Dublin is one of my favorite places to visit. Tyler and I celebrated NYE 2018 there, after we spent the holidays making our way through Brussels, Amsterdam, and Paris. Dublin served as our home base on our 2019 girls’ trip to Ireland, allowing us to easily access other cities around the country. And of course, we have plans to return there this March, bringing our son on his first international trip.
But when I think of Dublin, I first think of my first trip there in December 2016. It was Tyler’s and my first big trip together, aside from a quick jaunt to Dallas, and we were super excited. I had gotten a referral bonus at work (thanks Chelsea!) and because of that, our flights were essentially free. We spent a week in the city, and it won me over for life. These are the top 10 highlights from that trip:
The Brazen Head 
Offbeat Donuts 
Sophie’s
Must-Eats:
- The Brazen Head offers you the chance to go back in time a bit, since it’s the oldest pub in Ireland. Their menu is just the pick-me-up you’ll want, especially if it’s raining.
- Offbeat Donuts is Irish-owned and Dublin-based, and since y’all know how much I love donuts (as discussed here and here), it was also the perfect spot for us to pick up some tasty treats.
- Sophie’s was recommended to us by a local, and it was so good, I brought the girls there. This rooftop restaurant has an awesome menu, with even better views of the city.
Love Lane 
Trinity College 
Gravity Bar
Must-Sees:
- Trinity College might just have you dreaming of a study abroad… The campus is gorgeous, and while you’re there, you should definitely grab tickets for the Book of Kells.
- Love Lane might just be the cutest spot in the whole city, but you’ll have to poke your head down some alleys to find it near the Olympia Theatre. Plan to take a lot of photos!
- The Guinness Storehouse offers seven floors of insights into the Guinness brand (as well as some free beer with admission), but the highlight is definitely the Gravity Bar, offering 360-degree views of Dublin.
Arnotts 
The Temple Bar 
Cliffs of Moher
Must-Dos:
- Temple Bar is both a cool neighborhood of restaurants and bars, as well as one specific pub – it’s bright red and bustling, so you can’t miss it! While there, you’ll want to grab a whiskey or two.
- Grafton Street is right next to St Stephen’s Green (would also recommend) and offers a ton of great shopping, as well as many bars and restaurants to choose from.
- Arnotts may be the oldest and largest department store in Ireland, but I will always remember it as the place where we met Mr. Tayto. If you need to grab some quick gifts, this place is perfect.
Bonus:
- The Cliffs of Moher may be on the other side of Ireland, but we couldn’t have gotten there without our Paddywagon tour from Dublin! This is an absolute must whenever you’re in Ireland.
I can’t wait to make our return in just a couple months, and not only share the city I love with the kiddo, but also with my mom and sister, who have never been before. It definitely brings back memories of Maggie’s graduation trip as well, but with the whole crew in tow, I know we’ll have a great time.