This was going to be a continuation of my recent trip, highlighting Paris and the Loire Valley, but after watching POTUS travel to Ireland this past week, I decided to do a “Best of Dublin” for those of you that may be traveling there in the coming months.
When Biden said, “I feel like I’m home!” it truly made me homesick for Ireland and I can’t wait to get back later this year. Here are some touristy must do’s, some of my favorites and some from Gina …
Places to stay & see …
- The Westbury Hotel … upscale hotel recommended by Gina & my daughter’s friend, Monica, who stayed there on her recent visit
- The Shelbourne Hotel … 5-star luxury hotel … the the visiting dignitaries stay here
- Epic Museum … voted best museum in Europe (still have to get to this!)
- Guiness Storehouse … yes, touristy, but can you say you’ve been to Dublin if you don’t go? Great view from the top!
- Grafton Street … take a stroll down this famous pedestrian street. yeah, again, crowded and touristy, but some things you just have to experience.
- Trinity College …walk the beautiful grounds and maybe see the Book of Kells
(I really enjoyed the Long Room more, but part or all of it may be closed due to renovations.) - Temple Bar area … another obligatory tourist area, but the Temple Bar or Stags Head are big pubs, have live music & a lovely place to stop for a pint. While you’re in the area take a stroll across the Ha’penny Bridge
- Dublin Castle & Chester Beatty Library … and grab a bite to eat or afternoon tea at Silk Road Cafe
- Wicklow … Take a day trip down to the beautiful Wicklow mountains and have a meal at Kilruddery Grain Store ..cute little shop too
- Howth (pronounced HOth long O) … take the DART to this beautiful coastal town, have lunch &/or hike along the Howth Cliff Walk. Travel back via the water on Dublin Bay Cruises into Dun Laoghaire (pronounced Dunleery), walk around this cute town and then take the DART back to Dublin.
- Marsh’s Library first public library in Ireland, open in 18th century.
- MoLi … Museum of Literature and their charming gardens … or stop for a quiet bite to eat at The Common’s Cafe
- Parks to rest your weary feet … St. Stephen’s Green or Merrion Square right in the main area or rent a bike and explore the very large Phoenix Park
Restaurants and Pubs …
- Mr. Fox … seasonal menu … 78 euro
- Six by Nico … such a cool concept, 6 courses, the menu and theme changes every 6 weeks… 55 euro
- Sophie’s at the Dean … good food, nice view
- Matt the Thresher … great food, where The Obama’s dined
- O’donoghue’s … loud, fun pub with trad sessions
- Brazen Head … oldest pub in Dublin
- Kehoes … Traditional Irish pub
- Neary’s Bar & Loungs … pub & food
- Lemon & Duke and Lennan’s Yard … young & trendy and they also have food
- Cafe en Seine … Paris meets Dublin at this gorgeous spot with a-la-carte menu, or set menu for 46e
- Bowes Bar and Doyles … two bars frequented by Trinity students that have food
- The Sidecar (bar at the Westbury Hotel) … pricier, elegant 30’s cocktail bar, walk-in only, and a bit more dressy,
- One of the 3 bars at the Shelbourne Hotel … this is for a fancier, dressy evening
There are a so many more places to discover and meals to be eaten, but as always, please leave plenty of time for wandering to discover your own special places!
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
