Sláinte! Cheers to an Incredible Irish City That’s Now Within (Nonstop) Reach

Anyone who’s been lucky enough to leap across the Atlantic to the Emerald Isle already knows the allure of this charming nation. Not only is Ireland one of the friendliest countries on our planet, with the most welcoming, good-natured hosts, but the destination also boasts lush, natural beauty and rich culture that appeals in any season.

Now this spring, thanks to a new Aer Lingus flight launching from PIT, more Pennsylvanians will get the chance to explore this wonderful destination whenever they feel the pull. Beginning on May 25, 2026, Aer Lingus begins its nonstop, year-round service between Pittsburgh and Dublin, with four-times-weekly service on 184-seat Airbus A321LR aircrafts. This exciting development marks the first time the two cities have been connected with scheduled nonstop flights.

So what to do once you’ve landed on Irish soil? We’ve gathered a few ideas on how to best savor the capital city of Dublin, which is only a short drive from stunning coastline and verdant hills in every direction.

Exploring a Vibrant Capital City

Most Dublin first-timers will want to take in the city’s best-known sites, from sprawling St. Stephen’s Green and St. Patrick’s Cathedral to Kilmainham Gaol and Trinity College — home to the Book of Kells, a medieval illuminated manuscript.

Peruse the 50-some vendors of George’s Street Arcade, or brush up on important history at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. Located in Dublin’s Docklands, this immersive museum provides a powerful look at this country’s resilient and inspiring people by exploring how Irish emigration has shaped the world — leaving a global mark in the realms of music, sport, dance, politics, art and innovation. (About 70 million people around the world claim Irish heritage or ancestry, which is a remarkable stat for an island with a population of fewer than 6 million.)

In Dublin’s 1,752-acre Phoenix Park, enjoy a casual exploration of Áras an Uachtaráin – the President of Ireland’s official residence. Guided tours take place almost every Saturday; garden tours run only from June until October. Afterward, sit among cheery locals as you enjoy “cake and tea” in the courtyard of the Phoenix Park Cafe. For more time spent in tranquil greenery, rent a car (or take a bus) out to Powerscourt Estate, where you can leisurely wander the property’s 47 acres of gardens before loading up on seasonal salads and sweet treats at the Avoca Terrace Café.

 

For many Dublin visitors, The Guinness Storehouse is a can’t-miss on the list. It can be a rush even for non-beer lovers to visit the working brewery that’s stood at St. James’s Gate for the past three centuries, employing so many from the local community and giving back along the way.

The bustling destination offers the chance to pour the perfect pint and enjoy delicious Irish fare; think veg-forward “Earth” options plus dishes like beef-and-Guinness stew or Irish oysters, all paired with the country’s beloved brown bread. Here you can also peruse the “Wall of Fame,” wander through an advertising exhibit honoring some of the brand’s most recognizable mascots and, of course, savor a pint — and stunning panoramic views — from the venue’s upper-level, 360-degree Gravity Bar. (Upgrading to the VIP Connoisseur Experience makes a day here even more memorable.)

In the evening, check out a performance at the historic Abbey and Gate theatres, or at 3Olympia Theatre (opposite Dublin Castle) — which offers a variety of entertainment including live music, too.

Raise a Pint, Savor Local Fare

Of course, there are few greater Dublin activities than grabbing a pint (or two) in a welcoming pub. Chances are, you’ll soon be fast friends with good-natured patrons in your midst. And so often in Ireland, pubs and live tunes go hand in hand.

Try Camden Street for great music and vibes (Whelan’s is a consistent favorite), Capel Street for tasty brews (Black Sheep) and good laughs to be found at Bleeding Horse and Cassidy’s. Soak in live (traditional) music at Cobblestone or Brazen Head, which continues to be popular amongst tourists. The Foo Fighters recently played a surprise show at The Academy Dublin, too, so you never know when you might land at just the right place at just the right time.

During the day, Voila proves an inviting hangout for fresh food and salads, while Las Tapas De Lola on Wexford Street (near Whelan’s) is an ideal spot for pre-show eats. For finer dining experiences, relish the flavors of Pickle (North Indian cuisine) or D’Olier, a Michelin-star eatery where the 13-course surprise tasting menu changes seasonally but steadily wows. (For other Michelin-starred culinary experiences, peruse this list.) And within the buzz of Camden Street’s many restaurants, pubs and music venues, you’ll find another fun pick for many locals — Hang Dai Chinese.

Getting Around Town

Comfortable and efficient buses are an easy way to get from the airport into the city center (with several different options listed here). Once in town, locals are all about riding the two Luas tram lines. Luas is now joined up and extended all the way down the quays to Dublin’s biggest concert venue — 3 Arena (originally Point Depot), which hosts big names in coming months ranging from David Byrne and Paul Simon to Ke$ha and Robyn.

Consider looking into prepaid travel cards like the TFI Leap Card or, to get around the city, the DoDublin hop-on, hop-off bus ticket for flexible access to dozens of the city’s most visited sites.

No matter how you pass your days in Dublin, we promise you’ll be delighted by its hospitality and warmth. After all, as the saying often attributed to Irish poet and Nobel laureate W.B. Yeats goes: “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.”

Flights for the new Aer Lingus route from PIT are available for booking now with connections to a number of markets, including Irish destinations such as Donegal, regional markets in the U.K. including Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh, and major European cities including Amsterdam, Berlin, Geneva, Glasgow, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Venice and Zurich.