W: [1-2 hours] Like the Old Jameson Distillery, the Guinness Storehouse is no longer a functioning brewery, but it will give you an insider's view into the history and process behind the storied stout. Take the self-guided tour through the former brewery's seven floors to learn about the history of the one-of-a-kind beer, from the ingredients used in the brewing process to the iconic advertisements seen around the world. The best part of the tour for some visitors? The free pint at the end. Even non-beer drinkers enjoyed the storehouse for its interactive and multimedia exhibits, but noted that during peak times they can be crowded. The Guinness Storehouse is located South of the Liffey on the western edge of central Dublin. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and charges €20 for adults and €6.50 for children. For more information, or to save on the price of admission, visit the storehouse's website.
W: [1-2 hours] Right in the heart of the city, the site of the Dublin Castle has played a part in Ireland's history since the land was used by Vikings to build a fortress in the 930s. Parts of the castle were built and torn down through the ages, but the oldest remaining structure, the Record Tower, dates back to the 13th century.In addition to being a stronghold against foreign attacks on the city, the castle and its grounds have also been home to a prison, an office of record, a water station, a seat of Parliament, a royal court for entertainment and a military residence — all before 1850. The castle grounds were also the site where the Easter Rebellion of 1916 began, and after five years of fighting was where the treaty that granted Irish independence was signed.Today Dublin Castle offers a mix of old and new. It serves many functions, from hosting foreign dignitaries and state dinners to housing some of Ireland's government offices and commercial space available for private events. The castle grounds also in
W: Despite its unsavoury reputation in past years, Temple Bar is one of the city's most charming neighbourhoods and residents are trying hard to keep it that way. Cobblestone streets, bars, cafés, art galleries and architectural splendour harmoniously blend with old streetscapes and eco-friendly schemes. Among the cultural attractions are Dublin's only art-house cinema at the Project Arts Centre and the Gallery of Photography, the Irish Film Institute. This neighborhood is Dublin's famous party hub. During the day, this district thrives on artistic vision, featuring numerous independent galleries and performance art venues. At night, dozens of restaurants open their doors to those looking to share a pint of Guinness and click their heels to spirited Irish music.Many visitors say that the district has become more of a tourist trap than an authentic representation of Dublin's pub culture, but while in Dublin it is a sight one must see. So pull up a chair, order a pint and enjoy the music.
W: If all you came to Dublin for is the Guinness, then camp out at Kehoe's. The bar's friendly staff keep the mugs full and on a busy night the crowd huddles around the stairs - neighbourhood tavern style. The elegant wooden fitting has an old-school character and the snugs are delightful, which makes drinking here a rich experience. But a word of advice, the bathrooms are to be avoided if you fear small spaces.
W: The wooden décor may be excessively rustic, but Dublin's oldest microbrewery pub, the Porterhouse, makes up for that with the quality of its beer. The pub only sells its own label of beers, but the stouts, lagers and ales are better than any mass-produced beer. The Oyster Stout, made with real oysters, is very good. The excellent pub food, Irish stew, and bangers and mash will fill you up without breaking the bank.
W: Sunday morning is the best time to visit this intellectual hub, before the students are awake and while the bells toll for morning mass throughout the city. Trinity College is an oasis of peace and beauty. Its campus is a mix of classical and contemporary buildings interspersed with elegant gardens. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity boasts stellar alumni, including playwright Oscar Wilde and Nobel laureate Samuel Beckett. During the summer, enthusiastic students give 30-minute guided tours.
W: Fridays are fun times at Peploe's. Lunches are popular with local heroes, business gurus and the cultured set of the city. The location is fabulous, and the rooms are decked out with wood, murals and crisp table linen. The established venue serves classic dishes like French onion soup, Caesar salad and smoked salmon with dill sauce, and the wine list is good and long. Hugo's, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block, but is attracting a following with its international menu and expansive list of wines from around the globe. The staff are friendly and efficient, and on a warm summer evening drinking a glass of crisp rosé in the elegant surroundings is a delight.
