Dublin and London are two major cities in Europe. Some seasons are busier than others so you must schedule your trip according to your preferences. If you’ve spent enough time in the tropics, a trip to both cities would be refreshing.
A visitor who prefers low to moderate temperatures can easily adjust and feel at home in these cities. Don’t waste a vacation behind the closed doors of your hotel room because witnessing Dublin and London’s beauty with your own eyes is an experience you just can’t miss.
The famous landmarks in both cities are absolutely eye candy. Even a phone camera is good enough to take pictures so you can save the memories of your vacation. Combine fun with learning as you explore their historically rich and busy city streets.
Dublin
As Ireland’s largest city, economic center, and capital, Dublin is also an awesome place to visit. This city is the home of 1.2 million people and the most popular tourist destination in the country. The modern and old structures within its borders do have a picturesque quality.
The vibrant nightlife in Dublin makes it synonymous with drinking. Drinking is a big part of Irish culture and despite the frequency of rain, the festive vibe is present. If you don’t drink you can still enjoy the positive and happy energy around you.
Bars give off the vibe of local pubs in old Irish villages on the outskirts. There’s nothing to worry about if you’re not a fan of drinking alcoholic beverages. Dining in Dublin is something you should try because the dishes are super appetizing and diverse.
Dublin is a hub for Ireland’s finest chefs so the meals in the city won’t disappoint the foodies. If you don’t mind the rain or mingling with the crowd, you should try visiting this city. Spending your vacation in Ireland’s major city gives you a chance to understand Irish culture and history.
What Makes Dublin Unique
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Christianity is a big deal in Ireland, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral can attest to that. Saint Patrick is the nation’s patron saint, and the cathedral was built in the 13th century in his honor. Having this cathedral in the capital city makes perfect sense.
If you like old-fashioned architecture and art, this is a great place to go. Fans of fantasy films are going to have a field day by exploring the said cathedral. You don’t have to be a religious person to marvel at its beauty.
This old yet magnificent building is a perfect example of a medieval temple or church. The exterior and interior of this old building are undoubtedly impressive.
Based on its age, it has witnessed the different events and changes that happened in Ireland’s history. Saint Patrick’s feast day is celebrated yearly by people throughout Ireland and it’s a holiday that unites them.
The cathedral is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm every day and the admission fee is around 7 to 8 USD.
Go ahead and get acquainted with this nation’s patron saint. This cathedral is a silent witness to Ireland’s colorful history. Despite the presence of other people, the peaceful atmosphere within its walls is relaxing.
O’Connell Bridge
Bridges may not sound exciting on paper but visiting this specific bridge in Dublin may change your mind. If you’re somewhere along the streets of O’Connell and D’Olier, you should check this bridge out. Built more than two centuries ago, it went through a couple of reconstructions.
The unique and interesting thing about this bridge is its measurements. Most bridges are longer than their width but the O’Connell bridge is wider than its length. It’s just a short traffic bridge that connects O’Connell street to D’Olier street. It stands firmly above Dublin’s Liffey River.
It’s almost a square. The bridge’s length is 147.638 feet (45 m) and it’s about 164 feet (50 m) wide. There are three arcs below and you can cross this in just a short amount of time. Don’t worry about the incoming traffic because there are designated pedestrian lanes on its sides.
You can watch the flow of the river below and take some awesome pictures. With its age and history, you can’t dismiss the idea of visiting this landmark in the city of Dublin. From another angle, you can see the simple but effective design of the O’Connell bridge.
A street photographer named Arthur Fields took 180,000 photographs of pedestrians on this bridge. Because of that, he was locally known as “The Man on the Bridge”. Sadly he already passed back in 1994 but his legacy is perpetually attached to this place.
Here’s another cool trivia. O’Connell Bridge was also referenced by the famous Irish writer James Joyce in one of his novels. If you’re exploring Dublin, give this bridge a visit and take some snapshots of you and the bridge.
Dublin Castle
Since Ireland is famous for having thousands of castles, Dublin also has its own. Located in Dame Street, Central Dublin, it is the heart of the city and it’s open for tours. This treasured and historic structure was built back in the early years of the 13th century.
