Got an afternoon to spend in Dublin (from about 12-6pm). Only been once when i was a kid. What should i do? see some sights? What does STW recommend?
well, if you like a pint I would recommend a visit here, one of the best views of any bar in Ireland!
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en
https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/whats-hoppening/the-gravity-bar
If you are in the centre and with a short time span maybe stay in a small area and have a mooch around Trinity (book of kells if you like your history) wander up Grafton St and Stephen’s Green area and take it all in, finishing with a (very expensive!) pint in Temple Bar saying hello to Molly Malone as you pass her by. That said the Guinness storehouse mentioned above is very good/interesting too.
Kilmainham Gaol was a good trip if you're not into boozing.Â
I really liked the emigration museum. We also spent a very pleasant couple of hours in Darkey Kelly's, good food, good pint and some live music.
Well I was going to recommend the Dublin Writers Museum as I found it fascinating, especially with the audio tour, but have just checked and it never reopened after COVID, which is sad.
If you are in the centre and with a short time span maybe stay in a small area and have a mooch around Trinity (book of kells if you like your history) wander up Grafton St and Stephen’s Green area and take it all in, finishing with a (very expensive!) pint in Temple Bar saying hello to Molly Malone as you pass her by. That said the Guinness storehouse mentioned above is very good/interesting too.
Good call, yes just having a wander is interesting, I always like a walk around the area south of the river, even if the Book of Kells doesn't appeal head into Trinity College for the atmosphere. Stephen's Green is pleasant to wile away time people watching. Bewleys on Grafton Street used to be a must, not so sure these days. Great national museum too near Dawson Street. Plus find a pub and have a pint. Might call by myself! 🙂
Thanks people. I think i am going to do a little walking tour taking some of the sights above,. and finish off with a pint somewhere before head out of the city. Recommendations for best pub for authentic (or v touristy!) pub for a jar of guiness?
Recommendations for best pub
hmmm so many to choose from, might be best to try a few! Temple Bar is the main touristy bar bit south of the river in the city centre but I prefer places a little outside on the edges of the main shopping area eg https://www.doylesintown.com/about-us/
yep, we had an extortionate drink in temple bar well, just because....., but we preferred darkey kellys not too far away, more authentic and a cracking pint of guiness as youd expect.
If you are in the centre and with a short time span maybe stay in a small area and have a mooch around Trinity (book of kells if you like your history) wander up Grafton St and Stephen’s Green area and take it all in, finishing with a (very expensive!) pint in Temple Bar saying hello to Molly Malone as you pass her by
An excellent plan
Almost exactly what I did last time I had an afternoon in Dublin.Â
This thread is timely! I'm taking (adult) kids to Dublin as they've just received their Irish citizenship by descent and I wanted to take them to their ancestral homeland for a day.
Currently on the itinerary are;
Guinness Storehouse
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
National Leprechaun Museum
I think that covers the major cultural points!
I've been to Kilmainham Gaol before and enjoyed it, you'll recognise it from many films.
I also like The Long Hall. If you're wandering from Trinity go via Powerscourt centre, Castle Market /Drury Street (maybe stopping at Grogan's pub) and George's Street Arcade for interesting shops and cafes. Wouldn't bother with Temple Bar.
If you had a little longer I'd suggest going to the coast or mountain biking south of the cityÂ
I'd suggest going to the coast
I used to use the DART a lot for little days out to places around Dublin Bay, like Bray and Howth, easy to do but yes plenty else in the city for a leisurely afternoon.Â
I really liked the emigration museum
On the beer front whilst very nontraditional the "urban taproom" is close by and does some decent drink and food. Own brewery output plus O'Hara's
Cheers for the advice STW font of knoweldge. Did a walking tour mid afternoon. Not what i would normally do in a city, but it was great. Learnt loads of interesting history with a very entertaining guide. Had a pint in the Long Hall. Very nice pub. then jumped on the train to Athlone for a conference yesterday. More work trips need to be like that! Will definelty go back to explore more of Ireland soon.
Can you share the name of the guide company?
I really enjoy walking tours, particularly in cities with a lot of history in living memory... highlights have been Derry, Sarajevo, and Berlin. In both Derry and Sarajevo I actually did 2 tours in each city and got subtly different perspectives (all 4 guides were locals).
IMO the Guiness Brewery tour and 'free' Guiness at the top are not worth it. Sorry but Dublin is not that spectacular skyline compared to other cities and the atmosphere isnt great ie its all tourists necking a pint of Guinness proclaiming it to be the best in the world whilst taking selfies.
I was across there last year whilst Mrs FD was at a conference.
We both did a historical tour which actually meant we walked a fair way and understood a bit more about the place.
Luckily I had a car so could get out of Dublin. I did a stunning walk around Glandalough.Â
Howth was also nice, and I did a nice, fairly short walk along the impressive sea cliffes.
Edit: just read OP has been and done 🤣Â
Go to the Little Museum of Dublin. It is truly excellent. And you will see a bike! Then a pint NOT in Temple Bar. The Old Stand has some history and we went there. Son1 has lived in Dublin for three years, so we have been a few times. The Little Museum was a hilight. Book of Kells and library is impressive despite the renovations. Guinness tour was sold out and over rated. Sit in a pub with a book or talk to the locals.