W: You always expect great things from Trinity College and the innovative Science Gallery certainly doesn't disappoint. It takes a fresh look at applications of science in real life, making white hot technology accessible to everyone. Don't be surprised if you see exhibitions of techno-thread clothing, displays of robotic art and debates about the future of bio-fuels and the efficacy of anti-depressants. They've even harnessed nanotechnology to inscribe their logo on the face of a diamond.
W: The Cobblestone is a gem. The musicians' corner downstairs attracts traditional players whom you would pay to see elsewhere, and the paying venue upstairs rarely books a duff band. It often showcases traditional and folk music. Overall, it's cosy, while eschewing unnecessary frills; if you want to avoid excessive paddy-whackery in favour of a genuine traditional Dublin pub atmosphere, come here.
W: If you don't want to pay to get into Dublin Castle then stroll around the Dubh Linn Gardens hidden behind. It's the original place of the dubh linn (dark pool), from where the city drew its name and was recently landscaped into a garden. Though most tourists don't know about it, it's extremely popular with office goers as a lunch venue. Sometimes, it's also used as a helicopter-landing site.
W: This is not a tourist-snaring pizza counter. Dunne & Crescenzi is the original and probably still the best Italian café in town, with two adjoining spaces on South Frederick Street. Both are small, dark and can feel a touch on the claustrophobic side. But the food is simply wonderful: the tasty, fresh and simple lunches include cured and smoked meats, salads and panini. Lunches are accompanied by a full wine list. The heart-warming coffee will match any brew that the European mainland has to offer.
W: Buzz Fendall is a man on a mission – to bring amazing coffee to Dublin. Bald Barista, a busy friendly café, is his gift to the city. Beans are sourced directly from individual farmers in Brazil, Sumatra and Ethiopia, and are freshly ground on site. Of course, there's more to the place than just coffee – snacks and lunches are served on the slickly appointed mezzanine dining area or the diminutive terrace.
W: Loft Market, a New York-style indoor fashion market attracts local fashion junkies and hip students on the trail of individual, one-off looks, which are the stock in trade of the young designers and artists who share this space. There are plenty of vintage items of clothing and jewellery on sale.
W: Everyone loves Chapter One for its affordable fine dining experience. The choice is spectacular: Irish-caught yellow fin tuna with fennel and squid braised in saffron, and Connemara mountain lamb with rump glazed in mustard and white truffle honey are among the delights. You can follow them up with Irish raspberry poached meringue, almond and pistachio cracknel, and lime anglaise. The menu speaks for itself.
W: Formerly one of the few playhouses on Dublin's south side, Andrew's Lane has reopened as a music venue. It may be missed by theatre lovers, but is attracting fans and gaining a strong reputation on the city's music scene. So far, the fare has tended towards the left-field end of the spectrum, with arty electronica acts from the likes of Matmos and Venetian Snares wooing the more adventurous punters.
W: You would usually associate giant greasy burgers with the Americans. But Bobo's has gained quite a reputation for turning out some fine patties. This excellent little diner serves up peerless organic burgers, 'proper chubby chips' in old-fashioned buckets and delicious malts, shakes and juices.
W: Dublin is one of the most walkable cities in Europe. Start in the north at Phoenix Park and head south to the River Liffey, cross the famous Ha'Penny Bridge and find your way to the medieval streets of Temple Bar. Pause for a pint before heading to the Trinity College campus. Shop along nearby Grafton Street before jaunting on to the peaceful St. Stephen's Green. From there, literary fiends can drop by the Writers Museum or the James Joyce Centre while visitors that enjoy a drop of the good stuff can tour the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery.
W: [Half day to full day]The largest public park in any European capital city, spanning 3 miles (and encompassing more than 1,700 acres).Guests can start out at the park's Visitor Centre & Ashtown Castle to learn about the history of the park and tour the medieval tower that dates back to the 17th century. The park is also home the 78-acre Edwardian estate, the Farmleigh house, which still acts as a working farm as well as a Victorian walled kitchen garden.The biggest attraction within the park is the Dublin Zoo.
