Day One: Hipsters and Hidden Pubs

I arrived at The Hendrick hotel on Thursday evening - a super modern spot in the Smithfield area. Smithfield was totally new to me, and I loved it. There are some fantastic hipster bars and restaurants and it's bustling with patrons spilling out onto the streets.

In total contrast to the modern vibe, I found myself in Frank Ryan’s, the most eccentric of pubs. It took five minutes for my eyes to adjust to the dim lighting, only to discover the quirky décor  hanging over my head and the drinking memorabilia adorning the walls. I was in for a treat - a jazz/blues band started playing at around 8:30pm, and they were incredible!

Day Two: History, Hops, and Hype

On Friday morning, I headed into town, which was a pleasant 15–20-minute walk away (though trams and other public transport are readily available). After a quick bite at ITSA Bagel in Arnott’s department store and a brief look around the shops, I headed to Trinity College, a gorgeous 47-acre campus in the heart of the city. It’s well worth a wander to see the Book of Kells, Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.

Travel Tip: If you’re a history buff, a visit to the General Post Office (GPO) nearby should also be high on your agenda.

For lunch, I stopped at Café 1920, which satisfied all my Irish food cravings with a menu featuring Galway Bay chowder and beef and Guinness stew. There are some fabulous old pubs around there, too; one of my favourites was the Palace Bar on Fleet Street.

As the sun went down, it was time to head to Temple Bar. You’ll hear it before you see it – it’s a hot spot for singing and dancing. If you’re into your whiskey, head around the corner to The Whiskey Reserve where they have 2,000+ bottles to sample and buy. I spent some time there before heading back to Smithfield, where the nightlife felt a little more relaxed!

Day Three: Heritage, Hurling, and High Views

Weekend mornings start late in Dublin, so there was no point rushing out too early. Since I'd booked tickets for the Guinness Storehouse later in the day, I had some time to kill. On my way there, I walked through the Liberties area. What an interesting place! It's full of character, vintage shops, and cozy cafes.

Heading over to the Storehouse for my 1:45pm visit, I got caught in a downpour.

Weather Tip: Make sure you pack for all weathers when visiting Ireland... even in June!

The Storehouse was full, but everything was well-organised and flowed beautifully. The pride Ireland feels towards Guinness (and vice versa) oozed through every exhibition.

While exploring, the sound of the bodhrán (the traditional Irish drum) beckoned me into the bar on the second floor, where Bodhrán Buzz was hosting a workshop. After a quick taster session, we were treated to a wonderful array of Irish music and dance. Everyone was having a fantastic time, and it felt like a good opportunity to use my free Guinness voucher - unfortunately, you can’t use it in that specific bar.

Guinness Storehouse Insider Tip: If, like me, you can’t manage much more than one pint of Guinness, consider buying a different drink at the second-floor bar. Save your free voucher for the Gravity Bar at the very top of the building! The 360-degree views up there are incredible, and the atmosphere is electric.

Also, give yourself plenty of time. The Storehouse recommends 90 minutes for the whole experience, but with all the live entertainment, I found even 3+ hours felt like a rush!

I had to dash because I had tickets to watch a hurling game at Croke Park and needed to get over there before 6pm. I jumped in a taxi and managed to slide into my seat just as the senior hurling championship started. What craic!

There’s no alcohol allowed in the stands and it’s very much a family affair. The game itself is fast-paced and incredibly skilful.

Match Tip: If it’s not hurling season during your visit, try to catch a Gaelic football game instead - it's equally impressive. Just be sure to buy your tickets beforehand at ticketmaster.ie, as you can't just turn up and buy one at the gate.

After the match, it was time to head back to Smithfield for dinner and a final dip into the coolest bars in Dublin before bed and an early departure the next day.

Ready to Plan Your Own Dublin Getaway?

Dublin is just a short flight or ferry ride away, making it the ultimate hassle-free weekend escape from the UK. But as you can see, from timing your Guinness Storehouse tour to securing those coveted Croke Park tickets, a little insider knowledge goes a long way in making a short trip seamless.

If you’re ready to trade your daily routine for a weekend of culture, craic, and world-class hospitality, let’s make it happen! As a Travel Counsellor, I can take all the guesswork, planning, and stress off your plate - crafting a personalised itinerary that hits all the best spots (including a few hidden gems like Frank Ryan’s!)

Get in touch with me today to start planning your perfect Dublin itinerary, and let's get your next adventure on the calendar!