Ireland in Winter?

[Peaches LaTour]

I think we should all get together, go to Hawaii for now & travel to Ireland in September.

Forget winter weather.....

 

[Peaches LaTour]

I think we should all get together, go to Hawaii for now & travel to Ireland in September.

To he'l

 

[manhn]

Sorry for interrupting this thread, but it beats opening a new one. In 2 months (mid-August), I will be going to Dublin! Aside from a couple day trips, I am staying put for my whole week there. I will be there for 8 days. As you may have noticed, I am not one of those "So....what's fun to do in ________?" people. My questions are very precise and specific. Any and all suggestions are welcome. I have already received some wonderful and helpful suggestions from a FSUer or two. I normally do a good number of things suggested by posters.

1. Best Coffee in Dublin: A very important question for me. Any and all suggestions will likely be tried out. There is this great Youtube channel about coffee in Europe (also, the two guys who host the channel are really cute), and it prompted me to go to Dublin.

2. Best Irish Food for a Newbie to Try: I do not drink (but I will try a Guinness or two) and I know nothing about Irish food. What should I try?

3. Best Irish Coffee in Dublin:

4. Best Fish & Chips in Dublin:

5. Best Irish Dessert in Dublin: I love cake and pies. Anything without raisins or fruit.

6. Best Bakery in Dublin:

7. Okay, is it true that Dublin weather is really that unpredictable? Even in August?

8. Best places to run?

9. I am staying at an airbnb near Christ Church Cathedral? Anything else special nearby?

10. I am planning a day trip to Cliffs of Moher. There seems to be a lot of tours, anyone do any of these tours?

11. One short day trip is to Howth. Any coffee and restaurant suggestions?

12. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is taking place, and there will be an outdoor staging of Midsummer Night's Dream at Castle Yard. I would like to go, but it seems I would need to drive and stay overnight. Is there a tour group that would take you back to Dublin?

13. I am going to see Riverdance, OF COURSE. Any other productions I should check out?

14. Best Place to Observe Hipsters:

15. Best bookstore in Dublin:

16. Best Vietnamese in Dublin:

I think that is it. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[scooter]

Dual citizenship Ireland here! A couple of thoughts....Consider Bunratty Castle which is close to Dublin. They have the whole medieval complex of castle and town and walled gardens with actors playing villagers and lord of the castle, etc. They have a banquet in the castle most evenings, but it's more enjoyable for the entertainment than the food. Cliffs of Moher are a fair distance, assuming you are going by bus (there's a puddle jumper from Dublin to Shannon, but maybe more than you want to spend). It's a majestic view, but there is not much else near by and the bugs can be an issue in August, so take some repellent with you. It tends to be very windy there, so I would take a light jacket or a sweater and tie your hair back or bring a baseball cap. Closer to you will be Waterford with the crystal factory in a lovely area about half the distance to Moher. It's a nice seaside town. Not sure of your dates, but the Dublin Horse Show is one of the premier events of the sport of showjumping (in Europe the number 2 sport behind Soccer) and the Aga Khan Trophy in the Nations Cup is an amazing take in. If you go, have lunch or tea at Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge right by the showgrounds. The Rose Gardens in St Stephen's park are great that time of year. I dont personally drink coffee, but every day at 4 you must stop for tea, which is normally served with either finger sandwiches or scones or an Irish sweet bread called Barmbrack, or just Brack, with cream and jam. As far as clothing, I would take a thin sweater or two and a raincoat and one of those umbrellas that compresses down to fit in your purse and you will be good to go. My people are from Donegal, so I could give you info for things more on that side, but I dont think you'll get that far afield. Have a great time!

 

[quartz]

Are you only staying in Dublin? Cliffs of Moher is on the other side of the country! Its about a 3 hour drive and while the cliffs are gorgeous, all there is to do is to admire and walk along them. Giants Causeway is fascinating - also about 3 hours from Dublin.
Or, how about a day or two trip to Belfast?

 

[allezfred]

1. Best Coffee in Dublin: Not a cofffee drinker myself at all, but friends who are like 3fe (little bit out of the way for where you are staying), Kaph on Drury Street, The Art of Coffee (several locations), Container Coffee (probably the location nearest to where you will be staying)

2. Best Irish Food for a Newbie to Try: All of it! Irish meat, seafood, vegetables and dairy are world class. Try somewhere like The Woollen Mills or its sister restaurant The Winding Stair for a modern take on Irish food. You should try an Irish breakfast at least once when you are here. Not a big fan myself, but Irish stew and coddle (the latter particular to Dublin) are traditional. Brown bread, soda bread. Oh and potatoes done all sorts of ways. If you are here on a Sunday, book a Sunday Roast at The Exchequer.