W: Filled with chains from the US, but worth going to for the many buskers. When you need a break from all the museums and historical sites, head to Grafton Street. This pedestrian street — which runs from Trinity College St. Stephen's Green Grafton Street is also known for its rambunctious atmosphere. As you walk along, you're bound to find yourself mesmerized by the dozen or so street performers and musicians hoping to entertain you in exchange for a euro or two. There are also a few restaurants and pubs scattered throughout the area.
W: Whether you're a fan of whiskey or not, learning about the history is sure to entertain anyone. Like learning that the founder of the most famous Irish whiskey, John Jameson, was actually a Scotsman. Or that the Latin on the bottle's label, Sine Metu, means "without fear". Open daily, the Old Jameson Distillery offers tours for €15 for adults and €8 for children younger than 18. Note that due to licensing laws in Dublin, you can't buy alcohol before 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. You can find the distillery North of the Liffey on Bow Street. For more information, visit the distillery's website.
W: [1-2 hours] Did you know that in Irish, whiskey is called uisce beatha and literally translates to "the water of life"? Chronicling the history of the Jameson family and the "water" they're known for, the Old Jameson Distillery no longer makes the hard stuff (that's done elsewhere) though it does offer tours that provide insight on just how to do it. Whiskey drinkers hail the tour (and the free tastings) as informative and fun, with energetic guides and a beautiful refurbished facility. Whether you're a fan of whiskey or not, learning about the history is sure to entertain anyone. Like learning that the founder of the most famous Irish whiskey, John Jameson, was actually a Scotsman. Or that the Latin on the bottle's label, Sine Metu, means "without fear". Open daily, the Old Jameson Distillery offers tours for €15 for adults and €8 for children younger than 18. Note that due to licensing laws in Dublin, you can't buy alcohol before 12:30 p.m. on Sundays. You can find the distillery North of the Liffey on Bow
W: Although the Abbey Theatre looks quite contemporary, even swanky with its glass front and the theater name bathed in blue light, the performance venue has turn-of-the-century origins. Famed poet, W.B. Yeats, along with another Irish writer, Lady Augusta Gregory, opened the national theater in 1904. It's since been rebuilt and now features 628 seats and a continuous playbill of Ireland's most promising playwrights.Visitors rave about the venue as the premier place to see quality theater in Dublin, adding that the performances never disappoint. Ticket prices vary by show but usually range between €10 and €40. About once a month, the theater offers backstage tours for €8. Located North of the Liffey on Lower Abbey Street, you can find performance information on the theater's website.
W: [2 hours to half day] Although the Abbey Theatre looks quite contemporary, even swanky with its glass front and the theater name bathed in blue light, the performance venue has turn-of-the-century origins. Famed poet, W.B. Yeats, along with another Irish writer, Lady Augusta Gregory, opened the national theater in 1904. It's since been rebuilt and now features 628 seats and a continuous playbill of Ireland's most promising playwrights.Visitors rave about the venue as the premier place to see quality theater in Dublin, adding that the performances never disappoint. Ticket prices vary by show but usually range between €10 and €40. About once a month, the theater offers backstage tours for €8. Located North of the Liffey on Lower Abbey Street, you can find performance information on the theater's website.
W: "Best Date Spot": This pub should win an award for being the prettiest boozer in Dublin, and will impress most people at first sight. The appeal goes beyond looks, though: it's also got a fun, laid-back atmosphere, serves gin cocktails in a teapot with saucers, and is in close proximity to several nice date restaurants, like Juniors and Farmer Browns.
W: "Best old-fashioned boozer": If you want a pint of the black stuff, a ham-and-cheese toastie, and a slice of real Dublin life, Grogan's is for you. You can sit outside and watch the hipsters go by on South William St and Castle Market (bonus for dog lovers -- there are usually a few pooches hanging on the terrace with their owners) or take a seat inside. The toilets aren't glamorous, and the drink selection isn't marvelous, but it's a Dublin institution nevertheless.
W: "Best craft beer bar": The recent craft beer boom means there are many, many joints where you can find local or specialist brews, but this pub wins because of the sheer scope of its offerings, the inclusion of craft whiskey from all over the world, and a delicious food menu to boot. Plus, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and the interior design is authentic without being too hipstery.
