4 pubs you must visit in Belfast!
We’ve rounded up a few of our favourite pubs and bars in Belfast to help you create the perfect night out. T
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Dublin's currency is the Euro (€). €1 = £0.83 / $1.10 (as of 2022).
Dublin
Top 5 things to see
Guinness Storehouse
It's always a lovely day for a Guinness in Dublin. The brew is synonymous with the city,
The Long Room at Trinity College Dublin
The awe-inspiring Long Room is the main chamber of the Old Library in Trinity College. The historic library is home to over 200,000 of Trinity's most ancient books, including the famed Book of Kells - the illuminated Latin manuscript containing the four Gospels and the New Testament. By purchasing a standard ticket, you'll be able to see two pages of the ancient volume that are on display and then explore the Old Library.
Book of Kells and Trinity Tour Tickets
Saint Stephen's Green
Right in the heart of the city, St Stephen's Green is a historic garden park with four hundred years of history. It's perfect for an afternoon stroll through the lakes and gardens. You'll also find a range of statues and monuments created in tribute Irish icons like W.B. Yeats and Wolfe Tone as well as poignant monuments to history - Edward Delaney's Irish Famine memorial is located at the northeastern corner of the green.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
There is a collection of museums under the National Museum of Ireland umbrella but the Archaeology Museum is the crown jewel. A must-visit since it opened its doors in 1890, fabulous exhibitions range from prehistoric and Viking Ireland to medieval Ireland, as well as exhibits on ancient Egypt and Cyprus. The cherry on top? Admission is free.
Temple Bar
The cynic will tell you that Temple Bar is the most touristy place in Dublin (absolutely true) and that you shouldn't go (absolutely absurd). Temple Bar is a neighbourhood, rather than one specific bar, just by the River Liffey but the main draw that we're sure you've seen is the iconic Temple Bar Pub. The whole area is chock full of pubs and bars slinging pints with live music. There's an incredible buzz and it does get very, very rowdy.
Dublin City Pass
The Go Dublin Pass offers free entry to over 35 of the city's top attractions including the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, EPIC Irish Immigration Museum, and GPO Museum - plus Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Buses. There are a few attractions not included (like the Book of Kells in the Trinity College Long Room) and it also doesn't include Dublin's public transport.
1 day = €69
2 days = €89
3 days = €99
5 days = €115
Where to eat and drink
For breakfast
Lemon Jelly is a sweet, busy café just north of the River Liffey. It’s always packed for breakfast, especially on weekends, thanks to an extensive menu of crepes, omelettes, juices and smoothies.
Bewley’s is an Irish institution and the café on Grafton Street is an ideal resting spot. The massive, old-timey space has a nice buzz of locals in town for the day shopping and tourists. Coffee or tea (event a hot chocolate!) and a tasty bun is the way to go here.
Legit Coffee Co is a trendy spot on one of city’s most traditional streets. Excellent coffee and toasted brioche is served surrounded by stripped down wood and semi industrial accents.
For lunch
Bunsen Burgers is an Irish chain that got its start in Dublin, but it’s clear to see how these burgers are taking over the whole island. The menu is simple enough - American inspired burgers and cheeseburgers made from fresh, carefully sourced ingredients, and fries.
Davey Byrnes is the pub immortalised in classic works from James Joyce including The Dubliners and the epic Ulysses. The classic pub looks like it’s been plucked from the continent and if you go for lunch, you can get Leopold Bloom’s gorgonzola sandwich.
Eatyard is the go-to if you’re on the hunt for street food. The market sees a regular rotation of the city’s best food vendors.
For dinner
Hang Dai on Lower Camden Street looks like the Hong Kong you see in film – dark but yet washed with neon lights. Tucked behind the classic Chinese takeout shop front, you’ll find a dining room that somehow combines the futuristic and retro and the exposed, open fire kitchen. The roast duck is so loved, they encourage you to reserve in advance, but the true star is the pork dumpling.