3. Best Irish Coffee in Dublin: Should be able to get a decent one most places, but The Brazen Head is the oldest bar in Ireland (opened in 1198) is known for serving good ones. Like most pubs it will also serve lots of traditional (read hearty) Irish food.

4. Best Fish & Chips in Dublin: Most people from Dublin say Leo Burdock in Christchurch. Find it a bit greasy myself. I prefer sit down restaurants like Catch 22 or Matt The Thresher.

5. Best Irish Dessert in Dublin: Anything at Queen of Tarts. Two branches near where you will stay - one very small, one bigger. Irish chocolate is really good too. Try Butler's Chocolate Cafe (lots of branches around the city centre). Avoca, Le Petit Parisien and Fallon & Byrne are also great places to get dessert. Murphy's Ice Cream on Wicklow Street has some unusual flavours.

6. Best Bakery in Dublin: Probably Panem on Lower Ormond Quay (pronounced Key)

7. Okay, is it true that Dublin weather is really that unpredictable? Even in August?

8. Best places to run? Not much of a runner myself, but if you want somewhere green to run I would say either the Phoenix Park or St Stephen's Green.

9. I am staying at an airbnb near Christ Church Cathedral? Anything else special nearby? You are in the centre of Dublin. Everything is nearby! St Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle are closest. About a 10-15 minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse. Would recommend Chester Beatty Library (extensive collection of Asian and Islamic art and a really good Middle Eastern cafe).

10. I am planning a day trip to Cliffs of Moher. There seems to be a lot of tours, anyone do any of these tours? The tours will be all pretty much the same. Perhaps one that also takes you to the Burren.

11. One short day trip is to Howth. Any coffee and restaurant suggestions? The Grind Coffee Bar. Howth is famous for its fish, so either Aqua if you want somewhere nice or Beshoffs if you just want fish and chips. Or The Bloody Stream if you want pub food.

12. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is taking place, and there will be an outdoor staging of Midsummer Night's Dream at Castle Yard. I would like to go, but it seems I would need to drive and stay overnight. Is there a tour group that would take you back to Dublin? Errr, no.

13. I am going to see Riverdance, OF COURSE. Any other productions I should check out? There's a stage production of Roddy Doyle's "The Snapper" at the Gate Theatre over the summer. The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's national theatre. Bord Gais Energy Theatre does musicals, ballets and concerts.

14. Best Place to Observe Hipsters: Castlemarket area (essentially the streets between Grafton Street and South Great George's Street). Camden Street. Portobello. The Bernard Shaw. The Fumbally.

15. Best bookstore in Dublin: All of these.

16. Best Vietnamese in Dublin: Easy - Pho Viet on Parnell Street.

 

[allezfred]

Consider Bunratty Castle which is close to Dublin. They have the whole medieval complex of castle and town and walled gardens with actors playing villagers and lord of the castle, etc. They have a banquet in the castle most evenings, but it's more enjoyable for the entertainment than the food. Cliffs of Moher are a fair distance

Ummm, I don't know what you were taking when you were in Ireland, but Bunratty Castle is way closer to the Cliffs of Moher than it is to Dublin.

 

[Twilight1]

1. Best Coffee in Dublin: Not a cofffee drinker myself at all, but friends who are like 3fe (little bit out of the way for where you are staying), Kaph on Drury Street, The Art of Coffee (several locations), Container Coffee (probably the location nearest to where you will be staying)

2. Best Irish Food for a Newbie to Try: All of it! Irish meat, seafood, vegetables and dairy are world class. Try somewhere like The Woollen Mills or its sister restaurant The Winding Stair for a modern take on Irish food. You should try an Irish breakfast at least once when you are here. Not a big fan myself, but Irish stew and coddle (the latter particular to Dublin) are traditional. Brown bread, soda bread. Oh and potatoes done all sorts of ways. If you are here on a Sunday, book a Sunday Roast at The Exchequer.

3. Best Irish Coffee in Dublin: Should be able to get a decent one most places, but The Brazen Head is the oldest bar in Ireland (opened in 1198) is known for serving good ones. Like most pubs it will also serve lots of traditional (read hearty) Irish food.

