Allie Morgan – Writer & Cancer Survivor

Dublin is one of my favourite places to visit.

I’ve been going there since 2010 and I absolutely love it.

It’s a beautiful city with gorgeous architecture and plenty of things to see and do.

I last visited in March and stayed in my usual spot – the Arlington Hotel on Bachelor’s Walk.

It’s in the perfect location and offers cosy rooms, live entertainment and the River Liffey right on your doorstep.

It’s easy to get to as well. Just catch the Airlink bus from the airport & get off at O’Connell Street which is just around the corner. Much cheaper than a taxi.

There’s so much to do in Dublin and you need a good few days there to see as much as you can, as well as appreciating the pubs along the way 😉

I’ve narrowed my list of must-see places down to a select few that you need to visit when you’re next in Dublin.

History & Museums

Dublin has a rich history that’s worth delving into. Glimpse a piece of Dublin’s past at one of these places:

Trinity College

This is one of my all time favourite places in Dublin.

We only used to go there to see the grounds and pop in the gift shop but on my last trip, I went to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room.

The Book of Kells is an ancient manuscript of the Gospels, dating from the 9th century. The exhibition documents the amazing history of the book before you come face to face with the book itself.

The Long Room is any bookworm’s dream – 20,000 books stacked on towering shelves in a gorgeous library. You can also find some more treasures in here, including the oldest harp in Ireland.

It’s well worth booking online so you can skip the queues and head right in.

Marsh’s Library

The first public library in Ireland, Marsh’s Library is well worth a look.

Hidden away near St Patrick’s Cathedral, the library holds books that are hundreds of years old.

James Joyce and Bram Stoker read here and the place is crammed with history.

The bookshelves bend under the weight of literature resting on them and it’s a small yet beautiful place to visit.

There are often exhibitions on show too. When we visited, there was a Sole Survivors exhibit on, displaying the only remaining copies of 32 books and documents. Amazing.

The Abbey Theatre

If you’re a lover of the stage, check out the Abbey Theatre for some stunning performances.

It’s been around since 1904 and is just a few minutes walk from O’Connell Street.

You can even get free tickets through their Free First previews.

Kilmainham Gaol

If you’re at all interested in Irish history, Kilmainham Gaol should be top of your list.

A prison until 1924, it’s now become a historical landmark that sees many tourists pass through its doors every year.

Book tickets early for Kilmainham Gaol as it can sell out quickly.

It’s a very moving place to visit but one that is so significant and definitely worth seeing.

National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

We spent a good few hours in here – there’s so much to see!

With ancient pottery, Egyptian mummies and fabulous cake on offer, you can easily spend an afternoon wandering the exhibits.

There are even bog bodies that are hundreds of years old, with hair still on their heads.

Such an interesting place to visit and, best of all, free – perfect for a rainy day.

The Little Museum of Dublin

In a beautiful Georgian townhouse at the heart of the city, you’ll find the Little Museum of Dublin.

This tells a fascinating history of the city, packed full of documents, photographs and videos to bring history to life.

Definitely worth a look.

National Leprechaun Museum

I had no idea this is existed until we found it this year.

Telling the story of leprechauns as well as the wider mythology of Ireland, the National Leprechaun Museum is a treat for kids of all ages.

It’s a wonderful storytelling experience that kept us captivated until the end.

Can highly recommend.

Dublin Castle

I never thought of going for a tour around the castle before but this time, we decided to visit.

I’m so glad we did – we saw the original walls of Dublin and the steps that would have led up from the moat to the castle.

An amazing place to visit – be sure to visit the Chester Beatty library while you’re there.

Pubs

O’Donoghues

One of the most famous Dublin pubs, O’Donoghues is where bands like The Dubliners and The Fureys gathered to play traditional Irish music.

Don’t miss a music session here – they usually start around 9pm.

Temple Bar

It wouldn’t be a trip to Dublin without a stop off at Temple Bar.

There are plenty of pubs and restaurants here to tickle your fancy, as well as regular market stalls.

Be sure to pop in to The Auld Dubliner and Gogarty’s while you’re there.

The Merchant’s Arch pub is a gorgeous little place, just around the corner and opposite the Ha’penny Bridge.

Also worth a mention is La Gondola, a delicious little Italian just off Temple Bar.

The Stag’s Head

Get a taste of Victorian decor when you visit The Stag’s Head on Dame Street.

About a five minute walk from Dublin Castle, this is an old fashioned pub with lots of character.

They also do tasty food – I can highly recommend the bacon and cabbage.

Food

Bewley’s

One of my favourite places in the entire world, I think.

You need to have breakfast here at least once while you’re in Dublin – it cannot be topped.

Bewley’s is a beautiful place with exquisite food & the best soda bread around.

The Rolling Donut

Just up the road from the Arlington, The Rolling Donut sells a huge variety of doughnuts.

Can highly recommend the Kinder Bueno – absolutely gorgeous.

Bunsen Burgers

All I have to say about Bunsen Burgers is that I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we ate there.

Banging burgers in Temple Bar.

The Winding Stair

There are loads of lovely bookshops in Dublin but this one is my favourite.

You can find the best books for sale and also, enjoy a bite to eat upstairs.

Food & books – what more could you ask for?!

The Oak

For a special meal, head to The Oak.

This beautiful bar/restaurant serves the most stunning seafood platter!

It was the first time I’d ever tried mussels and they were out of this world.

When the sun’s shining…

Iveagh Gardens

Near St Stephen’s Green, the Iveagh Gardens are worth seeking out.

They’re a little piece of heaven in the centre of busy Dublin.

With fountains, a maze and beautiful flowers galore, you could spend all day just reading a book on one of the benches.

Dun Laoghaire

If you get a chance, take the train down to Dun Laoghaire.

This gorgeous harbour town has lots of sweet little cafes and shops to visit.

Spend a day here & you’ll feel refreshed after all that Guinness.

Allie x

Twitter: @AllieMorgan24

Insta: @alliemariarose