Dublin for the weekend

Harcourt Street has at least half a dozen pubs/nightclubs, if that's what you mean by "weekend fun." We stayed in the Harcourt Hotel on a Fri & Sat night and got very little sleep because of the roar of revelers spilling out into the street from 1 AM to 5 AM each night. Harcourt Street is about 5-10 minutes' walk south of St. Stephens Green and Grafton Street. It is not a tourist trap, just a popular place for nightlife.

If you are looking for things to enjoy in the daytime that are not tourist traps, the walking tours that originate at Trinity College are great. One is focused on the college itself, with an option to go inside and see the Book of Kells. The other is a Dublin citywide walking tour that lasts a couple of hours. If the weather's inclement, head to the national museum locations: Archaeology (Vikings, etc.), Natural History, and Decorative Arts & History (English occupation, etc.). See https://www.museum.ie/Visit-Us

What type of food are you looking for? If he's on business does that mean you have the day to yourself?
Do you like museums, swimming, theater, photography......?

Help us give you good tips!

Susan
ExPat in Waterville

I'd love to find the spots, that serve traditional Irish dishes. Looking to absorb as much culture as I can, in a small timeframe.
Business will be concluded on Friday afternoon, so we will have the entire weekend to explore together.
Since we basically have only two days, Extended tours and ventures out of town are not an option. I know it's a stretch, but it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

It's not a tour, but it is "out of town", but the DART (rapid transit/above ground subway) takes you to Bray, Howth, Dun Laougherie (I'm sure I'm spelling that wrong it's pronounced Dun Leery) and to explore small towns along the seashore is a great way to get out of the city (Dublin is, after all, just a big city to some) and feel more like you're in Ireland! I spent 10 days just in Dublin once and trained out almost every day to explore. Seafood chowder in Bray after watching to boats come in; exploring the sea front promenade on another village. Each time we were back in Dublin by early evening....

There are some great art museums, too, in Dublin town. The main"big" ones are all free. There are Caravaggios, Rembrandts, more.... as good as visiting a museum in Florence, in some ways!

Susan
Expat in Waterville

Thanks, Susan, I'll definitely look into that!

If you want traditional Irish food, I highly recommend Gallagher's Boxty house in Temple Bar. The Brazen head pub also has great food and it is the oldest pub in Ireland so also has a great atmosphere.

with 2 days, I would for sure stick to Dublin and not bother taking the dart anywhere. Kilmainham gaol is a must in my books. Just buy tickets ahead of time if interested as it always sells out. A hop on and off bus is also a good way to get the lay of the land

Have fun!

Thanks for the tips, Sharon!

Susan @inireland I have sent you a PM.

Best source for booking Guinness & Jameson tour tickets?

I'm assuming they can be had on the main websites, but is there a better option?