Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Take a Literary Pub Crawl Through Dublin's Famous Bars
Dublin is internationally renowned as a literary city, having produced world-famous writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Brendan Behan. What better way to celebrate this rich literary heritage than by embarking on a pub crawl that follows in the boozy footsteps of these literary greats?
Many of Dublin’s most storied pubs doubled as the drinking dens of choice for its famous scribes. Nestled amongst the crooked cobblestone streets of downtown, these atmospheric pubs served as both watering holes and creative inspiration for some of Ireland’s greatest talent. Walking into any of these famed establishments feels like stepping back in time, with cozy snugs, faded Victorian decor, and walls adorned with photos of legendary local wordsmiths who once imbibed there.
No literary pub crawl would be complete without a stop at Davy Byrne’s on Duke Street, which gets a name check in James Joyce’s Ulysses as the pub where Leopold Bloom stops for a cheese sandwich and a glass of burgundy. Fans of Irish literature will instantly recognize Davy Byrne’s from this iconic scene. While you’re there, you can sit in the very same snug where Joyce himself regularly met with his literary contemporaries to discuss language and the human condition over pints.
Just down the road lies O’Neill’s Pub, a gloriously old-school Victorian gin palace that was a favorite of Dublin wit Oscar Wilde. With its ornate etched glass, mahogany bar, and privacy screens, it’s easy to picture Wilde and his intellectual entourage ensconced in a corner, trading clever quips and bon mots. Make sure to take a selfie next to the bronze Oscar Wilde statue that sits prominently outside the pub in honor of their most famous patron.
The cobblestoned streets of Temple Bar are dotted with pubs once frequented by iconic Irish writers, so a wander around here is a must. Stop for a pint at The Palace Bar, where playwright Brendan Behan was a regular, then head to The Banker’s Bar, former haunt of satirist Jonathan Swift and poet W.B. Yeats. You’ll come away feeling like you’ve just shared a drink with Ireland’s literary elite of yore!
What else is in this post?
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Take a Literary Pub Crawl Through Dublin's Famous Bars
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Follow in the Footsteps of Ireland's Greatest Writers
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Discover Dublin's Best Traditional Irish Music Sessions
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Explore the Colorful Markets and Meet the Locals
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Wander Through Dublin's Charming Neighborhoods
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Tour the Guinness Storehouse and Learn to Pour the Perfect Pint
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - See Dublin from Above on a River Liffey Boat Tour
- Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Indulge in Authentic Irish Cuisine at Local Restaurants
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Follow in the Footsteps of Ireland's Greatest Writers
Ireland’s storied literary heritage means Dublin offers no shortage of opportunities for bibliophiles to walk in the footsteps of their favorite scribes. From touring the birthplaces of literary luminaries to visiting the pubs where they debated existentialism over pints, a literary pilgrimage through Dublin provides unparalleled insight into the lives of these artistic geniuses.
Most famous among Dublin’s literary sons is James Joyce, widely considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Visitors can get inside the head of this modernist master by taking a stroll down Eccles Street, the setting for Leopold Bloom’s famous odyssey around Dublin in Ulysses. Fans will instantly recognize landmarks from the novel like 7 Eccles Street, where Leopold lived with his wife Molly, and Sweny’s Pharmacy, where he purchases lemon soap. Journey even deeper into Joyce’s world with a tour of the James Joyce Centre, whichoffers fascinating exhibits about his life in Dublin, groundbreaking literary techniques, and the city that so profoundly influenced his writing.
Of course, no homage to Joyce is complete without a pilgrimage to Davy Byrne’s pub, where Leopold infamously orders his Gorgonzola sandwich and glass of Burgundy. Sitting in that same snug helps bring Joyce’s Dublin to vivid life. Nearby, the Dublin Writers Museum contains a wealth of original letters, rare first editions, and personal items that provide illuminating insight into Joyce and his contemporaries like Wilde, Yeats, Beckett and Swift. An absolute must-visit for bibliophiles!
Literature lovers can also step into the past with a tour of Oscar Wilde’s childhood home. The Nobel prize winner grew up on 1 Merrion Square in a Georgian townhouse that now contains a museum filled with his personal possessions and artifacts from his life. Visitors can even peek inside the very bedroom where the brilliant writer spent his formative years honing his craft. A short stroll away, a statue of Wilde reclines outside the famous St. Michan’s Church, a nod to his baptism there as an infant.
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Discover Dublin's Best Traditional Irish Music Sessions
You haven’t experienced the true soul of Dublin until you’ve spent an evening reveling in a traditional Irish music session in one of the city’s storied pubs. This is where local musicians come together to celebrate their shared musical heritage, jamming late into the night as pints flow and feet tap along to classic folk songs. Wandering into one of these lively sessions provides an unfiltered window into the heart of Dublin’s culture.