The name Dublin was derived from “Dubh Linn” which means black pool or dark pool. Because the castle was built by the pool that is on the lower course of the River Poddle. Under England’s rule, the construction of this castle began in 1204 by the order of King John.
The construction was completed in 1230. Due to the Norman invasion, its thick walls were made for defensive purposes and to protect the king’s treasure. Ireland was under England’s monarchy rule for a long time until the Anglo-Irish War. Also known as the Irish War of Independence.
The Republic of Ireland was able to break free from the chains of the monarchy by 1922. Nowadays, it’s a government complex, a conference center, and a special tourist attraction. You can also find the Garda Museum inside its walls for a deeper history dive.
The historic Dublin Castle is open seven days a week from 9:45 am to 5:15 pm. You need to pay for an admission ticket to tour this place. Ticket prices may vary depending on your age and if you are touring with a group like friends and family.
Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip
Taking a trip around Dublin while having a nice cup of tea is possible. Hop in a vintage double-decker bus and take a sip from your tea cup on a nice Dublin afternoon. Aside from beer and liquor, tea is also one of Ireland’s favorite drinks.
Afternoon tea or coffee is not complete without some pastries on the side. Sandwiches, cakes, and pies are also available on this bus trip’s menu. A tour guide will host the trip and tell you cool and entertaining stories about Dublin.
You can have a chat with your friends and family while 1950s jazz music plays in the background. This unique tea trip begins in Essex Street and ends at Phoenix Park. The bus will pass through Trinity College, Saint Stephen’s Green, and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
The vintage bus, tea, music, stories, relaxation, and friendliness are things you won’t forget. If you want to explore the streets of Dublin in a vintage and relaxed way, this is a trip for you. Make your eyes wander and let the old-fashioned structures around the city amaze you.
Don’t worry about consuming a whole cup of coffee or tea because refills are available. As a souvenir for this wonderful bus trip, you can get yourself a thermal cup. You can bring your vegan folks because there are also gluten-free and vegetarian options on the menu.
You have to make yourself aware that kids below 6 years old are not allowed on this trip. The bus is also inaccessible to people who need to use a wheelchair. These exclusions were made for safety purposes.
London
London is the capital and largest city in England and the rest of the United Kingdom. With a population of 9 million, it’s safe to assume that it’s one of the busiest cities in the world. London is one of the most visited cities in the world because of its historic tourist attractions.
You’re not wrong about having the impression that London does possess a very elegant vibe. Since the city is England’s capital, you’ll find the official residence of the royal family here. Buckingham Palace. Aside from the palace, the Royal Albert Hall and British Museum and London eye are major attractions.
If you look at a photograph of London, you’ll notice how well-preserved the old structures are. British people are proud of their majestic architecture and history. There’s a clear reason why this city is popular among tourists all over the world.
London is not only a popular city in the UK but in the whole continent of Europe as well. The weather is usually good but take note that there are 11 to 15 rainy days each month. Don’t think twice and get your plane ticket for a chance to visit the birthplace of the English language.
What Makes London Unique
British Museum
This one is a must-visit place because it stores a lot of important and historical items. The British Museum is home to Britain’s interesting artifacts that caught the attention of many tourists. It was founded in 1753 and opened its doors to the public in 1759.
Keeping the museum alive is not a walk in the park. The fact that it’s still open and functional after so many years is quite impressive. Tourists are welcome to come in without paying for admission and that’s a great deal.
Don’t miss your chance to see the exhibits and learn more about the past of England and other countries. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, weapons, and literary works inside this museum. There are a total of 8 million objects inside, but the ones on public display are about 9,000.
Some of the most famous pieces are the Rosetta Stone, the Book of the Dead, and the statue of Amenhotep III. Some artifacts came from ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece. If you want to see other great works of art, there are galleries of oil paintings, drawings, and prints as well.
Other items came from other countries and found their way into English soil. The British Museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. So the present and future generations can appreciate how human civilization has progressed.
Don’t skip a beat and visit this Museum because there are a lot of cool things to find inside. The free admission is already a nice start, so take a tour inside and leave its doors with additional knowledge.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of England’s royal family. The good news is, this magnificent home is open for guided tours. There’s an emphasis on the word “guided” to keep the palace orderly and secure.
