Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - 3 days in Dublin..What are the musts?

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)

- Europe (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/)

- - 3 days in Dublin..What are the musts? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/3-days-in-dublin-what-are-the-musts-284997/)

3 days in Dublin..What are the musts?

I have three days in Dublin next week, any suggestions on sights not to miss? Best spots to eat/hear local music? Thanks!

First of all, rent the movie Michael Collins (admittedly part fiction and some history), and let your trip to Dublin be an aid to your learning about the strugggle for independence that has taken Ireland about two centuries longer than it took us here in the US. Then go to http://www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/travel/attractions/museums/nm.shtm and http://www.irelandseye.com/aarticles/travel/attractions/museums/kilmain.shtm And from whart I read on the link above, much of what I liked at the National Museum is being (has been?) relocated. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/ArtsandCulture/DublinCityArea/ NationalMuseumofIrelandCollinsBarracksDublin (note: I added a carriage return in the middle of this - - you'll have to remove that to make it work). Best wishes, Rex [email protected]

Suzette Get over to Trinity College at the front gate and take part in one of the Dulin Walks they conduct. We did one that left mid morning with one of the students and it was quite interesting and gives a good overview of the main central city as well as (depending on the student) a good overview of Irish history. After that you can go back and explore any areas in more depth that sounded interesting. The squares of Dublin are great. We enjoyed visiting the Guinness Storehouse, but I will admit it is pretty commercial and a bit pricey but as my wife and I are both Guinness lovers it was a must do. Lots of music around, just pop into a pub and see what is going on. Where are you staying? Do you have a guide book? Get one and read it and you can answer a lot of your own questions.

I would echo Rex’s sentiment about learning a bit of the history first—it will really enrich your experience. If you’re a reader, I strongly recommend Roddy Doyle’s novel, A Star Called Henry, set during Ireland’s struggle for independence. Also, would recommend a trip to Glasnevin, a fascinating cemetery just outside Dublin—can get there via public transit. Michael Collins is buried there, among others. Here’s a website: www.glasnevin-cemetery.ie/index.html Be sure to have a pint at the pub next to the cemetery—locals know it as the Gravedigger’s Pub, it’s actually called something else—a truly authentic Irish Pub that I don’t believe has changed much at all since the early 20th century. It even still has a small opening in one wall (shared with the cemetery wall) through which the thirsty gravediggers in the cemetery would, at one time, pass their shovels—barkeep would place a pint on the shovel, gravediggers get a bit of refreshment on the job! Also, if the weather cooperates, for a nice afternoon out of the city along the coast of the Irish Sea, get on the DART going south, and get off at Killiney Station —then just backtrack (North) down the road just follow the coast—very nice scenery, a bit hilly, but nothing serious (you’ll pass the gates to Bono’s house, if you’re into that sort of thing). You will end up at in Dalkey, a lovely little town—have lunch, or just a pint at Queen’s Pub—then back on the Dart at Dalkey station. Hope that helps—you’ll love Ireland!

Further to the first three posts, have dinner at Chapter One in the basement of the Dublin Writers'Museum (which is also worth a couple of hours). Spend your first morning doing the Dublin City Bus (green and cream buses) Hop on-Hop Off tour; probably the best E10 you'll spend to give you the flavoiur of Dublin. You might consider riding the DART (previously mentioned) from Howth in the north to Greystones in the south and back to Dublin. Have tea at the Shelbourne Hotel, then walk through St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square. Do a little shopping at Brown Thomas and the Powerscourt complex, and take a pint at any pub (if you can live through the tobacco smoke). The current display of the Book of Kells I found a little disappointing--after all the ads showing the brilliance of the illumination, the pages to which the Book is currently open are, comparatively speaking, downright drab. Above all, walk, walk, walk all over central Dublin, both south of the Liffey and north along O'Connell Street. Glasnevin cemetery and the nearby pub are a terrific idea. Did the same myself in November. I envy you your trip. DES

It may sound a little cheesy, but the Musical Pub Crawl was actually a lot of fun. You can get info on it (and other pub crawls) at the tourist info office. You start at one pub, and are led by a small group of traditional musicians around to about 4 or 5 pubs. At each you have a drink, and they play a few songs. It was a good way to explore. The musicians also are a good source of advice on where to hear other live music. The Guinness Brewery is worth a stop. And you must have a pint in Mulligan's. Reportedly, it's the first stop for deliveries from the brewery. It's just a nice old pub. The tourist office also has some good walk guides. For pre-trip history reading, have a look at some of Tim Pat Coogan's books.

