Places to eat

La Caverna

On Saturday evening, we had dinner at La Caverna, an authentic Italian restaurant tucked away near Temple Bar. The 300 year-old wine-cellar dining room adds a cosy, historic feel. With excellent food, wine, and a central location, it’s a perfect spot for an evening meal.

Mad Egg

On Sunday, we discovered Mad Egg, a casual Dublin restaurant founded in 2018. They serve free-range chicken with sauces made from scratch, and their chicken burgers were some of the best we’ve had. A great spot for a quick, flavourful meal.

Tang

For brunch or lunch, we recommend Tang, which offers Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like shakshuka, pancakes, flatbreads, wraps, and mezze plates. They also have excellent vegetarian and vegan options.

Pubs and bars

The Church Bar

The Church Bar is over 320 years old, with beautiful original architecture. Every evening from 6:30pm to 9pm, you can enjoy live Irish music and traditional dancing. It’s a unique place to experience both history and Dublin nightlife, especially at Christmas time! They also offer free guided tours to book during the day to learn more about the church’s rich history.

The Old Storehouse

If you want a cosy, authentic Irish pub without the Temple Bar crowds, check out The Old Storehouse. It’s a great spot for a relaxed drink during the day or live music and dancing in the evening.

Things to do

Jamesons Distillery Bow St

For a first-time visit to Dublin, we recommend the Jameson Distillery over the Guinness Storehouse. The guided tasting experience introduces the flavours and history of Jameson whiskey, led by knowledgeable staff. End your visit with a drink at their historic factory bar and a browse in the gift shop.

Cost: €31 per person

Duration: 1 hour

The Original Dublin Walking Tour

The Original Dublin Walking Tour is a great way to learn about the city’s history and get your bearings. The tours are free, but guides rely on tips — we gave €17.50 each.

Cost: Tip-based

Duration: 3 hours