4. Best Fish & Chips in Dublin: Most people from Dublin say Leo Burdock in Christchurch. Find it a bit greasy myself. I prefer sit down restaurants like Catch 22 or Matt The Thresher.

5. Best Irish Dessert in Dublin: Anything at Queen of Tarts. Two branches near where you will stay - one very small, one bigger. Irish chocolate is really good too. Try Butler's Chocolate Cafe (lots of branches around the city centre). Avoca, Le Petit Parisien and Fallon & Byrne are also great places to get dessert. Murphy's Ice Cream on Wicklow Street has some unusual flavours.

6. Best Bakery in Dublin: Probably Panem on Lower Ormond Quay (pronounced Key)

7. Okay, is it true that Dublin weather is really that unpredictable? Even in August?

8. Best places to run? Not much of a runner myself, but if you want somewhere green to run I would say either the Phoenix Park or St Stephen's Green.

9. I am staying at an airbnb near Christ Church Cathedral? Anything else special nearby? You are in the centre of Dublin. Everything is nearby! St Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle are closest. About a 10-15 minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse. Would recommend Chester Beatty Library (extensive collection of Asian and Islamic art and a really good Middle Eastern cafe).

10. I am planning a day trip to Cliffs of Moher. There seems to be a lot of tours, anyone do any of these tours? The tours will be all pretty much the same. Perhaps one that also takes you to the Burren.

11. One short day trip is to Howth. Any coffee and restaurant suggestions? The Grind Coffee Bar. Howth is famous for its fish, so either Aqua if you want somewhere nice or Beshoffs if you just want fish and chips. Or The Bloody Stream if you want pub food.

12. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is taking place, and there will be an outdoor staging of Midsummer Night's Dream at Castle Yard. I would like to go, but it seems I would need to drive and stay overnight. Is there a tour group that would take you back to Dublin? Errr, no.

13. I am going to see Riverdance, OF COURSE. Any other productions I should check out? There's a stage production of Roddy Doyle's "The Snapper" at the Gate Theatre over the summer. The Abbey Theatre is Ireland's national theatre. Bord Gais Energy Theatre does musicals, ballets and concerts.

14. Best Place to Observe Hipsters: Castlemarket area (essentially the streets between Grafton Street and South Great George's Street). Camden Street. Portobello. The Bernard Shaw. The Fumbally.

15. Best bookstore in Dublin: All of these.

16. Best Vietnamese in Dublin: Easy - Pho Viet on Parnell Street.

Don't ever erase this!!! I am coming in 3 years and I am excited to try all the food places... I am there for 4 days but I am ambitious...

 

[manhn]

Are you only staying in Dublin? Cliffs of Moher is on the other side of the country! Its about a 3 hour drive and while the cliffs are gorgeous, all there is to do is to admire and walk along them. Giants Causeway is fascinating - also about 3 hours from Dublin.
Or, how about a day or two trip to Belfast?

Yeah, I am not one for moving around all over the place (my vacation times are pretty good, but I can't use it all at once--one week holidays are the extent of it). I tend to stay put and explore the specific area I am in. I know the Cliffs are a long way, but I figure I can spend one day in a bus. I figure the drive will be worth it. If it sucks, it was just one day.

 

[quartz]

Yeah, I am not one for moving around all over the place (my vacation times are pretty good, but I can't use it all at once--one week holidays are the extent of it). I tend to stay put and explore the specific area I am in. I know the Cliffs are a long way, but I figure I can spend one day in a bus. I figure the drive will be worth it. If it sucks, it was just one day.

If you are going to do one bus excursion, I’d pick Giant’s Causeway, but l’m a rock nerd and found the formation amazing. If you like high cliffs and huge waves and freaking out cuz little kids are going right up to the edge then opt for Mohar. I would think any excursions out of Dublin would include a stop or two along other points of interest along the way.

 

[Mozart]

I liked both the cliffs and the Giant's causeway equally lol. When I visited the cliffs we took a tour from Galway which also went through the Burren which I really enjoyed. The Burren is very different from any other place I have visited in my life.

 

[jeffisjeff]

I've been to the Cliffs four or five times and have never gotten tired of it. What I find interesting is how the level of security has evolved over time (from anyone can walk right up to the edge of the cliffs in the park itself to barriers preventing visitors from getting close to the edge or accessing the Cliff walks outside of the park) and now seems at a happy equilibrium (if you stay in the park, we'll keep you safe behind some fences/stones, but we will also make it easy for you to leave the park and walk along the cliffs, and even provide a refreshment truck, but please know that any accidents outside of the park are your own darn fault).

