A Few Days in Dublin
Dublin is the kind of city that you feel you know, as soon as you land. It is probably down to a few things - it is walkable, people are friendly to the point of being downright nosey and you can squeeze in so much over a few hours. It's a place where medieval manuscripts sit a few streets from craft cocktail bars, where the best of traditional music spills out of pubs every night, and where dramatic coastal cliffs, country estates and history older than the pyramids are just a short train ride away. It’s no surprise the city consistently earns glowing reviews from travelers and ranks among the world’s favorite destinations.
If you’re planning a trip and want the fun, immersive, memory building trip — not just quick photo stops — then Dublin is for you. Normally, I try to avoid the more touristy spots but in Dublin's case, I say, jump in. Do it all, even the big names like Guinness or Trinity.
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Places to Visit in Dublin
Trinity College, the Book of Kells & the Long Room
If Dublin has a “heart,” it’s here. Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university and home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated manuscript widely considered one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. The site is packed in the summer months so booking early and finding the right time, is essential. I say get here first thing in the morning as you will want to spend time pouring over the truly wondrous manuscripts. Make time to wander the campus, a haven of learning for centuries in the heart of the city. Book your Trinity College tour.
The Guinness Storehouse: Ireland’s Most Iconic Visitor Experience
Set inside a seven-storey building shaped like a giant pint glass, the Guinness Storehouse (or as I like to call it, the Mothership) is one of Ireland’s most visited attractions. The experience blends history, brewing science, and DIsneyesque, inventive storytelling before ending at the Gravity Bar, where panoramic views stretch across the city skyline. That's where the gold lies - a pint of Arthur's finest. Whether you love stout or not, this is Dublin’s essential stop. Book your Guinness Storehouse visit.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Modern, interactive, and surprisingly emotional, EPIC tells the story of Irish people around the world. Having lived the stories to be found in this truly immersive experience, I can't go without feeling immense sadness for the stories of our Great Hunger but also as someone who lived the American dream, reading about the countless others who made their way in the world after leaving Ireland. If you have kids this is the spot with touchscreens, immersive storytelling, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s global influence — from music and literature to politics and science. A true learning experience. Book your EPIC visit.
Whiskey Experiences
You know you can't leave Ireland without learning where whiskey comes from. You could make an adult day out by pairing your trip to Guinness with a whiskey tour down the road at Roe & Company. It isn't just a distilling class. They have make your own cocktail experiences, food pairings and it might just be best to have transport waiting to take you back to the hotel. Book your Roe & Company whiskey blending experience and distillery tasting experience.
Art
Look, I am biased here. I think there is nowhere more amazing than the National Gallery of Ireland. Admission is free and does not require booking. Located on Merrion Square in Dublin, the gallery is open 7 days a week, with hours generally from 10:00 to 17:30, and until 20:30 on Thursdays. The collection is world class but I am there to witness the great Irish art of Jack Yeats.
Afternoon Stroll: St Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street
After lunch, wander through St Stephen’s Green, a Victorian park surrounded by grand Georgian houses. Musicians, families, and visitors fill the pathways, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for an afternoon walk. Exit toward Grafton Street, Dublin’s famous pedestrian high end shopping avenue, where talented buskers perform daily. Many internationally known Irish musicians began right here on this street. Be sure to check out the Gaiety Theatre, where I have sung many time. You can catch a performance of Riverdance from May to September. You might also want to stop at my favorite Dublin pub, Nearys, for a quiet pint.
Evening: Dublin’s Musical Heart
No visit to Dublin would be complete without an evening in a Dublin pub. Live music is woven into the city’s identity, and performances or as we call them, sessions often begin early in the evening. I am begging you to give Temple Bar, the nightlife district a miss and get to a pub with real traditional music, a better and definitely cheaper pint. I would try The Cobblestone where you heard Aoife Scott sing “Dublin Can Be Heaven” on my show. I would also try O’Donoghues or Darkey Kellys.
