Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is a place adorned with architectural marvels, rich with centuries of history, and pleasantly haunted by the echoes of the literary giants like James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, and Samuel Beckett all of whom have called the city home and helped, in one way or another, to make it famous. But Dublin isn’t just a destination; it’s a vibe. It is a place where old legends dance with modern energy, cobblestone streets echo with tales of rebellion and the heart of the city beats to a different drum, a rhythm of lively pubs, infectious music, and the friendly “craic” (good times) for which the locals are famous. All of which is perhaps the best explanation as to why the city captivates more than 11 million travelers from all corners of the globe each year. 

Any exploration of Dublin must necessarily begin with the city’s iconic landmarks and arguably none are more noteworthy than Trinity College, Dublin’s oldest university. As has already been established, Dublin is ink-stained with literary genius and Trinity College Library, with its hundreds of thousands of leather-bound books and Hogwarts-worthy ambiance, is a sanctuary for bookworms and dreamers alike. The library’s famed Long Room is home to the university’s greatest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript with intricate Celtic designs and brilliant colors that dates back to the 9th century when the Vikings became the first to establish a settlement along the city’s River Liffey. The 1,200 year old medieval masterpiece serves as both a testament to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage and a chronicle of its storied past. Think ancient history meets Instagram vibes. 

Speaking of Instagram vibes, a little over half a mile down the road from Trinity College, a vision from a fairytale awaits at Dublin Castle in the heart of historic Dublin. At the castle, which also houses the Chapel Royal and a 13th century Tower along with some of its Medieval structures, the landmark’s regal past unfolds as grand State Apartments reveal opulent rooms adorned with tapestries and chandeliers that reverberate with the echoes of royal banquets and political intrigues that almost certainly filled them in days gone by. Meanwhile, outside the castle, the Dubh Linn Garden offers an inviting stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, ancient ruins, bubbling fountains, and tranquil paths leading to hidden corners of serenity. It’s a blend of elegance and whimsy (and also the ideal spot to capture the castle’s turrets as the perfect backdrop for a memorable photo). 

Continuing down the historical path, Guinness and Dublin go together like hand in glove. So much so in fact that it would not be an exaggeration to say that a trip to Dublin without visiting the Guinness Storehouse is like missing a sunrise. Dive into the ingredients, history and culture that tell the story of Ireland’s favorite stout while exploring the brewing process and seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse building, which was once the fermentation plant of the brewery. From malted barley to the iconic black pint, every step, including the legendary six step ritual, counting the 119.5 seconds it takes to pour that perfect pint of Guinness, is a celebration of craftsmanship. Following the lesson, The Gravity Bar, perched atop the brewery at one of Dublin’s highest vantage points, is the perfect reward. The 360-degree views of Dublin City, the Wicklow Mountains (where Guinness sources its fresh Irish water for brewing), Phoenix Park and the Wellington Monument, unsurprisingly pair extremely well with the creamy head of a freshly poured pint. Likewise, Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar & Brasserie, both of which are housed at the Guinness Storehouse, also offer delicious food options to perfectly pair with a pint of Guinness. 

At this point, it must be noted that there is a distinction between the Guinness Storehouse and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, which is also located in Dublin City just about a 5-minute walk away from the Guinness Storehouse. While the Storehouse is focused on the traditional Guinness product that most of us know and love, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery is an experimental space where exclusive small batch brews, mostly limited editions, are on tap. So, for true beer afficionados, Guinness fans and those of a more adventurous bent, who might be interested in sampling a less traditional pint like Black Forest Stout, Honey Brown Ale or Sea Salt & Lime Lager, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery is another must-stop destination. 

Guinness is also the perfect starting point from which to lift the veil on Dublin’s spirited pub culture as the opaque stout is the black gold that flows through the city’s veins. You see, in Dublin, pubs are more than watering holes; they’re living museums. And there is no better example than The Brazen Head, Ireland’s oldest pub, where historic prints and scrolls line the walls, and a palpable sense of history permeates the local institution’s low ceilings, wooden beams and crackling fireplace. Dating back to 1198, The Brazen Head was even referenced in James Joyce’s Ulysses, and is still to this day a cracking spot in which to sample traditional pub fare like beef and Guinness pie and fish and chips –washed down with a pint of the black stuff or a wee dram of whiskey, of course. 

