The Places in Dublin I'd Send My Closest Friends To

We typically stay at the Conrad Dublin—highly central but slightly removed from the madness of Temple Bar. Breakfast is included and wonderful, the rooms are modern and updated, and the staff are always on hand and friendly.

Book of Kells & Trinity College

The Book of Kells is one of those rare artifacts that actually lives up to the hype—intricate, ancient, and deeply tied to Ireland’s intellectual and religious history. Pairing it with the Long Room at Trinity feels like stepping into the heart of Irish scholarship and storytelling. You don’t need too much time here, though—two hours max. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and book the tickets online in advance.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle gives you a real, grounded understanding of Ireland’s political history—Viking origins, British rule, and modern Irish statehood all layered in one place. It’s not flashy, but it’s deeply important context for understanding the city.

James Joyce literary tour

If you’re even slightly into writers and history, a literary tour will add a great deal of meaning to your trip. This is less about literature trivia and more about understanding how Dublin itself shaped one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. You walk the streets, pubs, and shoreline that live inside Ulysses and Irish literary identity.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is powerful, sobering, and absolutely essential if you want to understand modern Ireland. The stories of the 1916 leaders and independence movement make Irish history feel immediate and deeply human. One of my favorite songs is “Grace,” a heartbreaking song about the marriage of Grace Gifford to Joseph Plunkett in the jail—just before he was executed.

Guinness Storehouse

Yes, it’s popular—but it’s genuinely well done and gives real insight into how Guinness became part of Irish identity, not just a beer. The Gravity Bar view is one of the best vantage points in the city and a perfect “first pint in Dublin” moment. You can even choose to pour your own pint! The gift shop is also creative and fun.

Jameson (Bow St.)

Jameson is social, energetic, and a great entry point into Irish whiskey culture without feeling intimidating. It’s as much about Irish storytelling and hospitality as it is about what’s in the glass. The tasting room is beautiful—treat yourself and try some rare ones!

Teeling

Teeling feels like the future of Dublin whiskey—independent, innovative, and proudly local. It’s smaller and more intimate than Jameson, and you really feel the craft and ambition behind the revival of Dublin distilling. I enjoyed this tour more than I did Jameson!

Read on for the best pints in Dublin—and some food to wash them down with!

Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s)

Almost spiritual. Go in the morning if you can—the hush, the low light, the sense that nothing has changed in decades. The Guinness here feels almost saintly, like the platonic ideal of what a pint should be. This is my 10/10 pint.

Kehoe’s

Pure city center energy. Grab a pint and stand outside—after-work crowds, easy conversation, and that effortless Dublin craic where you suddenly realize you’ve been talking to strangers for an hour. My favorite city pint.

Bowe’s

Unexpectedly phenomenal. Tiny, unassuming, and serving one of those pints that makes you stop mid-sip and look at it like, oh… this is serious. Not sure how we stumbled on this place years ago, but we’ve gone back multiple times since.

The Long Hall

Victorian glory in pub form. Red leather, mirrors, history everywhere—and a consistently excellent pint that feels right for the setting. On a Friday night, you can stare in amazement as they line them up while pouring.

Grogan’s

The perfect toastie and the perfect pint. What’s a toastie? A toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Served at a bar? Genius! Simple, iconic, and exactly what you want when you don’t want anything fancy—just Dublin, done right.

O’Donoghue’s

The most famous traditional music pub for a reason. Come for the history, stay because when the music starts, the whole room shifts. The front room gets tightly packed when the music starts. You can head out to the large courtyard for breaks if it’s too claustrophobic. I do recommend going here at least once however—the musicians are top-notch and there’s some really interesting memorabilia inside, particularly of Luke Kelly of the Dubliners.

Upstairs at Gogarty’s

Yes, touristy—and still worth it. Some of the best traditional musicians you’ll hear in a lively, packed, electric late-night setting. The pints get more expensive every hour here at night, believe it or not. Despite this, I guarantee a great time.

Mulligan’s

Old-school Dublin at its best. Incredible history, zero nonsense, and a pint that locals will quietly tell you is one of the best in the city.

Bambino

The best New York–style pizza in Dublin. Casual, fast, and exactly what you want after a few pubs. Get the hot pepperoni slice. The hot honey is spectacular!

Uno Mas

Outstanding Spanish tapas—lively, social, and one of the most reliably great meals in the city. Sit at the bar, get the octopus.

The Pig’s Ear

Spectacular gastropub cooking that still feels very Irish at heart. Elevated but comfortable. Overlooking St. Stephen’s Green. Farm-to-table food that never disappoints.

Delahunt

Modern Irish done beautifully—thoughtful, ingredient-driven, and quietly one of the best dining rooms in Dublin. I love this place because of the dark, cocktail parlor-like interior décor, combined with an ever-changing menu of fresh local ingredients. The cooking is top-notch but it’s not stuffy at all.