- Play Hard
- 8th Oct 2025
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Watched House of Guinness and suddenly fancy Dublin? Same – here’s the guide
If House of Guinness has you fantasising about hopping on a plane and nursing a pint of the black stuff, we’re right there with you.
A city full of charm that’s technically faster to get to on a flight than driving to Manchester, Dublin is now firmly on our must-visit asap list.
Georgian townhouses turned boutique hotels, small plates, great craic and Guinness so creamy you’ll briefly consider emigrating… here’s our ultimate guide.
GETTING THERE FROM THE NORTH EAST
From Newcastle International Airport
Airline: Ryanair
Flight time: Approx 1 hour 15 mins
Typical return fares: £35–£80
Daily flights, often multiple departures, making late Fridays and Sunday returns painless.
From Teesside International Airport
Airline: Ryanair
Flight time: Approx 1 hour 20 mins
Typical return fares: £40–£90
Usually two to three flights per week, ideal for long weekends.
From Dublin Airport to the city centre:
You’re 20 minutes from town. Take a taxi (€30ish) or the Aircoach (every 15 mins, about €8).
WHERE TO STAY
The Dean Dublin – Harcourt Street
If Wes Anderson designed a party hotel, it would look like this. Neo-industrial rooms with record players, a rooftop bar with views over St Stephen’s Green, and a small, heated rooftop pool, just because. The vibe is boutique-but-social, great for groups or couples.
The Alex – Merrion Square
Polished but not pretentious, with muted interiors, marble details and an in-house bar that serves strong martinis and even stronger vibes. You’ll be in the embassy district, so it’s quiet but central, just a 10-minute walk from Grafton Street.
The Mayson – North Wall Quay
Overlooking the River Liffey, this used-to-be-a-warehouse hotel has exposed brick, velvet tones, a rooftop bar, plunge pool, deli and a vinyl library. Describing itself as ‘the coolest spot to stay in Dublin City’, it gives Soho House, without the membership requirement.
Zanzibar Locke – Ha’penny Bridge
If you like an aparthotel with Scandi calm, soft lighting and a built-in kitchenette for wine and crisps after the pub, this is your spot. Central, design-led and ideal for longer stays.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Brunch and Coffee
This small, family-run spot is super unique, with a menu that features local Irish produce blended with Argentinian flavours. Expect Ragu on toast, Argentinian style sambo and the most insane vegan hummus toast. One not to miss.
Two Pups Coffee (The Liberties)
Whitewashed walls, giant plants and a menu of pancake stacks, doorstep sandwiches, fresh pastries and great coffee. Students, locals and hungover foodies make up the crowd – go for the people watching and stay for the dogs.
For an iconic Irish experience, head to Bewley’s Café – a gathering place for locals in Dublin since 1927. Follow in the footsteps of James Hoyce, Yeats and Samuel Beckett for this authentic ‘clattery café’ experience.
Lunch and Dinner
Low-lit, romantic and Michelin Bib Gourmand–approved, this 38-seater spot nails modern Irish flavours without fluff. Think perfect hake and chorizo croquettes, roast cod with lobster bisque, and a wine list that encourages afternoon drinking.
Neo-bistro energy with Irish ingredients done tasting menu–style. Locals rave about the bread and it’s incredible value for a one-Michelin star restaurant.
This special restaurant brings back old Irish classics from the last 100 years, giving the dishes a modern touch. Expect Guinness bread and butter, plates of peas and vinegar, and chicken pie to share.
East meets Dublin and this award-winning Chinese restaurant, with bao buns, chilli oil dumplings, sesame slaw and a cocktail list heavy on yuzu, sake and fun. Neon signage, tiled bar, ideal for a livelier night.
Authentic Irish Pubs
A no-nonsense 18th century pub with an old wooden bar, no music, and Guinness so revered its practically sacrament. Journalists and actors swear by it.
Grogan’s (South William Street)
An authentic Irish pub experience, this is a pint-and-toastie stalwart. Writers, artists and random eccentrics claim the tables. No fuss, all atmosphere.
Victorian stained glass, a long mahogany bar and traditional Irish music. Ideal for your first or final Guinness of the trip, this is considered one of Dublin’s best preserved Victorian pubs.
Bars for after hours
A speakeasy tucked under the streets with velvet booths and quietly excellent cocktails, this is a gorg date night spot.
Hotel bar glamour without the stuffiness — martinis wheeled to your table, and a cocktail menu that leans classic. Named 2025’s Best Hotel Cocktail Bar in Dublin for a reason.
Winner of Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2025 (alongside many other accolades), Bar 1661 is recognised for its independent Irish spirit and respect for tradition. Try the Bán Poitín – a traditional Irish distilled spirit, served as it should be enjoyed.
THE GUINNESS STOREHOUSE – THE MAIN EVENT
Long before it became Dublin’s most visited attraction, St James’s Gate was just a scrappy brewery with a bold landlord. In 1759, Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the site for £45 a year – a flex that aged well.
The Storehouse building itself dates back to the early 1900s, when it was part of the brewery’s fermentation plant. By the late 20th century it was redundant, so Guinness did what any visionary drinks empire would do, they turned it into a shrine. In 2000, the Guinness Storehouse officially opened to the public, and it’s been pulling millions through the doors ever since.
The experience is self-guided across seven floors, built around a glass atrium shaped like a giant pint glass. You move through the ingredients, brewing process, cooperage, advertising history and interactive tastings before working your way up to the Gravity Bar for panoramic city views and a perfectly poured pint.
You can upgrade to pour your own Guinness, print your face in the foam or book the Connoisseur experience in a private bar if you’re feeling extra. But even at its most basic, the place is a great place to visit, and surprisingly moving, especially if you’ve just watched House of Guinness and fancy paying homage at the source.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
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