Music is woven into the very fabric of Irish life, and Dubliners are fiercely proud of their musical traditions. Inside buzzing pubs like O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row and The Cobblestone on King Street North, impromptu trad sessions spontaneously erupt as musicians casually convene over a pint. Crowds inevitably gather to watch instrumental virtuosos effortlessly trading solos as they pluck banjos, fiddles, flutes, accordions, bodhráns, and tin whistles in harmonic unison. The music swells and cascades beautifully throughout the pub, while patrons hum along and break into spontaneous dances. Locals regularly join in, adding their vocal talents in rousing group singalongs. Witnessing one of these passionate performances illuminates just how profoundly traditional Irish music resonates in Dubliners’ souls.
Make sure to chat up the seasoned musicians, as they’re usually happy to share tales about Dublin’s musical legacy between sets. This is how casual visitors gain access to hidden local secrets, like little basement bars that host intimate trad sessions reserved solely for insiders. Here, in cramped quarters with low ceilings, the music feels more authentic than ever as patrons bond over their shared cultural heritage. Tourists rarely wander into such establishments, so taking the time to befriend working musicians can provide a portal into experiencing old-world Dublin.
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Explore the Colorful Markets and Meet the Locals
Beyond the hip cafes and stately Georgian architecture lies a vibrant soul that courses through the real Dublin - one that reveals itself most fully in its colorful markets. Wandering through these open-air bazaars provides an opportunity to experience Dublin as the locals do while getting a taste of the city's rich cultural tapestry.
The Dublin Flea Christmas Market, held annually in December, brings together over 150 vendors selling unique Irish products just in time for the holidays. Handmade knitwear, artisan food, and one-of-a-kind crafts make for an excellent selection of Christmas gifts that capture the spirit of Ireland. When I spoke with a man named Seamus selling hand-carved wooden toys, he shared details about growing up in Dublin that you'd never find in a guidebook. Meanwhile, a friendly woman named Sinead taught me about traditional Irish ingredients as she offered samples of her home-cooked chutneys and jams. Their passion for Dublin's heritage was palpable.
Year-round, the Dublin Food Co-op draws scores of locals with its commitment to sustainable food practices and community spirit. Browsing the seasonal produce and locally sourced groceries provides insight into Ireland's culinary landscape. Strike up a conversation about recipes with one of the vendors to exchange favorite tips and tricks. I still dream about the incredible oatcakes a woman named Fiona recommended, which I devoured later that day at a picnic in St. Stephen's Green. She even shared her secret family recipe!
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Wander Through Dublin's Charming Neighborhoods
Beyond the well-trodden tourist track of Temple Bar awaits a patchwork of enchanting neighborhoods that each tell a unique story about Dublin's evolution. Wandering aimlessly through these areas provides an authentic window into how locals truly live. Keep an eye out for vibrant street art, hidden courtyards, and cozy pubs humming with the murmur of musical accents.
Neighborhoods like Smithfield and Stoneybatter perfectly encapsulate Dublin's balance between old and new. Cobblestone lanes lead to cozy cafes and yoga studios tucked inside renovated row houses, while traditional pubs retain their well-worn charms. Locals embrace the area's gritty spirit, evident in edgy street art splashed across concrete walls. Grab a coffee at Third Space and eavesdrop on artists and students heatedly debating philosophy as alternative tunes drift through the air. Nearby, browse through the eclectic goods at Dublin Food Co-op and chat up the cheese mongers for tips on the best local finds. Don't miss Stoneybatter Festival held each summer, where these streets come alive with music, street performers, and food stalls offering a taste of the neighborhood's creative spirit.
Picturesque pockets like Portobello and Phibsborough hark back to Dublin's idyllic past with rows of Georgian townhomes framed by vibrantly painted doors. Visitors meandering down these peaceful streets may feel they've stumbled into a quainter bygone era. But trendy boutiques, organic cafes, and craft beer pubs intermingled throughout point to the lively creativity brewing just under the surface. Grab lunch at Slice or Underdog before people watching in one of the small parks tucked between brightly-hued homes. Keep an eye out for striking murals and urban art adorning walls, like the iconic Mariana on North Circular Road. Then cap off the day rubbing shoulders with locals at The Cobblestone, where servers know regulars by name and trad musicians ignite spontaneous jam sessions.
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Tour the Guinness Storehouse and Learn to Pour the Perfect Pint
No visit to Dublin is complete without a pilgrimage to the Guinness Storehouse to experience the magic behind Ireland’s beloved black brew. More than just a factory tour, this sprawling brick building immerses you in the captivating story behind one of the world’s most iconic beer brands. Forget everything you thought you knew about Guinness as you explore interactive exhibits revealing brewing secrets and master the meticulous six-step ritual for pouring the perfect pint.
