Nine essential things to do on a Dublin weekend

With so much happening in Dublin the choice is humongous. So here’s nine essential things to do on your weekend break. Not including the famous bus tour…

1. Taste a proper Irish meal
Hatch & Sons is a traditional kitchen located in a Georgian townhouse at St Stephen’s Green. Everything is Irish. An Irish breakfast comes in a skillet on an oak board, chicken salad with a buttermilk dressing, scones hot from the oven. The fuss-free menu works throughout the day, so you’re covered whether it’s a light breakfast, lunch, a pit-stop for coffee or a three-course supper.

2. Take in some fab free culture
Kildare Street is home to the National Museum, with its glorious collection of prehistoric gold and Viking artefacts, and the National Library, featuring temporary exhibitions devoted to literature and literary figures. In nearby Merrion Square the National Gallery is full of expansive displays of European art and an extensive collection of Irish works. It’s all free to enter.

3. Go with the flow
A must do in Dublin is the Guinness Storehouse, home of the ‘black stuff’ since 1759. Check out the Gravity Bar right at the top for breath-taking 360 degree views of the city, and watch Dublin take on a new exciting edge as the sun goes down.

4. Sit in on a session
The night will fly and the craic will be mighty if you sit in on a traditional Irish music session. O’Donoghues is where some of Ireland’s finest musicians play seven nights a week. Rihanna famously threw a surprise thanksgiving dinner here for her band and the locals.

5. Hit Temple Bar
Packed with Irish pubs, modern clubs, comedy and world-class restaurants Temple Bar is one of the oldest parts of Dublin and the city’s cultural quarter. There’s any amount of options to eat, drink, shop and sightsee. Also, there are fantastic foodie, book and designer markets on at the weekend.

6. Look in on Dubliners
To learn more about the real down to earth Dublin life, make for the Little Museum of Dublin. Relive the city’s 20th century history in the company of a humorous, knowledgeable tour guide. An absolute “Must see in Dublin” according to TripAdvisor.

7. Score at Croker
Essential to understanding the passion of Ireland’s national games is an access-all-areas tour of Croke Park Stadium. You’ll learn all about hurling and Gaelic football from ancient times to the modern day. Walk through the dressing rooms and take in the view from the top tier of the stand.

8. Kayak on the Liffey
See the city from a completely different angle on a kayak – it’s one of the best things to do during the day and in the evening too. City Kayaking, beside the famous emigrant tall ship the Jeanie Johnston at Custom House Quay, will get you afloat in no time.

9. Dine somewhere cool
Great hang-outs for a trendy night of great food include Fade Street Social, where top Irish chef Dylan McGrath has combined a tapas bar, restaurant and cocktail lounge. Bear probably has the best beef in Dublin. Try the succulent feather steak and chips, or its sublime rib eye dishes. For gastro-pub food taking it to the next level L.Mulligan Grocer is big on the scene.

To find out more, visit www.ireland.com

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