Dublin
We were invited to Dublin for a heady weekend away with friends. Neither of us had ever visited and had no expectations other than much Guinness was likely to be consumed with multiple hangovers to follow. I am pleased to say we found much more in Dublin. Beautiful architecture, the friendliest people on earth, craft beer, indie shops and yes lots of bars, but most of all many surprises.
It was 3 weeks before Christmas and If I was to have consumed a drink every time I heard a rendition of the Pogues it would have been a much messier weekend. Everybody was in the best mood, the bars were bustling, the shops were adorned in Christmas Decorations and the streets were teeming with red cheeked frenzied shoppers, combined it only added to Dublins charm.
Our days were spent walking the streets in search of coffee and sweet treats and meandering in and out of the many shops Dublin had to offer. Hours were spent admiring the architecture before we took a break from the bitingly cold December winds to meet our fellow travellers for afternoon drinks (not always a Guinness) before carrying on with our exploration of this beautiful city.
A weekend in Dublin is not complete without a walk out to the Guinness Storehouse (ie the Guinness museum), it is cheesy? Yes, but also entertaining. The walk out to Kilmainham Gaol is also well worth a visit, if not made a little creepier after the sun had set. A few other highlights are listed below but our best advise is to do a bit of research so you have some key places to visit but just explore, walk everywhere, and don’t avoid the Temple Bar as you will miss some genuine treats, especially if you like people watching…
P Macs - A Modern exterior with all the cosy feels. Craft beer and candlelight, what more could you want?
Teeling Distillery - If you need a break from Beer this is your place. Visit here over Jamesons
Beer Market - An ace bar run by Galway Bay Brewery, good music and budget friendly selection of beers and food
Palace Bar - Nestled in the Temple bar take a wander around, you will be pleasantly surprised. I mean Bourdain visited so you have to go?
Bowes Whiskey Bar - Just down the road from Palace and worth a visit for any Whiskey fan.
Powerscourt Centre - Swoon worthy interiors and shops. We came away with a handful of vases for our hand luggage.
Industry & Co - Lifestyle store, Just go, they serve coffee too.
Fallon and Byrne - A Dublin institution and pretty special around Christmas, its a great spot for a wander around and for a few token gifts
Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Go here over the main Storehouse for experimental beers.
Kilmainham Gaol - An aesthetically pleasing old prison with many stories to be told. Just don’t go after dark.
