Our next local writer, Conor, is an experienced journalist and editor, who works in digital marketing. He's from Cork, but has lived in Dublin for many years.

The Guinness Storehouse

As Ireland’s biggest cultural and commercial centre, Dublin is a major destination for tourists from all over the world – and the Guinness Storehouse is without doubt one of the city’s leading attractions.

Many visitors would consider a trip to the Irish capital incomplete without experiencing a tour of the home of the famous creamy stout, which is located at St. James’s Gate, just a short drive from the city centre. Thousands flood through the Storehouse doors on a daily basis, and it’s open for tours seven days’ a week.

During this fun and interactive tour, you can learn all about the long and rich history of the stout drink and how it is produced. Guinness is of course one of Ireland’s greatest brands and exports, a symbolic hallmark of the country and its heritage, which is loved by people all over the world – almost as much as it is by the Irish themselves!

The tour includes great audio-visual content, the chance to learn how to pour a pint of the ‘black stuff” yourself, and is capped off by relaxing and enjoying one in the spectacular Gravity Bar. Here you can settle in and, along with the Guinness, drink in stunning views over the city from the top of the Storehouse. Many stars and royalty have passed through for the tour over the years, and it’s definitely a must-visit attraction.

The City Centre 

Away from the Storehouse and back in the heart of the city centre, you will find a feast of culture and festivities. One tip here is that you don’t really need to pay for a bus tour to see the top sights – you can walk around and see many of them within the space of just a few hours. Stroll through famed educational institution Trinity College before venturing into Dublin Castle, another historic setting.

Dublin Pubs

From there you can make your way up the pedestrian shopping hub of Grafton Street and into the beautiful public park of St. Stephen’s Green. Temple Bar, the city’s most popular party hub is also closeby, with the bars filled with music and ‘craic’ every day and night. While this is well worth taking in, I’d also recommend venturing to some older Dublin establishments around the city centre to enjoy live traditional Irish (‘trad’) music from local talent, along with great Guinness served by an expert local barman.

Cassidy’s Bar, The Bleeding Horse (both on Camden Street) and O’Donoghue’s Pub on Merrion Row are all good spots for this sort of fare, along with Kehoes on Anne St., where local professionals and tourists mingle, chat and make merriment! Meanwhile, trendy cocktail bars can be found on South William St., also in the heart of the city. These spots are all very much within walking distance of each other, while the Luas tram also provides a quick and convenient way to get around.

For eating options, many of the pubs serve great food, with a great selection of higher-end restaurants also available. For a good feast at a reasonable price, O’Neill’s Pub & Kitchen on Suffolk St. is a reliable option, while the nearby Fade Street Social restaurant, run by celebrity chef Dylan McGrath, is a buzzing spot with a delicious menu.

So, if you have been to the Storehouse during the day, you can move on to the city centre to see more historic sights and enjoy food and drink long into the night!

Seaside Villages

If you want to venture out from the city centre and see some great Irish scenery, just jump on the DART train, departing from any of the main city centre train stations. To the north of the city, it’s a short trip to Portmarnock, Malahide and Howth. These are lovely little seaside villages where you can take in fresh air walks and then retreat to great local pubs and restaurants. If you go southwards on the DART, you can head to Bray and Greystones, and even enjoy a stunning coastal walk between the two towns.

Along with its surrounding area, Dublin has loads to see and do, both famous attractions and hidden gems – more than enough fun and entertainment to keep you busy for a few days in the capital.

While in Dublin, you could visit Trinity College and St James Gate.

Read our guides to seeing the Book Of Kells and visiting Kilmainham Gaol.

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