your Dublin hotel, use these five tips to keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Dublin budget tips

1. Don’t waste money on transportation

It can be tempting in Dublin just to hop in a cab, but this is one way to empty your pockets very quickly. Instead of cabs, check out the local bus schedule. Dublin Bus is very affordable, and routes connect all different areas of the city.

Alternatively, Dublin’s bike share program, called Dublin Bikes, is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. And remember, Dublin is very small and manageable on foot, too.

2. Eat your dinner early

With Dublin’s current boom, there are more and more gourmet restaurants opening in the city. These same restaurants do have deals if you know where or when to look. One strategy to fill seats is offering heavily discounted “early bird” or pre-theater specials.

Take one of my favorite restaurants in Dublin for example — The Winding Stair. A meal here is usually a splurge, but early birds can enjoy an incredible 2-course meal for just €29. You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be nearly empty.

Related:  Five ways to save on dining in Dublin.

3. Make friends with the half-pint — And keep your change!

There’s no such thing as a discount on alcohol in Dublin — you won’t find any “happy hours” in the city. If you’re trying to keep your costs down on beer, order a half pint instead of a full pint. This way you can spread your money a bit farther between different pubs.

Also remember, if you order from a bartender, there is no need to tip. Keep all your change!

4. Seek out free entertainment

While you’re sipping on that half-pint, how about some entertainment? Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, so check out pubs that provide some entertainment beyond the Guinness and Jameson.

For traditional music, check out O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Another great option for live music is Doyles, right across the street for Trinity College. If you happen to be in Dublin on “match day” (whether it’s rugby, soccer, or the Gaelic games) be sure to grab a seat in the pub — both the game and the locals will provide the entertainment.

5. Research your ride to the airport

If there’s one thing visitors complain about when it comes to Dublin — it’s the lack of airport transportation. You won’t find a train or a subway system that connects Dublin Airport to the city center. Some visitors resign themselves to taking a taxi (this costs at least €20) but Cheapos will want to check out the buses.

There are two options: the local bus that is very cheap (but stops frequently, seriously lengthening your journey into Dublin) or taking the Aircoach, a 24-hour express bus service into the city. Purchase a return fare to save a few euros instead of paying for a ticket each way. (Read more on Dublin’s airport transportation.)

A little airport research ahead of time could mean a lot of money saved during a trip to Dublin.

Your Dublin tips

Do you have any favorite ways to save? Share in the comments below!

The post Dublin Budget Tips: 5 simple ways to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A Cheapo looking to wait out the storm indoors can explore one of the free museums in the city center. Whether you’re interested in art, literature or natural history, there is a free Dublin museum or library to match.

More tips for visiting Dublin:
• Our favorite budget hotels in Dublin
• 5 cheap eats in Dublin than locals love

5 Free museums in Dublin

Here are five of our top suggestions for exploring Dublin’s art and cultural scene on the cheap.

1. The National Library of Ireland

2/3 Kildare Street
website

After getting artsy with Jack, stroll over the National Library of Ireland to wax poetic with his brother William. The museum’s interactive exhibit dedicated to W.B. Yeats allows you to electronically scan through the poet’s private notebooks with a swipe of the finger. The exhibit also includes memorabilia, videos and famous Irish personalities reading his poems.

And if, after exploring the Yeats history, you’re inspired to research your own family, you’ve come to the right place. The Library has an impressive amount of genealogy records from parish registers to newspapers to help you trace your ancestors.

2. The National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Square West
website

You could spend hours wandering through the halls of the National Gallery, but if you only go to one room, it should be the hall devoted to the paintings of Irish artist Jack B. Yeats. The vibrant colors of his paintings are unexpected and striking, and it’s fascinating to see so much work from one painter in a single space.

Accommodations: Hotels near the National Gallery of Ireland

The Giant Elk at the Natural History Museum. Photo: Neil

3. The Natural History Museum

Merrion Square West
website

Nicknamed “the Dead Zoo,” the Natural History Museum is a regular menagerie of stuffed and skeletal wildlife. Here you can learn about indigenous animals such as the Irish Elk (sometimes called a Giant Deer), an extinct animal with antlers that spread as far as 12 feet. There’s also a skeleton of a humpback whale hanging from the ceiling.

