Let’s say you are popping over to Dublin for a long weekend. You want to see/do as much as possible into your stay while likely avoiding the major overcrowded touristy spots. Yes, I’m talking about you, Temple Bar. I don’t know about you, but I would like to get a proper foamy, creamy bit of Guinness and avoid paying nearly nine euros for one pint. So without further ado, here’s a complete guide to spending a weekend in Dublin, Ireland.
GUINNESS
I promise this blog isn’t sponsored by Guinness and won’t only be about where to get the best pint, but let me say Guinness is FANTASTIC in Dublin. It is a well-known fact that the amber beverage doesn’t travel very well and doesn’t have the same taste coming from a can/bottle. The best place to indulge in this creamy beverage is from the city of its birth (and/or near one of its global factories) and straight from the tap. It is important when pouring a pint, that you fill the glass halfway and then let it settle for a few minutes, topping it off and leaving enough of its foamy head (my personal favorite part). If visiting the Guinness storehouse (highly recommended) isn’t in your cards, then try one of these highly recommended pubs to grab a pint or two with the lads. Toners and The Long Hall are two personal favorites of mine.
NIGHTLIFE
If you arrived in Dublin on a Thursday or Friday afternoon and you are over 18, I definitely recommend experiencing a fun night out. The Dubs and Irish people, in general, are great craic and they know how to make the best out of a night out in the town. Whether you want to sit down at a cozy pub and listen to some Irish trad music, or navigate the city on a cocktail crawl, there are great spots to spend a night out. One highly recommended place is Token, a nostalgic arcade/bar that serves up a great selection of vegan snacks. Making this place quite unique from the rest. This particular spot is located a bit out of the city center but is a quick bus or Luas ride away. My favorite pubs for a good beer are: Toner’s, The Long Hall, Grogan’s, The Harbour Bar (Bray), the Lighthouse (Dun Laoghaire), Bloody Mary’s, Mary’s, Hogans.
While Dublin is obviously known for its casual pubs, it also boasts an incredible array of cocktail bars. Some of my favorites include: Ferrier & Draper, No Name Bar, the Ivy, Cafe en Seine, Sophie’s Rooftop Bar, Vintage Cocktail Club, The Chelsea Drugstore, Sam’s, and Peruke & Periwig.
BRUNCH
After a proper night out, you definitely want to enjoy a nice brunch the following day, to fuel you for activities for the hours ahead. One of my personal favorite spots is Bewley’s on Grafton Street. Which is three stories high and has a very European feel. I definitely recommend grabbing some proper Irish tea and indulging in some of their baked goods. This brunch spot also serves as a theater during the week and has classic film showings.
Other Brunch Spots: Meet Me In the Morning, Brother Hubbard, Sophie’s Rooftop Bar at Dean’s Hotel, Thunder Cat Alley.
FOOD MARKETS
Food markets are another great way to fill up during the weekends. On Sunday’s, and a personal favorite of mine, is the People’s Food Market, which is held at People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire. While it’s a bit of a haul from the city center, it is easily accessible by DART or Dublin Bus (# 7,7A, 46A). This market starts at 11 am and lasts until 4 pm. You can grab food from a variety of vendors then take it onto the pier, where you can enjoy your meal and be spoiled with amazing views of the Irish Sea.
Other Food Markets: Blackrock Market, Templebar Food Market, Grand Canal Market.
VINTAGE SHOPPING
Dublin boasts some of the best vintage clothing markets and shops, dedicating a whole section of the city center to a plethora of vintage stores, within close proximity of Temple Bar. Venture over to Nine Crows, the Harlequin, Tola Vintage, and many more to grab some unique souvenirs.
PARKS AND SQUARES
Dublin has a lot of squares that are great to walk around and relax among. St. Stephens Green and Merrion Square being two of the most popular ones. These afford a free opportunity to browse art markets and the occasional food markets hosted on them during the weekends. Venture over to Phoenix Park, the largest public park in Europe, which is home to the Irish President, United States Ambassador, Dublin Zoo, and cute deer
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
All public/federally operated museums and galleries are free to the public. The Irish government believes history and culture should be accessible for everyone, making these great and convenient spots to explore. You’ll have the opportunity to brush up on your Irish history at the National Museum of Ireland. Here’s a list of some of the museums and art galleries free to the public.
*This is a great activity to do during those rainy days.
DART TRIPS ALONG THE DUBLIN HORSESHOE
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is a convenient way to get around the coastal parts of Dublin. For less than ten euros, you can journey to coastal villages on opposite sides of the city. Explore Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey, Bray, and Greystones on the Southside, or Howth and Malahide on the Northside. These coastal villages are absolutely breathtaking. Bray is a personal favorite nightlife spot. The Harbour Bar is a beautiful two-story pub, that hosts a variety of local musical artists and is located right on the waterfront. There are also tons of great restaurants in this area, including my favorite in all of Dublin, Creole Food. A tiny and intimate restaurant serving up a variety of tapas and fantastic wine. Make sure to call in ahead, because this spot gets reserved fast.
TOURISTY THINGS
If you are all about crossing all the touristy stuff off your list, these are some must-do things:
Take the Vintage Tea Tour: This tour takes you all around Dublin City Center while riding in an antique double-decker bus, you get treated to sweets, finger sandwiches, and a wide selection of drinks (They recommend the tea the most). You’ll get a short intro to the history of Dublin and get a glimpse of some of the best spots.
Guinness Storehouse: Visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to properly pour your own pint.
Templebar: Go ahead and check out the famous Templebar take a quick picture in front of the famous pub but go somewhere else for that pint of Guinness.
O’Connell Street: A bustling part of the city center, there are tons of shops to explore off of this main stretch. Make sure to check out the Spire!
Grafton Street: The central spot to do all your shopping and hub that branches off to some great spots to eat and drink.
Trinity College: Make sure to check out the stunning, world-famous library and get an up close glimpse of the book of Kells.
There’s so much to do and explore in this capital city-- this is just a small selection of my favorite things. Rich with culture and history, Dublin is definitely a spot to check out en route to those long road trips cross-country. Check out these other Europe guides by Acanela, and book a trip today!
Disclaimer: Restrictions for COVID-19 are currently in effect. Many businesses may be affected by the financial burdens these restrictions have caused. Some businesses may not be operating the same. More of a reason to support the tourism industry and these smaller/local businesses when restrictions clear!
Post written by Sophie Coderre
Check out her abroad adventures on Instagram @Sophdc97