Ireland is known for its stunning green scenery and ancient castles, which attract footfall from tourists all around the world. However, it’s not all rolling hills and familiar landmarks (big shows like Game of Thrones have certainly made the most of the views!). Many visitors skip the natural vistas and head to the bustling metropolis that is Dublin, the very heart of the Emerald Isle. Over the years, this city has become renowned as one of the most convenient, all-purpose tourist destinations.
Here’s our breakdown of why Dublin is the perfect weekend getaway for tourists, no matter what kind of traveller you are.
Dublin is Convenient
First and foremost, it’s pretty easy to get to Dublin. If you live anywhere in the British Isles, for example, Dublin is likely either a short flight or ferry ride away, which is what makes it an ideal spot for a weekend break.
Flights to Dublin are available in many big British cities such as Aberdeen, all the way up in the north, and London’s multiple airports, to the south. In fact, flights from London to Dublin can be as cheap as £5 with only an hour and 30 minutes in the air, give or take a few for unforeseen circumstances. Essentially, a trip to Dublin doesn’t break the bank or demand a whole day folded up in a plane.
For those coming from further abroad, Dublin is a natural layover point for long-haul flights across the pond but is also often available as a direct flight, in its own right. Have a look online and tailor the trip to your needs, but know that it’s highly likely you’ll be able to get a flight straight to The Pale. If you do a bit of research and book in advance, you’ll potentially be able to steal a bargain, too.
Active High Streets & Night Life
Navigating Dublin is relatively straightforward – the city is separated into Northside and Southside, which are the areas above and below the River Liffey (this cuts through the heart of the city and ends at Dublin Bay).
In Northside, shoppers can find Henry Street by the Spire of Dublin. You’re likely to find it filled with buskers and other street artists, perched outside the street’s many shops that you won’t find elsewhere in Ireland. In terms of nightlife, The Academy is Northside’s biggest and best offering, having four whole floors that host bands and comedy shows.
Southside is home to Grafton Street, which is reputed as Dublin’s (and so Ireland’s) number-one high street. Just like Henry Street, it’s famous for its street performers, while also being home to some of the most expensive to-rent retail spaces in the world. Southside has more nightlife attractions than Northside, from renowned pubs like Temple Bar and The Long Hall to clubs like Copper Face Jacks and Pygmalion.
You’ll find greater variety in Southside, like a Japanese dine-in called the Yamamori Izakaya & Sake Bar. However, go downstairs, and you’re in the Izakaya Basement – a nightclub hidden beneath the main building.
So, while there may be more old Irish pubs than you can handle, Dublin is also home to a lot of niche experiences. If you’re all about luxury food and drink, you’ll have plenty of options to explore.
A Hub of Art & Culture
Dublin boasts a rich culture and legacy, which makes it an ideal city for history buffs and explorers. Your first point of call should be Trinity College. Not only is it the oldest learning institution in Ireland, responsible for the wits of Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde, but it has a huge library with 200,000 books.
For architecture, the General Post Office Museum happens to be one of the city’s best-looking buildings, built in the Greek Revival and known for housing the Easter Rising. Otherwise, tours of Leinster House can be arranged if you contact them beforehand.
You can find more history at the Chester Beatty Library, full of old texts and art from many Eastern cultures, and the National Museum of Ireland, which is great for military enthusiasts. Then you have the Guinness Storehouse, which counts as history of a sort! The Hugh Lane Gallery and the Irish Museum of Modern Art should have you covered for a range of art styles, too.
Those are just some of the highlights that you can find in Dublin, even if you’re stopping by for a whistlestop weekend visit. While it may fly under some traveller’s radars, it’s one of the most affordable luxury travel destinations in Western Europe.