Things To Do
Things to do in Dublin
- Guinness Storehouse - Jameson Distillery Tour - Trinity College (The Book of Kells) - Kilmainham Gaol Tour
Dublin Pubs
- Toners (across the street from our welcome drinks. make sure to check out the back yard!) - Keoghs - The Stags Head - John Fallon's "The Capstan Bar" - No Name Bar (night time) - Gravediggers (universally the best pint of Guinness in Dublin/Ireland depending on who you ask)
Dublin Restaurants
- Uno Mas - Mister S - FX Buckley Steakhouse - Library Street - Bastible - Tapas de Lola
Dingle
If you have some time to explore Ireland, Dingle is absolutely worth the trip. For a proper pub experience, Dick Mack's is a classic, and Ship to Shore is a lovely choice for dinner. If you don't mind a slight detour, Murphy's Bar Brandon is a low-key gem with excellent Guinness and fish and chips with a view. If you're driving, only take Conor Pass on a clear day. The views are spectacular, but the road is notoriously narrow and not for the faint-hearted! A must-do day trip is Slea Head Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in Ireland. Cafe na Tra is a great cafe along the drive with a stunning view. The Irish Road Trip website has a handy guide to the area as well (below).
Galway
Galway is only a 2.5 hour drive from Dublin and is a super authentic Irish city. Pubs: - Tigh Neachtain - Bunch of Grapes - The Crane Bar - Hughes Bar Galway city puts you right on the edge of Connemara, a beautiful region of Ireland. Some highlights include: Kylemore Abbey, the small towns of Clifden and Cleggan, and Connemara National park for stunning hikes (check out Diamond Hill). There's also an Irish Road Trip guide linked below if you'd like to explore that further. Galway city is also under 1hr 30min drive from the Cliffs of Moher. If you're going between either of these locations, we’d highly recommend stopping at Moran's Oyster Cottage, an authentic local bar and restaurant with great Guinness and seafood.
Donegal
If you'd prefer to head north, Donegal is a fantastic place to explore. The county is known for its dramatic landscapes, national parks, beautiful hikes, and some of the most stunning beaches in Ireland (though fair warning: the water's freezing!) Highlights include: the Slieve League Cliffs, the scenic Inishowen 100 drive, Malan Beg Beach, and Glenveagh National Park. Pubs: - McCafferty's Bar, Donegal Town - Harbour Bar, Crocknamurleog
Ireland's Islands
If you have a day (or two) to spare, consider either a day trip or an overnight stay on one of Ireland's many islands. They're a little more rugged than tropical, but equally as beautiful. Here are a few: - Kerry: Skellig Islands - Connemara/Galway: Inishbofin, Aran Islands - Donegal: Arranmore Island
Finn Lough
Lastly, something that has become popular across Ireland in recent years is the sauna and swim experience. One of the best stays for this experience is Finn Lough, a unique dome-style spa hotel.