48 hours in Dublin – Weekend Edition
Dublin In Less Than 48 Words
A cursory glance at Dublin gives the impression of an average, run-of-the-mill European city. However, staying in the city would reveal its overflowing culture, tradition, and charisma. No wonder that a recent a poll states that Dublin is the best capital in Europe to live in.
The Dublin Castle, which once housed England's viceroys who ruled over Ireland. (Photo by William Murphy)
First 24 Hours
Touch down on the affable Irish capital is via the Dublin Airport (+353 (0)1 814 1111 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +353 (0)1 814 1111 end_of_the_skype_highlighting; website), located some 10 kilometers north of the city center. From there, you can take the airport bus that will take you to O’Connell Street in the heart of the city. It will set you back around €5, with the journey lasting to about an hour.
Purchasing the “Dublin Rambler” card at the same cost will allow you unlimited travel along the Dublin bus network for a whole day. This will come in handy when you are beginning to roam around the various sights of the city. A ride in a private taxi to the city center will cost you as much as €25 for a 25-minute ride.
Dublin is a rather organized city, so you shouldn’t have too much of a problem navigating through it. Most of its major attractions are conveniently located within an area of a square mile, with the city bisected by the River Liffey. But to be sure, make it a point to visit Dublin’s main tourist center in Suffolk Street where you can get additional information about the city as well as procure a street map. It is open Mondays to Saturdays between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm; it closes after 3 p.m. on Sundays.
MERRION HOTEL: Check in at the city’s finest
A luxurious room at the Merrion Hotel. (Photo from Google images)
Once in the heart of the city, you can check in one of Dublin’s excellent hotel and accommodations. If you’re looking for the best, you can’t go wrong choosing the Merrion Hotel (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2; 01 603 0600; website). Set inside a Georgian townhouse, it is lavishly decorated with fine 19th century Irish art. Another tastefully designed lodging is Hampton Hotel 19-29 (Morehampton Rd, Donnybrook; 01 668 0995; website) known for its accommodating staff, spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and movies.
A nice alternative is the Roxford Lodge Hotel (46 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4; 01 668 8572; website) where guests are treated with excellent service and quiet location outside the city center. If you’re on a tight budget, a cheaper option would be the Avalon House (55 Aungier Street; 353-1-4750001; website) where lodging will only cost you around €27 for a night.
THE GRAND CANAL: Take in the lovely views
Kick off your visit in Dublin by heading to the Grand Canal. It is actually a pair of canals that connects Dublin to the country’s eastern portion, and encircles most of the inner city. Its opposite banks are both lined with trees and grassy patches, affording you a lovely and relaxing stroll while taking in the cool breeze. Start from the Grand Canal Dock at River Liffey, and then pass through Ringsend and the Circular Line. Continue on to Robertstown and Caragh, which have nice views of the rivers and parts of the cityscape.
DUBLIN CASTLE: See the city’s famous landmark
One of the most historic sites in the city is the Dublin Castle (Dane Street, Dublin 2 Dublin 2; 00353 1 6793713; website) built in 1204 as a repository of Ireland’s tax collection. For eight centuries, it served as the home of viceroys ruling over the country for the English king. Tours of the castle can be arranged, especially for its most important sections.
Once inside, you shouldn’t miss the St. Patrick’s Hall, perhaps the grandest room in the site. It is recognized to have one of the most important decorative interiors in the country, particularly its painted ceiling. The Record Tower, the castle’s sole surviving original tower, offers a 360-degree view at the summit.
ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL: Go to church
The Dublinia, an attraction that exhibits Dublin's development from the Viking Era to its state today. (Photo by Visentico/Sento)
After visiting a castle, why not drop by a church? The largest church in the country, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Patrick Street and Upper Kevin Street) is another popular destination. Built in 1191, it presents a foreboding appearance with its well-wrought façade and spires. Inside, it is furbished with Victorian decorations and you can see relics such as a Celtic cross believed to mark a former holy well.
Next, you can head to its sister church, the Christ Church Cathedral (Wood Quay), which together make up Ireland’s two medieval cathedrals. Inside it, you can find a number of tombs and crypts, with the latter being the largest in the country at 63 meters long. A stone bridge connects the cathedral’s west end with the Synod Hall. Inside the hall, you can explore a Dublinia exhibit that chronicles life in medieval Dublin.