Beyond The Brazen Head, all roads lead to Temple Bar for the best of Dublin’s pub scene and a bit of legendary Irish craic (that marvelously untranslatable Irish word which defines Dublin’s exuberant spirit). Now, to be clear, Temple Bar is both an actual bar as well as the name of one of the Irish capital’s most popular nightlife destinations. With reference to the former, the Temple Bar is perhaps the best-known (and certainly the most photographed) pub of Temple Bar’s collection of watering holes. A cultural institution, the Temple bar is known for its electric atmosphere, fueled by live music featuring fiddles, bodhráns, and foot-stomping tunes, which has been known to spill out onto the cobblestone streets, drawing in revelers from near and far.  

The popularity of the Temple Bar itself notwithstanding, Temple Bar, a cobbled district set along the southern banks of the Liffey River, is not only the hub of nightlife in Dublin, but also a cultural hub chock full of everything from indie shops and cafés to vintage shops and popular live music venues like the Workman’s Club and 3Olympia Theatre. It’s the ideal place to grab a pint of local craft beer or a classic Irish whiskey and settle into a conversation with a local or dance a jig. 

In terms of where to stay in Dublin, there a number of great options, but two in particular standout. For the apex of luxury, The Shelbourne, located in the heart of Dublin City overlooking the city’s grandest square, St. Stephen’s Green, is the obvious choice. With 200 years of history, the 5-star hotel is as noted for its elegant rooms and impeccable service as it is for its prime location within a few minutes’ walk from Dublin’s most famous landmarks and prominent shopping destinations like Grafton Street’s boutiques. Alternatively, The Clarence, famously owned by U2’s Bono and The Edge, is where rock ‘n’ roll meets chic. Located in the Temple Bar district, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and a sleek, modern, contemporary vibe in addition to being home to one of Dublin’s most celebrated restaurants, Cleaver East. 

Now, not that Dublin could ever really be dull but should the need to escape the city buzz arise, a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher is an excellent option. These dramatic cliffs, standing tall against the wild Atlantic Ocean, have been described as nature’s masterpiece. And with views stretching for miles – rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and seabirds riding the currents – they are also a photographer’s dream. Another tranquil destination near the city is Glendalough. Tucked away in County Wicklow this area is renowned for its lush landscape, magnificent lakes, stunning waterfalls and babbling brooks as well as the ruins of a monastic city that dates back to 10th century. 

For an escape near Dublin with access to an international airport, look no further than Shannon, a quaint town nestled along the majestic Shannon Estuary in Ireland’s County Clare. Located between 2 and 4 hours away from Dublin by car, bus or train, this hidden gem is a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life in addition to being an ideal launchpad for exploring the many picturesque wonders of Western Ireland. Though, the town itself is a cozy hub, highlighted by friendly locals, quaint shops and the Shannon Aviation Museum which houses, among other treats, a Boeing 737 flight simulator and vintage aircraft, its primary draw is the iconic Irish road trips it inspires, with scenic drives that weave through rolling green landscapes and lead to post-card perfect destinations like the Cliffs of Moher.  

Within ten minutes of Shannon proper awaits landmark sites including the 15th century, Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s most famous castles, and Bunratty Folk Park, a 26-acre reconstruction of 19th century homes reminiscent of old Ireland. Slightly further afield, Craggaunowen showcases the 16th century Craggaunowen Castle as well as a peek into life in prehistoric and early Christian Ireland through its recreation of a Bronze Age settlement, while Knappogue Castle, located just outside Quin Village (home to the 15th century Quin Abbey) and famously known for its distinguished premium single malt Irish whiskey, serves up a medieval-style banquet complete with butlers and ladies of the castle for a taste of the lavish entertainments for which the castle became known from the 15th century onward. Lastly, as it’s Ireland where a pint of ale is always in order, the local pubs in Shannon are also worth a gander, but the 400-year-old Durty Nelly’s next door to Bunratty Castle, is especially memorable for its history, food and the legacy of its namesake’s legendary  hospitality, warmth and generosity of spirit which still defines this quintessential Irish pub. 

From the imposing Trinity College to the majestic Dublin Castle to the ruins of Glendalough, Dublin is a destination that wears its history and its scars like a well-worn tweed coat. It is a place that doesn’t dwell on the past but instead weaves it into the fabric of everyday modern life. And with that, it bears repeating that Dublin isn’t just a destination; it’s a vibe. It’s being surrounded by the reverberations of history, the warmth of a stranger’s smile, a healthy dose of craic, the hum of a fiddle in a dimly lit pub, and the taste of a perfectly poured pint. Sláinte!