48 hours in Dublin, The Essentials & The Local Gems

Romantic trip? Weekend getaway with friends?  Let me show you help you get essential sights in as well as some local favourites!

Getting around Dublin is so easy and cheap, most things are walkable. From the you even have the option of using public transport into the city, making it a cheap transfer.

Friday

04:00 pm 

We start off at the Dublin Spire. This monumental 120 meters steel structure decorating the city sky, is a typical dubliners meeting spot,  as it is visible from every direction in the centre.

Next to the Spire, on North Earl Street, is the James Joyce statue. A life sized tribute from the city to the author of Ulysses, is visited daily by literature lovers who can’t wait to have a picture with James.

05:00 pm

Within walking distance from the centre, is Saint Stephen’s Green. Described by many as an oasis inside the town, this extensive park is a place where you can and relax and take in the beautiful gardens. Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese form Sheridans Cheesemongers and join the the rest of the locals

7:00 pm

So you worked up an appetite, and you are ready for dinner. For a lovely dining experience, head over to Bang Restaurant on Merrion Row. You have to book before you visit as this place usually has lines out the door. It’s a locals favourite and there is a reason for it: Genuinely amazing food and not at Dublin tourist prices! Their Salted caramel & peanut parfait & chocolate cremeux is a winner.

9:00 pm

If you’re ready to experience Dublin’s wild nightlife head down Merrion Row, you’ll find O’Donoghue’s. A classic Irish pub with live music. If dancing is more your thing, Copper Face Jacks and Krystle nightclub at Harcourt Street, are where you want to go.

Saturday

10:00 am:

Near the city centre you’ll find Trinity College. Not only is it Ireland’s oldest university but is also home to one of the most impressive libraries you’ll ever see. With books from floor to ceiling, and an amazing exhibit of The Book of Kells.

11:00 am

If you want to shop head over to to Grafton Street.  Filled with stores like Brown Thomas, Marks & Spencer and lots of other quirky shops, is the place to find the perfect souvenir. If you your in need of some sugar head over Butler’s chocolate café.

1:30 pm

Lunch at Temple Bar

If you want a hearty meal, overlooking the Liffey River we have The Italian Corner. A small smattering of Italian restaurants that have all the Italian foodies coming back again and again. For those who love brunch, go right across the Ha’penny bridge into The Woollen Mills, the bloody Mary’s are top bloody notch.

3:00 pm

Guinness Storehouse:

You can’t visit Dublin without going to the Guinness Storehouse, an incredible seven stories building, that will not only show you the history of the company and how the beer is made, but will get you the best view in town with a 360° skyline  (and a pint in your hand), at the top floors Gravity Bar.

07:00 pm

It’s been a long day, you want a pint of beer and some good Irish food, O’Neills at Suffolk street is just what you need, from roasted pork loins, to traditional Irish corned beef and Irish stew, the food is good, and the beer is even better. Get there early, it gets crowded!

Sunday Morning

10:00 am

Start your day visiting the Dublin Castle, Soak in all the history since the viking days with a guided tour, and make sure to see the Dubh Linn gardens.

11: 30 am

Before you leave, go to Christchurch Cathedral. This medieval church is filled with treasures and one of the greatest architectural buildings of the city. The best part about it? You can visit the crypt!.

01:00 pm

Time to almost jump on that fight home, get yourself some lunch on Camden St, you will find everything from raman bars to tapas and some amazing street food on a Sunday!