Gift CardsThe complete guide to a weekend in Dublin
The complete guide to a weekend in Dublin
Dublin is one of the most charismatic and welcoming cities in the world to spend a weekend away. When Friday night gets near, the city starts to buzz as drinks are ordered and dinner is served. Dance the night away at a live gig, duck into the cosiest snugs in the city, and go on a culinary journey around the world - all without leaving the charming, cobbled streets of the capital.
Here’s all the best things to do in Dublin for an entire weekend, from the moment you arrive until you leave.
Spend Friday night in the city
Friday nights in Dublin are special. As people finish work for the weekend, they take to the pubs and restaurants to mix and mingle with friends and visitors, you’ll see why Dublin’s reputation is known around the world.
Find the best city centre hotel in Dublin
The key to any great weekend is finding the best hotels in Dublin’s city centre. Check in to The Dean on Dublin’s Harcourt Street to be in the thick of the action. Only a short stroll from anywhere you’d want to be, you’ll be strutting your stuff in Temple Bar or the city centre all weekend long. This chic and boutique hotel is the perfect resting point after incredible nights out, with the use of the heated pool, sauna, and gym included with your stay.
Looking for something that has couples more in mind? The Clarence on the edge of the River Liffey is your little corner of calm in the heart of the city. Treat yourself to a room overlooking the river and watch as the sun sets on your first night in the capital. Make sure you book in for a meal downstairs at Cleaver East and cocktails at The Curious Mister at some point during your stay.
Book in for a casual dinner
Friday nights are made for casual dining as tasty plates and delicious drinks are served up in dinings rooms that were made with conversation in mind. And there’s no better place to do this in Dublin than Wagamama on St. Stephen’s Green. Grab a seat in this vibrant Japanese ramen bar and order an authentic dish of Donburi, Katsu, or Kokoro from the colourful menu. With its long tables, laid back atmosphere and impressive drinks menu, wagamama is a perfect place to kick off your night.
Order a drink in a lively pub
Music has always been part of the fabric of Dublin, it has shaped the city, it tells the story of our past, and it has created world famous icons. Experience this first hand at The Workmans, a venue on the quays that’s hosted the next big thing in music since 2010. The likes of Fontaine’s D.C., Damien Dempsey, and Future Islands have all played here and when the show ends, keep the good times going with the live DJs upstairs.
Experience a classic Saturday in Dublin
Waking up refreshed and relaxed in your city centre hotel room, you’re ready to live like a local and wander the buzzing streets of the capital.
Sit down to brunch in Dublin
Nothing says Saturday quite like brunch. And you’ll find the best brunch in Dublin at Angelina’s by the canal on Baggot Street. Get your brunch started with a Mimosa or Bloody Mary and look through the extensive menu, with so many tempting options you might want to take your time and order a second drink. Enjoy the waterside setting as plates of Eggs Benedict, Avocado Sourdough Toast, and Buttermilk Pancakes are served to you.
Unforgettable dinners in Dublin
Spend your afternoon wandering through the heart of the city, stopping by galleries to see the work of the city’s up and coming artists and watching the world go by in St. Stephen’s Green. All that walking around can work up quite an appetite, so best to reserve a table at Tomahawk, Dublin’s best steakhouse, as a treat. The sumptuous, moody interior sets the scene for an incredible meal where dedicated chefs perfectly cook Striploins, T-Bones, Tomahawks, and just about every other cut of meat you can think of.
Enjoy the city’s best cocktail bars
By now you’re living the good life in Dublin, so keep the good times going and make the short stroll across Temple Bar to Vintage Cocktail Club. Ring the bell at the unassuming door and step through to another world as the best cocktail bartenders in the city whip up utterly amazing cocktails inspired by the past. Live like it’s ‘The Roaring Twenties’ with drinks that guarantee a good time, indulge in the colourful Tiki phase of the 30s, or just sit back and relax with a simple classic made with craft ingredients.
Take it easy on Sunday
All the indulgence that comes with the perfect Saturday in Dublin can leave you in need of a peaceful and revitalising Sunday. Once you’ve had your lie in and made use of your luxury in-room toiletries, or maybe a plunge in Power’s outdoor heated pool and sauna, you’ll be ready to step back out into the city - this time at a slightly slower pace.
Revive yourself with a coffee
On Sunday mornings coffee is an absolute must and you’ll be happy to hear that café culture is absolutely thriving in Dublin. Grab yourself a flat white and almond croissant to go at any of the nine DIME coffee spots across the city, or nab a seat outside the location on Camden Street and watch the world go by. If you’re not feeling a coffee, there’s also some healthy shakes on the menu too.
Have a lazy lunch
Plan your day around lunch at a Dublin institution. Elephant and Castle is the go-to spot for a lively lunch with big burgers, fresh salads, and infamous chicken wings. Big enough for two to share, but tasty enough that you won’t want to, the chicken wings here are the star of the show. Set up shop in a booth by the window in the Temple Bar location and enjoy the best of the city. With venues dotted across the city (and now the country) there’s a good chance you’re not too far from one.
Finish up with a movie
After a busy and unforgettable weekend in the city, finish off your wind down by catching a film at the Stella in Rathmines. Not only is the building an architectural masterpiece, but it's also a throwback to when going to the cinema was a luxury experience. Soft, red velvet seats and softly lit screens set the scene perfectly for watching the latest indie hit. There’s a full food and drink menu here and even a cocktail bar as well. Go on, treat yourself - you deserve it.
Dublin is one of those cities that’s just brimming with character and characters, where the unexpected can happen and incredible nights out are guaranteed. If you need more inspiration for places to go, we’ve got plenty more.