If you find yourself in Dublin, Ireland, hopefully you have more than 48 hours to eat, drink, and see all the sights. In case you don't, here's a short guide to maximize your time. If you're like us, you plan your trips around cool bars, cocktail experiences, distilleries, and searching for quality booze. Dublin has no shortage of any of these, so don't waste your time trying to get over jet-lag; there's simply too much to taste and experience.
Day 1
Once you arrive in Dublin, head to the Iveagh Court Hotel to check-in and drop off your overnight bags. This modern 4-star hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Dublin and is adjacent to the beautiful urban oasis that is Iveagh Gardens. Take a quick stroll before heading to one of Dublin's top tourist destinations.
A short 10-minute cab ride away is the Guinness Storehouse. What was once an old fermentation plant is now a seven-story interactive visitor experience. Tours start on the bottom floor, and as you ascend to each level, you learn about the production process of this iconic beverage, infused with Ireland's history. It's a bit of a hike, but once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a pint of Guinness and stunning views of the city at the Gravity Bar (grab some lunch up there while you're at it).
Head back to the hotel to refresh and rest up, but don't get too comfy because you have some pub crawling to do—you're in Dublin, after all! Naturally, the city has no shortage of traditional Irish pubs, so you can't go wrong no matter where you stop. However, we suggest visiting The Rag Trader, a more intimate bar experience with an impressive whiskey selection. A short walk away is a less traditional, more upscale pub experience called The Bank Bar, located in a converted bank building exquisitely remade into a pub and restaurant. Not to be missed is Woollen Mills Terrace, a beautiful heritage building with a picturesque terrace overlooking the river, serving local Irish and European cuisine. This is the perfect spot for dinner, sipping on a bottle of red wine as the evening winds down.
Day 2
Don't sleep the morning away, because today's destination is sure to be the highlight of your trip! You'll need to book a car to the nearby town of Malahide (about a 30-minute drive from Dublin's city center). From there, you can take a small speed boat just three miles off the coast to the private island of Lambay, the home of Lambay Whiskey.
The Baring Family bought Lambay Island in 1904 and moved there to escape the gossip and stresses of high-society. The Baring Family still lives there to this day, along with some curious wildlife, including puffins and wallabies—yes, actual wallabies that roam freely around the island! You can book a day trip to the island, including a historical architecture tour or even a lunch or afternoon tea. However, we strongly suggest a whiskey tasting and tour of the Seacask Room, where Lambay's Irish Single Malt is finished in French oak cognac casks.
Despite the brand being very new (first launching in 2018), it is rooted in a rich heritage from two different families. Inspired by the ancestral home of the Barings family and developed with the expertise of Maison Camus (a leading family-owned cognac producer), Lambay Whiskey is crafted using water from the island's Trinity Well. The finest French oak casks are carefully selected from the cellars of Camus and shipped to Lambay for finishing the whiskey, adding rich color and flavor.
After enjoying the sights and tastes of Lambay, we suggest heading to the Powerscourt Hotel, one of Dublin's finest resort destinations in a truly spectacular forest setting. Here you can unwind at their spa, hike to the nearby Powerscourt Falls, or just explore the estate, including 47 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens.
Once you're rested, take a short drive up the hill to Johnnie Fox's, one of Ireland's oldest and most famous pubs. Here you can enjoy a few pints while taking in the lively atmosphere. There is also live, traditional Irish music every night. We recommend going online and booking tickets to their famous "Hooley Night," where your ticket includes an amazing dinner of classic Irish dishes, along with an incredibly fun Irish dancing show; the perfect finale to your Dublin adventure.
