If you haven't visited Dublin yet then what are you waiting for?
It takes around an hour to get to the Irish capital from most UK cities, is ridiculously warm (in terms of friendliness and welcoming, not always the weather mind you), has a world-famous nightlife and pub scene which has been an inspiration for cities across the world, has a strong cultural identity and offering and a rich history too.
It's no wonder Dublin welcomes around six million passengers each year despite the entire country's population totalling just under five million.
Everyone wants to visit the majestic and culture-rich country and it's no wonder why. If you're planning your trip to Dublin, follow our super useful guide on where to stay, dine, drink and what to do in the city.
Where to stay in Dublin
Dublin has something for everyone. Whether it’s an Airbnb for a group of friends heading for a weekend away, a traditional low key hotel for those wanting to do authentic Ireland or the grand, luxe options if you’re treating yourself to a holiday on the Emerald Isle.
We love The Merrion, so iconic that everyone from the taxi driver who picks you up at the airport to the barman at the nearest local rushes to tell you it’s where Barack Obama reportedly stayed – and rented out, mind you – during his presidency.
So, does the hotel live up to its fit-for-president reputation? Definitely.
Set in a grade one listed Georgian townhouse opposite the office of the Taoisech Leo Varadkar, the hotel is traditional and grand in its décor, effusing serious West Wing vibes. The bedrooms can make you feel like Princess Margaret in an episode of The Crown: think four-poster beds, draped curtains, candelabra light fixtures and mahogany wardrobes.
The hotel is also home to two Michelin starred restaurant (Restaurant Patrick Guilbauds) well as the beautifully decorated The Garden Room which offers an A La Carte menu and impressive afternoon tea with an offering of finger sandwiches like roast chicken and truffle or smoked salmon, delicious and generous-in-size scones and pastries hand-designed by the Merrion’s resident pastry chef decorated with honey taken from the beehive on top of the building’s roof.
Where to eat in Dublin
If you’re venturing outside of the hotel to eat, Dublin has food offerings to cater for everyone. We cannot recommend enough the traditional Irish restaurant The Winding Stair.
Try and book to get a window seat as there are gorgeous views of the River Liffey which runs through the city, overlooking the famous Ha’Penny bridge. Situated above the bookshop of the same name, the restaurant has a rich history and is named after the Yeats poem of the same name.
The food is traditional Irish but with a modern twist, for example the mouth-watering dish of potato dumplings with parsnip puree, trompette mushrooms, sheep cheese from Rockfield, walnuts and parsnip crisps.
Elsewhere steak restaurant Shanahan’s On The Green in the affluent St Stephen’s Green area of the city holds icon status as does Chapter One and The Greenhouse.
Where to drink in Dublin
The ultimate cool girl eating and drinking venue in the city is Sophie’s rooftop bar and terrace atop of The Dean hotel on Harcourt Street. The venue is home to gorgeous panoramic views of the city inside, a heated outdoor terrace, excellent, crisp cocktails (the margaritas are divine). Speaking of margaritas, there’s also the delicious pizza kind at Sophie’s which goes perfectly with a side of Parmesan and Tarragon fries.
Elsewhere, the Temple Bar district is almost as famous as the city itself and is home to a huge selection of pubs and bars. Touristy though it may be, you can’t really go to Dublin and not wander down the cobbled streets finding your favourite pub of choice. Our preference? The Old Storehouse which almost always has live music and always has Guinness.
If you fancy continuing your night with more drinking and dancing we recommend Sam’s Bar on Dawson street.
What to do in Dublin
It may be a classic tourist experience but if you’re in the Irish capital you should tick it off your list. Yes we’re talking about visiting the Guinness Storehouse. In the land of Guinness, take the tour to learn about the origins of the beloved stout beer, the successful marketing techniques deployed along the way (‘My Goodness, My Guinness), receive a lesson in how to *actually* drink the drink – it’s not as straightforward as you think, you see – and finish the whole tour off with a pint of the stuff at the Storehouses’ panoramic top floor bar with spectacular views across the city.
If you’ve got more than a couple of days in the city, take the DART train out to the end of the line to visit Howth. The Irish harbour is home to beautiful seaside walks, where if you’re lucky you’ll spot the area’s resident Irish seals and traditional Irish pubs offering fish and chips, Irish coffees and plenty of traditional folk music.
In the centre of the city, there’s famous landmarks to tick off too like Ireland’s answer to Oxbridge, Trinity College and the historic Book of Kells which is kept there. There’s also Dublin Castle, the Molly Malone statue, the Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedral, Phoenix Park and the Spire which centres the city on O’Connell Street.
Dublin should also not be overlooked when it comes to spa days and if it’s pampering you’re after, then the Merrion’s newly refurbished spa should be your destination. Having undergone a major revamp in the summer of 2019, the new development has six treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, gym and 18-metre infinity pool which is set against a hand-painted mural backdrop.
Using products from premium skincare brands Biologique Recherche and ESPA, the treatments are more clinical and targeted than your average spa which let’s be honest is much-needed if you’ve booked a spa day to detox. Following treatments, guests are then led to the plush and sleepy Relaxation room where you’re served a green tea and green juice leaving you feeling fully recharged and like the epitome of health.
How to get to Dublin
The easiest way to get to the Irish capital is by air, where there are multiple flights per day in the majority of UK airports via Aer Lingus, British Airways and Ryanair.
If you’re coming from Holyhead Wales or Liverpool then you can also catch the ferry and sail across the Irish Sea.
