If you know where to head to, Dublin is one heck of an exciting city to explore.
From the charm of the Irish, the rivers of Guinness and centuries of Irish history (and architecture), Dublin it a terrific place to experience.
Okay, rivers of Guinness may be a slight exaggeration but there really are so many amazing experiences to sink your teeth into in the Irish capital.
Whether you’re looking for some of the best places to eat, drink or have a good old fashioned boogie, Dublin has it all.
Take a look at the very best places to include on your trip to Dublin; some of which are good old favourites while others are relatively unknown gems just waiting to be explored!
1.) Eat like a pauper
Ireland is famous for its seafood, with shellfish being a historic favourite that’s becoming ever more popular once again.
Once considered ‘paupers’ food (as they were freshly available from the shore), there has been a surge in restaurants once again serving the very best in Irish shellfish.
Take a wander over to Klaw, near Ha’Penny Bridge for a delicious take on a paupers meal! Read more here on the best places to eat in Dublin.
Top tip: Try the Oyster juice Bloody Mary and the blow torch heated chowder!
2.) Gorge in chocolate heaven
Cocoa Atelier makes some of the best chocolate in all of Dublin! Head over to their heavenly parlour on Drury Street and discover some of the delicious treats that await you!
Top tip: Try the salted caramel macaroons and traditional Irish chocolates!
3.) Become a bookworm at The Long Room
Trinity College Library is, arguably, the prettiest library in all of Europe and the largest in the whole of Ireland. Take a wander through its impressive chambers and discover a wealth of knowledge that’ll leave you book smart!
Top tip: Make sure you visit the Long Room which houses the libraries oldest books.
4.) Enter a Willy Wonka world of Guinness conceptions
The Open Gate Brewery is more than just a brewery – it’s more of a Willy Wonka style laboratory to make the most delicious beer, stout and ale recipes in all the world. With one of a kind flavours and mixes coming from whiskey, chocolate and other ingredients from across the globe, this is worth visiting when you visit Dublin.
Top tip: Make sure to ask for a tasting tray, so you can guzzle as many flavours as possible.
5.) Sip an afternoon tea at Bewley’s
Nestled on Grafton Street, Bewley’s is a great place to stop for some of the best in Irish tea.
Top tip: Visit around Christmas for its beautiful and magical setting!
6.) Find a whiskey house!
Whiskey and Ireland are just natural fits next time you’re in Dublin, head over to Teelings to try some of the best whiskey inside the city.
This family-run distillery makes some pretty delicious treats and they’ll even let you take a tour to learn all about distilling that famous Irish nectar.
It was free when we visited but it’s worth checking in advance with them in advance of visiting. Read more on visiting Teeling, here.
Top tip: Line your tummy with some food before going, the whiskey is STRONG! 😉
7.) Visit the Guinness Storehouse
Like it or not, every visit to Dublin should include a visit to the Storehouse! Take a wander around the brewery and learn about the heritage of Guinness that is so much more than just the drink! See more details on where and how to visit the Guinness Storehouse, here.
Top tip: Don’t forget to visit the Rooftop bar for great views across the city!
8.) Discover Central Dublin
Take a wander through Temple Bar, follow the walking route of the river, or just find as many delicious restaurants as you can! Dublin city centre is a really accessible city and easy to walk around, which is made even better when the sun comes out to play.
Top tip: Take a decent pair of shoes, those cobbled streets look pretty but after 6 hours of walking, you’ll be glad you wore trainers. 😉
9.) Taste wine and eat local in the cellars
If you’ve had enough Guinness for one visit, then take a trip over to Ely’s Bar, which is officially Ireland’s oldest wine venue.
Their cellars are packed to the brim with some of the very best wines in all the land… talk about a perfect place for a liquid lunch.
Top tip: Try their dinner menu – made from all local ingredients, Ely’s Bar prides itself on its heritage of supporting local food producers.
10.) Have an Irish jig
This is probably the easiest one on the list as its quite easy to find many bars and pubs in Dublin who have traditional Irish dancing.
I’m not typically one for watching dancers in a bar/pub but you really have to make an exception when it comes to Irish dancing.
Read more: Best places in Ireland to explore
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