I like the Burren, but I love Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. I am not sure if any of the organized tours do Cliffs, Connemara and Kylemore. But if they did, that is what I would choose.

In Dublin: Dublin Castle is pretty neat, both Saint Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral are worth a visit. The Guinness Store Room is pretty interesting, particularly the parts on the marketing/advertising. But boy does it get mobbed with tourists. Trinity, including the Long Library and Book of Kells, are worth a visit, but also mobbed with tourists, so the main take away is "Those poor Trinity College students having to deal with all those geriatric Americans!" .

And, finally, a special plug for the EPIC Emigration Museum in Dublin. It is new, full of modern technology, and really well done. There are lots of interesting videos to watch and the sports room uses particularly cool technology.

 

[allezfred]

In terms of excursions close to Dublin, I would recommend Newgrange (older than the Pyramids!) and Glendalough.

Don’t know your exact dates, but if you are here during Heritage Week (18-26 August) there are lots of special events on and many sights have free entrance.

The National Museums and National Gallery have free admission whatever the time of year. I like the Hugh Lane and then you have the Writer’s Museum next door. If you want to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant, there’s Chapter One below the Writer’s Museum. Go for lunch or early bird if you want to eat at a Michelin star restaurant here. Quality is excellent and much better value than London or Paris without any of the stuffiness.

The Little Museum of Dublin is on Stephen’s Green and gives you a flavour of the city’s history in a quirky sort of way.

Some of my go to places for food in Dublin City centre:

Poulet Bonne Femme - Favourite sandwich in Dublin. Downstairs in Avoca.

Bunsen - Hamburgers. Concise menu. One of the few reasons to go to Temple Bar. Original branch is on Wexford Street.

The Ramen Bar - Possibly the best ramen I have had outside Japan. Not served mouth scaldingly hot as they do in Japan though. Slightly cheaper at lunch/before 5pm.

Boojum - Burritos. Quite a few branches in the city centre.

Las Tapas De Lola - Best tapas in Dublin. Very popular so reserve in advance.

Caffe Amore - Favourite Italian in Dublin. Specials are almost always worth trying.

 

[antmanb]

@manhn just on fish and chips - I can't remember if it was you who wasn't particularly impressed with fish and chips on your last trip to the UK, but my personal recommendation on fish and chips is to go for breaded fish rather than battered. I only really like light batters like tempura on food, the thick batter traditionally used on fish soaks up a lot of the oil and I find it too greasy but the breaded fish is much nicer IMO, so you may want to try that instead.

 

[quartz]

@manhn - Megan Duhamel is currently vacationing in Dublin if you want to check her social media.

 

[allezfred]

@manhn - Megan Duhamel is currently vacationing in Dublin if you want to check her social media.

She brought crap weather with her. Was sunny and warm before she came.

 

[quartz]

She brought crap weather with her. Was sunny and warm before she came.

Awww, muffin. I thought you were all the sunshine anyone ever needed?

 

[Skittl1321]

I agree that Giant's Causeway is a must do.

My husband would also add that a trip to Bushmill's distillery should happen when going out to the causeway. They have a distillery reserve that you can only get there, and he really enjoys it. Expensive whisky since we have to add plane tickets to Ireland to pick up a bottle.

 

[allezfred]

Awww, muffin. I thought you were all the sunshine anyone ever needed?

I only bring my sunshine out on special occasions.

 

[manhn]

Don’t know your exact dates, but if you are here during Heritage Week (18-26 August) there are lots of special events on and many sights have free entrance.

I will be there Aug 10 - 17, so just miss out. Apparently, I will also be missing the Pope's visit. I am doing the Rock n Roll Half Marathon and they have had to redo the course because of preparation for the visit. A lot of people are upset. I know nothing. The start and finish are a simple jog from my airbnb, so all is good. But a lot of local runners on FB are complaining about something called Knockmaroon Hill. How steep is it?

@manhn just on fish and chips - I can't remember if it was you who wasn't particularly impressed with fish and chips on your last trip to the UK, but my personal recommendation on fish and chips is to go for breaded fish rather than battered. I only really like light batters like tempura on food, the thick batter traditionally used on fish soaks up a lot of the oil and I find it too greasy but the breaded fish is much nicer IMO, so you may want to try that instead.

