DK Travel : Dublin

One of the most popular capitals in Europe, Dublin is a city steeped in history. Huddled together within a small vicinity you’ll find Viking remains, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian squares and excellent museums. But it’s not just about buildings – music, theatre, literature and pubs play just as strong a part in Dublin’s atmosphere. These highlights are the must-sees for any visitor who wants to truly capture the variety and vibrancy of the city.

The Silken Thomas

This is both pub and restaurant and produces excellent and reasonably priced bar food. It is named after the fancy attire worn by a member of the Fitzgerald family in the mid-16th century, famous for rebelling against Queen Elizabeth I (see Dublin Castle).
The Sky and the Ground

Quirky pub restaurant with a fine choice of classic dishes and almost 300 wines from its own wine shop, at off-licence prices.
The Stag’s Head

Built in 1770, the Stag’s Head was refurbished in the opulent Victorian style, resembling a mix between a church and a mansion, with bottle-glass windows, mirrors reaching up to the high ceiling, a counter topped with Connemara marble, plus, of course, the scary antlered namesake on the wall. James Joyce also drank here, and it has featured in many films. A magnet for students, it tends to get lively. Good pub grub; but note it’s closed on Sundays.
The Sugar Club

A relaxed candlelit venue where the crowd comes for the cocktail bar and performances – everything from casino nights and salsa to the “next big thing”.
The Vintage

On the market side of town, this bar and restaurant is housed in an ancient beamed building, with natural stone walls and tiled floors. The food is wholesome and well cooked.
The Westbury

For 5-star luxury you can’t do better than this Grafton Street hotel – the accommodation of choice for politicians and celebrities. It even has its own shopping mall if you can’t face the crowds outside.
Theobald Wolfe Tone

Tone (1763–98) has been described both as the founder of Irish nationalism and as a frustrated imperialist.
Thoor Ballylee

Follow the sign “Yeats Tower” to reach the old towerhouse in which WB Yeats and his wife Georgie spent much time during the 1920s. A sturdy little fortress, it was restored and converted by Yeats, and is described with touching detail in many of his poems. It is now lovingly preserved as a homage to Yeats.
Thorntons Chocolates

Best choice of fine chocolates in Dublin from this well-known chocolate chain.
Timoleague Abbey

A bleak atmosphere presides here, when the mist hangs over the shore and the ruined 13th-century Franciscan abbey sits broodingly on the waterside. Of particular interest is the wine cellar – the friars prospered on the importation of Spanish wines in the 16th century.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
- under €50
- €50–€100
- €100–€150
- €150–€200
- over €200