Dublin’s pubs are slices of its living culture. They are the famous haunts of its literary set, politicians, rock stars and in fact, Dubliners! Our capital town is home to some 1,000 pubs and no visit to Dublin would be complete without sampling a native brew in an exceedingly real Dublin pub!

Why not explore Dublin by foot on one of the various Guided Walking Tours that showcase town below a variety of themes. Daytime and nightime tours are abundant and will lead you to get cobbled alleys, Viking remains, Georgian Squares and even a pub or 2! If you like Podcasts check out independent download podcasts that will help guide you around the town.

Twenty Great Things to do in Dublin apart from Drinking

(I). Experience Dublin because the locals do

Despite its unsavoury name in past years, Temple Bar is one among the town’s most charming neighbourhoods and residents are attempting exhausting to keep it that method. Cobblestone streets, bars, cafés, art galleries and architectural splendour harmoniously blend with previous streetscapes and eco-friendly schemes. Among the cultural attractions are Dublin’s only art-house cinema at the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography and therefore the Project Arts Centre.

(II). Sip a perfect pint at Kehoe’s

If all you came to Dublin for is the Guinness, then camp out at Kehoe’s. The bar’s friendly employees keep the mugs full and on a busy night the group huddles around the stairs – neighbourhood tavern style. The elegant wood fitting has an old-faculty character and therefore the snugs are pleasant, that makes drinking here a rich experience. However a word of advice, the loos are to be avoided if you fear tiny spaces.

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(III). Brush with royalty at the Dublin Castle

This isn’t how you’d imagine a castle within the traditional sense. There’s no moat, no drawbridge to lower against invading hordes, no turrets from which to pour boiling oil. It’s more a assortment of eighteenth-century administrative buildings, albeit fine ones, engineered on a medieval set up of two courtyards. Dublin Castle hosts grand diplomatic or state functions, and occasional performances like concert recitals. The lovely interior is accessible on a pay-per-read basis, but you can wander freely round the castle.

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(IV). Warm up with some Irish stew at the Porterhouse

The picket décor might be excessively rustic, however Dublin’s oldest microbrewery pub, the Porterhouse, makes up for that with the quality of its beer. The pub solely sells its own label of beers, however the stouts, lagers and ales are higher than any mass-created beer. The Oyster Stout, created with real oysters, is very sensible. The glorious pub food, Irish stew, and bangers and mash will fill you up while not breaking the bank.

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(V). Be part of the St Patrick’s Day parade

St Patrick’s Day on 17 March (www.stpatricksfestival.ie) offers the right excuse to drink, if you wish one. The parade exhibits a number of Europe’s best street performers and there’s a four-day gala of world-category entertainment. Spring is when 12 Points! Pageant of Europe’s New Jazz (www.improvisedmusic.ie/12points.php) comes to town. If you are a movie buff, then July and August are the months of free Saturday night movies at Jameson Movies on the Square (www.templebar.ie). Finally, the Dublin Writer’s Pageant (www.dublinwritersfestival.com) offers a feast of readings, discussions and public debates.

(VI). Stroll around peaceful Trinity College

Sunday morning is the simplest time to go to this intellectual hub, before the students are awake and whereas the bells toll for morning mass throughout the town. Trinity School is an oasis of peace and sweetness. Its campus is a mix of classical and contemporary buildings interspersed with elegant gardens. Founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, Trinity boasts stellar alumni, together with playwright Oscar Wilde and Nobel laureate Samuel Beckett. During the summer, enthusiastic students offer thirty-minute guided tours.

(VII). Dine in style at Peploe’s

Fridays are fun times at Peploe’s. Lunches are in style with local heroes, business gurus and the cultured set of town. The location is fabulous, and therefore the rooms are decked out with wood, murals and crisp table linen. The established venue serves classic dishes like French onion soup, Caesar salad and smoked salmon with dill sauce, and the wine list is nice and long. Hugo’s, on the other hand, is that the new child on the block, but is attracting a following with its international menu and expansive list of wines from around the globe. The employees are friendly and economical, and on a warm summer evening drinking a glass of crisp rosé in the elegant surroundings could be a delight.

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(VIII). Get inspired at the Science Gallery

You forever expect nice things from Trinity College and also the innovative Science Gallery actually doesn’t disappoint. It takes a recent study applications of science in real life, making white hot technology accessible to everybody. Do not be surprised if you see exhibitions of techno-thread clothing, displays of robotic art and debates concerning the future of bio-fuels and the efficacy of anti-depressants. They’ve even harnessed nanotechnology to inscribe their emblem on the face of a diamond.

