Explore Dublin: Rich History, Lively Culture and a Bit of Mischief

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Advisor - Kelly Tolliday
Curated By

Kelly Tolliday

  • Dublin

  • Arts & Culture

  • City Travel

  • Family Travel

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

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Curator’s statement

Dublin will always hold a very special place in my heart as it’s where I met my now husband almost 11 years ago. Teeming with history, lively culture and a bit of mischief, Dublin is the perfect place to start your Irish adventure. It's an incredibly walkable city; however, it's also easy to flag a taxi or take public transport. I recommend spending at least three days in Dublin to soak up all it has to offer.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Dublin

Temple Bar Hotel

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Dublin's cultural hub, where modern comfort meets the charm of Temple Bar's lively atmosphere.

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Things to do in Dublin

The image shows three individuals, two adults and a child in a stroller, posing for a photo with a historic tower and cloudy sky in the background.

  • Just walking around Temple Bar is an excursion in and of itself. There are so many old pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops to explore.

  • Take a stroll through St Stephen's Park. Pro tip: If you have children, there’s a great playground here to let them get their energy out!

  • Learn about the history of Guinness and enjoy 360-degree views at the top at the Guinness Factory.

  • Sip your way through the Jameson Distillery.

  • Go back in time at the historic Kilmainham Gaol Museum.

  • Walk across Ha Penny Bridge.

  • Feel like a student again at Trinity College

  • Enjoy the history of Dublin Castle

  • Say hi to the Molly Malone Statue

Pro tip: The Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour is an excellent way to see many of these sites in one day if you’re short on time!

Day trips:

I highly recommend driving to the seaside town of Howth (25-minute drive) and hiking the Howth Summit Walk (8km). Stop in the village of Howth for lunch at O'Connells, which is famous for its beef and Guinness pie. You can also skip the hike and head straight to the seaside village to enjoy a change of scenery for city life.

Places to eat & drink in Dublin

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Breakfast

  • Chicobo - Charming cafe over the Ha Penny Bridge with great avocado toast and coffee.

  • Elephant & Castle — Not far from Temple Bar Hotel, Elephant & Castle offers great breakfast selections and is one of the earlier cafes to open in the morning if you’re looking for an early bite to eat.

Dinner

  • The Church - Enjoy dinner in a restored, 300-year-old church, where they showcase Irish step dancing on a nightly basis. This is an absolute must, and it was one of the most unique places we ate all through Ireland. Reservation required. Drinks at the bar are also an option if you miss out on a reservation.

  • Yamamoto Japanase - Fabulous Japanese for those craving warm Ramen on a cold day!

  • The Bank on College Green — For an elevated night out, Elegant bar with live piano music and chandeliers hanging from an intricately decorated ceiling.

  • Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub - Lively pub at night for those looking for a good time!

Lunch

  • The Old Storehouse - Classic pub for lunch (& also great for late-night vibes with live music with much more of a younger, backpacker crowd)

  • Other Restaurants to Note: Brazen Head, L Milligan's Grocer, Mary’s Bar & Variety Jones

Remember, many places require a reservation, so be sure to call ahead to avoid being disappointed.

Need to know

Dublin truly has something for every type of traveler, and you'll never be the same after experiencing the culture and hospitality. It's the perfect starting point for a longer adventure through Ireland, but it's also a destination that can stand on its own. Enjoy!

Advisor - Kelly Tolliday

Travel Advisor

Kelly Tolliday

Get in touch with Kelly

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dublin. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Advisor Nicole Sansone's guide, Family Trip to Dublin, Ireland.