Dublin Unpacked: Our top travel hacks, from brilliant bars to lip-smacking Korean fried chicken

Yes, the city has its problems. But it is also full of quirky shops, top notch museums and beautiful beaches that are just a short train ride away. Here’s how to make the most of a trip…

Three must-sees in Dublin

Book of Kells Experience

It’s one of the most famous books in the world, and you can see the Book of Kells yourself in Trinity College. This elaborately illustrated manuscript is over 1,200 years old, and the pages on display change periodically, protected by a glass cabinet. But now, a visit is about so much more than the book itself, with the snazzy, all-new Book of Kells Experience. You’ll see the book, of course, but also watch the pages come to life in an immersive audiovisual display, which takes you through the history and the meaning of the text. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as they can sell out during peak times. visittrinity.ie

Guinness Storehouse

It’s one of the most popular attractions in Dublin, and luckily, it lives up to the hype. A trip to the Guinness Storehouse will take you into the heart of one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city, the Liberties, and you’ll get a sense of the local character as you make your way up the seven floors. You’ll see classic Guinness adverts, learn about how the stout is made and, of course, drink it yourself up on the newly expanded Gravity Bar. Add a ‘Stoutie’ to your ticket and you’ll get to drink a pint topped with your very own selfie. guinness-storehouse.com

Museum of Literature Ireland

Dublin is a city intrenched in literature, from the pubs frequented by famous authors to the spots around town featured in many a classic book. The Museum of Literature Ireland (or MoLi, as it’s known) is a great space to soak in the literary heritage, with rotating exhibitions dedicated to Ireland’s writers, old and new. If your visit coincides with the first Friday of the month, you’re in for a treat – on these evenings, the museum hosts special readings, live music and writer events, all for free. Also, it now includes the Dublin Writers Museum Collection. moli.ie

Three hidden gems in Dublin

Drury Street

OK, if you walk it on a sunny day, it doesn’t seem so hidden. But Drury Street is one of the hottest hangouts for locals, who flock there for the indie boutiques, hip coffee shops and al fresco restaurants. Pop into Industry for cool design bits, grab a coffee in Kaph then sit on one of the tables outside Mani for a slice of Roman-style pizza and an Aperol spritz. industryandco.com, kaph.ie, manipizza.ie

Howth

Most visitors only realise the city’s proximity to the coast when flying into Dublin Airport. And it’s easy to get out to the beach when you’re in town – just hop on the Dart and you can be out in the fishing village of Howth in half an hour. There are great seafood restaurants, pretty beaches and an excellent clifftop walk, which gives you some of the best sea views in Ireland.

Light House Cinema

A favourite of any film fan in Dublin, the Light House is an independent movie theatre that goes above and beyond when it comes to cinema. Sure, there are the regular blockbuster and indie releases, but they also host loads of special events like themed movie marathons, obscure screenings and cinema book clubs. Their in-house bar is a great hangout spot, too. lighthousecinema.ie

Three travel hacks for Dublin

Get a Leap card

The contactless card is used on all of Dublin’s public transport, including the bus, local train and Luas tramline. If you’re going to be moving around a lot, the Leap Visitor Card offers great value with unlimited journeys for one, three or seven days. Otherwise, just get yourself a regular card at one of the many outlets around the city and top up using the app. leapcard.ie

The early bird

Eating out has gotten more expensive across the board, but you can nab a bargain by booking an ‘early bird’ table in loads of Dublin restaurants. Usually available around 5–7pm during the week, the discount deals will save you some cash without compromising on quality. Try the sleek vegetarian bistro Glás, steakhouse Hawksmoor or Sole Seafood and Grill. glasrestaurant.ie, hawksmoor.ie, sole.ie

Make the most of museums

While some museums charge an entry fee, there are plenty that are completely free. Peruse the contemporary art in IMMA or the Hugh Lane (where there are also loads of great free events, with outdoor festivities in the former and Sunday lunchtime live music in the latter), see Ireland’s treasures in the National Museum of Ireland and check out the portraits in the National Gallery. imma.ie, hughlane.ie, museum.ie, nationalgallery.ie

Three places to stay in Dublin

€€€ The Shelbourne

Dublin’s Grand Dame has been a part of the fabric of the city as long as it’s been open… two centuries and counting. Inside, there are opulent rooms overlooking Stephen’s Green, and a lively cocktail bar where people go to see and be seen. Read our Shelbourne hotel review. theshelbourne.com

€€ Zanzibar Locke

If you like the freedom to cook for yourself (or at least make breakfast) this aparthotel right on the River Liffey is a great shout. The studio rooms are boutiquey and well equipped, and the bar downstairs is a co-working hotspot. They also offer yoga classes in the courtyard. Read our Zanzibar Locke hotel review. lockeliving.com

€ Clink i Lár

With dorm rooms and private doubles, this new, upmarket hostel is a great way to see the city on a budget. It’s set in the middle of Dublin’s shopping district but everything is within reach on foot, and there are movie nights, karaoke and solo traveller mixers in the bar. clinkhostels.com

Three places to eat in Dublin

€€€ Chapter One

It’s one of the hardest reservations to snag, but a meal in the two Michelin-starred Chapter One is an experience you’ll never forget. Chef Patron Mickael Viljanen finishes most of the dishes tableside, and each is a theatrical explosion of flavour without any pretension. chapteronerestaurant.com

€€ Featherblade

Irish beef is some of the best in the world, but steakhouses are often fairly pricey. Not so at Featherblade, where unusual cuts of beef are well-priced, served with hearty sides and beautiful wines by the glass. Their set menu is excellent value, too. featherblade.ie

€ Chimac

This Korean fried chicken joint has cult status in the city, and with good reason – their free-range burgers are delectable, especially when drowned in ssamjang cheese sauce or their own BBQ glaze. It’s also a great brunch spot. chimac.ie

After dark in Dublin

Palace Bar

Most of the pubs in Temple Bar cater to tourists and charge obscene prices for a pint. But not the Palace Bar, a 200-year-old pub that’s like a love letter to Old Dublin. Try to snag the ‘snug’ if you can, a private little hideaway by the entrance. thepalacebardublin.com

Whelan’s

A fabled spot among musicians, this Wexford Street hub is part bar, part venue, where you can catch huge acts up on the main stage alongside up-and-coming talent in the smaller areas upstairs. Keep an eye on the back of the room – some of the world’s top musicians like to hide away in the corner when they’re in town. whelanslive.com

Love Tempo

A neighbourhood bar where music comes first, Love Tempo is the brainchild of two of Dublin’s hottest nightlife spots, The Big Romance and Mother. The result? A cool joint on Thomas Street with an epic sound system for banging tunes. lovetempo.ie

Follow to find out more

@eadaoinfitzmaurice – for local insight about what to do and where to go in Dublin.

@charfoodguide – the hottest food news from all around the capital.

@cassiestokes – her interviews with Dubliners about their favourite places are hugely popular.

Best time to visit Dublin

In general, May and September have the best weather and aren’t as clogged with tourists. If you can, a mid-week visit is often better value than the weekend, when hotels are at their most expensive. Whenever you travel, pack a raincoat!

For more info, see visitdublin.com