Traffic in Dublin is a nightmare and car parking is an expensive headache. Clamping of illegally parked cars is thoroughly enforced, with a charge for removal. Car theft and break-ins are a problem, with foreign number plates prime targets; never leave your valuables behind. Car rental in Dublin is expensive. In July and August it's wise to book well ahead. Motorbikes and mopeds are not available for rent.

Dublin Bus (872 0000; www.dublinbus.ie; 59 Upper O'Connell St) runs buses across Dublin. Fares are calculated according to stages. Nitelink late-night buses run from the College St, Westmoreland St and D'Olier St triangle from Monday to Saturday.

All taxi fares begin with a flagfall fare, followed by a charge per unit (one-sixth of a kilometre or 30 seconds) thereafter. Taxis can be hailed on the street and are found at taxi ranks around the city, including O'Connell St, College Green in front of Trinity College and St Stephen's Green at the end of Grafton St. There are numerous taxi companies that will dispatch taxis by radio. Weekends and late nights are notoriously hard times to find a cab.

The Dublin Area Rapid Transport (DART) provide bus and train services across Dublin. All rail information, including timetables and ticket and pass sales, is available from the Rail Travel Centre (836 6222; www.irishrail.ie; 34 Lower Abbey St). The city has two main train stations: Heuston Station, on the western side of town near the Liffey, and Connolly Station, a short walk northeast of Busáras, behind Custom House. The brand-new Luas (www.luas.ie) light-rail system has two lines: the green line which connects St Stephen's Green with Sandyford in south Dublin via Ranelagh and Dundrum; and the red line, which runs from Lower Abbey St to Tallaght via the north quays and Heuston Station. There are ticket machines at every stop or you can buy a ticket from newsagents throughout the city centre.

Rust-red cycle lanes throughout the city make cycling in Dublin easier than ever, although traffic congestion, motorised maniacs and roadworks can make the city something of an obstacle course. Bike theft is a problem. Never leave your bike on the street overnight. Bike rental is available through several outlets, though it has become increasingly difficult to find due to crippling insurance costs.