There are so, so many things to do in Dublin, it’s hard to narrow it down to five, but these five elements, history, food, natural beauty, religion, and nightlife, are a broad description of what might make a weekend in Dublin so special. Depending on your own particular hobbies and interests, you may want to weigh your weekend more heavily toward one element. This is very easy to do. There are tens of choices – listed here are just the stand-out possibilities, all within easy access of Dublin hotels.

History – If you’re interested in Dublin’s medieval history, the number-one visited spot in Dublin is the Dublinia Exhibition. Set up in the city center, visitors to Dublinia can walk around a painstakingly crafted rendition of medieval Dublin, complete with Gothic arches, stained glass windows, and expert guides in period clothing. Old-style castles, halls, and houses abound in Dublin, but Dublinia is one of the most interesting and educational.

Cuisine – How about a seven-course traditional Celtic meal at the 18th century Johnnie Fox’s Pub? Your meal will consist of a six-pack of Guinness and a potato. Joke, joke. Truthfully, Dublin offers some exquisite cuisine. Whether you’re looking for traditional corned beef and cabbage fare or whether you’re looking for a particular brand of ethnic food (Spanish food, Indian food, Chinese food, Middle Eastern…everything is on offer), you’re likely to find it. Johnnie Fox’s offers a good example of a traditional Celtic dinner, whereas the up-and-coming L’Gueuleton, widely considered one of the top five restaurants in Dublin, offers top-class fare at relatively low prices.

Parks – On the south side of the River Liffey, St. Stephen’s Green is a great place to walk, relax, and take in the fresh air. Numerous gardens, monuments, and sculptures decorate the paths, and various cultural icons that were born or lived in Dublin, ranging from the poet William Butler Yeats and writer James Joyce to Wolfe Tone, founder of Irish Republicanism and Sir A.E. Guinness, member of the Guinness brewing family and founder of the park.

Religion – If you’re a churchgoer, your Sunday morning should definitely involve one of the stunningly gorgeous churches all over Dublin. By far the oldest and most venerable of them all, the Christ Church Cathedral built in 1030 is functional as a place of worship. Mass is offered on Sundays at 11 AM, and Eucharist, choral, and prayer services are offered during the week at various times. Whether or not you’re a believer however, the cathedral is a cultural haven, filled with beautiful relics and history of Christianity in Ireland. You can go on a tour or simply explore the extensive vaults and crypts underneath, filled with arches and mystique.

Nightlife – On the other side, one can take in the vibrant nightlife of Dublin. Whether you’re looking for a bar to hang out and chat with the locals, whether you want to see a masterpiece at the Abbey Theater, or whether you simply want to get your groove on at one of Dublin’s many local dance clubs, the city will provide. Dublin is a vibrant intersection of class and culture, meaning you have access to any sort of entertainment that fits your fancy. Try out The Duke for Dublin’s most popular after-work bar, or if you’re looking for some more lively fare, Bruxelles, with live rock acts and a happening atmosphere, always has something exciting on offer.

As far as clubs are concerned, the Purty Kitchen, near the Temple Bar, with four separate dance floors, is well known for being foreigner-friendly. €2 beers are the norm here, and the place caters toward people on a budget. If you’re looking for something more high-end and you’ve got the money to spend, The Palace on Camden is the premier club in Dublin. Make sure you get there early!

[Images courtesy of informatique (1+2+3+4), uggboy, ian wilson, danielflower.

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