Dublin - A St. Patrick's Day Celebration

My Time

And just like that my friends and I are off to our third city on our European adventure, Dublin! You might think, Ireland is a bit out of the way, but our spring break fell over St. Patrick's Day, and we thought how perfect would it be to stop there for the holiday. I will forewarn, the city was absolutely packed with a bunch of visitors, so I can't say we got the true Irish experience, but being in Dublin for 2022 St. Patrick's Day is something I crossed off my bucket list and I now have a pocketful of fun stories. We weren't in Dublin for very long because of the higher prices, and having dedicated a full day of my stay there to Patty's Day celebrations, I saw the inside of many bars, but I missed out on a lot of other great sights to see, so keep that in mind if you are to take my recommendations for your next trip to Dublin. I had a splendid stay, but I left the country knowing Dublin is a great city and the people are the absolute best, so not having experienced much of those two, I knew I would have to come back surely sometime in my life.

Day 1

River Liffey: We had our early flight from Vienna to Dublin, and the public transport we elected to take from the Dublin airport into the city dropped us off near the river, and as our pockets were tight, we thought best to walk the 20+ minutes with our luggage to our hotel. So besides having to drag our stuff along with us, we got to start straightaway with seeing the sights of the city by strolling along the River Liffey. The river runs right through the heart of the city, and we had stunning views of both old and modern Dublin. It was great relief when we got to our hotel and could drop our stuff in the rooms and be off on our way to see as much of the city we could before the craziness of St. Patrick's Day would begin the next day.

Grafton Street: Walking was our sole mode of transport while in the city, and it was the way to do it. One of my favorite streets to walk along was Grafton Street, one of Dublin’s most famous shopping areas. The street was alive with street performers, tourists, and home to many charming shops. It was the perfect place to start our journey, to soak in the lively Dublin atmosphere and enjoy a little bit of everything.

Guinness Storehouse & Gravity Bar: This was our main event of our first day and the destination of our walking. No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, this we knew and therefore prioritized seeing immediately. I was excited to learn about the history of Ireland’s most famous beer and the brewing process that makes it so special. The tour is interactive and really informative, showing how Guinness has been an integral part of Dublin’s identity. Bring some headphones so you can listen to the audioguides they have as you make your way through the museum area of the storehouse. As a reward for learning all about Guinness, you are treated to the Gravity Bar, the top floor of the storehouse that offers 360-degree views of the city. You can hang out here for a couple minutes to finish your free Guinness or for a couple hours because of the lively atmosphere. My friends and I stayed there for a good chunk of time, as there’s no better way to sip a pint of Guinness than while enjoying panoramic views of Dublin’s rooftops, with the Dublin Mountains in the distance. This place was special to me as well, because it was the first sip of alcohol I had after giving it up completely over a year prior. When I stopped drinking February 2021, I wasn't sure how I wanted to go about it, if I wouldn't ever have a taste again, or if I would allow myself a couple sips here and there. But, being in Dublin and at the source of the best Guinness, I knew this was something that would warrant a sip, and I don't regret it. I didn't drink much more than that because it was a strong and dark beer, but to say I had a Guinness in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day is an awesome story to have.

I also picked up a couple great souvenirs at the shop and there's a ton of other bars and fun things to do in the storehouse that my friends and I passed on. For example, you can print a photo of your face into the foam of the beer, so if you know you'd like to partake in all the Storehouse has to offer, you could spend upwards of 2-4 hours there alone. And no minute there is wasted, it was truly one of the coolest museums I've visited, so it's a must add to your Dublin itinerary and saving enough time to truly take in all it has to offer.

Restaurants/Food Recommendations: Again, this is not something I can speak on as for every meal we got fast food because the restaurants were booked out or could not seat 10+ people easily, all of which is completely understandable. So, our meals included middle eastern falafel takeout, which we ate in the street huddled up in a circle. We also frequented an empanadas place, but my absolute favorite was our breakfasts/early lunch at the Pig and Heifer. This was the best sandwich I've had since going vegan and very likely ever. It is a NY style deli shop, and the food was delicious and filling, with a variety of options to choose from. The shop was across from our hotel and we went multiple times because it was a favorite of our groups. When I go back to Dublin, I am for certain making a stop here for at least one of my meals, and it is the best food recommendation I can give you for this city.