I second the renting of Michael Collins. And Glasnevin Cemetary. But add to that Kilmainham Gaol, especially if you do see the movie. And definitely take the guided tour there, the guide I had was excellent and very well versed in the subject matter. In Dublin, I'd say the Gaol, Glasnevin, Trinity College and O'Connell and Grafton Streets for people watching/shopping. St. Patrick's Cathedral is interesting if you haven't been to a major cathedral in Europe before (if you've seen Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, Chartres or Notre Dame you might be underwhelmed). A day trip to Newgrange or someplace outside the city might be fun too.

The National Museum in Kildare St. is free and has wonderful artwork stretching back thousands of years! It is launching a site soon at www.museum.ie.The National Gallery in Merrion Square is also free and has a fine collection of paintings including Carravagio and Vermeer.Did you know that Vermmer`s paintings are probably the most expensive in the world-there are less than 40 in existence?It has a new extension completed recently and itsd siter is at www.natioanlgalllery.ie (www.nationalgallery.ie)

A side trip to Newgrange is definitely worthwhile. It's an ancient inhabited site that goes back to the time of the pyramids. Extremely interesting.

topping, for Suzette

Hi Seuette, I live in Dublin and these are my Pics! Book of Kells - Trinity College Christ Churh - Beautiful inside My favourtie museum is the National Museum on Kildare street. It's beautiful and the gold jewellry is amazing. Personally the Collins Barricks Museum is OK. I live nearby but would not recommend to go out of the way to see it. Temple Bar Food Market - Every Saturday in the Meeting house Square. Great to get something to eat while you sit on a bench. Fantastic food and people watching. Do a musical or Literary pub crawl at night, they are fun and take you to a few pubs around Grafton street. Visit the Chester Beatty Library Behind Dublin Castle...its a gem few people now about and houses the largest collection of Asian art in Europe. Eat at the Silk Road Cafe in the Museum. It's the best lunch in Dublin. There are some great plays on at the Moment - Blood Brothers is at the Gaiety theatre. Check out Ticketmaster.ie for listings and bookings of concerts and theatre. The Shelbourne has gone down a lot over the years and I would have afternoon tea at the Westbury Hotel off Grafton Street. It's newly renovated and a huge area upstairs where they serve tea. Guinness tour is fun and has an amazing view in a circular bar at the top. It's worth Paying just to go up here. I have never been to Kilmainham Jail but I hear its good to see. Same goes for Glasnevin Cemetary...must do these one weekend soon! The Gravedigger pub is an institution. All the Smithwicks ads are filmed in the pub. Chapter one restaurant is meant to be great but very pricey. ALways book in advance for weekend nights even the small places as its sometimes impossible to get a table. Try: Milano's- Pizza Place on Dawson Street and in Temple Bar Cafe/Bar/Deli on Georges street beside the Globe Pub. Salamanca- Spanish/Tapas food on Sussex Street Cafe en-seine for lunch. The decor is amazing and its on Dawson Street All of the above are reasonable. For more pricier- Try Bruno's in Temple Bar Bond - Dublin 1(not sure address) amazing if you like wine as they bring you downstairs to the shop and can pick your own or they will reccommend one. Its european food. LA Mer Zou - Belgian Cuising on the Greene Bang - Merrion Street (Great Steaks) Unicorn - Merrion Row (Italian) Diep La SHaker off pembroke street in Pembroke lane- asian food pricey but good For cocktails - The Clarence Hotel Octagon Bar. They make the best in Town. A good second is the bar in the Fitzwilliam Hotel Have fun!

Ah, I just wish that I could buy a pint of Smithwicks here in the states where I live. What a wonderful beer. I fell in love with Smithwicks when in Ireland. Indeed tasty!

Thanks to everyone who replied...this will certainly fill the few days I have there!! Lots of great tips!!

Definately take the hop on hop off double decker bus. National Gallery is great and a super spot for lunch. Trinity College and the library there, St Patricks Cathedral is a must...and a stop at a Pub or two. I love Dublin and have been there many times but never tire of it and find something new each time

Curt, you just had to go and mention Smithwick's, didn't you? You can't even get the stuff in England, let alone the US. If any of you out there know of somewhere in the US that Curt and I can get a pint, please post immediately.

Add me to the Smithwicks list. I have heard that it gets some limited distribution in Canada, but that may be an evil lie. Bill

Bill and others, you can get Smithwick's at many pubs across Canada; Ontario is full of them. I have to tell you that I don't think the brew travels particularly well, but any border point (Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Windsor in Ontario) wherever in British Columbia and other provinces, will probably have pubs that sell it. You can, in addition, buy it in bottled and perhaps canned form at government liquor outlets in Ontario (all our liquor in Ontario, save beer and domestic wine, is sold through government liquor stores). If you're coming here for Smithwick's, consult me first. We (Ontario) have ales and beers that will put the travelled form of Smithwick's to shame. DES