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Dublin’s young and energetic population ensures there’s always a buzz in the air, and the city has no shortage of new bars, restaurants and boutiques to keep Liffey-side life full of surprises. Enjoy the 'craic' and a singsong over a pint of Guinness, wander the streets and take in the gorgeous Georgian architecture, or visit some of the many-splendoured museums and art galleries. Just outside town, seasidey Howth provides succour for those who prefer to stray far from the madding crowd; but you’ll find the magnetic draw of Dublin’s upbeat urban spirit – and the desire to stay for another convivial evening draped over a glass or two – impossible to resist…
The Spire of Dublin, the world’s tallest sculpture, is worth risking a neck injury to view. The pin-like monument unveiled in 2003 rises 120 metres high over the city centre, and is loved and loathed in equal measure; poetic Dubliners (them again…) have dubbed it ‘the Stiletto in the Ghetto’ and ‘the Pin in the Bin’, a reference to the O’Connell Street area’s down-at-heel reputation.
… pitching up for a pub ‘session’ on a Sunday morning: these are terrific drinking and singing marathons, with wall-to-wall Guinness, musicians, drums, spoons and enough heart-rending ballads about leaving the old country to bring a ton of tears to an American-Irishman’s eye. An excellent cure for a hangover – though a sure way to another one. Some ‘proper’ pubs include Auld Dubliner on Anglesea Street (+353 (0)1 677 0527); the Brazen Head on Bridge Street Lower (+353 (0)1 677 9549); and Davy Byrnes on Duke Street (+353 (0)1 677 5217), which appears in Ulysses.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Dublin
This Dylan boutique hotel in Dublin is Victorian on the outside and victorious on the inside, with playful modern interiors, a decadent spend-the-night bar and beds you'll never want to get out of. It's in a peaceful residential neighbourhood off the beaten track, and the best bits of town are a 10-minute walk away.
Like the city of Dublin itself, the Morrison hotel is cosy, cultivated and captivating in equal measure, with a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
17 March St Patrick’s Day, which means lots of drinking, singing, dancing, drinking, ‘Kiss me I’m Irish’ t-shirts and more drinking. 16 June Bloomsday Marks the day in 1904 on which all the action of James Joyce’s novel Ulysses takes place. Fans dress up and go out for the day, visiting the book’s locations and taking part in readings, walks and re-enactments.
For dining as classy and stylish as the John Rocha-designed hotel, try Halo at the Morrison hotel, where the kitchen uses only the finest, freshest, organic Irish ingredients to turn out its Modern International cuisine. There's a midweek menu featuring three courses for €35; there is also a tapas menu available from midday to 11pm.
Morrison, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Predictably located at 4 Dame Lane, this is one of the latest, achingly trendy all-star hangouts.
4 Dame Lane, Dublin 2
Granite walls and the freshest of produce make this place a favourite for pre- or post-theatre eats.
18–19 Parnell Square, Dublin
One of a clutch of hot new Gallic restos in town, Dax is where southwestern cuisine comes in a wine bar setting.
23 Pembroke Street Upper, Dublin 2
Wildly popular, this restaurant – whose unpronounceable French name means ‘gluttonous feast’ – is the place to go for hearty pan-European food.
1 Fade Street, Dublin 2
Like a perfectly smooth spoonful of crème fraîche, hotel Dylan’s restaurant, Still, is a symphony of glistening off-white, with marble floors and cream leather seats. Padraic Hayden's modern Irish fine-dining menu is a revelation in such a calming, laid-back setting.
Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, Ireland
This restaurant at the La Stampa hotel, formerly the Guildhall, serves international cuisine in the city’s sexiest dining room. Have a drink first at the Samsara bar.
La Stampa Hotel & Spa, 35 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
With two Michelin stars, this restaurant is an absolute must-book; its modern classic cuisine has made it Ireland’s top restaurant.
21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
This relaxed trattoria-style restaurant serving mouthwatering Modern Italian dishes in vaulted cellars beneath a wine merchant; try osso bucco with saffron risotto and ask the knowledgable sommelier to choose you a suitable wine.
21 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
Popular among in-the-know Dubliners for its decadent decor and killer cocktails; slurp a trademark Dylan mixed with Stolichnaya vodka and Galliano while perched on a peacock-blue velvet stool at the bar, or flirt with flutes of champagne in a scarlet-clad nook.
Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, Ireland
The Clarence hotel is part-owned by U2, and houses this trendy drinking den, where the bartenders will rustle you up a superior martini.
The Clarence, 6–8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
A long, narrow, laid-back, low-lit lounge bar, with good sofas and armchairs.
9 South William Street, Dublin
Located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion with marble fireplaces and crystal chandeliers, Spy is a civilised set of three bars and a club, open till 3am, six nights a week.
Powerscourt House, South William Street, Dublin 2
A leather-settee'd lounge bar – sleek and smart.
The Morrison, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin
Settle into one of Sugar Club's plush red banquettes for cocktails and live cabaret, then stay there for dancing till late... Perfect for a fun, frivolous night out. Check what's on at www.thesugarclub.com.
8 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2
For indie thrills, this late bar gets packed to the gills. Funky music includes Northern Soul and 60s classics, too.
11 Wexford Street, Dublin
Housed in a former parcel office, this Soviet-themed bar is full of Russian curios for that cosy dacha atmosphere. Perfect for Bloc parties…
25 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1
This exotic-looking bar is big, busy and full of the beautiful people.
34–35 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
This exclusive night-spot hauls in a regular crowd of dressed-to-the-nines Dubliners for club nights; entry for non-members is €15 at weekends.
Adam Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Situated in the heart of the thriving Temple Bar district, this is the place to come if you're looking for a bit of 'Ceol agus Craic': live music to be heard in two sessions, daily.
17 Anglesea Street, Temple Bar district, Dublin
Proper-pub credentials confirmed by a mention in 'Ulysses'.
21 Duke Street, Dublin
Head to this fine drinking spot for a taste of 'real' Dublin.
20 Bridge Street Lower, Dublin
A 'must' for those seeking the authentic traditional Dublin pub experience.
5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin
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