There are so many restaurants to choose from in Dublin. You almost don't even need a plan, because you are bound to stumble upon plenty of adorable places in your wanderings. However, if you would like some suggestions we highly recommend:
WHERE TO EAT
Elephant & Castle for brunch. Great location for people watching (if you can get a seat by the window... you're super cool. We were not even close to the window.) 37 Dawson Street is filled with super cool hipster people. (More of a modern style than grungy hipsters.) The decor is worth just walking in for, but you should definitely stay for a bite and a cocktail or two. Farrier & Draper is stunning. If you're looking for a good romantic spot, this is it. You can sit fireside while enjoying a great meal. After you can check out some shopping at all the boutiques. Finally, if you have a car definitely make a trip to Johnnie Fox's! It's a bit of a hike, literally it's up on top of a mountain. On the drive you will be shocked that there can actually be a restaurant on the top, but there is.. keep going! Johnnie Fox's is the highest pub in Ireland and has such a great traditional atmosphere.
WHERE TO DRINK
Oh boy... where to begin. Where is not good to grab a pint in Dublin? Here is a list of some of our favorites that are worth checking out. O'Donoghue's (there is more than one, but go to the one by Grafton Street and ask for Gavin or Joe.) East Side Tavern, Merchants Arch, Brazen Head (the oldest bar in Ireland,) Garage Bar (for rock and roll vibes,) Fitzsimmons, Porter House, and Auld Dubliner. Almost all of these bars have live music regularly, which was so fun to partake in. You can really feel Dublin's energy at a bar with some live music. People will be dancing and singing and stomping their feet guaranteed, so dress accordingly.
WHERE TO STAY
Pictured above is the beautiful Beacon Hotel. It is a 20 minute Luas ride away from Dublin City Center, but it is absolutely beautiful. The decor, the service, the food, the bed... (still dreaming about that bed) all were incredible! One of our biggest regrets in Dublin is not taking a bath in that awesome tub.
WHERE TO SHOP
Grafton street is the main drag for shopping in Dublin. It is the perfect street for strolling and/or doing some major damage. If you are looking for boutiques they are all over, so make sure not to miss the little alley ways with shops. Powerscourt Centre is an old mansion that was converted into a little shopping center with lots of great stores and restaurants. Definitely peruse the streets in that area as well for little shops!
WHAT SITES TO SEE
Of course, there is never enough time to see everything. So, we'll be making a trip back again very soon! The spots we went to and loved: Dublin Castle(we went rogue and skipped the audio tour,) Saint Patrick's Cathedral (take a few minutes, if it's warm enough to sit in the park there and take in the view.) Teelings Whiskey Distillery, and the Guinness Store House (make sure you go to the rooftop bar and check out the view of Dublin.) Every time we went to go to the library at Trinity College it was closed. However, if you do have the opportunity make sure you check that out as well.
Such an incredible trip! Thank you to Relovate for making it possible and WAY easier. Stay tuned for more posts from the trip!
Xx, WanderLust Girls