Temple Bar: After spending a couple hours at the Guinness Storehouse and running around looking for dinner, we wanted to get in one more bar before calling it a night. I rallied for us to go to Temple Bar, the most iconic bar in all of the city. Luckily, we got in without having to wait in a line, and since we arrived at 11pm and stayed until about 1am, we were technically there on St. Patrick's Day! The place was packed, but we made our way to the different areas of the bar, admiring the cool signs and decor filling the walls and ceilings. We were drawn to the live music, and stayed there enjoying the 2 man Irish Band who mixed in classics along with the Irish anthems. One of my friends studied up some Irish music, and when the band played switched to performing those, and all of us listened while he sang along with spirit. Although it was packed and not necessarily a hidden gem, I was so happy we went our first night because the line was insane the next day and I'd say going to Temple Bar is an essential stop. I was so happy about all we did and saw already on our first day in Dublin, it is such a cool and fun city with the best environment.

Day 2

St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Happy St. Patrick's Day!! We went out early in the morning, and the city was already packed with people dressed head to toe in green. We of course thought it best to watch the parade, so we grabbed some donuts for breakfast, ate them along the river, and grabbed some spots to watch the parade. Although, we didn't go early enough, so we were 4 rows deep of people, I could barely see anything, and the parade itself is so different than the ones I grew up going to. It was more about costumes and performances than companies throwing out candy lol, so it was different but I wouldn't say a must. My favorite part actually was we were next to some Irish folk and after cracking up on the jokes they said to each other, we introduced ourselves and talked to them until their friend walked past in the parade, and once they saw him, they dipped. We stayed until the end, and went straight into bar hopping after.

Bar Hopping: This was the entirety of the rest of our day. The city is full of lively pubs, and each one has its own unique charm. The only downside was a ton of the bars were at capacity and weren't letting anymore in. We had better luck earlier in the day, and we tried out a couple different ones, hopping around depending on the if there was live music, and the quality of it. Some Bars we saw were Bankers, Cassidy's Bar, Peader Kearney's, a few along St. Andrews, and we ended the night at our favorite, The Hairy Lemon. We were hoping to catch one more place after the Hairy Lemon, but every place was either full, required reservations, or had an age limit that not all of us had hit (I wasn't even 21 at the time!) The streets were lined with trash and ill folk, to the point that we knew our time was likely up. We walked around a ton trying to find good bars to hang at, so having seen even more of the city and inside many local joints, we were content with our St. Patrick's celebrations.

Day 3

Trinity College: On our final day in Dublin, we visited Trinity College, walking around the campus and deciding whether or not to check out the world-famous Book of Kells. Our group decided against seeing it, I hadn't known how cool it really was, otherwise I would have advocated much harder to see it. The Book of Kells is a stunning 1,200-year-old illuminated manuscript where each page is meticulously hand-painted with intricate Celtic designs, vibrant colors, and elaborate calligraphy, making it one of Ireland’s greatest artistic and historical treasures. We could have also seen The Long Room Library, a breathtaking library with endless rows of ancient books. But don't worry, as I said earlier I will be back and I will for sure be seeing this book along with the Long Room Library. Click here for a great guided tour of the two.

We got super lucky with the weather while we were there, typically it is rainy and cloudy in Ireland, but the sun was shining all three days we were there, and our last day, it was high 50s with the bright sun warming us, that walking around the campus was our way to enjoy the weather.

National Museum of Ireland: Wanting to fit in one more activity before our late night flight, we checked out a museum. we could chose from either the National Museum of Ireland, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Having visited an art museum in Vienna, we opted for the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland is a collection of museums covering Irish history, archaeology, decorative arts, and natural history. It was nice to see a little bit of everything and learn more about the country's culture and history.

And that was my stay in Dublin! As you can tell, with the holiday and a full day dedicated to bar hopping, there is so much more to do in Dublin that we missed out on. But, I had the absolute best time with my crew of friends enjoying the live music, the cool interiors of the endless bars, and the rich history of this city.

