Destination Expert: Dublin
This week's destination expert is all about the wonderful city of Dublin, Ireland. I may be biased after spending a summer there, but Dublin is truly unique with its charming people and rich history. Planning on a trip to Dublin? Read on for the best restuarants, hotels, and things to do in Dublin from a local expert!
What makes you an expert on Dublin?
Originally from Austria, I have been working for Wallace Travel Group, an established Destination Managament Company & Tour Operator in Ireland for more than 5 years and have lived in Dublin for 7 years. My job involves finding new creative activity ideas in Dublin all the time so I am always on the look-out for great restaurants and off the beaten track activities.
Make sure to enjoy a Guiness while in Dublin!
What makes Dublin unique?
It’s definitely the people who live in Dublin. Dublin is an extremely laid-back and fun loving city and its citizens really make it special. People are very open minded and have a good approach towards life. They are welcoming, curious and full of stories (which they’re more than happy to share – you don’t even have to ask – they will talk to you!). There is always a good buzz in the city with its busy & colourful pub scene, interesting buskers on every
Where are the best places to eat? What should visitors order?
The best fine dining restaurant in my opinion is Chapter One, It’s a real gem on the North side of the city. Besides their top notch food, their waiting staff are fantastic and will give you a little history about the restaurant.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to take the DART (Dublin’s coastal train line) and visit the little fishing village of Howth (30 min. train ride). It’s a quaint and beautiful village. Go for a stroll on the pier and get fish & ships in Beshoff’s – Dublin’s best spot for fish & chips overlooking the harbor.
For some traditional Irish “pub grub” visit The Bank Bar on College Green”. Their Braised Beef & Guinness Pie is a must.
What are some must see/do activities in Dublin?
- Take the DART from the city center to one of the little seaside villages (Howth or Malahide in the North or Dalkey, Bray in the South)
- Visit Trinity College & the Book of Kells
- Try to get into the Guinness Storehouse very early in the morning to avoid queues.
- Visit the Old Jameson Distillery and take part in a Whiskey Tasting.
- Take part in a walking tour of Dublin.
- Visit Kilmainham Jail.
Dublin Street Market
Where are the best places for nightlife in Dublin?
If you’re looking for fun Irish pubs with traditional music stick around the Temple Bar area. Some of Dublin's best night spots, restaurants and unusual shops line these narrow, cobbled streets running between the Bank of Ireland and Christ Church Cathedral. If you’re looking for more upscale bars & nightclubs head to the Stephen’s Green & Dawson Street area where you’ll find popular venues such as Pink Nightclub, Café en Seine, Krystle Nightclub, Lillies Bordello (this is a nightclub!)
Pub musicians in Dublin
Name three/five of your favorite places to stay: High end Hotels? Budget friendly places?
High-end hotels:
Budget friendly places:
1) Woodbook Lodge B&B in Sandymount
What is Dublin’s best kept secret?
Sweny’s bookstore on Dame Street. Sweny’s used to be a pharmacy that is featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, and is described in sumptuous detail within the novel, a description which stands to this day. Today, Sweny’s is maintained by volunteers, dedicated to preserving the shop as it was in Joyce’s time. Here you will find a selection of second-hand books and the perfect location for daily readings of Joyce’s works. Not forgetting, of course, the lemon-scented soap that made the shop famous! All proceeds from the sale of the famous soap, books, postcards etc. go towards the upkeep and preservation of this important literary landmark.
Busy shopping streets of Dublin
What souvenir should everyone leave with after visiting Dublin?
Sweny’s lemon soap!
If you are traveling with a group to Dublin make sure to check out Wallace Travel Group. For more information on Doris, the author, see her bio on their site.
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