8 apps you need on your phone to navigate Dublin
New to Dublin? It’s not as huge a city as, say, London, but it’s pretty extensive, and in any case you’ll still want to learn how to move around as quickly, efficiently, and cheaply (of course!) as possible.
Only ten years ago, this would have required weeks or months of exploring, getting lost and being late to work. No more. If you have a smartphone, add these apps and get around Dublin like a local.
1. Daft.ie
Well, the first thing you need to become a local is an actual place to live! So we’re not starting off with an app about transport, but we thought we should still let you know about this one. Daft.ie is Ireland's most popular site for finding a place to live - whether by yourself or, most commonly, in a flatshare.
2. Dublin Bus
The most extensive transport network in Dublin is its bus service, and the super useful Dublin Bus App shows all routes on a map, as well as bus stops, timetables, and GPS to guide you to your nearest stop. Use the app for its Route Planner and Fare Calculator.
3. Leap App and Find Leap
There’s no travelling around Dublin without a Leap Card - it’s the only way to pay the best fare and keep commuting costs to a minimum. Android users can now top up their cards via the Leap App. For iOS users, the Find Leap App will show all the closest top-up stations.
4. Irish Rail
Taking the train? The useful Iarnrod Eireann app displays information for all stations in the Republic of Ireland, including Dublin’s DART and intercity services. It combines timetables with real-time info, and a handy journey planner.
For a complete overview of timetables and journey planners of all main means of transport, download Transport for Ireland’s app. You may want to optimise your travel within Dublin, but you may sometimes want to leave the city, too!
A cheap and nice alternative to public transport is using a bike. Dublin Bikes is a self-service bike rental with stations conveniently located all across the city. Through the Dublin Bike 2Go app, you can find Dublin Bikes stations and information about bike availability.
7. Walk Dublin
If after all the commuting you have a little free time, you may also want to explore Dublin on foot. The Walk Dublin app is an initiative of Dublin City Council that provides a map and walking directions to all of the city’s key cultural destinations. The app will tell you the name of the street you are on and give you the approximate distance and walking time to each destination. If one in particular catches your eye, just tap on its name and the app will display additional details about it.
8. ParkingTag
Perhaps you’re a driver? Parking in a city is always a struggle… are you allowed to leave you car in this space? How much will you have to pay, or do you find yourself short of change? ParkingTag allows you to pay for parking using your debit or credit card and you can extend your parking time via the App - no more fines ever.