Accommodations: Cheap hotels near the Natural History Museum

4. The Hugh Lane Gallery

Charlemont House, Parnell Square North
website

The Hugh Lane Gallery has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, as well as short-term exhibitions. But one thing really draws people to this gallery: the Francis Bacon Studio. When the artist died in London, his entire studio was transported back to his hometown of Dublin. It was reassembled in the Hugh Lane Gallery precisely as it was found in London.

Accommodations: Hotels near Hugh Lane Gallery

The Chester Beatty Library is located inside the Dublin Castle. Photo: Marie

5. The Chester Beatty Library

Dublin Castle
website

Located within the grounds of Dublin Castle, the Chester Beatty Library is an art museum and library where you can see everything from rare manuscripts and Egyptian papyrus texts to contemporary exhibitions. Art from 2700 BC through the present day is on display here. And don’t miss out on the roof garden on a sunny day.

The post Ireland on a Budget: 5 Free museums in Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Unlike other European capital cities, you don’t have to stay outside of the center to find good prices, especially if you’re open to staying in one of the city’s hostels. Wondering what to expect in Dublin hostels? Keep reading for everything you need to know before you book your bed.

Hostel Overview

Dublin is home to a handful of popular, central hostels with solid reputations. They all have some things in common, such as free Wi-Fi, free linens, and often a free continental breakfast (that includes hot tea in Ireland) but be sure to read the fine print:

• Some hostels offer only dorm-style rooms (with as many as 12 or 16 beds), while others have private rooms for one to four people.

• Some hostels only have shared bathrooms while others do have a few private bathrooms (all the more reason to make reservations in advance).

At almost every hostels, you can expect a common space for meeting fellow travelers. In Dublin, this is often a bar or lounge, and in the case of one unique property, an upscale coffee bar. Though metal bunkbeds seem to be the norm across the city, hostels are generally clean, safe, and offer lockers for easy storage of your backpack.

Enjoy a hot cappuccino at Isaacs Hostel.

EuroCheapo Hostel Picks

Isaacs Hostel
Read review
From $19

Located near the River Liffey on the north side of Dublin, Isaacs Hostel might surprise visitors with its charm. The hostel is housed in a building that was once a wine cellar and warehouse, so expect lots of stone walls and vaulted ceilings throughout.

Both dorms and private rooms (for one to four people) are available here, and an exterior courtyard bar is a fun touch. While all bathrooms are shared, there’s a nice basement lounge with a pool table and guest kitchen for meeting fellow travelers. Both Wi-Fi and continental breakfast are included in the room rate.

Avalon House
Read review
From $16

Walking by the Victorian building that is home to Avalon House, it is hard to believe this could be a hostel. The beautiful building is located on scenic South Great Georges Street, a central south-of-the-Liffey spot that is both quiet and near the pub action.

In addition to free Wi-Fi and some private bathrooms, Avalon House is also home to the Bald Barista, a coffee bar that draws locals off the streets with a perfect espresso. A comfortable basement lounge area is also another bonus.

The Globetrotter Tourist Hostel offers more comforts than your standard hostel.

Globetrotters Tourist Hostel
Read review
From $16

While many of the other hostels in Dublin offer metal, almost barracks-style dorm beds, Globetrotters focuses a little more on comfort. Both dorms and private rooms are available here, with cozy beds and linens included.

A big breakfast is served in a bright, cheery space where it will be easy to meet other travelers. Globetrotters has genuinely appealing spaces to relax after a day of pounding the pavement in Dublin, including a Japanese garden.

Jacobs Inn
Read review
From $19

One of the most contemporary options in Dublin is Jacobs Inn. Although this is one of the largest hostels, it is also one of the most bright and modern with a fresh paint job and spacious rooms with large closets. Here you can choose between dorms or private rooms (for one to four people).

Unlike other properties, all rooms at Jacobs Inn have their own private bathroom (and they are new and clean to boot). Wi-Fi and breakfast are free and a number of social events, such as pub crawls, are frequently organized.