The Grayson on St Stephen’s Green has been hosting fabulous parties since the 1740s. The converted Georgian townhouse has all of its original, accentuated by pops of colour and art-deco style furnishings. It’s a great choice any time of day (weekend brunch is highly rated!)
Fish Shop does what it says in the window – fish. The daily menu features only what’s fresh and there are just two options – a four course menu or the tasting menu.
For the adults
Temple Bar Pub is probably the most photographed pub in Dublin. Is it the best? No, but if it’s your first time in the city it’s worthwhile for a quick drink just to be able to say you did it.
Jimmy Rabbitte’s in Camden is a new wave gastro pub done right, in our opinion. Full of locals starting an evening, good drinks and good food. The main bar is classic with deep woods and vintage signs, and the outdoor patios are perfect for the spring and summer.
Vintage Cocktail Bar is the clandestine 1920s speakeasy of your dreams brought into the 21st century. Behind an unobtrusive black door is three floors and an extensive menu that winds through the ages and history of cocktails – from the 1400s to the 1990s.
McGowans of Phibsboro is excellent craic. Family run for over 70 years, four generations of McGowans have created a party atmosphere north of the Liffey. With a raucous pub and lively upstairs nightclub, it’s the worst kept secret for a night out as they say.
Tipping
Like most European cities, tipping is not required or expected in Dublin. But if you did particularly enjoy your meal or drink and want to leave a couple euro, you're more than welcome.
Safety Tip
Dublin is safe, but as with most tourist cities - beware of pickpockets. Keep your wits about you, particularly in the evening in high traffic areas like Grafton Street.
Two Passports Top Tip: XXXX
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When to Go
Low Season: November to March
Cold, windy, rainy and long nights. However, the Christmas buzz is fabulously festive and can attract tourists from across Ireland, the UK and Europe too.
Shoulder Season: April to May and September to October
Days are longer and sunny days are more frequent. However, keep your umbrella close as rain and heavy wind can still occur. The blossoms across the parks come to life in the spring, while in Autumn, leaves fall through the crisp air - both are a lovely sight to see. Halloween is a big event in Dublin, so enjoy a raucous atmosphere in the bars and pubs in October.
High Season: June to August, and Saint Patrick's Day (17th of March)
Comfortable, consistent heat throughout the city, Summer is a wonderful time to visit the city. However, crowds descend into Dublin either to enjoy the city, or as a base to explore the country. Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin does speak for itself - it lives up to its reputation. Book accommodation in advance.
How to Get There
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Ireland's biggest airport, DUB is 13km north of the city and provides plenty of routes to Europe and North America; in fact, it is often the first stop for Americans on their trip to Europe.
Apart from a 45 minute taxi which costs approximately €30, the only route into the city is by bus or coach. Firstly there is the Aircoach (€7/€12 for one-way/return) which takes you across the city to 20 different destinations. Or there is the Airline Express Coach (€6/€10 for one-way/return) where the Bus 747 drops you off throughout the city too.
Coaches are directly outside the airport terminal; we would suggest researching where you want to stay and which bus would most suit you, then buy your ticket on the coach.
Travelling by train
Dublin has two major train stations transporting you in and out of the city.
Connelly
Its primary routes are north to Belfast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
Heuston
A hub for routes to/from elsewhere in Ireland, such as Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.
Travelling by ferry
There is an option to travel into Dublin by ferry from: Douglas (Isle of Man, UK), Bootle (Liverpool, UK), Holyhead (Wales, UK) or Cherbourg (France).
These are long journeys, but options in case you want to look into this further!
Travelling in the city
Dublin is a walkable city, but there are two trams routes to help with your journey should you wish to save your feet, or have mobility issues.
Useful tram knowledge:
The Green Line
Travels from north to south. Notable places near the Green Line tram stops include: Trinity College, O'Connell Bridge, St Stephen's Green, and National Gallery of Ireland.
The Red Line
Travels east to west and predominantly serves the tourist attractions north of the river. Notable places near the Red Line tram stops include: Connelly Train Station, Heuston Train Station, Guinness Store House, and Ha'Penny Bridge.
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