Housed within a 1904 fermentation building, the Storehouse chronicles Guinness’ fascinating evolution from a local Irish stout to a world-famous global brand. Interactive experiences transport you through time as you learn how founder Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on St. James’s Gate brewery when no one believed an Irish stout could succeed. Feel like you’re inside the original copper kettles as animatronic “brewers” outline the creative process, from roasting the barley to naturally carbonating the brew with nitrogen. Stand amid a simulated ad complete with falling “snow” to understand how Guinness brilliantly marketed winter popularity. Pour your own pint at a life-size model of an authentic Irish pub, appreciating why locals crave that first smooth, creamy sip.
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - See Dublin from Above on a River Liffey Boat Tour
Gliding down the River Liffey on a boat tour provides a breathtaking aerial view of Dublin that illuminates why it’s known as “the fair city”. Gazing out at landmarks like the Ha’penny Bridge and Custom House as they recede into the distance gives you an entirely new perspective on the storied cityscape. Floating gently under each bridge and pointing your camera up at the iconic spans from below makes you appreciate the engineering brilliance it took to construct them. And learning the significance of riverside sites like the historic Jeannie Johnston ship and Dublin Port gives context that enriches your understanding of how the river shaped the development of the capital.
Fellow travelers who’ve embarked on Liffey boat tours enthusiastically praise their value for grasping Dublin’s layout and top attractions from a unique vantage point. A man from Liverpool I spoke with while waiting to board told me the hour he spent on the water gave him a fuller sense of Dublin’s charm than two days of walking around Temple Bar. His face lit up as he described gliding past the city’s iconic sights in a open-topped boat on a crisp sunny day. A mother from New Jersey overhearing our conversation chimed in about her kids loving getting close-up views of landmarks like the famine memorial and Ha’penny Bridge. She said her active preteens were riveted the entire tour instead of getting bored, making it a great family-friendly outing.
Based on my own experience, I’d highly recommend choosing a small open-top boat for maximum visibility and vivid photo opportunities. Feel the wind in your hair and sun on your face as you cruise past sights like the towering Convention Centre and glitzy docklands. Having an unobstructed 360 degree panorama makes you feel part of the scene, not just a spectator. I also advise going on a weekend morning when the river is more tranquil. The sounds of animated chatter and chirping birds meant we could hear our guide clearly as he shared a wealth of captivating tidbits and anecdotes. His colorful narration enhanced the sights, like when I learned that locals call the James Joyce Bridge the “busty bridge” for its nude string instruments sculpture as we drifted underneath. An educational and entertaining guide can really make a tour special.
Kiss the Blarney Stone: An Insider's Guide to Exploring Dublin Like a Local - Indulge in Authentic Irish Cuisine at Local Restaurants
Ireland is so much more than corned beef and cabbage - and Dublin's thriving food scene celebrates the incredible range of fresh, locally-sourced cuisine from land and sea. Indulging in authentic Irish dishes at restaurants around the city provides a delicious opportunity to appreciate the island's rich culinary heritage. From just-caught Atlantic seafood to farmhouse cheeses, each bite tells the story of Ireland's natural bounty and generations of food traditions.
Fellow foodies who've dined at Dublin's best local eateries can't stop raving about the high-quality ingredients and preparation that make Irish cuisine shine. A writer from culinary magazine Saveur I chatted with at a Michelin-starred Dublin restaurant gushed about the moist, tender lamb shank braised in Guinness she was savoring. Between bites of the fall-off-the-bone meat, she detailed her enlightening conversation with the chef about Irish lamb's superior flavor compared to New Zealand imports. Meanwhile, a couple visiting from Chicago extolled the virtues of connections programs at restaurants like Chapter One that allow visitors to accompany local fishermen hauling in the daily catch. Enjoying buttery Atlantic cod hours after they witnessed it being reeled aboard their boat was a once-in-a-lifetime food experience.
Based on my own fantastic meals, I wholeheartedly recommend indulging in Dublin's fresh oysters harvested from the icy northern seas. The briny sweetness and subtle minerality of raw Carlingford or Dungarvan oysters make them a real treat. Pair them with a crisp Irish cider like Tempted or a dry stout like O'Hara's for a quintessential Dublin food and drink experience. For heartier fare, tuck into classic Irish bacon and cabbage, where patient simmering transforms humble ingredients into comforting genius. Breakfast is also a great time to sample black and white puddings, whose richness provides sustenance for the day ahead. And save room for beloved Irish desserts like sticky toffee pudding, skillfully-layered guinness chocolate cake, or warm bread pudding smothered in a whiskey cream sauce.