Ireland. The Emerald Isle. Home of St Patrick’s Day, Guinness and if you’re that way inclined, leprechauns! The expression The Luck of the Irish makes absolute sense when you visit Dublin, you’ll feel lucky to be there, enjoying the happy-go-lucky nature of its people, its lively party scene as well as its beauty. It’s actually consistently been voted the friendliest city in Europe!

The city has over 130 rivers, a beautiful shoreline and fun fact, Europe’s largest city park, who knew! Another fun fact that surprises many; St. Valentine (of global love celebration fame) is buried in Dublin. Yep. You’ll find his remains in Whitefriar Street Church.

Here are some of our favorite spots and activities around this great city - if you’re lucky enough to be able to visit around St Patrick’s Day, you’re in for a party of a lifetime!

Dublin Castle Known as “the nerve center of Irish Power” Dublin Castle, built in the early thirteenth century on the site of a Viking settlement, was the center of English and then British government in Ireland for many years. After Ireland gained her independence in 1922, Dublin Castle was handed over to the new Irish government. Today, it houses a sizable government facility and is a popular tourist destination to gain insights about Ireland’s capital city. This is a great place to start your Dublin adventure.

The Guinness Factory and Old Jameson Distillery  Guinness beer and Jameson Whiskey (note the Irish spelling of Whiskey) are considered icons of the Emerald Isle. Both have been perfected over hundreds of years and have become the tipple of choice for beer and whiskey aficionados all over the globe. For a fun, immersive experience that will take you through the story of both these beverages, be sure to book yourself a tour!

Vintage Cocktail Club Hidden in the Temple Bar, this cocktail club is a trip back in time to the heyday of speakeasies, aviators and silent film stars. The 1920s-inspired clandestine (you need to ring a bell to get in) bar offers a wide selection of spirits and award-winning cocktails made with the tastiest seasonal ingredients, as well as a menu of mouthwatering bar bites. It’s a vibe, we love it.

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen Food, glorious food! This twice Michelin-starred restaurant, helmed by Swedish-Finnish chef Mickael Viljanen is a culinary experience that will leave you amazed and delighted. Surrounded by cutting-edge Irish art and craft (the tables are made of Irish volcanic rock!), the menu you’ll be digging into is truly a piece of culinary theater. The fusion cuisine makes this bastion of deliciousness one of the most unique dining experiences in Ireland. This isn’t somewhere you want to take the kids to, this is a “treat yourself” situation for you and your (grown up) travel partner!

The Dean Dublin Honestly, wherever you look, the design detail and facilities available are everywhere. This hotel truly breaks the mold. One of Dublin's coolest places to stay is a contemporary boutique hotel on Harcourt Street. Featuring plush accommodations as well as amazing dining options, including Sophie's, a rooftop bar and restaurant (the views!). They’re smack in the center of Dublin's nightclub sector, in Dublin's district two. So depending on what’s happening in the city, it can get noisy - but you won’t mind - just go chill in their spa or take a dip in their indoor pool. Nice!

Check what your best travel options to get to Dublin are with the shoopit extension!