In our Irish county guide series, we share our top tips, tricks and picks when visiting each Irish county. Let’s see what Dublin has to offer.
Beyond just being the home of Guinness and Temple Bar, Ireland’s capital city, Dublin is a UNESCO City of Literature. Producing some of the world’s most renowned writers like James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, there’s plenty to see, do, eat, drink and enjoy in the city.
Where to stay
Conrad Dublin
Luxury right in the heart of the city centre. In the Conrad Dublin, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the town while still remaining just a short walk from all the main attractions. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the hotel is the perfect base – and better yet, it’s also dog frienly. If you fancy bringing your pooches along with you, the hotel is happy to accommodate them, even providing them with their own bed, bowl and treats. Prices start from €200.
The Shelbourne
One of Dublin’s most iconic hotels, The Shelbourne sits overlooking St.Stephen’s Green. Established in 1824, a stay here transports you in time as it’s renowned for its role in Irish history, specifically as the site where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922 in what is now known as the Constitution Suite. Prices start from €350.
Royal Marine Hotel
If you’re looking for something a little more coastal, the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is the perfect spot to enjoy one of Dublin’s many seaside towns. This 4-star hotel overlooks Dublin Bay and is great for families in particular looking to escape with an indoor pool, a full-service spa and an Irish bistro. It’s also conveniently located beside the DART train station for easy access to Dublin city centre. Prices start from €139.
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
Taking you to the other side of Dublin Bay, Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links is located along the scenic “Velvet Strand” coastline. With the beach on your doorstep, the hotel also offers spa treatments, golf and fine dining as well as being conveniently located 15-minutes from Dublin Airport. Prices start from €190.
The Hendrick Dublin Smithfield
Experience a different side to Dublin’s City Centre in The Hendrick Dublin Smithfield. Conveniently located right in the heart of Dublin’s most vibrant areas, the hotel boasts an impressive art collection, dotted around the hotel you’ll find urban art forms of graffiti and street art from Irish artists. Prices start from €119.
Other accommodation includes:
Where to eat
Restaurants
SOLE Seafood & Grill Dublin
Little Dumpling
Bambinos
Sister Seven
FX Buckley
Old Mill Restaurant
The Ramen Bar
Six by Nico Dublin
Glas Restaurant
Sprezzatura
Pichet
Mamó Restaurant
Tenters Gastropub
Chapter One Restaurant
Coffee
Happy Out Cafe
Mister Magpie Coffee
Shoe Lane Coffee
Brew Lab Specialty Coffee
Two Pups
The Fumbally
The Stage Door Cafe
Pubs
Grogan’s Castle Lounge
The Long Hall
John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
Walsh’s
The Bloody Stream
Hole in the Wall
Mulligan’s
What to do
Howth Castle Cookery School
If you’re looking for something a little different to enjoy outside of the city centre, why not combine your trip to Howth with a cookery class? Howth Castle Cookery School offers a range of different classes from a day course to something more substantial, check it out here.
Create and Sip
Ireland’s first-ever art cafe just opened up in Dublin recently. Located on South William Street in Dublin. Create and Sip is socialising with a creative twist as where instead of ordering food you can choose from a menu of creative activities like painting clay or jewellery making.
Kilmainham Gaol
To get a real feel of Dublin and it’s history, the Kilmainham Gaol tour gives attendees a real glimpse into Ireland’s past. Covering everything from the 1798 rebellion to the 1916 Easter Rising and the Civil War this guided tour takes you around the grounds of the famous site, allowing you to take in its stories. Book tickets here.
See Dublin from the sea with a Dublin Bay Cruise. These tours connect Dublin’s City Centre with the coastal towns Dun Laoghaire and Howth where you can enjoy views of Dublin’s coast and spot landmarks like the Poolbeg Towers and Lighthouse and Ireland’s Eye. Check out tickets here.
Other activities include:
Dublin Walking Tour – The Wolfhound Experience
Anything else I should know?
Dublin’s main transportation links consist of an integrated network of buses, trams (Luas) and trains (DART and Commuter Rail) which is managed by Transport for Ireland.
For more Irish Country Magazine county guides, check out here.
