The Third Dublin City Guide

It is time for my third Dublin City Guide! I love to publish a new one each March because I feel like March is the time of year that people are visiting Ireland or the idea pops into their head to do so! I try and keep my other guides updated as much as I can because obviously some businesses will close or move so as much as I can remember to, I keep the original The Dublin City Guide and The Second Dublin City Guide as relevant as possible.

I also mentioned in the The Second Dublin City Guide that I am not particular when it comes to accommodation. That said, these recommendations are nicer than what I recommended in the original The Dublin City Guide and The Second Dublin City Guide. I still try to be reasonable with the finances though as I understand some people do not have as much to spend while money is not even a thought to others.

For food I have not made a conscience decision of picking places that cater to different diets or allergies. I don’t have a restricted diet and have only a common food allergy, so these recommendations are based on that so please don’t @ me for no vegan/GF/whatever options. If you want a post dedicated to these options in Dublin, I will happily research it!

Now, all that said, let’s get into The Third Dublin City Guide!

STAY

The Dawson Hotel – This hotel is conveniently located on Dawson Street right in the heart of Dublin's city centre. This 4-star find is extremely affordable for Dublin and the location. There are plenty of different room options for whatever your needs or budget. This hotel is temporarily closed as of February 2023.

Blooms Hotel – You are paying for location here. If you are looking to go out while you are in Dublin and won’t mind the noise of being right in Temple Bar and are looking for a place to lay your head only, it would be worth a shot. Just don’t be expecting The Ritz and you’ll be all good.

Arlington Hotel – This 3-star hotel is super central, super affordable option to stay in Dublin’s City Centre. Arlington has 4 out of 5 stars in location, cleanliness, service and value. The rooms are basic, but you shouldn’t be spending all your time in the room anyway! You’re in Dublin to explore!  

The Address Hotel Connolly – This place received a makeover in the last few years and it was worth every penny they put into it. The rooms are extremely nice for what you pay and the location, while not the absolute nicest in the city, is convenient. North Star is close to multiple modes of public transport including the DART which is handy for any day trips you may want to take.  

InterContinental Dublin – Definitely the nicest option on the list. If you have the cash to splash this is a great place to do it in. InterContinental is still close to town and in one of the nicest areas of Dublin. Fancy!

Wynns Hotel – If you want to be right in the city centre then Wynns is a win…see what I did there? But seriously.

EAT

The Morning Bakery – Pre-Covid this was an amazing brunch spot (as seen by the photo below) but like many businesses during Covid, they had to pivot. And pivot they did! They opened a hatch and kept their amazing coffee but started to offer the best focaccia I have ever had and some of the best buns you’ll come across. It is definitely pricey but to have every once in a while, I think it is well worth it. Make sure to try the iced dulce de leche. (Updated: February 2023)

Beckett & Bull – Not right in town but a more local place if you’re in Ireland visiting. If you live in Dublin, then why aren’t you already coming here? The food, the music, the not-overbearing but there when you need them staff and of course the cocktails! B&B has everything you could want! Update: Unfortunately this restaurant is no longer open.

Dublin Pizza Company – This is the BEST pizza in Dublin. Get the bianca (even if you don’t like mushrooms) and thank me later. This is a little hole in the side of a building on Aungier Street but you can also get the pizza at The Well in Stephen’s Green if you want to relax with a beer while you enjoy your pizza.

Woollen Mills – Come here for lunch and get the sandwich and soup or sandwich and salad combo. They do a mix of 3 or 4 salads if you decide to go for that option and each salad is soooo good! I like to mix them all up to make one super salad. If they have their spinach and onion soup when you visit, GET IT. I have only ever had lunch here, but their dinner menu looks just as good and I trust you wouldn’t be disappointed if you were for it too.

MASA – I have yet to find good Mexican food in Dublin, but these tacos are yummmmmy! MASA is the perfect place to split plates with friends so you can taste a bit of everything. There are a lot of options, but my personal favourite is the carne asada. The only thing that could improve MASA would be frozen margaritas!

