Dublin is currently experiencing a period of significant economic and cultural growth. The walkable and tourist-friendly city is a fascinating mix of old and new which blends tradition with modernity. Drinking is not the only activity to do in Dublin, but I still highly recommend grabbing a pint at least once a day. Frequently I’m asked why I love Dublin so much and it’s a difficult question to answer. Maybe it’s because I’m a fan of cooler temps, or maybe it’s because the city boasts a bustling little city center, or maybe it’s simply because Dublin is a beautiful city with so much to do. So much so, that one weekend is certainly not enough time.
What I saw/ did:
Dublin Castle: The castle sits in the city center between Trinity College and Christ Church Cathedral. You may recognize the castle from a few movies and TV series such as The Tutors. Dublin Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times and its story plays a large role in Ireland’s history. Walking through the grounds was relaxing and we sat in the main square for an hour soaking up some sun.
Guinness Storehouse: At Dublin’s number one attraction we took a guided tour at the Guinness Storehouse, an interactive museum about the Guinness brewery. Although it’s touristy, it was surprisingly fun! We had an awesome guide, tasted Guinness, explored its iconic history, and poured our own pint of Guinness. I suggest either booking the first or the last tour of the day. I have done both times and there were no lines. We were also able to have the zero-gravity bar to ourselves!
Trinity College: One of the most famous places to visit in Dublin is Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The university was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 and has a jaw dropping library that displays the Book of Kells, an embroidered Latin version of the Bible. The lines at the library can be long. We learned this the hard way, so be sure to purchase your ticket in advance and go early in the morning.
Go to a pub: Dublin is famous for its funky and fun nightlife. Of course, everyone will tell you to go to Temple Bar, which I also recommend. There are pubs around every corner, more than you would think possible.
Shop: Like any major city, Dublin also has incredible shopping. The main shopping street is Grafton Street. I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a few local Irish labels were represented on Grafton street. The Irish are very supportive of their own manufacturers, so as a shopper in Dublin you should try and do the same. One of my favorite shops I visited was Industry, a home goods store which also has a tiny café. It’s impossible for me to walk out without making a purchase or two.
Wander Around: One of the best ways to see Dublin is to just wander around aimlessly. We found some of the most beautiful Georgian architecture and popped into a few pubs and coffee shops along the way.
What I ate/ drank:
Fish Shop: This is the best fish and chips I’ve ever had. The Irish Times agreed with me naming Fish Shop the best fish and chips in 2017. At the Benburb Street location their menu comprises only of small bites and fish and chips. The simple menu reflects how much care goes into each meal they prepare. They also offer an extensive wine menu chosen to perfectly pair with the fresh seafood.
Klaw: Klaw is a seafood shack located in the city center of Dublin. The entire restaurant is the size of a walk-in closet so make sure you arrive early to get a seat. An even better reason to arrive early is Oyster Happy Hour every day from 5pm-6pm paired with a glass of Guinness or Prosecco. They have a large chalkboard menu that takes up an entire wall listing all of the fresh catches of the day. We ate mac and cheese, mussels, seafood chowder, and flambéed oysters.
Queen of Tarts: Hands down one of my favorite spots in Dublin. If you’re looking for a traditional Irish breakfast look no further. I’ve been to Dublin three times and each time I order the vegetarian breakfast. You can dig into homemade buttermilk brown breads, daily made soups, sandwiches, and sweets including Bailey’s chocolate chip cheesecake and raspberry scones.
Layover Tips:
- The early bird gets the worm in Dublin. As there are many other tourists with the same agenda, I suggest waking up early and hit the ground running
- Take the Airlink bus (bus number 747) from the airport into the city center. It’s an express bus service that costs 6 euros.
- Non-EU travelers can shop tax free through a Fexco Horizon card.
- In restaurants with table service it’s normal to tip between 10-12 percent but be sure to check the bottom of you bill because sometimes they have already added in a service charge.