Major city · Ireland
BalbrigganBaile Brigín
Use Balbriggan as a 1-night coastal stop north of Dublin, not a base: the town is small, beds are few, and Skerries 8 km south has more.Use Balbriggan as a 1-night coastal stop north of Dublin, not a base: the town is small, beds are few, and Skerries 5 mi south has more.
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
Balbriggan is a commuter town at the north end of County Dublin, 32 km from the city centre and 45 min by commuter train. It has a harbour, two old churches, a Georgian castle demesne at Ardgillan and a golf course, but only a handful of beds. Most travellers pass through on the Dublin–Drogheda line or sleep here to reach Brú na Bóinne and the north Dublin coast without city prices.
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Balbriggan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA low-crime commuter town; the real risks are tide-cut beaches, unlit coastal paths after dark and drinking on Bridge St on weekend nights.
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance, coast guard · 999 police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Bus Éireann 101 from the airport to Balbriggan, about 1 h; the bus is not sold for city-only or airport-only hops.).
- Getting aroundThe town centre and harbour are walkable, including the walk out to Ardgillan.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- BeerPint of stout€5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8)
- Taxi, about 5 kmTaxi, about 3 miTaxi, Balbriggan station to Ardgillan€10–14 (≈ US$12–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€35 (≈ US$45)
- Mid-range bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€150 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedHotel or B&B double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Bus Éireann 101 from the airport to Balbriggan, about 1 h; the bus is not sold for city-only or airport-only hops.)
Weather and climate
Balbriggan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C46°F
3°C37°F
13 rd
Feb
8°C46°F
3°C37°F
11 rd
Mar
10°C50°F
4°C39°F
11 rd
Apr
12°C54°F
5°C41°F
10 rd
May
15°C59°F
7°C45°F
10 rd
Jun
17°C63°F
10°C50°F
9 rd
Jul
19°C66°F
12°C54°F
10 rd
Aug
19°C66°F
12°C54°F
11 rd
Sep
17°C63°F
10°C50°F
10 rd
Oct
14°C57°F
8°C46°F
12 rd
Nov
10°C50°F
5°C41°F
12 rd
Dec
8°C46°F
3°C37°F
13 rd
High / low °C°F · rd = rain days
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre and harbour are walkable, including the walk out to Ardgillan. Commuter trains (every 30–60 min) and Dublin Bus 33 link Balbriggan with Skerries, Rush and Lusk; Bus Éireann B1 loops around town from the station. You need a car for Courtlough, the Séamus Ennis Arts Centre at Naul and Brú na Bóinne.
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Commuter train from Balbriggan, about 8 min, or Dublin Bus 33
Harbour, windmills and the islets; more pubs and beds than Balbriggan.
Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange and Knowth)
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive M1 exit 9 to the visitor centre, about 15–20 min; timed ticket required
Book ahead; access to the tombs is only by shuttle from the visitor centre.
Malahide
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Commuter train south, about 25 min
Castle, demesne and the coastal path; boat trips to Lambay run from here.
Door to door: About 1 h
Commuter train from Balbriggan to Connolly or Pearse, about 45 min
Cheaper to sleep here and ride in than to pay city hotel rates.
Howth
cautionDoor to door: 1.25–1.5 h
Train to Howth Junction or Connolly, then DART
A long half-day; the cliff walk needs dry weather.
Drogheda
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Commuter train north, about 25 min
Historic town and the gateway to the Boyne valley.
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Bridge St / Church St)
Walk to the harbour, station and restaurants; the Bracken Court and Bedford House are both here.
Skerries (8 km south)
More B&Bs and self-catering, plus its own harbour and train halt; 8 min by train.
Rush (about 12 km south)
Caravan parks and a B&B; needs a car or the Dublin Bus 33.
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–95 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €95–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or B&B double room1 × 1 night × €150 | €150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Commuter train, Balbriggan to Dublin Connolly, return2 × €11 | €22 |
| Bus Éireann 101, Dublin Airport to Balbriggan2 × €12 | €24 |
| Ardgillan Castle guided tour2 × €5 · reduced during renovation | €10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €46 |
| Trip total≈ €251 per person per day, bed included | €502≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8) |
| Fish and chips takeaway | €11–16 (≈ US$13–19) |
| Commuter train, Balbriggan to Dublin Connolly, single | €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) |
| Taxi, Balbriggan station to Ardgillan | €10–14 (≈ US$12–17) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bremore Castle is closed for restoration: do not plan a visit around it.
- Lady's Stairs beach is covered at high tide; check tide times before descending.
- Boat trips to Lambay and the Skerries islands have mostly re-based at Malahide since 2020: confirm an operator before travelling for one.
- Trains from Belfast and Newry do not stop at Balbriggan; change at Drogheda.
- Brú na Bóinne is timed-ticket only and access is via the visitor centre south of the Boyne, not the tombs themselves.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance, coast guard
- 112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
BalbrigganBaile Brigín
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance, coast guard112
- Police, fire, ambulance (alternative)999
Embassy
No embassies in Balbriggan; all are in Dublin. US: the embassy in Ballsbridge. UK: the embassy on Merrion Road. Canada, Australia and New Zealand: embassies in Dublin city centre (check addresses).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Balbriggan → Dublin Connolly: about €5–6 (≈ US$6–7) single, 45 min
- Bus 101 Dublin Airport → Balbriggan: about €12 (≈ US$14), 1 h
- Taxi Balbriggan station → Ardgillan Castle: €10–14 (≈ US$12–17)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Gabh mo leithscéal — Excuse me (gov muh lesh-kayl)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-russ)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish is used in signage and greetings.
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Balbriggan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, wind and rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last 101 and train departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: harbour and Bridge St, Church St and the station, Ardgillan demesne, Skerries village.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Ardgillan, Saints Peter & Paul, Balbriggan Golf Club) and eat pages with last orders.
- Tide and weather fixtures for Lady's Stairs and the coastal walk so gates A–D can go green.