Dublin tips

ceewash

Going to Dublin for the first time for a short break. Any tips?

Where to go for good breakfast (not paying hotel prices)?
Anywhere special for afternoon tea?
Which pubs to visit?
Where to go for some Irish music , mid week (not just for tourists)?
Tips for getting around?

Anything not to miss?

Staying on O'Connell Street.

trailingspouse

For a quick snap-shot of the city, the hop-on-hop-off bus is good. It goes out as far as the Guinness factory (St James's Gate), and that's a must-see. Temple Bar is the place for all things Irish, and I would recommend the Boxty House for lunch (traditional Irish potato pancakes). St Stephens Green is pleasant if the sun is shining. Look out for the statue of Molly Malone (known locally as the tart with the cart).

The centre of Dublin isn't all that big, and most places are reasonably handy.

ceewash

Thanks that's great. Any pub recommendations? Live music?
Guinness factory sounds a must although I don't like it I have been assured it tastes different in Dublin!
Is it easy to take a short trip out of the city, maybe to the coast?

InsideInsurance

ceewash wrote: »

Thanks that's great. Any pub recommendations? Live music?

What sort of live music are you meaning? I assume you arent talking about what most the live music will be which is identical to what you get in pubs in the UK.

McKneff

We loved the Zoo.......


Have the correct money for any buses, you don't get any change.

adouglasmhor

Connolly Barracks (National Museum of Ireland) free and very interesting with a good cafe..

adouglasmhor

Mother Redcaps for Traditional Music during the week (Jazz on Fridays though)

ItchyFeet

You could always get the train to Dalkey which is a pretty little town and not far away.

jozxyqk

Kilmainham Gaol is a must-see. Very sobering though.

+1 for the hop-on, hop-off tour bus, very handy for getting round. Very witty and informative drivers too :-)

ceewash

Many thanks for all these suggestions. Unfortunately I have been in bed all day with V and D bug. We've had to cancel our trip . Hoping to rebook for Easter. I'll keep note of all these suggestions. V upset, and lost £123 for flights. Not very MS!

Katiehound

Sorry you had to miss it- hope you get there later in the year.

Hop-on-hop -off bus ideal for sightseeing. Seem to think if you buy online you get tickets a tad cheaper.

If you want to see the sea the DART (Dublin area rapid transport) goes all the way from Howth head to Wicklow- all along the coast in fact.

I would second visiting Kilmainham Gaol- thought provoking.

Dublin castle interesting

oh and I forgot.. Trinity College & the Book of Kells

National Museum has all the beautiful Celtic gold artefacts found in the bogs. Still haven't seen them as last time I was there was a Monday- museum closed that day!!