Visiting London without dropping by the palace might make your vacation feel a bit incomplete. This place is a must-see because of its elegant interiors. A walk around the palace’s halls will give you an idea of what the royal family’s domestic life looks like.
Marvel at the finest works of art hanging on its walls. The royal thrones are also open for viewing. Here’s an amazing fact. Did you know that there are 78 bathrooms in this massive palace?
If you’re lucky, you might visit the palace at the same time as the royal family. For privacy and security reasons, some rooms are off-limits to the public. You can’t just walk into a room where the royal folks are staying.
It’s important to be careful and take your guide’s instructions seriously to avoid getting into trouble. You have to make early reservations for a chance to tour this royal palace because Buckingham Palace is only open for 10 weeks during summer. And a few dates during the winter and spring seasons.
London Eye
The London Eye, also known as Millenium Wheel, is the most popular tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. It is London’s version of the Ferris Wheel that accommodates 3 million tourists each year. This structure is 443 feet (135 m) high and the wheel’s diameter is 394 feet (120 m).
It was constructed and opened at the turn of the millennium. This giant wheel got the name London Eye because it gives tourists a panoramic view of the city. Riding it is a good way to inject a dose of adventure and thrill into your vacation.
Since it’s the most popular tourist spot in London, you can expect a queue of people. Everyone is waiting patiently for their turn to take a ride. You should book a ride earlier through an online method or platform to secure a spot.
A walk-in approach may disappoint you because this side of London is crowded with tourists. If you are suffering from Acrophobia or a fear of heights, you can skip this one. But if you don’t mind the special rush of viewing London from above, get on board and enjoy.
The staff takes safety protocols seriously and the pods are enclosed to protect the tourists. If you’re there to relax, take pictures and enjoy the beautiful view, it’s going to be a safe ride.
This massive wheel is open throughout the year except for Christmas and its maintenance period. The London Eye goes through maintenance during the 2nd to 3rd week of January. Ticket prices can range from 37 to 58 USD depending on the type.
Some tickets are more expensive because of the additional activities offered. Some packages include champagne, a river cruise, fast-track tickets, and other attractions. You can choose a standard ride if you want a cheaper and simpler one.
Royal Albert Hall
On the northern edge of South Kensington, you’re going to find the most famous concert hall in the UK. The Royal Albert Hall. With its classic and distinctive look, this historic hall is another must-visit place in London.
The construction of this venue was conceived and ordered by Prince Albert. England’s finest engineers went to work on its design, but sadly, Prince Albert passed away before its completion. His widow Queen Victoria opened its doors in 1871. A decade after her husband’s death.
The Royal Albert Hall has seen countless performances from different artists through the years. Some of the most moving and important speeches were also delivered on its stage. Historical figures like Winston Churchill and Albert Einstein have made their speeches here.
Guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix have graced this venue with the notes from their instruments. English soul diva Adele sang her heartfelt tunes on the hall’s stage. The hall was also a witness to the powerful punches of the influential boxer Muhammad Ali.
This dome-shaped structure has hosted so many people and events through the years. People from different backgrounds have walked, talked, and performed inside this hall. It’s a great venue for balls, plays, musical performances, and sporting events.
Entering its doors without a scheduled tour or event is not allowed. You have to make a reservation for a tour before proceeding to enter its premises So don’t forget to book a guided tour to take a peek at its interiors.
Is Dublin Better Than London?
Your preference will decide if one place is better than the other. Most stuff in Ireland is more expensive than in the UK. But that’s not quite the case when you put the city of Dublin against London.
A vacation in Dublin is going to be more laid-back and cheaper. Due to its population and number of tourists, London is a busier and more crowded city. If you don’t like crowded cities, London is not exactly a destination for you to relax.
Don’t fall under the impression that London is a bad place though. The tourist attractions there are definitely worth your time and money. But from a tourist’s perspective who wants to take things slow, Dublin is a cozier destination.
A lot of folks in London are in a rush or too busy to stop and say hi. But people in Dublin are more easygoing and there are lesser crowds. The quality of life in Dublin is better compared to the quality of life in London.