Other Super Cheap Options

For Cheapos, hostels are often the default bare-bones-budget option. In Dublin, there are some other choices depending on the time of year you visit. During the summer months (when students aren’t in session), dorm rooms at Trinity College Dublin can be rented. These rooms are clean, comfortable, and offer an incredible central location along with free continental breakfast (or full Irish for an extra few euro).

Outside of the summer months, Cheapos will want to investigate guesthouses and inns. Particularly in the low season, a charming room in a privately owned guesthouse can run the same price as a private room in a hostel (and include a big, filling breakfast too). To see all hotels recommended by EuroCheapo’s editors, please visit our Dublin hotel guide.

The post Youth hostels and other super-cheap sleeping options in Dublin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. International Comedy Club
23 Wicklow Street

Comedians take the stage four nights a week at the International Comedy Club. Advance tickets are €10 (or €8 for students) and are available only on Saturday night, when the club hosts two shows – an early show and a late show. On other nights, advance tickets aren’t available, simply pay the entry fee at the door. Cheapos will want to attend a show on Sundays, when the price is dropped to €5.

2. Capital Comedy Club
Upstairs in The Ha Penny Bridge Inn, Wellington Quay

Comedy in Temple Bar has been scheduled for every Wednesday and Sunday since 1996 at the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the show, at a cost of €7 or €5 for students. Advance tickets aren’t available, simply pay cash at the door. Irish comedians and international acts will interact with the audience at the Capital Comedy Club.

3. Laughter Lounge
6 Eden Quay

Perhaps the best known comedy club in Dublin is the Laughter Lounge – but it’s also the most expensive. Tickets generally range from €10 – €30. Over 3,000 comedians, including Des Bishop, have entertained audiences here since 1997.

There are a few strategies Cheapos can use to attend a show here affordably. If you’re traveling in a group, check out the group discounts available in advance online. There are also many value vouchers available online (through Groupon or Living Social) that can help to secure tickets at a significant discount.

Where do you go for laughs?

Where are your favorite comedy clubs in Europe? Tell us about it in the comments section.

Also in our guide: If you’re visiting Dublin and looking for an affordable place to sleep, visit our Dublin guide to read reviews of great cheap hotels.

The post Dublin: Comedy clubs offering cheap laughs appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Yet the Irish capital is also full of kid-friendly activities — if you know where to look.

From encountering wild animals to climbing to the top of the city’s biggest stadium, here are some ideas on how to keep the kids entertained during a trip to Dublin.

Top family activities in Dublin

1. Dublin Zoo

Located in Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo is home to more than 400 animals. This is the most popular family attraction in the city, with fun daily activities such as feeding the sea lions. Kids will love to see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and more.

2. Viking Splash Tours

The best tour for kids in Dublin is the Viking Splash Tour. This tour not only provides an overview of the main sights in the city, but is operated in a vehicle that drives on land and on water. Kids will also love the fun Viking hats and entertaining tour guides.

Let your little vikings have fun at Dubliinia, the Viking Museum. Photo: Fhwrdh

3. Tours of the Glasnevin Cemetery

Parents can soak up some history while kids poke around the historic Glasnevin Cemetery. Free walking tours are one hour long and cover important figures in Irish history that are buried in the cemetery.

4. Stadium Tour of Croke Park

The largest stadium in Dublin is Croke Park, home to both concerts and sporting events. A new attraction here is the skyline tour, bringing visitors along the rooftop walkway with five viewing platforms. Audio guides are available that highlight key attractions in the Dublin skyline.

5. Climb the Sugar Loaf Mountain

For another fantastic view of Dublin, climb to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain located in County Wicklow, south of Dublin city center. Kids will enjoy the one-hour walk (more of a walk than a climb), but might need a little help for the last few steep steps to the top of the mountain. Bring a picnic for a family lunch at the summit.

6. Dublinia – the Viking Museum

Kids will learn about the Viking past of Ireland at Dublinia, a museum focused on medieval Dublin. Everything from Viking war ships to Viking clothes are on display at this family-friendly museum in central Dublin.

7. National Wax Museum

On a rainy day, the National Wax Museum will keep the kids occupied for hours. With a Children’s Zone of Discovery and a section dedicated to the top scientific inventors in Ireland, this fun museum also has an educational side.

