I’m off to Dublin from 8 – 12 October 2009. My accommodation is already sorted, courtesy of the Arlington Hotel O’Connell Bridge, I asked for tips on what to do and see in Dublin and received a flood of great tips which you can read below, to help you plan your Dublin trip.

U2 Wall, Dublin by benjamin_mercadier

Tips

Peter Scott of Hidden Dublin explains that mainstream sources have provided much information on the principal attractions such as the cathedrals and churches, there are still many hidden gems. Amongst them I would list:

- St Michan’s Church. Here you can shake hands with mummified skeletons, preserved by the unique air in the crypt of this little church near Dublin’s city centre. You can also see the organ where G. F. Handel is supposed to have played before the first performance of the “Messiah” took place.

- Royal Hospital Kilmainham. As well as seeing its impressive collection of art, the building itself is quite majestic and impressive. Near Houston Station (Luas and bus stops).

Royal Hospital Kilmainham by infomatique

- Fishamble Street, beside Christ Church Cathedral. In this music hall (now defunct), Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” was first performed. It’s “Halleliua” chorus probably makes it the most fsmous piece of choral music in the western world.

Bill Connor’s tip is that if you’re traveling alone, whenever you go into a pub or tearoom or a place to eat, look for an empty seat at an occupied table and ask if you can join them. I know that sounds crazy by American customs, but you will be amazed how quickly you’ll be sucked right up into the conversation as a welcome guest. All that you’ve heard about the warmth of the Irish people is true. One of the first things we noticed when we went to Dublin was how quick folks were to strike up a conversation. You will have a wonderful, special time in Dublin, I guarantee it!

Andrea Di Tonto of The Tux in a Backpack spent seven years in Dublin, so has plenty of tips to offer. Although Irish culture is very focused on beer, you don’t have the wide selection of ales, stouts and lagers that you would find in UK for example. A nice exception is the Porterhouse Brewing Company. If you ask for a Guinness in one of their pubs the answer you’re likely to receive is: “Never had, never will!”. The guys at Porterhouse pride themselves with the fact that their beer is made “by people, not by machines”, and many would swear a pint of their Plain Stout is better than Guinness. Make sure to try also the Oyster stout, brewed with fresh oysters. Although located at the border of Temple Bar, in the PorterHouse Bar in Parliament street you’re likely to get a mixed audience of tourists and locals, and on Sunday afternoons The Sliotar, one of the best traditional folk rock bands in Dublin will make sure you experience what the Irish call “a mighty craic”!

The Porter House, Dublin

At O’Sheas Merchant Bar you’ll see old people getting together from the neighborhood to dance a few gigs and reels. No fancy costumes, but you’re likely to remember forever the old 75 years old spinning around like he was 50 years younger.

One of the most romantic stories at Kilmainham Gaol is that of Grace Gifford, who married one of the Easter Rising heroes, Joseph Plunkett just before he was executed. They were allowed 10 minutes under supervision after the wedding, in a cell with 9 other guards, before he was executed. Although those ten minutes were the only ones of her married life, she never re-married again.

Corey Taratuta of Irish Fireside has two favorite Dublin destinations, Kilmainham Gaol and the Chester Beatty Library (in the grounds of Dublin Castle). “Maybe it’s my interest in Irish history, but Kilmainham pulls it all together without getting dull. I was nervous the first time I suggested the Chester Beatty Library because I was worried it was too museumy, but everyone seems amazed when they walk out of there… the collection is staggering… and the cafe is really good too – my plans to spend 2 hrs went much longer.”

Kilmainham Goal by Corey Leopold

Dee of Dream a Little Dream suggests making your way to the Newgrange and Knowth sites, two huge ancient burial mounds that are supposed to be older then the pyramids, lined up with the winter solstice. Amazing thing to see! We rented a car for 2 days to make a trip to see that and the Cliffs of Moher. But I believe there are tour buses you can take that will take you to the site as well. It’s about an hour outside the city.

Cliffs of Moher by dusi_bbg

Angela K Nickerson of The Gypsy’s Guide highly recommends the fish and chips at the Cellar Bar. Fabulous! And for us Yanks who don’t do tea often, the Merrion offers a fantastic high tea.

Paul Kilduff recommends a train trip on the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) – catch the train in town and head north to Howth, stop there and have a seafood lunch at the harbour and then take the train south to Killiney – hop off to see Bono’s house from the outside and also see Dalkey Village – its a great trip for next to nothing. For quirky shopping stop at the Powerscourt Town Centre 5 mins from Grafton Street. To see an old Dublin pub, visit Kehoes on South Anne Street.

Howth by infomatique

Maria of iwannagothere recommends a walk around the Temple Bar cultural quarter and the Loft Market for shopping.

Temple Bar district by dusi_bbg

Tweets

@sheeptravel says see the area around Dublin: Malahide Castle, Newgrange, Tara, Bective Abbey and Trim Castle

@travelrants suggests the Dublin Tour Hop on – Hop off Bus.

@offtoeurope reckons that Dublin Castle is a must see tourist attraction when visiting Dublin.

Dublin Castle by infomatique

@CelticGirl62 says to check out the Clontarf Castle Hotel as it’s a lovely place to stay, the concierge Declan is fantastic.

@foxychops recommends lunch at Fallon & Byrne.

@SinEDublin suggests a visit to their pub, which offers free wifi (they know the way to a blogger’s heart).

Best of Dublin Tips

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