Since moving to Ireland, I’ve had many friends reach out to me, asking where to eat & drink in Dublin, as well as what to see while they’re visiting. After writing a list out one too many times I decided to just compile one and save it. So, I present to you the long awaited and commonly requested Dublin Guide!

From my favorites & go-tos to local gems. Here’s a list of must-sees and must-tries, summarized. Though this list is aimed at people who haven’t seen much of Dublin already, if you’re a local and haven’t checked these off your list – give them a visit!

Note: These are all my personal choices I recommend when people visit. There are many more places I still need to visit, but I will be sure to update this list along the way.

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Dublin City Centre – Places to Eat

– O’Neills (for affordable & traditional Irish food and drinks)

– Avoca (like an Anthropologie with a cafe)

– Bunsen (one of the best burgers I’ve had)

– Beshoffs (fish n’ chips; though I’ve only been to the one is Howth)

– Póg (healthier, lighter food + good coffee)

– Tang (especially their brunch)

– Brother Hubbard (brunch + coffee – location in North & South Dublin)

– Cornucopia (vegan options!)

– Sprout & Co (delicious salads)

– Saba (Thai/Vietnamese + good cocktails)

– Against the Grain (& good beer)

– Zaytoon (if you’re starving after a night out 😛 )

 

Dublin City Centre – Places to Drink

– P. Macs

– Porterhouse (beer + gin, plus more)

– Doyle’s

– Cassidy’s

– The Longstone Pub (though they claim all the time they’re closing so who knows)

– Harry’s on the Green

– Sinnotts

– The Barge (definitely when the sun’s out)

– The Bernard Shaw

– Ryan’s on Camden Street

– Whelan’s

– Alfie Byrne’s

– Dingle Whiskey Bar

– The Marker Bar

– House

– Vintage Cocktail Club

– Capitol Lounge (cheap cocktails)

At most pubs, you can’t go wrong with ordering local food they offer. It’s bound to be delicious!

More south of city centre are two areas in Dublin that I personally love going to for amazing food & drinks. If you find yourself around these areas, here are places you definitely need to check out.

Ranelagh

– Dillingers, Hobart’s, and Cinnamon all have incredible brunch (or food anytime of day really).

– Come say hi to me at Scoop for coffee, gelato, crepes, waffles 😉

– Enjoy a pint at Taphouse or go to Exchequer for wine.

Rathmines

– Farmer’s Brown for food, especially brunch. Blackbird (one of my favorite pubs) for drinks, or even enjoy their pizza + pints deal!

 

Dublin – Coffee (+ Hot Chocolate)

– 3fe

– 9th Degree (one of my faves – thanks Emma!)

– Coffeeangel

– Bewleys

– Bear Market

– Beanhive (great food menu too; also open earlier than many places which is a plus)

– Sweetest Thing (some of the most fun hot chocolates)

– Butlers (my personal fave for classic hot chocolates!)

– Accents (a fun hot chocolate experience)

– Nick’s (Ranelagh)

– Ground (Sandyford)

 

Dublin City Centre – Places to See

– Trinity College & Book of Kells*

– Guinness Storehouse*

– Teeling Distillery*

– Jameson Distillery*

– Irish Whiskey Museum*

– Dingle Whiskey Bar (Tuesdays at 7pm)

– Stephens Green (crossed fingers it’s sunny out)

– Grafton Street (shopping, explore)

– Hodges-Figgis (for you bookworms, it’s Ireland’s oldest bookshop!)

– National Museum of Ireland (free, but closed Mondays)

– Little Museum of Dublin

– Dublin Castle

– Christ Church Cathedral

– Dublinia

– The Spire & O’Connell street (look around, shop)

– Walk through Temple Bar (try to avoid eating or drink here as it can be tourist trap, but if you have to have the experience go to The Temple Bar)

– Kilmainham Gaol*

– Phoenix Park (you may get to pet a fallow deer!)

– For you sports fans: see if you can catch a game at Croke Park or the Aviva!

*I recommend booking tickets for these tours ahead of time as they either sell out quickly and/or tickets help you beat any lines. (Students: Don’t forget to utilize those discounts and bring your student cards!)

Also if you find yourself on the east side of O’Connell street walking north, you’ll pass the Bank of Ireland, and next to the Caffe Nero, there is a little kiosk in front of an old theater… Donut lovers (or skeptics) – YOU NEED TO TRY THESE MINI DONUTS. Get at least one of each. That’s all I’m gonna suggest.

 

Other Areas To Visit

There are many other areas you could visit in Co. Dublin and around the county borders. I’d consider them more local, as there’s definitely less tourist traffic. What’s even better is they’re all easy to get to via public transport and easy to explore on foot! I’ve also included a list of specific places to eat or drink in these areas below.

Blackrock: Easy to get to via the DART from city centre. It is a seaside town which has some nice places to eat and shop. If you’re lucky, the Blackrock Village Market may be open!

Bray + Greystones: I put these together because there is a walk/trail you can take from Bray to Greystones (or vice versa), which makes seeing both towns easy! They are also accessible from city centre via the DART or 145 bus. Both towns are nice to walk through and have great places to eat and/or enjoy a pint.

Dun Laoghaire: One of my go-to places to be by the ocean. Also accessible on the DART or 46a from city centre. There is a “pier” you can walk down to a little lighthouse and soak in the lovely sea breeze (and sun if you’re lucky!). There’s also a market on Sundays in People’s Park.

Howth: The large peninsula which is commonly visible in the Dublin sea views. Another accessible location from the DART. Has lots of trail options at the end of the main road, and a nice marina you can see along the way. There’s even a small castle you can walk to in the opposite direction. I definitely recommend eating the seafood here.

Wicklow: One of the only locations which is not as accessible without a car. You can take a bus, but if you want to get around more easily without a car, I recommend going with a tour company which will allow you to see more. In Glendalough specifically there are plenty of hikes to do and you can enjoy being outdoors.

Places to Eat & Drink:

– Box Burger (Bray)

– The Harbour Bar (Bray; voted best bar in the world in 2010!)

– Flash Harry’s (Blackrock; amazing burgers)

– The Wooden Spoon (Blackrock)

– Curious Monkey (Dun Laoghaire)

– Johnnie Fox’s (Glencullen)

– Happy Pear (Greystones)

– The Grind Coffee House (Howth)

– The Brass Monkey (Howth)

– Beshoffs (Howth)

 

If you love to shop and find yourself in the area, checkout Dundrum Town Centre, Ireland’s biggest mall! And for the hardcore foodies out there (like me), keep in mind these food markets which may be on during your visit:

– Dun Laoghaire People’s Park (Sundays from 11am – 4pm)

– EatYard (Thursdays to Sundays, 12-3pm, 5pm-10pm)

– Irish Village Markets (Wednesdays to Fridays in various locations)

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I hope this guide can help you plan your trip, give you ideas, or even help expand your exploration of Dublin. If you’ve found it helpful, used it, or have other ideas, shoot me an email or comment below.

Thanks & Happy Exploring! xx