Everyone wants to feel the luck of the Irish, and there’s no place better to experience that than Dublin. The capital of Ireland has a rich history behind it as a ninth-century Viking settlement and home to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It also has one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world with a massive six-day festival filled with music, dancing and a deep appreciation for Irish culture. While this year’s festival is going virtual, there’s still much to experience in this lucky land.
Where To Stay
The first thing you’ll want to decide before venturing to Dublin is where you’ll be staying. The historic Merchant Hotel was restored in 2005 to preserve its 18th-century suites named after Irish writers W.B. Yeats, Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Bram Stoker. The Dean, meanwhile, has 52 rooms in six distinct styles from modern to cozy, plus the rooftop bar offers some of the best views in the city. The Spencer Hotel has a relaxing spa, sauna and steam room that will help you decompress, and the Clayton Hotel provides the comfort and convenience of being located in the city center. But if luxury is what you’re looking for, The Merrion is where it’s at. This five-star hotel combines some of the most stunning Georgian architecture with Ireland’s largest private collection of 19th and 20th-century art, making this beauty one of the most gorgeous marvels in the city.
What To Do
Once you’re settled in, there is no shortage of fun things to do. Start by heading to Trinity College and checking out its extensive 200,000-book library, or stroll through the National Botanic Gardens and experience its exotic and colorful florals. The Dublin Zoo is one of Phoenix Park’s most popular attractions with more than 400 animals. If the lions look a little familiar, that’s because its ancestor Leo was used in MGM’s movie logos in the early ’60s. Experience Gaelic Games will teach you how to play skilled Irish sports like hurling and handball, and Wild Rover Tours will take you through all of the locations used to film HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” And no trip to Dublin is complete without a stiff taste of genuine Irish spirits, which you can sample at the Guinness Storehouse Factory, the Jameson Distillery and the Irish Whisky Museum.
Where To Eat
When it comes to pub grub, Dublin is king, and there are endless options to consider in its downtown restaurant scene. You can grab a hearty Irish breakfast at several joints like The Bakehouse, O’Neill’s and The Hairy Lemon, and you won’t be judged for having a tall pint of Guinness early in the morning. Leo Burdock has been serving its famous fish ’n’ chips since 1913, and it even has a wall of fame dedicated to celebrities who have dined there. Delahunt offers its own twist on boxty potato pancakes, and quick-hit spots like Bunsen and Bobo’s offer flavorful organic Irish beef burgers. But one of the most popular dishes is the beef stew, and few places satisfy as much as the Church Cafe by Mary Street. Its slow-cooked lamb with root vegetables and baby potatoes will make you fall in love with one bite.
Where To Explore
There are several photogenic sights to explore in Dublin, and you won’t want to miss them before you leave. Built in 1816, the Ha’Penny Bridge is one of the oldest historical sites in Dublin and lights up in a colorful display at night. The National Leprechaun Museum is entirely dedicated to Irish folklore and mythology, while the Little Museum of Dublin has three floors housing 5,000 exhibits dedicated to 20th-century events. The historic Dublin Castle provides an even deeper look back at the 13th century, and the Spire provides an impressive display standing at 120 meters high. Get away from all of the hubbub by taking a breather at the pond at St. Stephen’s Green park. After all, nothing says Ireland like green spaces.