Dublin: Tips

No smoking Dublin became smoke-free in 2004 and there is no smoking in the capital’s pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and cafes; many venues, however, have designated outdoor smoking areas. There are no restrictions on smoking outside.

Pack wisely No matter what the season, it can get chilly in the shade, so bring a sweater. And there is always a chance of rain, so make sure to have an umbrella.

Exact change Dublin’s buses do not always arrive at the stated timetable time and you’ll need exact change for the fare, which depends on the distance traveled. Daily and weekly pre-paid tickets are available at newsstands. www.dublinbus.ie

Free outings Free museums include the National Museum Of Ireland and its branches: Natural History, Archaeology and History, and Decorative Arts and History. The National Library, National Gallery, and Museum of Modern Art at Kilmainham are also free.

A point about pints A half-pint is called a “glass,” so when ordering a half-pint of Guinness, ask for a “glass of Guinness.”

Free transport Like many cities around the world, Dublin has its own fleet of eco-friendly taxis – high-tech rickshaws, each capable of carrying two passengers and free of charge. www.ecocabs.ie

Take an unusual tour Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour (www.irishcitytours.com), go on a literary pub crawl (www.dublinpubcrawl.com), download an iWalk MP3 tour (www.visitdublin.com), or experience a land and water Viking Splash Tour (www.vikingsplash.ie).