Day One: Live Music in Smithfield

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. It has a cool, creative atmosphere, with independent bars and great restaurants. It feels trendy without being pretentious.

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. Dublin is wonderfully walkable and, based in Smithfield, I found most attractions were within a 15–30 minute stroll, with the Luas tram making it even easier to get around. 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. Temple Bar divides opinion, but there's no denying the atmosphere. It's worth experiencing once, though I preferred the more laid-back vibe back in Smithfield.

Day Three: Heritage and Hurling

After two busy days, I wasn't in any rush to start early, so I took my time before heading out. 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 cosy cafés.

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 Guinness Storehouse was full, but everything was well-organised and flowed beautifully. Despite being busy, it never felt overcrowded. The pride Ireland has in Guinness shines through every part of the experience.

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 Dublin is on your wish list, I'd be delighted to help you plan a trip that suits your style – whether that's history and culture, great food and pubs, or experiencing the buzz of a hurling match at Croke Park. Get in touch if you'd like some help putting together the perfect itinerary.

My Top Five Dublin Highlights:

• Frank Ryan's live music
• Watching hurling at Croke Park
• The views from the Gravity Bar
• Wandering around Trinity College
• Exploring the characterful Liberties district