With its striking architecture, great food, legendary pubs and charm to spare, Dublin has something for everyone.
Where to Stay
The beautiful, historic Trinity College campus is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a mid-range option ($90-$130) that’s close to the city’s hottest spots. We loved exploring the grounds and checking out The Long Room, a stunning library with a curved-dome ceiling, sky-high shelves, ladders and countless rare and antique books.
Where to Eat
For your morning mocha, head to traditional Irish coffee house Bewley's. The three-storey spot (with a view of Grafton Street) boasts delicious roast coffee ($3) and yummy treats like the mixed berry scone ($3).
For a trendy yet laidback atmosphere, head to Nude, a restaurant owned by the brother of U2 frontman Bono. We loved the picnic-style dining, fresh fruit smoothies and pasta, sandwiches, soups and salads on offer ($6-$15).
For a hearty buffet-style meal with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, look no further than Cornucopia (meals from $10-$20). We feasted on Veggie Shepherd’s Pie, Sweet Potato and Cauliflower Makani, and Basil Nut Filets. And with a variety of dessert options (think Vegan Chocolate Cake and decadent Chocolate Orange Torte) we were quick to return the next day.
What to Do
While you can grab a Guinness at any of the city’s numerous pubs, taking a tour of the Guinness Storehouse ($20) is a great way to get an idea of how your pint is processed. We explored the first six floors and got to know Guinness before we enjoyed a refreshing pint at the seventh-floor Gravity Bar. It was worth the wait — the bar’s 360-degree view of Dublin through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows made it the perfect spot to sip our pints.
In the mood to shop? Grafton Street is a good place to start. We hit up trendy boutiques BT2 and A-wear as well as Brown Thomas (the Irish equivalent of Holt Renfrew). After all that retail therapy, we relaxed with a stroll – and a seat – in the park at sprawling St. Stephen’s Green.
For a nighttime pint, we checked out Café en Seine (+353 1 667 4567). This extravagant spot, complete with a grand piano, a glass foyer and an old-fashioned elevator that takes you to each of its three floors, is a must-see.