Your Ultimate Travel Guide to visiting Dublin, Ireland.

MemoirsofaMountainGirl
Feb 3, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Jun 5, 2020

Dublin is my home away from home. I lived here for 5 years whilst at Uni, and now with my job split between London and Dublin, I travel back at least once per month and fall a little bit more in love with the city each time I return. When I left Dublin in 2011, the country was amidst the recession and restaurants and bars were closing on every corner… now the city is thriving again! I can’t keep up with all the latest openings (but I do try my very best). When people tell me they have been to Dublin, they typically describe a Hen or Stag weekend where they have spent perhaps two days and two nights in the city centre, dancing around the cobbled streets of temple bar. Whilst the feedback is generally positive, it saddens my heart a little as the city has so much more to offer. The Dublin I know, and love is vibrant and happening, boasting cuisines from all over the world, the restaurant scene is back and its better than ever. You have the city but by the sea. The air is cleaner, fresher and yes it rains sometimes and is maybe a little grey sometimes but immerse yourself in the culture and the history and the architecture of the city and you won’t be disappointed.

Trust me when I say – There is more to Dublin than Guinness and Temple Bar! (although both do feature in my itinerary) This is not an exhaustive list but is a good starting point whether it is your first trip to the islands' capital or your 24th. Enjoy your Trip.xx

Accommodation Dublin:

Budget Smudget? if you've got a wallet like Jay-Z....

The Marker Hotel – has the total package – The Spa, The Rooms, The Dining Experience and The Rooftop views to boot.

The Shelbourne Hotel – A distinguished, Classical hotel in the heart of Dublin, over looking St. Stephen’s green. Boasting some of the best hidden gems in the capital. Pop up for a cocktail at the Newley renovated 1824 bar.

The Merrion Hotel – 5 star chic, understated Elegance. Celebrating something special? Check out the 2-star Michelin Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.

For the Trendy Traveler?

The Dean Hotel – Situated on one of Dublin’s renown streets for night life – Harcourt Street – this is a cool hotel with townhouse vibes. Check out Sophie’s restaurant / bar on the top floor with Birdseye views of the city and some pretty epic cocktails. (Good for the gram) and the food is pretty great too.

The Devlin – Owned by the same group as the Dean hotel, the Devlin is the fashionable little sister. A boutique hotel in the heart of Ranelagh village (a trendy little neighborhood in South Dublin not far from the city centre). Check out Layla’s rooftop restaurant or if you are at a lose end there is The in house Stella Cinema Theatre showing some of Hollywood’s blockbusters or cult classics. Whatever you’re into.

Where to Eat/Drink

For My top tips on all things foodie in Dublin check out my other Blog Posts for the best culinary experiences in Dublin:

The Best Bars / Nightlife in Dublin

My Top 21 Cool Restaurants for Dinner Dates in Dublin

The Best Brunch Spots in Dublin

Top Things to Do and See in Dublin

Culture Vulture? Put these places of interest on your Dublin Itinerary:

Take the Viking Splash Tours

For an alternative way to see the sights of Dublin - hop on the Viking Spash tour - a Hybrid tour of Dublin on both land and water. Its informative and fun. I had a little ride around the city last summer and picked up some little nuggets I didn't know about the city before. I learn something new every time I visit Dublin. The city that keeps on giving.

Dublin Central Districts / Area's of Interest

Grafton Street / St. Stephen’s Green area: best for shopping, people watching, great busking and coffee - make sure you sample the Hot Chocolate from Ireland's famous chocolatier - Butlers cafe.
Temple Bar: For Cobbled Streets and Traditional Irish Music. (be wary – it gets very rowdy on weekends with stag and hen parties) Check out a restaurant called the Elephant and Castle which is famous for its chicken wings. Robertas is cute. I went here recently with my girlfriends – They have a great big wood fired pizza oven, cozy little booths and a great big bar in the middle. Oliver John Gogarty’s – for Sunday Carvery, trad music and Irish dancing is a must!
South William Street: Best for Restaurants and Bars. Coppinger row is one of my personal faves.
Dawson Street: A long Street filled with Bustling Bars and Restaurants and a few little coffee shops dotted in between.

In search of Scenery and Sea Views? Check out my other blog post on the Best Walks in Dublin and Surrounding Areas

Head out of town to any of these beautiful coastal suburbs of Dublin which are accessible on public transport in just under 30 minutes. This is a perfect way to shake any hangover! My favourite is the coastal walk out to Howth Head by the Coast. A great walk for blowing the cobwebs away.