Dublin city guide: top sights, best bites, and perfect pints

say hello to Dublin

Meet Dublin—a city where history hums through cobbled streets, pints are poured to perfection, and the locals have storytelling down to an art. This isn’t just a land of leprechaun clichés and postcard castles (though there are plenty). It’s a place where medieval cathedrals and literary legends sit alongside buzzing bars, indie boutiques, and a food scene that’s far beyond just potatoes.

Dubliners have mastered the warm welcome, whether it’s over a perfectly poured Guinness, a lively trad music session, or a knowing nod as you dodge a sudden downpour. Step into a city that blends history, humour, and high energy—where every street corner has a tale to tell, and every pub is a doorway to good craic.

And here’s the best part—citizenM Dublin St. Patricks hotel is landing in the heart of Dublin this summer. Expect giant beds, stylish spaces, and a front-row seat to the city’s best bits. So grab a brolly, raise a glass, and get ready to explore Dublin the citizenM way.

tales, treasures, and a touch of old Dublin

Dublin’s past is as rich as a well-poured Guinness. Start with Dublin Castle, once the seat of British rule in Ireland, now a striking mix of medieval ruins, Georgian architecture, and grand halls that have hosted everything from royal banquets to presidential inaugurations. Just a short stroll away, Christ Church Cathedral stands tall, its crypt hiding medieval treasures and even the mummified remains of a cat and rat (yes, really).

For a true icon, St Patrick’s Cathedral is a must-visit. Right around the corner from Bride Street (and from our brand-new citizenM Dublin St Patricks hotel), this Gothic masterpiece has been a place of worship for over 800 years—and if the soaring ceilings don’t impress you, the stories of Jonathan Swift (yes, the Gulliver’s Travels guy) just might.

If you like your history with a side of mystery, head to Marsh’s Library. Tucked behind St Patrick’s, this 18th-century library is one of Europe’s oldest public libraries, where books are kept in the same wooden cases they were placed in 300 years ago. Legend has it, some visitors never left—ghost stories are included for free.

culture fix: books, art, and legendary libraries

Dublin isn’t just about the pubs—it’s a UNESCO City of Literature, and it wears the title well. Walk in the footsteps of literary greats at the Dublin Writers Museum, then lose yourself in the Long Room at Trinity College Library, home to the legendary Book of Kells. More into paintings than pages? The National Gallery of Ireland is packed with masterpieces, while the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) serves up bold, contemporary works in a stunning 17th-century setting.

where to eat in Dublin: the best restaurants, cafés, and eateries

Forget everything you think you know about Irish food—Dublin’s dining scene is anything but predictable. Yes, you’ll find your fair share of hearty stews and perfectly poured pints, but the city has levelled up with innovative chefs, fresh local produce, and a serious love for flavour. From Michelin-starred spots to no-fuss brunch havens, here’s where to eat in Dublin.

for a proper irish feed

• The Woollen Mills – classic Irish dishes with a modern twist, right by the Ha’penny Bridge. Try the coddle (Dublin’s answer to a hug in a bowl).
• The Brazen Head – Dublin’s oldest pub, where the Guinness is cold, the stew is hot, and the history is endless.
• Darkey Kelly’s – great pints, live trad music, and a cracking seafood chowder—what more do you need?

for modern Irish with a twist

• Chapter One – Michelin-starred and worth every penny. The tasting menu is a masterclass in Irish fine dining.
• Bastible – bold, seasonal flavours and an intimate, no-fuss vibe. Perfect for a long, lazy dinner.
• Mr. Fox – playful, modern, and seriously delicious. Their tasting menu is a must for food lovers.

for the best brunch in town

• Two Pups Coffee – a Portobello favourite with great coffee, even better scrambled eggs, and plenty of pups to pet.
• Brother Hubbard – Middle Eastern-inspired brunch that will make you rethink your usual eggs and toast.
• Meet Me in the Morning – small but mighty, with some of the best pastries and brunch plates in the city.

for a quick bite on the go

• Leo Burdock – legendary fish and chips, best eaten straight from the paper.
• Tang – fresh, healthy, and full of flavour—ideal for a quick lunch that won’t slow you down.
• PI – the best pizza in Dublin, hands down. Simple menu, big flavours, always packed.

Wherever you end up eating, just remember: Guinness counts as a food group in Dublin.

raise a glass: the best pubs and bars in Dublin

Drinking in Dublin isn’t just about the booze—it’s about the atmosphere, the banter, and the kind of warm welcome that turns strangers into friends. Whether you're after a perfectly poured pint, a proper whiskey tasting, or a cocktail that doesn’t mess around, Dublin’s got the spot for you.

for a classic irish pub experience

• The Long Hall – an old-school gem with Victorian decor, great Guinness, and even better people-watching.
• The Stag’s Head – as traditional as they come, with wood-panelled walls, live music, and a crowd of locals who know their stuff.
• Toner’s – one of the city’s oldest pubs and a favourite of literary legends 

for whiskey lovers

• Teeling Whiskey Distillery – skip the touristy spots and head here for a proper tasting and a peek behind the scenes.
• The Palace Bar – a cosy Victorian whiskey bar with a selection so good, even connoisseurs get decision fatigue.
• Dingle Whiskey Bar – tucked away beside The Porterhouse, this snug spot is a love letter to Irish whiskey.

for something a little different

• Vintage Cocktail Club – speakeasy vibes, candlelit corners, and some of the best cocktails in town (if you can find the door).
• Peruke & Periwig – old-world charm meets mixology magic—expect creative cocktails in a setting that feels straight out of a period drama.
• The Bar With No Name – Dublin’s worst-kept secret, where the drinks are strong, and the rooftop is a must on a sunny day.

Whether you’re sipping whiskey by a crackling fire or clinking cocktails in a hidden speakeasy, one thing’s for sure—nobody does pubs quite like Dublin. Want to go beyond the bar? Explore the best whiskey tours in Dublin with our guide—tastings, distilleries, and all the spirited fun in between.