James Joyce, Guinness, Molly Malone, Cillian Murphy’s alarmingly cyan blue eyes — whatever you think of when you think of Ireland, Dublin certainly has it all. Deeply historical, romantic, and just fun, Ireland’s capital heaves with landmarks, eateries, luxurious hotels, and the kitsch wonders of diddley-eye music. But where to start? Now that can be overwhelming.
Luckily for you, dear reader, the humble and travel-loving editors of British GQ have done the hard work for you. From flying, drinking, eating, dancing, and sleeping, we've sought out the best spots the city has to offer, so you can make informed decisions on how to spend your time in the small but almighty capital. All you need do is read on… and take some diligent notes.
How to travel to Dublin?
Reaching Ireland isn't tricky, involving a mere hop across the Irish Sea. Flights depart regularly from all major UK airports and take a little over an hour (London City to Dublin Airport, from £40 return, FYI). The truth is, you'll spend more time in the departure lounge bar and Duty-Free than on the flight itself.
What are the best hotels in Dublin?
The Dean hotel encapsulates a new playfulness, with a blend of high-end luxury and lo-fi cool throughout its 55 rooms. Its mantra: “We don't do conventional. We do fun.” Definitely a place for the young and cool. The location and buzzing rooftop bar mean that early nights are out, but it's the perfect base to lie in and contemplate the day of dining ahead. Rooms are classed as "Mod Pods", "Punk Bunks", "SupeRooms", "Hi-Fi's" and Sophie’s Rooftop Bar, the Dean Townhouse and Courtyard are amongst the numerous attractions.
Fitting, then, that arguably the best brunch in the city can be ordered on the fifth floor of The Dean, at Sophie's restaurant (+353 1607 8100, sophies.ie). Its full Irish breakfast, served up in front of the best views of the skyline, should be enough to revive the spirits. 33 Harcourt St, Dublin 2.
Trinity City Hotel is located opposite Trinity College just a 10-minute walk away from the bustling Temple Bar district. The classically styled interior and well-stocked hotel bar makes this a perfect place to while away an evening over a glass or two of scotch. For maximum luxury, stay in one of the Executive Rooms, which is located in an original Victorian Fire Station (a modern fire station stands next door). Pearse St, Dublin 2.
Situated in the Dublin Docklands, an ideal spot if you want somewhere that's just a short walk from Temple Bar without having its bustling nightlife right on your doorstep, The Mayson is one of the more boutique-feeling hotels in the city. Made up of two halves, the recently added townhouse and the hotel, it has 94 bedrooms, all of which have a modern, vibey feel to them that taps into Dublin’s industrial vibe. With its own coffee shop and merch, as well as a pub downstairs that’s the perfect place to have your first Guinness on Irish soil, it feels fun and trendy. On the top floor, you’ll find Roberta’s, a rooftop restaurant that has some of the best steak in town, which is nicely contrasted by the Power Gym which is situated on the bottom floor, complete with workout classes that you can book into. The riverside location makes for a great base to explore from, and is also close to the business district making it an easy spot if you’re travelling with work. 82 N Wall Quay, North Dock, Dublin.
If you simply must set yourself slap bang in the centre Temple Bar, The Clarence manages to capture a moment of calm amidst a raucous district. Staying true to the musical heritage of the hotel with vibrant decor and a fun industrial feel, The Clarence has 58 bedrooms and suites, including a penthouse suite, all of which manage to be nice and quiet, despite plenty of being right on your doorstep. It’s a great location for walking to pretty much any part of the city from, and benefits from having its own cocktail bar right downstairs, giving you the chance to drink with your friends and family from within the hotel before heading out. 6-8 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
Where to eat
If you fancy dinner away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown Temple Bar area, Ryleigh's Rooftop is a short walk along the river, giving you gorgeous views of Dublin and an impressive menu. It isn't the best spot for vegetarians, so keep that in mind before you book, but if you're in the market for a steak, chicken or fish meal, it's definitely got you covered. North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, D01 Xr83.
Housed in the Guinness Storehouse, 1837 is the ideal spot for relaxing after or before your tour, with a menu that's designed to show off Guinness at its finest. The restaurant's name comes from the year it was discovered that Guinness pairs beautifully with oysters, and it's truly the best place to try it if you're willing to take the plunge. For those in need of something more hearty, there are a whole host of options from Guinness stews and glazes to flatbreads and pies. St James's Gate, Dublin 8.
For a traditional Irish breakfast, make your way down to Brother Hubbard. Open until late-afternoons, with brunch served every weekend, the small menu offers a host of delicious dishes to kick off the day. 153 capel st, Dublin 1.