I am not a mad fan of the touristy "traditional" shows with music, songs and Irish dance, I much prefer the more authentic Irish pub scene where you can find local singers and musicians performing. However, if I had to pick one themed show, I would go with The Irish House Party. The food was tasty, and the artists served high quality "trad". I had a blast.
Dublin Day Trips
If Dublin is your base for a few days, I would wholeheartedly recommend some day trips out of the city.
Newgrange and the Boyne Valley
Older than the Egyptian pyramids, Newgrange is one of Europe’s most extraordinary prehistoric sites. Built over 5,000 years ago, this ancient passage tomb aligns with the rising sun during the winter solstice.
Guided tours reveal the ingenuity of Ireland’s earliest inhabitants and offer a sense of deep time rarely felt elsewhere. For many culturally curious travelers, this becomes a highlight of the entire trip.
Do Dublin offer connections from convenient locations or you can book something more customized with a pick up at your hotel.
Newgrange and Boyne Valley Day Tour
Private Day Tour of Newgrange & Monasterboice from Dublin
Newgrange and The Boyne Valley Luxury Tour
Powerscourt House, Gardens and Distillery
I badly need you to take this day out from the city to escape to a palladian world of elegance with gardens that I believe rival Versailles, a remarkable grand house with sordid stories abound, the best lunch you can have on the east coast and one of my favorite distilleries in the country.
Wicklow, Glendalough & Powerscourt Day Tour
Private Glendalough and Powerscourt House Day Tour
Powerscourt Distillery - Whiskey & Food Tour
Powerscourt Distillery - Distillery & Warehouse Tour & Tasting
Howth
A short DART train ride to Howth from Pearse, Tara Street, or Connolly Station will have you at a gorgeous harbour, a world away from the city, in a half hour. You could try walking the Howth Head cliffs, visiting the Baily Lighthouse, seal spotting in the harbor, or taking the Ireland's Eye boat ride out in the harbor. For incredible seafood, I would aim for Octopussy's Tapas or The Pier House.
Dublin City to Howth Boat Cruise
Howth Safari Trek
Howth Hiking Tour in Spanish
Hidden Howth Experiences - Dublin Coastal Hike & Pints
Ireland's Eye / Howth Cliffs Boat Cruise
Dún Laoghaire to Howth Boat Cruise
Ireland's Eye / Howth Cliffs Boat Cruise
Where to Stay in Dublin
The Shelbourne is Dublin's elegant townhouse on Stephen's Green with quiet rooms in soft tones and other worldly charm but still in the thick of it. Steeped in Dublin's turbulent history, the hotel is a storybook of political and cultural life in the capital. The resident's bar might just be my favorite on the planet. Book The Shelbourne
The Westbury is a top tier 5 star luxury boutique hotel just off Grafton Street. You can't beat the location, the elegant but modern decor, the bedrooms I believe are flawless and the service is impeccable. If you want to meet the hoi polloi of Dublin, go to the Westbury.
The Davenport is nestled in the heart of Georgian Dublin. It is old-world charm meets modern convenience. Ideally situated within walking distance of Dublin’s top landmarks, cultural attractions, and business districts, including Merrion Square, Trinity College, Grafton Street, and Stephen’s Green. I love that I don't have to think of transport, staying here. You are also close to DART the local train service for out of town day trips. I have a soft spot for a "full Irish" in their stately breakfast room. Book your stay at The Davenport.
The Trinity City Hotel begs the question, do I want to completely redecorate the lobby? Yes. However I have found the service to be incredible here. Staff are attentive despite this being quite the hub for larger bus tours. Again, convenience is a strong selling point. The rooms are incredibly quiet given that we are in the heart of Dublin's madness. I have found rates here to be unbeatable for the quality of stay. Book your room.
Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre is a popular choice for many travelers due to its central location on Townsend Street, offering easy access to major attractions and public transport. They have managed to offer great value with spotless rooms and effective noise insulation to keep the city noise out. Dublin hotels are expensive so this might be a cheaper option for you. Stay at the Travelodge Plus.