W: "Best whiskey bar": This is an old-fashioned pub beloved by Dubliners, which is rare in Temple Bar. Upstairs, it’s entirely dedicated to Irish whiskey, and the guys that run the place love the uisce beatha so much they invented their own brew. If you’re more into bourbon, give Bison Bar on the quays a go.
W: "Best gay bar": She's the self-proclaimed "Queen of Ireland," so it’s no surprise that Panti Bliss' bar is a favourite with gay and straight people alike. It hosts drag nights and bingo, but it’s also just a regular pub during the day, albeit one with snappy décor and a cool vibe.
W: "Best for traditional music": Famous for hosting the cream of the crop in Irish traditional music, the proximity of this bar to fancy hotels like the Merrion and the Shelbourne mean that celebrities often pop up in here. There's an open-air section for smokers or sun worshippers (on the rare event sunshine makes an appearance), as well as a couple of floors inside. Prices are reasonable, and the crowd is mostly professionals and trad worshippers.
W: "Best for bar food": This gastropub in the hip enclave of Stoneybatter is constantly winning awards for its fresh, beautifully presented, and delicious seasonal food. The pub itself is also popular for whiskey and craft beer, and hosts a fun, free quiz on the last Sunday of every month. If you’re in the neighbourhood, Walsh's pub a few doors down is great to watch a match or have a quiet pint.
W: "Best cocktail bar": Vintage is another rare find in Temple Bar, and there's no sign indicating this place even exists -- but if you know to knock on the black door, you’ll be escorted upstairs to a vintage paradise. The cocktails are fantastic (if not exactly cheap), and the smoking area is very cool too.
W: "Best beer garden": This north side watering hole boasts the city's biggest beer garden (which also handily has big screens to watch sporting events on). It’s a sun trap on a bright day, and a bit of a hidden gem not far from some of Dublin's biggest tourist traps. On the south side, Baggot St is your best bet for a winning beer garden -- both McGrattans and Toners are winners.
W: "Best Wine Bar": Hidden away in Georgian Dublin, off the beaten track, this gem of a bar will have you descend into calm and serenity as soon as you walk down its stairs. The wine menu is vast, the accompanying nibbles delicious, the crowd sophisticated, and the location classy. A brilliant spot to catch up with old friends or to take somebody you want to impress.
W: "Best for cheap drinks": Another Dublin institution, this is a sports bar, a nightclub, and a popular singles spot, but it's also known for its super-cheap drink promotions (typically on Sundays and student nights) -- and even when the promos are over, the drinks are a bargain. It opens really late, serves food in the early evenings, and has been the cause of many a hangover.
W: "Best rooftop bar": If you like your boozing al fresco at an elevated height, the very classy Marker Hotel is the place for you. High-end cocktails and bar bites, unparalleled views of the city’s docklands and beyond, and a very slick aesthetic mean this place is fun and seriously impressive. Call before you go, though, because it’s sometimes closed for private events.
W: "Best sports bar": This bar, adjacent to St Stephen's Green, wins because of its handy outdoor screens (for smokers and passers-by alike). It’s a huge place with several screens showing rugby, football, GAA, and even NFL games, and has a nice atmosphere for somewhere so central and popular -- and the drinks aren't a ripoff, either.
W: "Best bar to see and be seen": It’s a restaurant, a nightclub, and a bar, and it attracts Dublin's beautiful people in droves. There's a cool terrace overlooking the city's most famous strip of nightclubs (including Coppers) and an indoor bar surrounded by windows, offering a panoramic view of the south city.
W: "Best dive bar": It was a toss-up between this dark and mysterious boozer on the north side Luas tracks, and the pub across the road, Frank Ryans. Dice Bar won because it embodies the kind of dive you’d find in New York, the drinks are cheap and the music is always spot on.