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE: Have a sip of the famous beverage
Top off your first day in Dublin by heading to the Guinness Storehouse (St. James’s Gate Brewery; + 353 1 408 4800; website), Ireland’s most famous international attraction. It is known most for being the site where some 250,000 barrels of the famous Irish beverage Guinness were once stored.
Upon arriving, head straight to the ground floor, which is filled with exhibits about the ingredients of the legendary brew, as well as the process of making Guinness. As you go up its floors, various other exhibits will welcome you, such as viewings of its past ads, and the “Choice Zone,” which seeks to educate about the dangers of excessive drinking. The highlight is the glass atrium that looks like a glass of Guinness. There, you will find the Gravity Bar where you can enjoy a complimentary pint of the beverage, a relaxing lounge, and 360-degree view of the cityscape.
Next 24 Hours
The second day can be treated as a chance to explore Dublin’s other attractions. You can learn more about the city’s cultural heritage by visiting its numerous museums and art galleries. One of the most popular is the National Gallery of Ireland (Merrion Square West & Clare Street Dublin 2; website), home to an extensive art collection of paintings and sculptures – including the Old masters’ collections, impressionist paintings, and Irish art works. You can also go to the Marsh’s Library (Upper Kevin St, St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin 8, IE; +353-1-454-3511; website), Ireland’s oldest public library and a repository of around 25,000 books dating back to the 1500s, including rare books that are chained to walls.
A hall leading into the National Gallery of Ireland's various painting exhibits. (Photo by Ty/TS Drown)
PHOENIX PARK: Take a walk
Located just three kilometers northwest of the city center, Phoenix Park is often regarded as one of the largest enclosed urban public parks in Europe, measuring a staggering 1,750 acres. Gardens and trees dominate the area, and you can find there more than 351 different plant species, plus a herd of around 450 fallow deer. Stroll through its lovely avenues, and see the various sights to be found in the area.
One of the first attractions you’ll see is the Áras an Uachtaráinm, the residence of the President of Ireland. Enter the Dublin Zoo, one of the largest in the country, with a stable of around 700 animals and birds taken from different parts of the globe. Some of the most recognizable landmarks include the towering Papal Cross and the Wellington Monument. You can relax at the People’s Gardens, which has ornamental lakes, picnic spaces, and children’s playgrounds.
A monument seen from a wide field at Phoenix Park. (Photo by dusi_bbg)
DUBLIN DINNER: Dine at the city’s finest restaurants
Though not necessarily known for their cuisine, Dubliners love to eat. Some of the places where locals dine include Pearl Brasserie (20 Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2; +353 (0)1 661 3572; website), which prides itself with its courteous and professional staff, cozy atmosphere, and top-notch menu dishes; Town Bar and Grill (21 Kildare Street; 01 662 4800; website) which serves grilled delights such as Angus rib-eye steaks; and the Pig’s Ear (4 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, Ireland; 01-670-3865 website) known for its delicious food choices, attentive service, intimately small atmosphere.
The more serious type, however, flock to Chapter One (18-19 Parnell Square, Basement of Writers’ Museum, Dublin 1; 01-873-22-66; website) which is located in courtyard patio and famous for its lip-smacking delight such as ravioli with salmon and prawn, fois gras, and duck confit; and L’Ecrivain (109 Lower Baggot St, Dublin, Ireland; 01-661-19-19 website), a fine-dining restaurant famous for its food and wine selections.
IRISH PUBS: Drink the night away
Dublin is very much renowned for its vibrant pub scene. Leading the pack is Stag’s Head (1 Dame Ct, Dublin, IE; 353-1-679-3701), which serves the city’s best pub food – complete with traditional pub décor, and an out-of-the-box ambience. It is very much popular among the after-work crowd. The tourist-drawer Bruxelles (7-8 Harry St, Dublin 2, IE; 353-1-679-3701) provides more elbow room for entertainment: downstairs for dancing and loud music, and upstairs for the more laid-back crowd.
If you loved the Guinness you tasted back at the Storehouse, you might want to visit Mulligan’s (Poolbeg Street; 0353 1 6775582; website), which has earned a reputation for serving up the best pint of the beverage in Dublin. For a cozier pub experience, tourists choose Kehoe’s (9 South Anne St, Dublin 2; 677-8312) which is perfect for a relaxing night out of drinks with friends.
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