A Weekend in Dublin
- Adriana Daoust Mariette
- Nov 24, 2019
- 3 min read
Dublin is a fun and charming city that is a perfect, weekend destination. Next to the Irish Sea, the air is clean and fresh. The people are warm and friendly. There are no skyscrapers, and no snobby city vibes - just genuine people, places, and simple pleasures. Dublin will leave you with a chipper spirit. Whether you are staying for a weekend or a week, here are my top tips for visiting Dublin.
Take a tour on your first day Immediately get acquainted with the city and what it has to offer by taking a tour with a local guide. My favorite tours are through SANDEMANs. They offer multiple "free" tours every day. Don't let the word "free" give you the impression it is of lesser quality. The guides work for tips, so bring some cash. They have an extra incentive to provide you with a great tour (and they definitely deliver). They will take you through the best of the city while giving interesting background information and local, insider tips.
Experience the atmosphere of the Irish pubs There is something special about an Irish pub. You can feel it when you walk in. They buzz with a sweet energy. The people are talkative, the bartenders call you "honey," and live music plays in the evenings. Recommended pubs: The Stags Head (highly-rated Victorian pub), Hairy Lemon (traditional Irish food), Bad Bob's Temple Bar (fun music in the evenings), The Brazen Head (Dublin's oldest pub).
Study the Book of Kells in the Trinity College Library The renowned Book of Kells is a 680-page, illuminated text written in 800 AD. You can learn about the extensive level of detail and work put into its pages in the famous museum. Admission also gets you access to see the Trinity College Library that holds thousands more old books in its picturesque hall. Get your tickets in advance for this Dublin highlight.
Walk around Trinity College If, for any reason, you don't go to the Book of Kells while in Dublin, at least come here to see the stunning campus. The centuries-old college has beautiful greens and picturesque architecture. The historic part of the campus is small and easy to walk around in less than 30 min.
Stroll through St. Stephen's Green In the middle of the city, come see this green gem. St. Stephen's Green is a lovely, unique park. The outer section feels like a stroll through an Irish forest with winding paths and tall trees. When you reach the center, it turns into a manicured English garden with circles of bright flowers and palms. The water features attract ducks, swans, and seabirds, making it a tranquil spot in the middle of Dublin.
Pack for cool (and wet) weather Bring along your rain jacket or a small umbrella for the unexpected showers that sweep into Dublin. Also, consider a scarf and/or hat for those chilly sea breezes. Temperatures feel colder because of the rain and fresh wind that come off the Irish Sea.
Learn about Irish whiskey Even if you are not a huge whiskey fan, this is a fun experience especially in Dublin. Jameson whiskey is the most popular. The old Jameson Distillery offers tours to learn about their whiskey and the history of the company. Buy your tickets in advance and allow enough time to get here since it is not near the rest of Dublin's highlights. If you are interested in whiskey, but not the big brand, the Irish Whiskey Museum offers tasting tours for about the same price.
Go Guinness tasting While we are talking about booze, another sought-after Dublin experience is to visit the Guinness Storehouse. Learn about how it is made and the story of how it all began. Their facility also holds a fantastic view of the city. Book your tickets in advance to be sure you get the time that works with your itinerary.
Visit Kilmainham Gaol It is an old prison filled with important Irish history. Although I didn't get to visit this place personally, it is one of Dublin's most popular attractions, and our guide confirmed it is a must-see. Book your tickets a few weeks in advance, so you don't miss this key piece of Irish history.
Important details
Language: English & Irish (But, Irish is not necessary for tourism)
Currency: Euro
Electric outlet: British plug (Type G)
I hope this list can help you prepare for your trip to the Emerald Isle. However your plans unravel, Dublin is sure to leave a lasting charm. What else would you like to see in tips for visiting Dublin?
Comments