Planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland, and unsure of what to see? Here is a quick list of suggestions for places worth seeing while there.
Stay at The Schoolhouse Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin. Once St. Stephens Parochial School, this quaint four-star hotel dates back to 1861 and is the perfect distance from the more hopping Temple Bar area of Dublin. The 31-room hotel maintains an old-fashioned feel while supplying all the comforts of a modern hotel, including a restaurant and bar.
Day 1
Explore the city! Though there are plenty of taxis available, you can walk Dublin in 45 minutes or so, and the colorful Georgian style doors and the ubiquitous Insomnia Coffee shops make it an enjoyable walk. Head over to Dublin Castle where the lawns have a maze of green Celtic symbols carved into them and explore the surrounding gardens. Next, head to the Temple Bar area for shopping, and for dinner, try Gallagher’s Boxty House known for it’s authentic Irish cuisine — the boxty and beef stew are amazing! Afterwards, you can either explore the Temple Bar night life, or if you prefer a quieter evening, head back to the Schoolhouse Bar, where you can curl up by the fireplace or get cozy in one of the nooks on the smaller second floor. Try one of the local beers on tap or ask the bartender/waiter to provide a tea set for a nice warm cuppa.
Day 2
Start the morning out with a walk in Merrion Square and find the statue of the famed Oscar Wilde near some of his more famous quotes. After, make your way via a leisurely walk or quick cab ride over to the Guinness Storehouse. Whether you are a Guinness fan or not, the storehouse is worth the tour! There are over seven floors of interactive exhibits, including the chance to learn to pour the perfect beer. Finish the day with a glass of your favorite Guinness brew in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city. Though often crowded, the view is incomparable, and the windows are labeled with information on the famous structures in the skyline.
Day 3
Take a tour of the Trinity College library with its floor-to-ceiling books, and make sure to see the Book of Kells on display there. Tour the campus, then check out the shops on Nassau Street near the college. Stop by Trinity Crafts for a perfect place to buy handmade souvenirs like unique scarves or small trinkets for friends. If you want to explore the outer reaches of the city, there is a Dublin Writer’s Museum in the Parnell Square area; however, the display is unfortunately small with no brochures for reference — this is recommended only for bibliophiles. End the day at the The Brazen Head pub: Rumored to be the oldest surviving pub in Dublin, it can trace its roots back to 1198; go early, as there is limited seating.
For further travels in Ireland, check out such cities as Kilkenny, with its famed Kilkenny Castle, the Newgrange burial grounds, and the Ring of Kerry!