I went to one place in London and I really liked it. What was it called....The Fish & Chipper in Covent Garden. My folks liked it so much, they went a second time while I was meeting up with some friends.

@manhn - Megan Duhamel is currently vacationing in Dublin if you want to check her social media.

I have been reading. I will probably visit a couple of those vegan places, lol.

 

[manhn]

Well, I am back from Dublin. I had a tremendous time. Loved it! Thanks for all of your suggestions, especially those from allezfred. So, in case you are planning a trip to Dublin and know how to use the Search function...

1. Best Coffee in Dublin:

There are SO MANY coffeeshops in Dublin, it is ridiculous. The ones that stood out from the crowd:

1. Lolly and Cooks in Grand Canal Square
2. Two Boys Brew in Philsboro
3. Two FiftySquare in Rathmines
4. 3FE in Grand Canal Square
5. Container Coffee in The Liberties
6. Legit Coffee in The Liberties
7. Provender & Family in Smithfield
8. Accents in Grafton Street
9. Kaph in Grafton Street
10. Two Pups in The Liberties

2. Best Irish Food for a Newbie to Try:

Hmmm...does Cornish Pasties at Hanleys count? They were delicious.

3. Best Irish Coffee in Dublin:

Did not try. I did try Irish Whiskey. Jamieson and Black Bush. I preferred Black Bush.

4. Best Fish & Chips in Dublin:

I went to Leo Burdock. It was only okay.

5. Best Irish Dessert in Dublin:

I tried 3 ice cream places, in order of preference:

1. Murphy's (I tried brown bread, and Kieran's cookies)
2. Cloud Nine (the Irish Coffee)
3. Gino's Gelato (the banoffee pie)

I loved them all!

6. Best Bakery in Dublin:

I had scones in each of them, in order of preference:

1. Brother Hubbard in North Inner City
2. Camerino in North Inner City
3. Beanhive in St. Stephens Green
4. Bakelicious in Montague Street
5. Mr. White's at Arnott's in Abbey Street

7. Okay, is it true that Dublin weather is really that unpredictable? Even in August?

Yes, it is true!!!

8. Best places to run?

Along the Liffey.

9. I am staying at an airbnb near Christ Church Cathedral? Anything else special nearby?

Dublin is a very compact, walkable city. You can pretty much get anywhere by foot (the Docklands area may be a bit of stretch).

10. I am planning a day trip to Cliffs of Moher. There seems to be a lot of tours, anyone do any of these tours?

No day trips. Short DART trips to Bray and Howth. Both beautiful.

11. One short day trip is to Howth. Any coffee and restaurant suggestions?

The Howth Market is cute. 18 billion fish and chipperies.

12. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is taking place, and there will be an outdoor staging of Midsummer Night's Dream at Castle Yard. I would like to go, but it seems I would need to drive and stay overnight. Is there a tour group that would take you back to Dublin?

Did not go.

13. I am going to see Riverdance, OF COURSE. Any other productions I should check out?

Every Thursday afternoon in the summer, the City Council of uUblin stages an opera on their grounds. Just lovely.

14. Best Place to Observe Hipsters:

North and South of Liffey.

15. Best bookstore in Dublin:

SO MANY! Loved Hodges Figgis on Dawson Street in St. Stephens Green.

16. Best Vietnamese in Dublin:

Pho Viet in Pernell Square.

Again, a wonderful time. I would fully recommend visiting.

 

[claireod]

Sole and Fire Restaurant are also great! In Sole, the fish are so fresh they're nearly still blinking

4. Best Fish & Chips in Dublin: Most people from Dublin say Leo Burdock in Christchurch. Find it a bit greasy myself. I prefer sit down restaurants like Catch 22 or Matt The Thresher.

 

[canadianskater]

I wish I would have thought about starting a thread like this when I visited Scotland/Ireland a few years ago. I was with a large group of friends but just knowing where all the good coffee is would of been of great benefit since we just stumbled our way around. Although I did enjoy the day tour of the Dublin and the surrounding area a great deal!

 

[sk8pics]

I have no input on this but enjoyed reading it all! I am in the process of applying for Irish citizenship; my cousins and I are entitled to get it through a grandparent, and two of them have already done it. Also, Giant's Causeway is a thoroughbred racehorse to me.