Dublin is a cracking city for a short break. A city break in Dublin offers fascinating history, live music, great food and Guinness of course. There’s lots of travel advice on the big attractions and areas, but here is my guide to getting the most out of short Dublin breaks.
Where to stay in Dublin
We have stayed in a variety of areas across several trips to Dublin. Usually it is based on wherever we can get the best deal – short breaks are an exercise in savvy bargain hunting after all! On our most recent visit, we stayed at the Westmorland end of Fleet Street, at the Fleet Street Hotel. It was a little too close to Temple Bar for my liking, but it was a good price, clean and safe. Temple Bar is great for those who are coming to Dublin for a constant party. We like the Portobello area, it is hip, quiet and really gives you the opportunity to see a less touristy side of Dublin. The Camden Court Hotel is a lovely choice, as is the Portobello Hotel for something hip and fun.
Where to eat in Dublin
Brunch: My favourite brunch joint is Elephant & Castle in Temple Bar. This comfort food establishment has a fab brunch menu. Try their Eggs Chiacas – breakfast nachos with sunny side eggs on top!
Lunch: Try Piglet Wine Bar on Cow’s Lane – delicious Italian inspired food and wine selection.
Dinner: Get yourself down to The Camden Kitchen – European influenced cuisine in a cozy little restaurant.
Drinks: Head to Fade Street. Trendy bars with trendier names, cocktails, and a vibe very much like Melbourne! Look for the snail over the door to find The Bar With No Name.
Music: For music and a fantastic beer garden, head to Portobello to the Bernard Shaw
Areas to visit in Dublin on a short break
Dublin Castle / The Chapel Royal – The medieval quarter is worth a wander, from Christ Church and on to Dublin Castle. This fascinating complex is based around an original Norman fortification, but has been added to in many styles over the years.
Chester Beatty Library – The Chester Beatty Library (behind Dublin Castle) is a fascinating collection of religious artefacts, iconography, books, scrolls and history from every corner of the world. From Islam, Buddhism, Christian and Sikh, there are so many stories. It also tells of Beatty himself, who was a fascinating man and collector. Worth a visit and it’s free!
Shopping – Grafton Street and all the meandering shopping streets from Dame Street down to St Stephen’s Green is just a mecca of lovely boutiques, tea shops, pubs and then high street stores. Check out the buskers all around too – this really is a town that embraces music everywhere!
Dublin’s Identity Crisis?
There is literally every kind of food, cuisine, entertainment and shopping you could possibly want in Dublin. But as a result, I feel like it is having an identity crisis. The bars ham it up and the Irish music in the corner seems like some kind of parody of itself. At times we felt like we could have been anywhere in the world. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however I felt like the more authentic Irish experiences were had down the coast in Dún Laoghaire. It felt a lot less like it was trying to be something to everyone, or to deliver what tourists might consider an ‘Irish experience’. But then again, I am a tourist, so perhaps I am way off the mark!
See more of our Irish adventures via my photo essay of Ireland!
A guide to short Dublin breaks
I hope this guide helps you get the most out of your short Dublin breaks. The city has a lot to offer in terms of history and a lively food and drink scene. But I would encourage you to venture further afield in Ireland to get a taste of Irish culture outside Dublin too. With only a couple of days in a city, don’t try to do too much, just revel in a few things and enjoy yourself. In Dublin for me, that was walking and admiring the beautiful old architecture, and drinking in pubs! What will your visit hold?
Love a European city break? Why not try a weekend in Venice, Montpellier or Copenhagen!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with an iPhone.