In terms of affordability and pace, Dublin is a slightly better destination. If you don’t mind the fast-paced nature of London, you’re still going to have a great time. Since most tourists want a more laid-back vacation, Dublin is a great place to visit and explore.
Even though Dublin is the winning city in some aspects, do not miss out on London’s attractions as well. Both cities are awesome, but your budget and preferences are important in making a decision. Increase your dopamine levels by taking a nice vacation without compromising your safety.
FAQ
Is Dublin Safer Than London?
Despite being a more populated city, London is a safer place for residents and tourists than Dublin. Dublin may have lower crimes but it’s because of many unreported cases. If you try to avoid the seedier parts of the city, your trip is going to be fine.
Crime Rate in Dublin vs. London
London has a higher crime rate than Dublin. For every 100,000 people in London, there are 730 assault cases. Dublin has only 90 assault cases for every 100,000 people. But there’s an uncomfortable reason behind it.
Dublin is more laid-back but there’s still an unsavory side to it. So don’t let the statistics fool you. The lower crime rate in Dublin is caused by unreported or uncharged crimes. Most of the reported cases involve heinous crimes like murder or homicide.
London’s residents and law enforcement teams, on the other hand, are more proactive in reporting and charging criminals. Because of that, London seems like a safer place despite the higher number of assaults. Don’t take unnecessary risks as numbers don’t always tell the whole story.
Is Dublin Cheaper or More Expensive Than London?
If you are looking for a cheaper place for your excursion, go to Dublin. The cost of visiting this city is 17% cheaper than a vacation in London. Dublin allows you to indulge without spending too much.
Dublin vs. London Weather
Due to thick cloud formations and frequent rains, the weather in Dublin is colder. Its temperature is 2 to 3 degrees lower than the average temperature in London. London’s average is 12.17°C (53.91°F) is slightly warmer than Dublin’s 9.98°C (49.96°F).
Temperatures in both cities aren’t very different. So Dublin and London are perfect for tourists who love colder places. If you’re visiting any of the two, bring the right clothes with you to get yourself protected.
Thick clothes will keep your body warm while touring these cities. Rainfall in Dublin is frequent so wearing a waterproof jacket or poncho would help. Umbrellas are good but they’re not very useful when the rain is accompanied by strong winds.
Dublin to London Distance
The city of Dublin is 288 miles (463 km) away from London.
How Big Is Dublin Compared to London?
Dublin is the largest city in Ireland but it’s smaller when you compare it to the size of London. It covers 45.4 square miles (117.8 km²) of land. London is the bigger city because of its 606.9 square miles (1,572 km²) coverage.
Aside from being the biggest city in the whole UK, London is also densely populated. The high volume of arriving tourists during the holidays makes it even more crowded. Dublin is just a fraction of London’s size.
How to Get From London to Dublin
There are different ways to travel from Dublin to London. You can travel by car, plane, train, and ferry. The Irish Sea Bridge or Celtic Crossing is a proposed bridge that will connect Dublin, Ireland to Wales and England. But as of late, there are still no solid plans for the proposal or its construction.
Can I Fly From Dublin to London?
Flying is the fastest and cheapest way to get from Dublin to London. The journey would only take an hour and a half to get there. Ireland’s busiest airport is in Dublin and there are 6 airports in London due to its massive size.
Dublin to London Gatwick
An hour and a half plane ride will take you from Dublin to London’s Gatwick Airport. Gatwick is one of the six airports in the city and its location is 29.5 miles (47.4 km) south of Central London.
There are 22 direct flights from Dublin Airport to London Gatwick everyday.
Flight Time Dublin to London Gatwick
The flight duration from Dublin to London Gatwick is 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Dublin Airport is 399 miles (644 km) away from London Gatwick Airport.
Flight Time Dublin to London Stansted
On the northeast of Central London, you’re going to find the London Stansted Airport. Flight time from Dublin to Stansted is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The duration is not so different from a Dublin to Gatwick flight.
Ferry From Dublin to London
Dublin Port is one of the busiest ports in Ireland. You can travel from Dublin to London by car and by ferry. The car ferry is also known as roll-on/roll-off (RORO).
