The Best Experiences to Have in Dublin - Don't Miss Them!

Remember Liam O’Flaherty’s “The Sniper”, that heart-wrenching story about the Irish Civil War, set against river Liffey in Dublin? That, and clichés about redheads, romantic notions about Trinity College and images of Guinness beer, Irish stew and Irish coffee, is what came ringing back as I started on my maiden trip to Dublin. As my trips to the city increased, which they did because of a job back then, so did my insider’s knowledge. Here are some top experiences from my travels to the city that I recommend:

Literary Pub Crawl

One of my fondest memories is of a literary pub crawl that my manager had organised for the team. The team had converged from all parts of the world, and the two common things that held us were our enthusiasm for literature - and - beer! And this tour covered both.

On the literary pub crawl, we went tippling from pub to pub, with professional actors performing pieces from the works of well-known Irish authors, painting a picture of the historical backdrop, while occasionally throwing in some quizzes to keep the group interested.

Note: If you have read the works of W. B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Samuel Beckett, this is one tour you must not miss.

Google, Twitter, Facebook Offices

Want to peep into the fun culture of hi-tech companies? If you see a bunch of ‘funnily’ dressed youngsters walking around the Docklands and Barrow street, the chances are Google is celebrating some festival from around the world - or just having another regular day at work! I once saw people dressed in drag and Playboy Bunny outfits on their way to work! And another time Captain Jack Sparrow (a.k.a. my ex manager) walked into the office!

Note: Don’t try to meet HR or drop in your resume at the reception. It doesn’t work that way!

Shop, Admire the Architecture, Stop for Tea, Watch Street Artists, End up at a Pub

If you are looking to go shopping for souvenirs, head to Henry Street, Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green and be spoilt for choice of Shamrock, Guinness and Leprechaun-themed clothing, stationery, mugs …! 

While you are out, don’t forget to stop by for tea and cake at The Church on Henry Street, an old church complete with stained glass and an organ that is now converted into a bar. End your day with Guinness, Irish stew and Irish coffee at one of the many pubs in the Temple Bar area. 

Note: Shops shut early on most weekdays, except Thursdays when they are open till 9 pm, so plan accordingly.

The Greyhound Races

On another team outing, I visited the Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium for the dog races. Greyhound racing is a betting sport where the dogs chase a dummy lure (a dummy hare in the race that I went to) and the audience wagers bets on the outcome based on a score of information about the dogs.

The humanist/activist in me prevented me from being enthused about the races and the Indian-converting-currency in me steered me from betting in Euros. But, most people around me seemed to have enjoyed the races, while I pored over to understand the betting cards and delighted in the wine, food and the company!

Note: I would say, choose to go or stay away based on your sensibilities.

Stay at a Pub

I wanted to stay at a pub at on one of my visits, but somehow I always ended up at business hotels. My local friends did recommend O’Neills Pub and Townhouse, but I never did get a chance to stay there.

Note: For that Dickensian scene, do try a pub experience.

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