48 HOURS IN DUBLIN: ONE OF EUROPE’S GEMS
Mired in tradition, the city of Dublin is one of Europe’s lesser known gems and should be on the bucket list of every traveller. If the mission at hand is to make the most out of 48 hours exploring Dublin, reserve a room near its heart, at Trinity City Hotel in Pearse Street.
Your first stop should be the unmissable Dublin Flea Market and its showcase of around 280 Irish businesses. Admission is free to this area of retro collectibles and quality antiques. Even more exciting is seeing the work of some of the finest artisans, craftspeople, and designers from all over Ireland, in a single market that takes place on the last Sunday of every month.
At this time of the year, you should also check out the Royal Dublin Society’s annual fair, which is called Gifted. Formerly known as the National Crafts and Design Fair, Gifted blurs the lines between arts and crafts. The grown-up festive displays include extravagant fashion, fashionable leather crafts, hand-blown glass sculptures, and fragrances. A veritable showcase of Irish artistry right near the heart of Dublin.
If all of that sounds too touristy to you, you can always look to try other local Irish pastimes. While there are plenty of establishments that offer food, drink, and shopping options, you could scarcely do better than taking your business to a Donnybrook Fair. The supermarket chain is inspired by the Dublin market that started in the 13th century, and is a good spot to pick up traditional Irish food and drink, either for yourself or to take back home.
Where to Stay
Trinity City Hotel
Pearse St, Dublin 2, D02 FW96
This perfect four-star experience is smack dab in the middle of historic, buzzing Dublin itself. Modern elegance at its best, especially if you can book any of its Georgian and executive suites.
The Wilder Townhouse
22 Adelaide Rd, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 ET61
The first thing you’ll notice is its glowing red brick facade. This historic Victorian gem used to officially be the Home for Retired Governesses. Now, its high ceilings, bright interiors, and Irish craftsmanship are home to a small, hospitable boutique hotel that offers luxurious traditional rooms to anyone who wants to stay near the city centre.
Image credit: https://www.facebook.com/TheWilder.ie/
Where to Eat
The Woollen Mills
42 Ormond Quay Lower, North City, Dublin 1
Near Dublin Port and right beside Ha’penny Bridge, The Woollen Mills offer you the chance to shatter all your expectations about Irish food. Their salt-baked beats and Liliput feta salad with honeycomb and blood orange is a fantastic example of what to expect from their locally-sourced produce. The food is served in the quirky surroundings of what used to be a haberdashery proprietor.
L. Mulligan Grocer
18 Stoneybatter, Arran Quay, Dublin 7
Although primarily a pub that offers the best spirits in town, L. Mulligan Grocer also boasts some of the best gastro pub meals in the city, including its own perfect take on black pudding, Dijon and honey-glazed ham, and roasted meats and veggies. You might even catch one of their cheese and Irish whiskey tastings.
Where to Drink
The Stag’s Head
1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 TW84
There are tons of authentic, well-preserved Victorian pubs in Dublin’s city centre. And if you’re going to visit just one, make it The Stag’s Head. This legendary Irish pub’s mosaic tiled floors, mahogany shelving, chandeliers, Connemara marble bar top, and stained glass windows effortlessly achieves the authentic ambiance that wanna-be Irish pubs in London can only dream of. And with Irish craft beers, gins, and whiskeys at the ready, you’ll be set all night.
48 HOURS IN DUBLIN: ONE OF EUROPE’S GEMSTop Tip
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s an app for it. Dublin’s no stranger to the increasingly digitised and mobile face of branding, which means that whether it’s a bar, restaurant, festival, market, or concert, you’ll be able to find its time and location details on your phone.
Getting There
Flights to Dublin from the UK are mostly cheap all year round, operated by British Airways, Aer Lingus, CityJet, and Ryanair.
The Liverpool Dublin ferry route is operated by P&O Irish Sea, while the Holyhead Dublin ferry route, which connects Wales with Ireland, is operated by Stela Line as well as Irish Ferries.