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(IX). Watch the Six Nations Rugby tournament

The Six Nations Rugby tournament is among the highlights of the Irish Sporting Calendar. Home games are played at Croke Park and the whole city gets fixed in the thrill. Even if Ireland’s not taking part in, match days are one big party and tradition demands that you simply quarrel over the goals at a native pub.

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(X). Savour delicious seafood at Aqua

Given the coastal location, fish is that the order of the day: Dover sole on the bone, baked sea bass, pan-fried halibut and slow-cooked organic salmon. Aqua’s distinctly urban look is softened by gorgeous sea views and a heat, cosy bar in front of a casual, uncluttered dining area – the venue for a nice Sunday lunch to the sound of live jazz. On bright, sunny days, save time for a nice stroll round the harbour.

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(XI). Catch some traditional Irish sounds at the Cobblestone

The Cobblestone is a gem. The musicians’ corner downstairs attracts ancient players whom you would pay to work out elsewhere, and therefore the paying venue upstairs rarely books a duff band. It often showcases ancient and people music. Overall, it’s cosy, while eschewing unnecessary frills; if you wish to avoid excessive paddy-whackery in favour of a genuine ancient Dublin pub atmosphere, come here.

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(XII). Discover a well-kept secret at the Cake Café

In a very hid courtyard, the Cake Café is an adorable venture that has already won itself a loyal following. The air within is warm with the smell of heavenly own-created cakes, biscuits, pies and cupcakes, sandwiches, great salads (caramelised pear, blue cheese and walnut) and some a lot of formidable hot dishes. Everything is served on artfully mismatched crockery and the workers are delightfully welcoming. A hidden treasure.

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(XIII). Stroll through the Dubh Linn Gardens

If you don’t wish to pay to get into Dublin Castle then stroll round the Dubh Linn Gardens hidden behind. It’s the original place of the dubh linn (dark pool), from where the town drew its name and was recently landscaped into a garden. Though most tourists do not understand about it, it’s very in style with workplace goers as a lunch venue. Typically, it is also used as a helicopter-landing site.

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(XIV). Get arty at the Dublin Fringe Pageant

The Dublin Fringe festival (www.fringefest.com) is as established an occasion as its Scottish counterpart. Usually a mixed bag of performances in September, the competition is devoted to promoting new companies, and showcasing experimental material. The emphasis, of course, is on the uncommon and therefore the performances are innovative.

(XV). Lunch Time at Dunne & Crescenzi

This isn’t a tourist-snaring pizza counter. Dunne & Crescenzi is the original and in all probability still the most effective Italian café in town, with two adjoining spaces on South Frederick Street. Both are small, dark and can feel a bit on the claustrophobic aspect. However the food is merely wonderful: the tasty, fresh and easy lunches embody cured and smoked meats, salads and panini. Lunches are in the midst of a full wine list. The heart-warming low will match any brew that the European mainland has to offer.

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(XVI). Drink wonderful espresso at the Bald Barista

Buzz Fendall is a man on a mission – to bring superb occasional to Dublin. Bald Barista, a busy friendly café, is his gift to the city. Beans are sourced directly from individual farmers in Brazil, Sumatra and Ethiopia, and are freshly ground on website. Of course, there is additional to the place than simply low – snacks and lunches are served on the slickly appointed mezzanine dining space or the diminutive terrace.

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(XVII). Vogue up your wardrobe

Loft Market, a New York-style indoor fashion market attracts native fashion junkies and hip students on the trail of individual, one-off appearance, which are the stock in trade of the young designers and artists who share this area. There are plenty of vintage things of clothing and jewelry on sale.

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(XVIII). Stellar food in Chapter One

Everyone loves Chapter One for its affordable fine dining experience. The selection is spectacular: Irish-caught yellow fin tuna with fennel and squid braised in saffron, and Connemara mountain lamb with rump glazed in mustard and white truffle honey are among the delights. You can follow them up with Irish raspberry poached meringue, almond and pistachio cracknel, and lime anglaise. The menu speaks for itself.

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(XIX). There’s plenty of  music in Andrew’s Lane

Formerly one in all the few playhouses on Dublin’s south facet, Andrew’s Lane has reopened as a music venue. It could be missed by theatre lovers, however is attracting fans and gaining a robust reputation on town’s music scene. Therefore way, the fare has tended towards the left-field end of the spectrum, with arty electronica acts from the likes of Matmos and Venetian Snares wooing the a lot of adventurous punters.

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(XX). Check out burger at Bobo’s

You’d typically associate big greasy burgers with the Americans. But Bobo’s has gained quite a reputation for coming up some fine patties. This glorious little diner serves up peerless organic burgers, ‘proper chubby chips’ in old style buckets and delicious malts, shakes and juices.