Octopussy – If you love seafood (or even if you don’t) you MUST go to Octopussy in Howth. There are so many delicious seafood spots in Howth but this one is my favorite. P came here before me and had the seafood chowder and he then brought me to try it. For the record, he doesn’t even like seafood that much, so you know it had to be good. Octopussy also randomly have the best banoffee!

DRINK

Drop Dead Twice – Drop Dead Twice have their very own BYO Cocktail Bar. You bring either a naggin or a shoulder of your spirit of choice and the bartenders make your group bespoke cocktails. They also have a selection of craft beers if cocktails aren’t your thing. Update (February 2023) : Temporarily closed due to a fire.

Toners – A classic Irish pub. The vibe is old man, but it is about as authentic as they come. A great pub to sit in for hours and people watch! If it is nice outside, try to snag a seat out front.

Sophie’s – The cocktails and the views here are to die for! Sophie’s is perfect for a girly night out with your friends. It can get pricey quickly, but it is worth it every now and then! If you’re looking for an Instagrammable drink/bar, this is it.

P.Macs – If you are looking for craft beer, P.Mac’s is your place. The atmosphere isn’t that of your traditional Irish pub but more hip. Try to get in a snug if you can – they’re just so fun to sit in!

Shakespeare (Kimchi Hophouse) – Y’all it is so hard to find a cheap pint in Dublin, but these are some of the cheapest. They also serve Blue Moon with an orange slice which is also difficult to find around these parts! This is such a cool off the beaten path pub that also serves some of the best Korean dishes (get the Bossam on the dinner menu!). Be sure to sit out on the terrace if the weather is warm enough!

Thomas House – I love a good dive bar, but they are hard to find in Dublin! Thomas House is my favourite one. It is small and a bit dingy but that’s what makes it great! They have a great selection of craft beers and you won’t find any tourists here. This is definitely not for everyone but if you like a dive bar then add it to your list.

DO

Teeling Whiskey Distillery – Be sure to book your tour to avoid disappointment! I did the Teeling Small Batch & Seasonal Whiskey Cocktail but there are several tours at different price points on their website. Each person on the tour gets the same tour of the facilities but what you get to taste at the end of the tour will depend on the ticket you have purchased. Telling is in The Liberties which is a unique part of town that I think tourists don’t visit enough. Drop Dead Twice is also in the area so be sure to visit there after!

14 Henrietta Street – This is such a different tour to do while in Dublin. I know there is Guinness and Trinity and Jameson, and so many more top attractions in Dublin but 14 Henrietta is such a unique experience that I would encourage everyone to add to their list when visiting. This is a guided tour which I don’t usually love but I think doing this self-guided would be a shame. I cannot stress pre-purchasing your tickets beforehand enough as this is extremely popular.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – This is just one of those things you have to do in Dublin. Admittedly I have only ever been once, and it was the first time I visited Ireland! Even though that was 8 (what, excuse me!!) years ago I still remember the beauty of the cathedral. Writing this makes me want to visit again! Maybe I’ll see you there?

GPO Witness History Museum – This self-guided tour will give you foundational understanding in The Easter Rising and Modern Irish History. I am a bit bias because I love Irish history, but I also think it is important to make yourself familiar with some history about places you visit. This is right in the city centre, so the location is central which is super handy for you to get to plenty of other places on this guide!

Pearse Museum – Hi, have y’all not yet noticed that I LOVE Irish history? I will be up front and say this is out of the way if you’re trying to stay close to the city centre, but the grounds are gorgeous, and it is something unique to do on your trip. If you visit the GPO Museum and are keen to know more about Patrick Pearse this is the place!

Afternoon Tea at The Westin – This is my favourite afternoon tea! The ambiance is fancy AF and the food is SO good. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but you will leave stuffed to the brim and feeling luxurious.

Author’s Note: This post was originally published on my old blog in March 2020.

Updated February 2023

*all images original to Alexandra Furbee