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W: [1-2 hours.] St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Dublin and the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. Built on the site where St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts some 600 years earlier, this massive cathedral was erected between 1220 and 1259 with major restorations beginning in the 1860s. Today this is one of the most renowned and beloved churches in the world, hosting about 500,000 visitors annually. While you're here, make sure to spend plenty of time admiring the towering vaulted ceilings and the delicate details that accompany the Gothic style. Another must-see here is the tomb of famous author Jonathan Swift, author of "Gulliver's Travels."St. Patrick's Cathedral sits just west of Dublin's central core. Still a working church, the cathedral is open to the public every day (hours vary depending on the season and the day, to accommodate worship services) and admission is €6 for adults with student, family and group rates available. To learn more, visit the cathedral's webs
W: Also known as the "dead" zoo because of the many taxi-dermied creatures. All government run museums are free to the public.
W: [1-2 hours.] This beautiful park (known for remaining green throughout the year) is a great place to spend a day outside without leaving central Dublin. However, it wasn't always so pleasant: during the Middle Ages and up until the mid-17th century, this 27-acre park was used as the site for public punishment. In 1880, the park was purchased by Sir Arthur Guinness (yes, those Guinnesses) and then transformed into a more agreeable space. These days the park is maintained by the Office of Public Works and includes a playground and garden for the visually impaired. The green space is also home to 18 monuments dedicated to some of Ireland's most important figures. Past visitors to the garden appreciated the peaceful grounds as a hideaway in the middle of the city. St. Stephen's Green is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to dusk and on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to dusk. There is no entrance fee.
W: The residence of the President of Ireland in Dublin's Phoenix Park. Looks like America's white house. Tickets at Phoenix Park visitors centre and are on a first come first serve basis.
W: [2 hours to half day.] Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest and most notable college. Among its alumni are such renowned writers as Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde. Today, visitors from around the world come to explore the college's verdant campus and towering Gothic-style halls. But the real reason to visit is to take a gander inside the Old Library. These hallowed halls house an amazing collection of literature. Of all the books at the Old Library, the most famous and priceless one is "The Book of Kells." This illustrated version of the gospels was created around 800 A.D. by Celtic monks. The manuscripts' pages come to life with vibrantly hued depictions of Christ and his followers, bordered by intricate Celtic knots and other designs. Whether or not you're religious, previous visitors agree that seeing "The Book of Kells"in person is truly a sacred experience.Although some visitors complain that the fee to see "The Book of Kells" is a little steep, but everyone agrees th
W: [2 hours to half day] Widely known as one of the mote notable museums in Europe, the Chester Beatty Library is often overlooked by tourists. The library is home to an extensive collection of rare books, manuscripts and drawings dating back to 2700 B.C. The museum includes religious and artistic collections from across Asia, the Middle East, north Africa and Europe.The library's namesake comes from the American mining millionaire and collector, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, who donated his immense collection to Ireland when he passed in 1969. Works include Babylonian clay tablets, the Biblical Papyri and 260 different manuscripts of the Koran. Recent travelers describe the library as a cornucopia of cultural and religious information that's well curated and appropriate for all age groups. History buffs will be pleased to learn that admission to the library is free, and it includes guided tours on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons. Situated on the grounds of the Dublin Castle, the library also features a gift shop,
W: In Phoenix Park, dining at the Meerkat restaurant is a must, where a large viewing window allows you to watch over the meerkat exhibit from your seat.
W: [2 hours to half day] According to many, this gaol, or jail, gives its visitors one of the most unique looks into the darker side Irish history. Occupied from 1796 to the 1920s, the prison housed many famous figures in the fight for Irish independence, including Thomas Francis Meagher and James Connolly, and was also the site for more sinister executions and hangings. Additionally, the prison acted as a transportation point for approximately 4,000 prisoners to the convict colony of Australia in the early 19th century.The gaol was known for the harsh treatment of its inhabitants, with no segregation by gender until 1881 when it became an all-male prison and overcrowding forced staff to place up to five inmates in cells designed for one.Now a preserved museum, Kilmainham Gaol is very popular among visitors and many reported having to wait for the guided tour. Visitors suggested getting there early to ensure entry, but even those who had to wait said it was well worth it.While you're waiting to tour the prison,
W: [2 hours to half day] If you're an art lover, make sure to save some time for this extensive museum, which has housed Ireland's national air collection since 1852. Here you'll find numerous works by such renowned artists as Caravaggio, Van Gogh and the French Impressionists. But the main attractions are works from some of Ireland's masters, with an impressive collection of works by notable residents as William Leech, Roderic O'Conor and Jack B. Yeats. The National Gallery also hosts notable traveling exhibitions as well as concerts and lectures.The National Gallery of Ireland sits just a few blocks northwest of St. Stephen's Green and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (with extended hours on Thursdays) and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, so don't worry about trying to pack everything in to one day, you can always come back. For more information, check out the gallery's website.
