Introduction
Dublin Adventure Day 1: Exploring Dublin's Historic Heart
As our plane touched down in Dublin after an overnight flight from Boston, excitement quickly replaced our travel fatigue. This wasn’t just any vacation—this was the beginning of our 14-day adventure celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary across Ireland and Northern Ireland. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere, Dublin proved to be the perfect starting point for our Irish journey.
During our 2-day Dublin adventure, we immersed ourselves in the city’s fascinating blend of historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and lively entertainment. From centuries-old castles to modern museums, traditional pubs to peaceful green spaces, Dublin offered a perfect introduction to the Irish experience we were seeking.
After landing early at 8 am, we made our way to the charming Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar. This boutique accommodation was able to accommodate our early check-in request by 10 am, for an additional charge of $35. This minimal charge was worth it not having to find a location to store our luggage for the day.
Walking Tour & Historic Sites
Armed with Rick Steves’ Dublin audio tour, we set out to discover the city’s historic center. Our journey began at St. Stephen’s Green, a true hidden gem in the bustling city. This beautiful park offered a peaceful oasis with manicured gardens, duck ponds, and tree-lined pathways—a perfect introduction to Dublin.
From there, we strolled to the world-famous Trinity College. While we had hoped to see the Book of Kells and the magnificent Long Room library, we learned that the books had been temporarily removed for restoration. This unexpected change of plans is part of the adventure of travel. We made a mental note to return on our next Irish journey.
Our walking tour continued with stops at the Parliament House (now the Bank of Ireland), the iconic Molly Malone statue, and Dublin Castle—a structure that has stood at the heart of Irish history since the 13th century.
Trinity College
Molly Malone Statue
Dublin Castle
Culinary Discoveries & Cultural Immersion
When hunger struck, we discovered a true hidden gem—Il Valentino Bakery & Café. This charming establishment served delicious sandwiches and desserts, offering the perfect midday refueling stop. The fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere made such an impression that we ended up returning the following day!
The afternoon brought us to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, an impressive structure dating back to 1220. For just €10 per person, we explored the magnificent architecture of the church and Ireland’s religious heritage.
After passing through the lively Temple Bar Square—Dublin’s famous cultural quarter filled with colorful pubs and street performers—we made our way to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. While the museum offers an extensive look at Irish diaspora, we found ourselves preferring the similar exhibits we would later encounter at the Cobh Heritage Centre. Nevertheless, it provided valuable context for understanding Ireland’s history of emigration and its global influence.
After a full day of exploration, we returned to the Schoolhouse Hotel. We were grateful we could grab dinner at their on-site gastropub before resting up for the next day’s adventure.
Dublin Adventure Day 2: Museums, History, & Irish Traditions
Having walked extensively on our first day, we opted for Dublin’s hop-on, hop-off bus tour for day two. This not only gave us transportation to more distant sites like Kilmainham Gaol, but also allowed us to see parts of Dublin we might have missed, like a scenic drive through Phoenix Park—one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks.
Archaeological Treasures & Prison History
Our first stop was the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology. This hidden gem turned out to be one of the day’s highlights. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts spanning from 7000 BC to the 20th century. The exhibits offer insights into Ireland’s ancient civilizations and cultural evolution. Even better, admission was completely free, allowing us to spend as much time as we wished exploring Ireland’s material history.
After returning to Il Valentino Bakery for another delicious lunch, we headed to Kilmainham Gaol. This former prison is now an essential historical site for understanding Ireland’s struggle for independence. The sobering tour took us through the cells where many Irish revolutionaries were held and, in some cases, executed. The experience offered a profound and moving glimpse into Ireland’s path to freedom.
Pro Tip: Kilmainham Gaol tickets sell out quickly—sometimes weeks in advance. We recommend booking as soon as the 30-day window opens. If you miss out, a limited number of tickets are released on the morning of each tour day. Our Heritage Pass covered the entry fee, which was an excellent value.
Irish Music & Dance Experience
We capped off our Dublin adventure with dinner at The Church Café Bar. This provided a unique dining experience in a converted historic church still housing the beautiful pipe organ. The fish and chips were delightful, but the lively entertainment truly made the evening special. The sound of fiddles, bodhráns, and foot-stomping dance provided the perfect finale to our Dublin experience.
Culinary Highlights of Dublin
While Dublin has an evolving food scene with options for every palate, we particularly enjoyed:
- Il Valentino Bakery & Café – This unassuming bakery won our hearts with exceptional sandwiches and delectable pastries. Its casual atmosphere and quality offerings made it ideal for a quick lunch between sightseeing adventures.
- The Church Café Bar – Beyond the entertainment value, their traditional Irish dishes satisfied our desire for authentic local cuisine. The historic setting enhanced the dining experience, creating a memorable evening.
- Schoolhouse Hotel Gastropub – The convenience of dining at our accommodation after a long day of exploration was matched by the quality of their hearty Irish fare and warm service.
Local Culture & Hidden Gems
St. Stephen's Green
While not exactly hidden, many visitors underestimate the tranquil beauty of this park. Taking time to wander its pathways, observe local Dubliners enjoying their lunch breaks, and relax by the duck pond provided a peaceful counterpoint to the city’s busier attractions.
National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology
Free of charge and less crowded than some of Dublin’s more famous sites, this museum offers an extraordinary collection spanning millennia of Irish history. The prehistoric gold exhibits alone are worth the visit.
Travel Tips for Dublin
Based on our experience, we’d like to share some practical advice for future travelers:
- Consider Location Carefully: While we enjoyed our stay at the Schoolhouse Hotel, in retrospect, we might have preferred a more central location like The Fitzwilliam Hotel near St. Stephen’s Green. The convenience of being closer to major attractions would have reduced our walking time.
- Heritage Pass Value: If you’re visiting multiple heritage sites across Ireland, the €40 Heritage Card offers excellent value. During our full two-week trip, we saved €34 by using this pass.
- Skip the Rental Car in Dublin: The city has excellent public transportation, and the hop-on, hop-off buses provide convenient access to major attractions. We didn’t pick up our rental car until we were ready to leave Dublin.
- Advance Bookings: Popular attractions like Kilmainham Gaol fill up quickly. Book as far in advance as possible to secure your preferred time slots.
- Take Advantage of Free Attractions: Dublin offers many free experiences, including the National Museum, that provide exceptional value and cultural enrichment.
Final Reflections
Dublin served as the perfect introduction to our Irish adventure. The city’s walkable scale, rich history, and friendly locals immediately made us feel welcome. While two days allowed us to experience many highlights, we could easily have spent more time exploring its museums, parks, and cultural institutions.
As we prepared to pick up our rental car and venture toward Kinsale, we left Dublin with a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s capital and its pivotal role in the country’s story. The blend of ancient and modern, traditional and progressive, created a captivating experience that set the tone for our anniversary journey through the Emerald Isle.
Check out the video of some of our adventures in Dublin.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our anniversary adventure as we journey from Dublin to Kinsale, visiting Kilkenny Castle and the Rock of Cashel along the way!
