Siún Ní Dhuinn spends 24 hours in tourist mode in Dublin City Centre, checking out what the city has to offer in winter.
Visiting Dublin at Christmas is a rite of passage for many of us; from the yearly get togethers, to getting the last few 'bits' in the bustling shops, marveling at the decadent shop windows and Christmas lights, and maybe a visit to Santa - if you're feeling particularly nice.
There are certain elements of the capital that feel extra special during the Christmas season. With that in mind, I set out to see the city through the eyes of a tourist, rather than someone who feels like they know the winding streets like the back of their hand.
Oh my, was I pleasantly surprised.
The Old Library and The Book of Kells, tickets from €19
We started our day at Trinity College Dublin with a visit to the Book of Kells and the Old Library. The Book of Kells is one of those historical artefacts you can't quite get your head around, even when you see it with your own eyes: the detail, the colour, the commitment to the art. It is mind-blowing.
For preservation reasons, it is housed in a dark, cool, room and there is no photography allowed - something which only adds to the sense that you're seeing something sacred.
In the next room, my partner and I visited the Old Library, a place I had (shamefully) never been to. I stood agog at the scale of this Beauty and the Beast-style library currently featuring the art installation, Gaia.
Gaia is described by the artist, Luke Jerram, as intended to invoke an awareness of the fragility and beauty of the earth, and our responsibility to take care of it. The illuminated globe features detailed NASA imagery of the earth hanging from the ceiling of this great room.
The Guinness Storehouse, tickets from €24.50
From here, we hopped on the bus to take us as far as the Guinness Storehouse, one of Dublin's most visited tourist destinations.
I have been to the Storehouse before, but Christmas at the Storehouse was bit magical - just think of those Christmas Guinness ads we have been enthralled by over the years and you'll have an idea.
We got lucky with the weather and watched the sun go down over Dublin city from the rooftop bar with a pint* and Christmas tunes.
Dinner at Dylan McGrath's Fade St Social
That evening, we ate in Dylan Mc Grath's Fade St Social, a buzzy, modern eatery right in the heart of the city. I ordered the trout to start, seabream as my main course and a chocolate mousse for dessert. Everything I had was cooked to perfection, the seabream was a particular standout, full of flavour and served with baby boiled potatoes I have been thinking about ever since.
The Brooks Hotel
That night, we stayed in Brooks Hotel, situated on Drury Street, one of my very favourite streets in Dublin thanks to a wide offering of coffee shops, vintage shopping and Irish design, not to mention it is a stone's throw from cosy Grogan's pub and the stunning Powerscourt Shopping Centre.
Despite being smack bang in the city, Brooks is a warm and welcome respite from a very busy city. We had a lovely, spacious room and, as ever, the devil is in the details: the retro radio playing RTÉ LyricFM and cookies in the room on our arrival made it extra special.
Vintage Tea Tour, tickets from €49.50 each
The next day we enjoyed breakfast in the hotel before a visit to Christmas at the Castle, a cute boutique open air Christmas Market which is free and non-ticketed in the Courtyard of Dublin Castle before we boarded the Vintage Tea Tour.
We were warmly welcomed by our host with some tunes and cheer before we set off from Temple Bar. The tour is a great way to see the lights around town while enjoying some delicious baked goods.
Dublin City proved to be a gorgeous mini-break for those who want to soak up the festive atmosphere, take in some of the sights synonymous with the fair city.
This trip to Dublin was courtesy of Fáilte Ireland for purpose of review.
Stay updated with the latest events, travel tips, and places to stay by visiting Discover Winter in Dublin 2023.
*Always Drink responsibly.
For more travel tips, check out Charlotte Ryan's 72 festive hours in London or Dee Mullins' sunny scape to Rhodes.