A gorgeous venue with food to match. This climate-controlled fine wine cellar looks an absolute treat and an enjoyably bleary afternoon can be spent perusing the drink list while chomping down on a burger. A heated waterside terrace – the venue is situated in the Docklands – offers a perfect summertime dining spot, provided the sun stays out. North Dock, Georges Dock, Dublin 1.
Having held a Michelin star since 2008, chef Oliver Dunne is a TV regular and one of the country's most famous names in food. His latest venture, Cleaver East, is based in the Clarence Hotel. The emphasis is on great cuts, but even the sides here contain meaty treats, such as its mashed potato with sweet-onion gravy. The spicy prawns are unmissable, the steaks a labour of love and the mashed potato with crispy bacon a deliciously indulgent form of adult junk food. And the name is pleasingly literal: cleavers do indeed decorate the room. 2 Essex Street East, Dublin 2.
Telling the story of an Indian-Irish connection, Doolally celebrates authentic Indian flavours using seasonal, local, Irish produce. Offering an extensive menu, Doolally encourages diners to share, allowing a more well-rounded experience full of hearty, and wholly fun, food. The Lennox Building, 47-51 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.
Bringing an American feel to Dublin's streets, Roberta's channels a New York Italian menu of pizzas, steaks and braised lamb shanks. The decor feels like an upscale diner, and it makes for a fun night if you fancy something a bit different to spice up your trip. And thanks to the location, it's a great place to start your evening if you fancy going out afterwards. 1 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin.
Where to drink in Dublin
One of the most renowned drinking dens is The Temple Bar located, surprisingly, in the district of Temple Bar. Don't be fooled by the name: it's far closer in style and spirit to the old-fashioned Irish boozer than the gleaming hangouts of Manhattan. You kind of have to order a Guinness, at least once, but the 450 different varieties of whisky also demand due attention. 47-48 Temple Bar, Dublin 2. templebarpub.com
If you fancy something a little more refined the Vintage Cocktail Club is a classic speakeasy also located in the bustling Temple Bar region. A word of warning: like the speakeasys of old, the venue is very discreet. No sign, no window, no crowd outside. A black door inscribed VCC is the only giveaway: ring the doorbell to gain access. Seriously delicious cocktails will be your reward downstairs. 15 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. vintagecocktailclub.com
The self-proclaimed “Heart of LGBT Ireland”, The George is an icon of Dublin nightlife, a long-standing staple of the Irish night out. Standing in the same spot for almost forty years, The George offers daily entertainment, drag performances (Kings and Queens, FYI), and a huge dancefloor… for the ultimate late-night vibe, look no further. Everyone is welcome. 89 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2. thegeorge.ie
For a "theme" pub that's a million miles from the derivative Irish bars in Britain, try Mary's Bar & Hardware Shop, which re-creates the unique Irish tradition of the pub- cum-hardware store. 8 Wicklow St, Dublin 2. marysbar.ie
But if what you're really after is a pint of the black stuff in a bona fide, old-school local pub, then GQ offers the recommendation of our taxi driver: "It's got to be Grogan's." 15 William St S, Dublin 2. groganspub.ie
Things to do in Dublin
The Guinness Storehouse was voted Europe's best tourist attraction almost a decade ago, and it's done little to let that crown slip since. Taking visitors through the taste and history of Guinness, the tour is an unexpected delight – and yes, you get to sample plenty of the Black Stuff. Think Willy Wonka's factory for grown-ups, only instead of Everlasting Gobstopper you get to enjoy a pint with your face printed on it. St James's Gate, Dublin 8. guinness-storehouse.com
The Long Room library at Trinity College is a breathtaking experience. Nearly 65 metres in length, it is filled with 200,000 books written in over 25 different languages. It is estimated the average reader would take 521 years to get through them all – without taking a break. The ancient Books of Kells, believed to have been created around the year 800, can be seen in the Old Library below. College Green, Dublin 2. tcd.ie
Ireland boasts a proud literary heritage; and no writer encapsulates a city more than James Joyce does Dublin. The James Joyce Centre should be on the itinerary of any lover of literature lover - crammed with memorabilia and anecdotes, it offers a unique insight into Ireland's (arguably the world's) greatest novelist. 35 N Great George's St, Dublin 1. jamesjoyce.ie
Idiosyncratic and endearing, the Little Museum of Dublin is an unexpected treat. It tells the story of 20th-century Dublin through exhibits donated by the city's residents. 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2. littlemuseum.ie
For those who have come down with a case of Dublin-induced Guinness fatigue, take a break from the creamy stout and look to the Jameson's Distillery experience to cut through the fog. Home to the world's leading distillery tour, this tucked-away location on Bow St is where the good stuff was distilled until 1971. It plays host to an extensive tour tracking the history of whiskey and its production cycle, a cask-tasting experience and (of course) a bar. Bow St, jamesonwhiskey.com
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