The city is quaint, it’s cute, and walkable

Dublin is a must visit city and if you’re in the UK, you have no excuse not to venture west for a city that has more than you might think. As you leave Dublin Airport taxi is an option, or the Dublin Express or Aircoach will bring you right in the heart of Ireland’s largest city. Humans have been living in Dublin since what it believed to be the Mesolithic period. The Vikings inhabited the city, and the British Empire controlled Ireland, of which you can see strong Georgian influences in the city. You won’t find the quintessential rolling green hills in Dublin but if you look at the city for what it offers, you’ll find treasures within.

Stay at the Shelbourne

It’s a hotel with history and class, opening in 1824 by Martin Burke, a man with a dream to create a luxury hotel. Located on St. Stephen’s Green, the hotel has 265 rooms and 19 suites, all named after famous guests like Princess Grace of Monaco. It has an old charm about it and it’s possible to snuggle up and escape in your room, really. When you enter through the revolving doors the black and white checkered flooring catches your eye. With an array of options to fill your gastronomic urgings, like The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is located to the right as you walk in, where you can have afternoon tea. There’s also the 1824 Bar, The Horseshoe Bar, The Terrace, and The Saddle Room- which serves the best buffet breakfast.

Lunch at Avoca Wool Shop and Café-

It’s award-winning, just off of Suffolk Street with a store attached, where you can buy sweet treats and clothing. The café is opened for breakfast and lunch, cooking with Irish ingredients, you can’t go wrong with breakfast options like the Super Berry Granola that comes with Greek yogurt, berry compote, honey and bee pollen. Or, the Avoca Full breakfast that’s comprised of bacon, sausages, black pudding, mushrooms, scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes, and sourdough. Lunch comes with options like the Falafel Mezze Board, the Super Food Salad, and the Chicken Supreme. More than just a restaurant, the Avoca Shop and Café is also an experience.

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral-

Founded in 1191, the cathedral is the largest church in the country, and it’s the national cathedral of Ireland. Drawing people of all faiths from around the world, St. Patrick’s Cathedral offers paid admission to tour and find out more about its 831-year history.

Step back in time at Dublin Castle-

Set on 11 acres of land, this castle has over 800 years of history. With self-guided tours- and guided ones if you choose, visitors can get lost in the various rooms and gardens. It was a protection for the city by those seeking to invade Norman Dublin. On the tour it’s possible to see the State Apartments, St. Patrick’s Hall, the Throne Room, the State Drawing Room, and other state rooms.  

Shop at Kildare Village-

Just a 45-minute ride from Dublin, Kildare Village offers uncrowded shopping with over 100 brands. With a large offering of Irish luxury, and European and American high-end brands you can’t go wrong. Personal shopping is available and luxury dressing rooms can be arranged with a stylist, where clothing can be pulled from store brands and placed in your dressing room to try on. Visitors from the Middle East and the GCC readily visit Kildare Village, and after shopping, dine at one of the restaurants. Dunne & Crescenzi has some of the best Italian dishes, Saba will satisfy your Thai and Vietnamese cravings, and Butlers Chocolate Café- an Irish staple- has the cutest retro camper for their cafe. What Starbucks is to the US, Butlers is to Ireland. Be sure to have a hot chocolate!

Pop into Temple Bar-

A Dublin staple, most all tourists visit here. Virgin drinks are available and even if you don’t consume anything, the exterior is worth seeing. Over seven-hundred years old, the red detailing outside is photo worthy. A place to go at night, Temple Bar provides a social scene.