W: The zoo dates back to 1831, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. The 70-acre zoo is home to more than 400 animals in a variety of large habitats. Popular exhibits include the Humboldt penguins and western lowland gorillas.Visitors praise the zoo for its size and commitment to the care of its animals. Plus, patrons say dining at the Meerkat restaurant is a must, where a large viewing window allows you to watch over the meerkat exhibit from your seat. You'll find Phoenix Park west of the city center, just north of Kilmainham Gaol. Phoenix Park is open all day every day, and you don't have to pay to wander. The zoo operates on varying hours and zoo admission costs €16.80 for adults and €12 for children. Special rates are available for groups. The park also offers guided Segway tours for a fee. Various attractions hold different hours, so check the park's website for more information.
W: This superb and highly affordable restaurant in the heart of Temple Bar was founded by the Michelin starred Irish chef Oliver Dunne. Here you will find friendly service in a relaxed setting as you enjoy some of the finest Irish cuisine, all made from the freshest local ingredients. You can also sample delightful European wines, colorful cocktails and locally brewed Irish craft beer. If you’re planning on dining out in Temple Bar, Cleaver East should be at the top of your list.
W: As the name implies, here we find a fascinating combination of Mexican and Italian cooking situated right opposite the famous Temple Bar pub itself. Mexico to Rome’s prices are very reasonable, especially considering the central location, and the fajitas and burritos are to die for. The open kitchen enables you to see the fresh food being prepared from scratch before your eyes, including their special Tex-Mex Baby Back Ribs in a Southern Comfort BBQ sauce.
W: A boxty is a distinctively Irish potato pancake that originated in the north of the country several centuries ago, and is currently undergoing something of a culinary renaissance. At the Boxty House, you can enjoy the very finest variants of the dish, both contemporary and traditional, such as the corned beef and cabbage boxty, as well as a wide selection of other types of food if you so desire, such as steak or lamb.
W: It is not too hard to get mixed up between the Irish and Italian flags, but quality Italian cooking is absolutely unmistakable wherever you find it. IL Vicoletto, a wonderful slice of Italy serves up beautiful pasta, pizza and ravioli in a Mediterranean-style setting, with accompanying Italian music, which is sure to put a big smile on your face. Head here for an excellent meal where ‘quality is never sacrificed’.
W: This jewel of a restaurant transports diners from Ireland to Indonesia, and provides a truly unique experience if you’re in the mood for something a little unconventional. Chameleon takes the tapas format and gives it an Indonesian twist, so you’ll have a diverse range of small dishes to choose between and share among your friends, all as you soak up an atmosphere you won’t experience anywhere else in Dublin.
W: This well-known establishment was opened in 1989 after an Irish chef was denied entry to the United States, which prompted his associates to set up in Dublin instead. The Elephant & Castle has gone from strength to strength ever since, and is now famous for its utterly delectable chicken wings and burgers. The restaurant is one of the busiest in Temple Bar, so you would be advised to book in advance to make sure you get a table.
W: If you’re after a more traditional Irish dining experience, then the Old Mill was designed to appeal to you. Few tourist can resist the lure of the ubiquitous fish and chips, especially if it is accompanied by a delicious pint of Guinness in a warm and cozy setting. Visit here and you’ll gain some first-hand experience of the legendary hospitality for which the Irish are internationally renowned.
W: Here you can enjoy fresh and authentic Japanese food in a cozy location, away from the hustle and bustle of the passing throngs of tourists. Presentation is everything in Japanese cuisine, and the staff at Banyi clearly take tremendous pride in their beautiful sushi and sashimi. The desserts are especially elaborate in style and taste, from the mango cheesecake to the chocolate fondant. Here the passion is much in evidence.
