The Do's and Dont's of Dublin

Our last week in Ireland was spent in Dublin.  In total, this is the third time I've been to Dublin but the first time I was there for more than two days with the chance to properly explore the city.  Thanks to the help of a very friendly waitress in Cork, we had a long list of things we wanted to do.  So here are my tips for the dos and don'ts of exploring the capital city.

DO go on a "drinking tour"......DON'T do it all in one day

Dublin is home to not one but two of the most well known names in alcohol, Guinness and Jameson.  Both factories are incredible and worth a visit.

Guinness - Whether you are a fan of the dark brew or not, the Guinness factory is a must see.  Guinness, which also owns Harp and Smithwicks, is still brewed in Dublin just as it has been since 1759.  The actual brewery itself is closed to the public, since it would be very dangerous to have people touring such a large facility.  However, the Guinness Storehouse is open for guests daily.  The seven story storehouse takes you through the brewing process, the history of Arthur Guinness and the 9,000 year lease on the factory as well as providing guests with a tasting experience or teaching you how to pour the perfect pint.  Exploring each floor is self guided, though there are audio guides available, and takes some time.  Don't put yourself on a time limit here.  There are so many interesting facts found within.

Jameson - Although Jameson, along with Middleton and Powers (my personal favorite), are now brewed and distilled in the town of Middleton just outside of Cork, one of the original factory buildings still stands in Dublin and provides a wonderful guided tour with all the information you wanted to know on the whiskey, how it's made and the history of the company.  John Jameson started the distillery in 1780 when he came to Ireland from Scotland...yes, the man responsible for perhaps the most well known Irish whiskey in the world is Scottish.  The informative tour ends with a tasting of Jameson and, if you're one of the lucky few, a comparison taste to a Scotch and American bourbon.  I got to participate in that part of the tour and was fascinated of the differences of the drinks side by side.  I mean, it's a hard job whiskey tasting, but someone's got to do it!

 



DO go see a traditional music and dance show......DON'T eat the food

Ok, so this may not be the case with every place, but I'll give you our experience.  We bought tickets for the "Irish Nights" show at the Arlington Hotel.  The dancers were amazing and the musicians even better.  The lil one and I even got picked to come dance up on stage at the end of the evening.  The only draw back was the food.  As with most "dinner shows" more focus is put into the entertainment than the food.  That was the case here.  So, if you find yourself wanting to enjoy a wonderful show without a ticket price and an underwhelming dinner, I have a trick for you...sit at the bar.  There was a fair amount of seats at the bar where people enjoyed their drinks along with the show.  That would definitely been the way to go!

DO go eat some traditional fare......DON'T let the crowds fool you

Has anyone ever told you when you are traveling never to eat anywhere that isn't busy?  Yep, I've heard that too.  But some of the best traditional food we had in Ireland was in places where there weren't many people eating...they were all drinking.  We found such luck at a little pub called The Celt.  There were a few people eating, but more were bellied up to the bar for a pint than ordering off the menu.  Food here was delicious, the owner was inviting and we happened upon some wonderful Irish music before we left.  There is a more upscale restaurant next to it as well as a B&B if your looking for a little more than a pint and some Bangers and Mash.

DO have a drink in Temple Bar......DON'T spend all night there

If you've never been to Dublin, you have to check out Temple Bar at least once.  Every cabbie and local will probably tell you to avoid this area, that it's a tourist trap.  They are partially right.  BUT, it is a good tourist trap if you want to have one or two drinks.  You can find some good music here too, but the pints are pricy, so don't hang out for too long unless you can afford the steeper credit card bill at the end of the night.

DO go to several museums and churches......DON'T go to Dublin Castle (and expect to see a castle)

Ireland is full of history and full of museums.  Make sure to check out as many as you can without over doing it.  Many people see that Dublin has a castle and immediately want to check that out.  My advice, don't waste your time, you will be disappointed.  There is only one small tower left from the original castle, so to say it's underwhelming is an understatement.  With all the other sites of Dublin to explore, I wouldn't choose this one.  Here are my highlights for you.

The Leprechaun Museum - This would be a good time whether you have kids of not.  It's a storytelling museum where your guide takes you through the history and myths that fill Irish folklore.  At one point, you even get to be the size of a leprechaun in a giant's house.  If you're here without the kiddos, visit at night and hear the darker side of the legends and even get to participate in the stories yourself.

Liberty College and The Book of Kells - If you enjoy history at all, this is a must for your visit to Dublin.  The Book of Kells is a beautifully written and illustrated manuscript of the four gospels dating all the way back to 800.  After exploring the history as well as the book itself, you pop out in a fantastic library called the Long Room.  Definitely worth a look!

Saint Patrick's Cathedral - First constructed in 1191, this Cathedral is the only one we visited in our entire trip that wasn't Catholic.  It is actually an active Protestant church.  Beautiful inside and out, the lil one called the Cathedrals castles themselves.  It's open to the public and has daily services.  They do ask that no pictures be taken during worship, and strongly suggest coming back for a visit once the service has concluded.  It got me thinking.  With all the churches and cathedrals we have visited, if you are an active member, can you have your wedding here?  It would interesting to know that all it takes to get married in Norte Dame or St. Patrick's is a good attendance during church...however, I think there's probably more to it than that!

After nearly four months away, it's time to head home...