Also in our guide: Looking for a family-friendly, affordable place to stay in central Dublin? Stop by our city guide to read reviews of the best budget hotels in Dublin.

The post Dublin: 7 kid-friendly activities that are fun for the whole family appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

On Thursday September 27, 2012 Dubliners have an extra excuse to head to their local for a pint. Some will celebrate by simply raising a glass, while others will partake in festivities throughout the city. Arthur’s Day has also become tied to music, and several bands—such as Mumford and Sons—are playing small venues throughout the city and country beyond.

Who is Arthur?

The man behind the famous Irish pint is Arthur Guinness, who in 1759 signed a 9,000-year lease on an old brewery in St. James’s Gate, Dublin. The initial cost was 100 pounds, with an annual rent of 45 pounds. Importantly, this deal also included water rights. Over 250 years ago, Arthur started brewing porter and ale.

Guinness Today

The original lease that Arthur Guinness signed still stands, and Guinness is brewed in the same part of Dublin, called St. James’s Gate, just west of city center. Today it is brewed 365 days a year and the Guinness Storehouse is also home to a popular museum.

Interactive exhibits show visitors what goes into Guinness: barley, hops, water, and a special strain of yeast. That’s all: Just four ingredients combine to create the complex flavors of this stout.

The Gravity Bar

After learning how to pour a perfect pint in the museum, keep climbing the stairs to the Gravity Bar. Perched on top of the brewery, this sky-high watering hole offers incredible views over the rooftops of Dublin. It is circular, with floor to ceiling windows, and descriptions on the glass tell you what landmarks you’re looking at, such as Trinity College or St. Stephen’s Green.

A ticket to the Guinness Storehouse includes one pint of the black stuff (purchase your ticket online in advance for a discount and to skip the lines). It takes almost three full minutes for the perfect pour of Guinness, and remember to let it settle before taking that magical first sip.

Watching the sunset in the Gravity Bar or raising a glass in a local pub for Arthur’s Day, something about Guinness just tastes better in the city where it was born.

Read more about Arthur’s Day on the official Guinness Web site. If you’re heading to Dublin, be sure to stop by our Dublin guide to read about recommended budget hotels in the city, all inspected and approved.

The post Dublin: Arthur’s Day and the Guinness Storehouse appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Always keep a close eye on your bag.

This may sound obvious, but petty thieves are pretty crafty in Dublin. Many purse snatchers are women, and they target some of the best areas of the city, especially outdoor cafes and pubs.

Don’t hang your purse on the back of a chair. All it takes is one moment of leaning forward and your bag will be gone, on the shoulder of another woman in the crowd.

2. Where’s all the catcalling?

In Dublin there is a distinct absence of catcalling. However, this often encourages solo women travelers to put their guard down. Use common sense when walking alone at night, always choosing lit, busy streets even if the route is longer. Also, beware of overly friendly men approaching in groups of one or two with basic questions such as the time.

3. Avoid the quays.

At night, a walk along the River Liffey might seem like an appealing idea. While some areas along the quays are well lit and perfectly safe, others are pretty desolate with dark office buildings. These spots sneak up rather quickly, and locals know what areas are dark and quiet for drinking and carousing down by the river. To play it safe, avoid walking along the quays alone late at night or very early in the morning.

4. Be aware of closing time.

Pubs in Dublin all have the same closing time, 11:30 last call during the week and 12:30 last call on weekends. This means that all pubs and bars empty out at the same time, filling the streets with mostly merry intoxicated people. While somewhat rare, this can also be the time when scuffles will break out on the street. Be aware that fights are most likely to occur at this time, and steer clear of crowds or head home a few minutes before closing time.

5. Look into guesthouses instead of hostels.

In addition to hostels, Dublin is also home to a range of affordable guesthouses. Instead of automatically booking a bunk in a dorm, check out independently owned guesthouses and B&Bs. You will often get a small room with a twin bed, including a hearty breakfast, for the same (or slightly higher) price of a hostel.

Also, during the summer, actual dorm rooms at Trinity College are available to visitors when students aren’t in session. This is an incredibly affordable way to stay in the safe, very heart of Dublin.

The post Dublin: Tips for solo female travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.