This year I’ve enjoyed treating myself to small trips and solo dates. It’s a tradition for me to go away after exams to relax and reward myself after a busy exam season. Recently I decided to take myself on a solo trip to Dublin, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Dublin by yourself!

First things first…

How to get to Dublin from Belfast

The easiest way to travel to Dublin is by bus. If you’re a student, a round trip works out to be under £30! I like to buy my return ticket on Translink’s website, this way I don’t have to worry about losing a physical ticket.

What currency should you use in Dublin?

I use Monzo when I’m in Dublin as there is no conversion fee and Monzo will use the exchange rate of the day to convert from GBP to Euro.

Standing in the famous Trinity College Old Library!

Are solo trips safe?

Yes! As a female solo traveller, I like to ensure I do some research before I go on a solo trip to understand the culture and politics of the area I’m visiting. Make sure to keep an eye on your belongings, especially your documents and money. Try to stay in busy areas and always share your location with trusted friends! I also carry a personal safety alarm which is always attached to my bag.

Now that these questions have been answered, here are my Dublin recommendations!

Do a bookstore crawl

As someone who enjoys reading, this is a cool way to scope out local bookstores! Dublin has some amazing bookstores, my favourite store was Books Upstairs as there was a great selection of world books and an incredibly friendly shop owner!

Book Upstairs, Dublin

Visit the National Museum of Archaeology

This is a great museum to visit if you want to learn more about Irish history and it’s free entry! As a medical student, I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the ‘bog bodies’ and could easily have spent the full day exploring everything the museum has to offer!

Inside the National Museum of Archaeology

Shopping!

In my opinion, a solo trip isn’t complete without shopping! Luckily, Dublin has a plethora of options, from cool thrift stores in Temple Bar, to luxury shops on Grafton Street. Don’t forget to carry your Queen’s student card when shopping, as some stores offer exclusive student discounts!

Grafton Street is incredible, with lively music and street performers!

Bar hop!

Drinking culture is huge in Ireland, and Dublin is no exception. With over 700 bars in Dublin, it’s worth checking some of them out, even if you don’t drink. As someone who rarely drinks, I still enjoy buying a soft drink and listening to good live music with people singing and dancing! If you feel nervous to drink by yourself, try looking on Eventbrite for pub crawls, you’ll be able to meet new people, whilst feeling safe at night!

Temple Bar district

Other things to do on a solo trip

• Attend a concert
• Bike in a park
• Go on a food tasting trip around the city
• Visit an art gallery
• Paint and sip
• Spa day

Immerse yourself in Irish culture

Final notes…

Solo trips can seem daunting, but they don’t have to be! I believe that taking yourself on a solo date is the easiest way to get used to enjoying your own company and can help you gain confidence!

Find out more

Beyond Belfast

Study Medicine at Queen's

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, Northern Ireland Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 19 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a third-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Students' Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!