Dublin Delights: A Guide to the City’s Charm and Culture

Tours:

Kilmainham Gaol: A historical prison offering a deep dive into Ireland's struggle for independence. Insider tip: Book your tickets online 28 days in advance, as tours often sell out within minutes.

Guinness Storehouse: Explore the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and enjoy a pint with panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar.

Museums:

Irish EPIC Museum and Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum: Both run by EPIC, these sites offer an immersive look into Ireland's emigrant history. Insider tip: Get a combined ticket for both attractions.

National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology): Discover Ireland's rich history from prehistoric times through to the medieval period. Don’t miss the famous bog bodies exhibit. Insider tip: Admission is free!

Distilleries:

Teeling's Whiskey Distillery: Experience the full process of whiskey making and enjoy a tasting session. Insider tip: Opt for the masterclass tour for a more in-depth experience.

Historic sites:

Christ Church Cathedral: A stunning example of medieval architecture with a fascinating crypt. If you have younger kids, the Dublinia Museum, located within the church, is a fun and educational option on Dublin's Viking history.

St. Patrick's Cathedral: Ireland’s largest cathedral and a must-see for its beautiful interiors and historical significance.

GPO (General Post Office): The headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising and a symbol of Irish independence. Visit the GPO Witness History Visitor Centre to learn about this pivotal event in Irish history.

Literary experiences:

Literary Pub Crawl: Follow in the footsteps of Dublin's literary greats such as James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, W.B. Yeats and Oscar Wilde on this entertaining and informative tour. Insider tip: Start the tour early in your trip to get great pub recommendations.

Educational institutions:

Trinity College/The Book of Kells: Visit the historic campus and see the beautifully illuminated Book of Kells. Insider tip: Book tickets early to avoid the crowds and get a clear view of the exhibit.

Scenic spots:

St. Stephen's Green: A beautiful park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Day trips

Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough: Stunning landscapes and historic monastic ruins. Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car or bus from Dublin.

Howth: A charming fishing village with beautiful coastal walks and fresh seafood. Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes by DART train from Dublin. Can be a half-day trip.

Kilkenny: Known for its medieval architecture, including the impressive Kilkenny Castle. Travel time: Approximately 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train from Dublin.

Newgrange: A prehistoric monument older than the pyramids of Egypt, offering fascinating tours. Travel time: Approximately 1 hour by car or bus from Dublin.

Note: While popular among tourists, I personally do not recommend doing a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. I strongly believe you should dedicate multiple days to exploring the Wild Atlantic Way in order to truly do it justice.

Most historic pubs:

Brazen Head: Dublin’s oldest pub, offering traditional Irish music and hearty meals.
Stag's Head: Known for its Victorian interiors and vibrant atmosphere, located in the heart of Dublin.

The Long Hall: A beautifully preserved historic pub with a cozy ambiance on South Great George's Street.

Best pubs for live music:

The Celt: A local favorite for its lively traditional music sessions, located on Talbot Street.

The Auld Dub: Great for an authentic Irish music experience on Temple Bar's side streets.

The Old Storehouse: Offers fantastic live music along with excellent food in the Temple Bar area.

The Best pub and grub:

Darkey Kelley's: Known for its delicious food and live music, situated near Christchurch Cathedral.

O'Neills: Offers a wide range of traditional Irish dishes in a classic pub setting, right next to the Molly Malone statue.

Hairy Lemon: A quirky pub with great character and a menu full of Irish favorites, located on Stephen Street Lower.

Restaurants:

F.X. Buckley (steak): Renowned as one of Dublin's top steakhouses, frequently awarded for its high-quality steaks and elegant dining experience. Featured in various food guides and ranked the 6th best steak in the world in 2023.

Sole Seafood & Grill: Perfect for seafood lovers, with a focus on fresh, local produce. Recognized as one of Dublin’s best seafood restaurants.

Boxty House: Specializes in traditional Irish potato pancakes (boxty) and other regional dishes. Featured on the Netflix show "Somebody Feed Phil."

The Church: A unique dining experience in a converted church with live music and dance performances. A popular spot featured in various travel guides.

Hatch & Sons: Offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring classic Irish comfort food, located in the basement of the Little Museum of Dublin.