Additional Recommendations

The Jameson Distillery Bow St: This historic distillery offers a fantastic guided tour where you can learn about the whiskey-making process and enjoy a tasting of some of Jameson’s finest blends. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or just curious to try a bit of Ireland’s famous spirit, it’s a fun and interactive experience.

Dublin Castle: A historic castle complex in the heart of the city. It has been a key government complex for centuries, and now you can explore the State Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the beautiful Dubh Linn Gardens.

Phoenix Park: One of the largest enclosed urban parks in Europe, offering a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can visit the Dublin Zoo, walk around the park’s beautiful gardens, or rent a bike to explore more of the park's 1,750 acres.

The Church: For a truly unique experience, head to The Church, a bar located inside a former church. This converted 18th-century building has retained its stunning architectural features, including stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings. Enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Day Trip

Howth: If you're looking for a peaceful escape just outside Dublin, Howth is the perfect destination. This charming fishing village is located about 30 minutes from the city center by DART train, making it an easy and quick day trip. Once there, you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the Howth Cliff Walk, where the views of the Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea are absolutely stunning, especially as the sun begins to set. If you're a seafood lover, Howth’s harbor is home to some of the freshest catches, and there are plenty of cozy cafes and seafood restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal. The village also has a lovely market with handmade goods, making it a great spot for a relaxed day of exploring. If you are looking for tour of Howth, click here.

Kilkenny: For a taste of medieval Ireland, Kilkenny is just a 90-minute drive from Dublin and is well worth a visit. Known as Ireland’s "medieval capital," Kilkenny is full of history, culture, and stunning architecture. You can explore Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent 12th-century fortress that has been beautifully restored, and take a walk through its lush gardens. The city’s narrow, winding streets are lined with independent boutiques, artisan shops, and charming cafes, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of exploring. Don’t miss out on the lively pubs in the evening where you can enjoy traditional Irish music. Kilkenny offers a lovely blend of history, art, and Irish charm that makes it an ideal day trip from Dublin.

Next Stop

Cliffs of Moher: A visit to the Cliffs of Moher is a must if you’re venturing further west from Dublin. These towering cliffs rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, offering some of the most breathtaking views in Ireland. You can walk along the designated paths, feel the fresh sea breeze, and take in the spectacular scenery that stretches for miles. It’s an iconic Irish landmark that’s perfect for photos, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some puffins or other seabirds nesting along the cliffs. Whether you're a nature lover or simply in search of dramatic landscapes, the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see on your Irish itinerary. Click here for a great day trip tour.

The Burren: Just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren is a unique geological area known for its limestone landscape. The region is dotted with ancient ruins, megalithic tombs, and caves, creating a mysterious and otherworldly atmosphere. As you explore, you’ll find rare flora that thrives in this rugged environment, including orchids and Alpine plants. It’s a peaceful, awe-inspiring place, perfect for a quiet walk or a hike. The Burren is also rich in history, with many ancient sites to discover, including the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen. It’s a great addition to your itinerary if you're interested in exploring Ireland’s natural beauty and heritage.

Galway: If you're in the mood for a lively and artistic vibe, Galway is the place to be. Just a short drive from The Burren, this vibrant city is known for its colorful streets, live music, and strong cultural scene. Stroll through Quay Street, full of pubs, cafes, and independent shops, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. Galway is also a great base for exploring nearby coastal areas like Salthill and Galway Bay. With its mix of history, music, and a welcoming ambiance, Galway is the perfect spot to soak in Irish culture and meet friendly locals.

Limerick: If you're looking for a city with a rich history, look no further than Limerick. Just an hour from Galway, Limerick offers a blend of medieval charm and modern flair. You can visit King John's Castle, one of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, and explore the Hunt Museum, home to a wide range of art and antiquities. Limerick is also known for its picturesque riverside views along the River Shannon and is a great stop for a mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty. It’s a wonderful city to discover if you’re keen on exploring more of Ireland’s history and vibrant urban life.