Nicola Brady

Dublin is a city of storytellers. You can extend that descriptor to the entire island of Ireland, but the best congregation of raconteurs is found in the capital. They are found in the best pubs in Dublin, to be exact. Hit up any of these spots, pull up a chair at the bar and let your ears do the rest.Of course, not everyone goes to the pub to hear yarns spun, and the best pubs in Dublin offer plenty of other distractions. This is a city on the move, a cosmopolitan capital with forward-thinking restaurants and elite shopping, but the pubs show Dublin at its most magnificent. Get ready to drink everything from Guinness to obscure IPAs. There are no bad options.  

For centuries, the people of Dublin have known what they are doing when it comes to putting together an excellent pub. The Irish capital is famous for the things, but what does that mean for glitzy cocktails and sleek modern bars? The two things aren’t entirely related, of course, and the best bars in Dublin show that this place has its finger on the pulse of nightlife, no matter the type. Going out in Dublin is an exercise in stylish drinking. The city centre plays host to many of Dublin’s best bars, but don’t be afraid to venture a little further out in search of excess. Wander away from the iconic attractions in the centre, and you’ll find exciting new bars popping up all the time. You might just find your new favourite spot. Even if you don’t, you’re in for a tremendous night.

The people of Dublin have long cultivated a reputation for creativity, and that innovative streak extends to its kitchens. Sure, sometimes needs must and simplicity is required, but the best restaurants in Dublin are hubs of experimentation and excellence. The chefs of the city are taking the recipes of yesteryear and twisting them into new and exciting shapes, serving up some delicious grub in the process. The true winners? The diners, obviously. There is something intangible about Dublin, excitement and energy that permeates through the bars, the cafes, the history and the sights. It simmers in the restaurants, where food is good and times are great.

Dublin does it all. If you’re looking for a raucous weekend of hitting iconic pubs and all the live entertainment one can handle, the Irish capital is one of the best cities on the planet. If you prefer your nights to be a little quieter but the days to be filled with history, culture and beauty, well, Dublin is more than happy to oblige. The best things to do in Dublin cover fascinating museums, arts venues, parks and, yes, pubs. It all comes together to make a very special city, one that lives up to its hype and then some.  There is a reason Dublin has produced so many artistic geniuses, after all. Inspiration waits around every corner here, and don’t be surprised if you come away with ideas brimming from every pore. That might be Guinness as well, but there’s no point getting too finicky about it all. Dublin is a delight.   

Now we’re talking. Whenever the “best food in the world” is discussed, Italian food is at the forefront of the argument, and with good reason. The simple mention of these classic dishes has people drifting off into a misty-eyed daydream picturing perfectly charred pizza crusts, forkfuls of delicate tagliatelle and all the rest. No, you’re dribbling. Dublin is a long way from Rome, Milan, Naples and the rest, but the Italian restaurants here are very much worth paying attention to. La cucine italiana is undoubtedly one of the most bastardised cuisines out there, with sub-par chains sullying the name, but the best Italian restaurants in Dublin are up there with the finest on the continent. The commitment to tradition and authenticity is admirable and devourable, the perfect precursor to a night exploring the Irish capital’s famous pubs and bars. Dublin is a blossoming foodie paradise, and these spots are leading the charge. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Dublin

Indian food is a big deal. Of course, even using that term is a little contentious, what with India being an absolutely massive country with incredible diversity in every possible way, but the export of flavours from that magical part of the world has required brevity of packaging and a reduction of complexity. Such is life, such is life. Besides, education comes through the dishes themselves, and delicious food will always be delicious food. But make no mistake about it, Indian food in Dublin is plenty delicious. You’ll find bog-standard takeaways spread all over the city, but the Irish capital also boasts a charming selection of authentic hole-in-the-walls serving bona fide dishes and super swanky spots where you can enjoy a rooftop cocktail alongside your dhal. Many restaurants here lean to the expensive side of the ledger, but the best Indian restaurants in Dublin offer some incredible bargains and even better food. Curry first, the pub later, joy throughout. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Dublin

What’s the deal with Stoneybatter? This area feels like its own world, a quirky little fortress of cool in the heart of the city. Dubliners who’ve lived here their whole lives now mingle with trendy newcomers clambering to rent one of its cute little cottages. And on sunny days, locals and visitors alike perch by their doorways to catch some rays (most often over a glass of wine). Happily, the ’Batter is also fast becoming one of Dublin’s most exciting foodie areas, with neighbourhood restaurants luring gourmands from all over. Whether it’s the gooey, spreadable scalda ’nduja in Grano or the vegan cheese tower at Beo Wine Bar – yep, you heard us – you can certainly see why. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world If you only do one thing…  Wander over to Phoenix Park, the largest enclosed city park in Europe, and try to spot its herds of resident fallow deer. It’s technically its own district, but the best entrance is the one in Stoneybatter, at Parkgate Street. Hide from the rain Browse the cute boutiques on Manor Street – you can pick up excellent gifts from local designers and artists in Moo Market, while The Lilliput Press is a brilliant little bookshop with a winning focus on Irish writers. Take a novel over to Lilliput Stores and devour it over a coffee. Get cultured Drop by Arbour Hill, a military cemetery where 14 executed leaders of the 1916 Rising were laid to rest. Next to the memorial you’ll find the Irish United Nations Veterans Asso