The Dublin Postcards
the ultimate weekend guide to Dublin for those craving an Irish exit <3
Dublin was at the top of my travel bucket list as I started my second year in France — sparked by my friends doing their exchange year at Trinity and a heavy media diet of Irish influencers and actors, including my seasonal rewatch (re: self-torture) of Normal People.
Not to sound like another insufferable American with 2% Irish ancestry, but I really did love Dublin. Although I only had around two-ish days there, I felt I could see a good amount of the city because it is so walkable. We had a few must-see spots on our list and just explored the surrounding area from there — if you want a similar strategy, click here for the full Google Maps list.
Where I Stayed
Generator Hostel (average hostel experience, no complaints)
Places to See
Guinness Storehouse (didn’t go but very popular - book in advance)
Jameson Distillery (similar to the Storehouse)
The Stella Cinema Rathmines (beautiful old theater for a rainy day)
Phoenix Park (wild deer!)
Trinity College campus (free) + the Book of Kells (€19)
National Gallery of Ireland (free - great if it’s raining)
Anne Street (no specific address - just walk and explore this area)
Dublin Castle (+ the Dubh Linn Gardens next door)
Activities I Wish I Did
The Forty Foot
Take the DART down to Dalkey and walk over to Sandycove and Forty Foot for breathtaking views (and, if you’re feeling brave, take a morning dip). Afterward, grab a coffee at Hatch, walk around the neighborhood, or return to the city center.
Alternative Swimming Spot: Vico Bathing Place
Learn to forge a silver ring (or a Claddagh ring) in their workshop - not a budget activity by any means, but a super cool activity if you are going with a close friend or partner!
Howth Cliffs
Only 30 minutes outside of Dublin (take the DART round trip to "Howth Cliffs" or the bus line 31 towards Howth Summit). It KILLS ME that I didn’t go on this hike. There are stunning coast views, but it can get a little muddy after it rains.
These are less dramatic views, but Killiney Hill & White Rock Beach are also on my list, and a shorter hike (to my understanding).
Food
Gluten-free options:
Brother Hubbard (multiple locations)
For everyone else:
FX Buckley (apparently one of the best steakhouses in the world, but I cannot personally attest to that claim)
+ options for cheaper food available at pubs and takeout places across the city
Cafes
Butlers Chocolate Café (multiple locations)
Shopping
Ireland has a much higher sales tax than most other countries in the EU, so shopping was not top of my list (but I do reccomend secondhand/antique shops like 35 Vintage or Under the Bridge). However, since I was deprived of English books in France, I did move forward with buying five novels and praying RyanAir wouldn’t notice the boxy shape of my folded coat…
Here are my favs:
The Secret Book and Record Store (used books + records)
Hodges Figgis (a classic)
Going Out
I am extremely partial to a wine bar (currently mourning the loss of All Good Wine Bar, which I realized closed since our trip while reviewing this list), but the pubs are also fun and more lively - definitely join a local pub crawl!
Loose Canon Wine (if it’s summer, sip a glass outside with an ice cream from Spilt Milk next door)
Temple Bar (the famous iconic red pub)