Experience the “luck of the Irish” with a visit to the charming capital city of Dublin, Ireland.
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I felt inspired to share with you the details of my recent layover trip to Dublin, Ireland. The city is known for its historic architecture, unique culture, quirky street art, and (of course) those famous Irish pubs! Friendly locals acted as my incredible tour guides to the town’s most cherished attractions, allowing me to provide you with top recommendations on where to visit within Ireland’s capital.
The Temple Bar
For hundreds of years, travelers have come from across the globe to drink the finest Irish whiskey within the iconic walls of The Temple Bar. In fact, the pub possesses one of the largest inventories of whiskey in the entire world! If you desire to party at the most legendary bar in all of Dublin, then look no further, The Temple Bar is certainly the place for you!
Located in the heart of Dublin’s nightlife scene, this establishment is rich in history, dating back all the way to the early 1300s! The pub is extremely popular among artists and tourists alike, where traditional live music is performed daily, allowing all who visit to completely immerse themselves in Irish culture.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
As the largest cathedral in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s has been the centerpiece of Irish culture for over 800 years! Giving you access to one of the last standing buildings from medieval Dublin, the preserved Gothic architecture makes the church a must-see for visitors.
Founded in 1191, Saint Patrick’s is the most renowned church in the country and a highly recommended addition to your Dublin itinerary. Visitors can soak up and explore Irish history on a guided tour between 9 am and 5 pm daily.
Guinness Storehouse Factory
A trip to the original home of Guinness is a must on anyone’s vacation to Ireland. Located in St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is a 7-story exhibit that tells the 250-year history of the world-famous stout beer. This location is actually where I tried my first ever Guinness (and fittingly enough), the building’s interior is designed to look exactly like a pint of the acclaimed Guinness Stout!
During a tour of the factory, visitors can see the behind-the-scenes process and all of the ingredients that go into creating the perfect pint of Guinness. Be sure to check out the Gravity Bar on the top floor, where you can get a spectacular 360-degree view over Dublin!
Grafton Street
Grafton Street and its surrounding areas are what I consider to be downtown Dublin. “Ireland’s Premier Trading Street” contains one-of-a-kind shops, St. Stephen’s Green Park, historical, museums, and art galleries. I spent most of my afternoon in this area, as I absolutely adored the neighborhood’s small-town vibe and quaint European buildings.
Filled with notable restaurants and lively pubs, this narrow road is the heart of Dublin’s social scene. Shop, dine, and drink the night away with Irish locals all while absorbing the magical aura of Grafton Street!
On your next European vacation, be sure to stop in Dublin, Ireland, and explore these highlighted destinations!