This traveling option lets you bring a vehicle on board for a ferry trip. You can also board a ship the classic way so don’t forget to take your ID/passport with you. You need to present these necessary documents before getting on board.
London to Dublin by Car Ferry
Car ferry trips from Dublin to London are available. So you don’t have to worry about leaving your vehicle behind while on a journey to London. A car ferry ship is a combination of a cargo ship and a passenger ship.
This kind of ship is designed to cross the sea while carrying vehicles and passengers. To get to London, you must board a ferry and get to the port of Liverpool in Wales first. Upon arrival, the ship would drop you and your vehicle off at the port.
From there, you can drive your car to London. If you’re not taking a vehicle with you, there’s a train that can take you to Birmingham and London. Even though Liverpool and London are in the UK, a valid passport is required to cross their borders.
How Long Is the Ferry Ride From Dublin to London?
A ferry ride from Dublin to London takes 3 hours and 15 minutes. There is a fast sailing option that can take you to London in just 2 hours. For a smoother trip, You can bring some medicine with you if you are prone to motion or sea sickness.
London to Dublin by Train
There are no railways that directly connect Dublin to London. If you want to travel by train, you need a ferry ride in the middle of the trip. After a ferry trip from Dublin to Liverpool, you can ride a train to get to London.
There are 9 train trips available for Dublin to London trips in a day. Bear in mind that you have to take a ferry ride between train trips. The whole journey is about 12 hours long.
How Far Is Dublin From London by Train?
The train stations in Dublin and London are 288 miles (463 km) apart. There are no direct trips because there are no railways that connect the two cities. But some travel packages can cover your train and ferry trips from Dublin to London.
The average time for a train trip (ferry ride included) is 12 hours and 15 minutes. Depending on the season and availability of the train/ferry, the trip can take longer or shorter. The fastest duration of a train and ferry trip from Dublin to London is 8 hours and 26 minutes.
Dublin to London Train Cost
Train ticket prices from Dublin to London can range from 50 to 60 USD. Some ticket options or packages include ferry trips in between, so they’re at a higher price. The faster and more convenient options are more expensive than the regular ones.
Dublin to London by Road
Since there are no direct bridges between Dublin and London, you would still need a ferry ride along the way. If you want to take a vehicle with you, you need to book a ferry trip that allows you to do so.
Car ferry/RORO options are available for tourists who prefer driving. After a ferry ride from Dublin to Liverpool in Wales, you can start driving to make your way to London.
There’s a proposal to build a traffic and railroad bridge that will connect Dublin to Liverpool. It will make the trips faster but unfortunately, the proposed project is still on hold.
Dublin to London Distance by Road
You have to travel 362 miles (582 km) from Dublin to get to London by road and the trip is about 8 to 12 hours long. Take note that there are no direct roads to get there so if you’re driving from Dublin, you’re in for a long drive. You’ll need a car ferry trip to Wales before driving your vehicle to London.
Always take your ID/Passport and other travel documents with you because you’re going to need them to cross the borders successfully. You can expect some checkpoints on your drive to London and you must provide the required documents.
Cheapest Way From London to Dublin
The cheapest and fastest way to travel from Dublin to London is by plane. You are going to spend 50 USD or more on other forms of transportation. Bringing a vehicle with you is pricier because you’re also in charge of fuel expenses.
The other traveling options are not only expensive but time-consuming as well. If your schedule and budget can afford them, you can try them for an extra dose of adventure. But for a tourist who’s in a hurry and tight budget, you can fly from Dublin to London for as low as 36 USD.
Best Way to Get From Dublin to London
The best way to get from Dublin to London is by plane. Flying is ideal especially when you’re on a shorter vacation. It’s also the cheapest and it allows you to save the extra money or use it on food and souvenirs.
Early bookings would help a lot in saving time. Online services are available so you can conveniently make reservations. Traveling by plane is the fastest, cheapest, and most comfortable option for you.
The airlines in Dublin and London operate daily. Don’t forget your passport and get to the airport early to avoid missing your scheduled flight because some seasons could make the airports crowded and busier.
