Dublin

Dublin offers a rich mix of history, architecture and green space, all tied together with a contemporary edge. The city’s Georgian squares and grand townhouses reflect its 18th-century elegance, while landmarks like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral speak to centuries of political and religious power. The riverside walk along the Liffey gives a great perspective of the city’s layout, connecting old with new—from medieval lanes to sleek glass-fronted museums. Trinity College is a standout for many, not least for its Long Room library and the Book of Kells, a remarkable manuscript housed in a striking setting.

The arts have long been a cornerstone of Dublin life, with an energy that spans traditional music sessions in wood-panelled pubs to cutting-edge theatre at venues like the Abbey and the Gate. Literary history runs deep here—this is the city of Joyce, Beckett and Wilde—but there’s also a younger creative pulse visible in galleries, bookshops and music venues. Shoppers will find a mix of high-end boutiques around Grafton Street and more independent finds in areas like the Liberties or along South William Street. And for those with an eye for sport, catching a match at Croke Park offers a properly Irish experience—especially if you time your trip during a Gaelic football or hurling final.

Food in Dublin has evolved into something seriously exciting. Once dominated by the traditional, the city is now home to a mix of Michelin-starred restaurants, natural wine bars, and casual bistros that champion Irish produce. You can explore artisan bakeries, fresh seafood spots along the coast, and cosy cafés tucked into bookshops and garden courtyards. Dublin’s markets, like the Temple Bar Food Market, are excellent places to try local cheeses, craft coffee and hot street food on the go. Whether it’s oysters in Howth or a pint of Guinness paired with slow-cooked lamb stew, the food scene feels welcoming, down-to-earth, and full of flavour.