Dublin city breaks & holidays

Famed for its literary history, with links to George Bernard Shaw, Seamus Heaney, Maeve Binchy, Oscar Wilde and W.B. Yeats, Dublin city breaks are made for bibliophiles. There’s always something going on, whether it’s a James Joyce walking tour or a reading at one of the city’s delightful bookshops. Libraries abound too, with Trinity College’s impressive Old Library a particular highlight.

Love your history? You can delve into Dublin’s and Ireland’s storied past at the National Museum of Ireland, head back in time at Dublin Castle and reflect on the sacrifices made by Irish soldiers during the First World War at the War Memorial Gardens.

For more culture, swap literature and history for art. As you’d expect from a capital city, Dublin is jam-packed with an eclectic mix of galleries, such as the National Gallery of Ireland, where you can find work by Jack Butler Yeats – W.B. Yeats’ younger brother – and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

Spring and autumn, meanwhile, are good times to visit, though it can be rainy and a little chilly. October’s average high is around 13C, while April’s is around 11C. No matter what, bring layers.

Both seasons are a decent time to find cheap city breaks to Dublin, and there are fewer tourists in the city too. St Patrick’s Day, always held on March 17, is unsurprisingly a very busy and expensive time to be in the city.

Part-museum, part-brewery, part-bar, the Guinness Storehouse sits on the site that has been home to Dublin's most inescapable drink since Arthur Guinness set up production here back in 1759.

Here you can find out how the famous stout is made and even discover the story of how it came to be such a globally recognised drink. The tour culminates with, no surprise, a tasty pint of the black stuff at the seventh-floor Gravity Bar (with amazing views of the city to boot).

Trinity College Dublin

The highlights for many visiting Trinity College Dublin, whose alumni include Samuel Beckett, Mary McAleese and Dominic West, areits spectacular Old Library and the magnificent Book of Kells.

There’s also an exhibition that delves deeper into the legacy of the decorative 9th-century manuscript – of the four Gospels of the New Testament – and a gift shop.

Kilmainham Gaol

Closed for official business for nearly a century – it ceased operating in 1924 – Kilmainham Gaol is one of Dublin’s most infamous prisons. Today it’s a museum, and a visit here offers a fascinating and disturbing insight into Ireland’s turbulent past, including the many uprisings against British rule.

The permanent exhibition focuses on the story of the prison itself, while temporary exhibitions explore a multitude of themes relating to imprisonment. An extremely popular attraction, it’s recommended that you book in advance.

The Little Museum of Dublin

Far more comprehensive and entertaining than its name would suggest, The Little Museum of Dublin offers a lively overview of Dublin's colourful evolution over the 20th century. Amazingly, the museum’s collection is largely made up of artefacts that have been kindly donated by Dubliners, including a first edition of Ulysses and a life-size sculpture of Bono (with a story to tell, no doubt!).

Admission is by guided tour only – on the hour, every hour. Most tours tend to sell out, so book well ahead. Once you're done, St Stephen's Green is well worth a stroll in its own right.

Croke Park

The spiritual home of Irish sport – think hurling and Gaelic football – Croke Park is a Dublin institution. Join a behind-the-scenes tour, take a skyline walk along the stadium roof, or, better still, bag a ticket for a big match. Fixtures tend to be held all-year round, so you’re likely to catch a game whenever you decide to travel to the city.

Smithfield is on the north side of the River Liffey, with family-friendly festivals and the sprawling Phoenix Park (where you’ll find Dublin Zoo). Donnybrook is a peaceful area in the southeast with picturesque parks, top restaurants and the Donnybrook and Aviva stadiums.

For travellers on a budget

Dublin is a pretty expensive place to stay, especially in the summer months. But Trinity, south of the river and home to Trinity College Dublin, is one of the better neighbourhoods for budget travellers.

There are relatively cheap accommodation options here, ideal for backpackers and those wanting to save their money for other activities. Trinity is within walking distance of Temple Bar, so you’re not far from a good night out, plus there are plenty of pubs in the area, often frequented by the college’s students. Dublin Castle is nearby and so is the National Museum of Ireland’s archaeology collection.

For food and drink

Foodies should look at accommodation in Portobello, which puts you within easy walking distance of some of the city’s most exciting restaurants for modern Irish dishes, international cuisines and fancy tasting menus.

There are loads of cool cafés too – brunch is a big deal in Portobello, whether you feel like a big greasy fry-up or avocado on toast. Another area that might appeal to food lovers is the northern suburb of Drumcondra, which has an up-and-coming restaurant scene and is generally cheaper than Portobello – and it’s only a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi ride to O’Connell Street.

For nightlife

Party animals should consider basing themselves in or around Temple Bar, on the south bank of the River Liffey. It’s home to a huge array of bars, pubs and clubs. There’s a place for every tipple of choice, whether you’re craving a pint of Guinness, a craft beer, artisanal cocktails or shots.

It’s worth quickly noting that there’s plenty to do during the day, as well – art galleries, markets, shops – which makes it an even better place to find accommodation. Stay at nearby Portobello or Trinity to be with walking distance of the nightlife but not right in the melee.

For culture

Stay in Portobello, Trinity or Temple Bar and you’ll be able to easily walk to many of the city’s top cultural attractions. Dublin Castle is home to the Chester Beatty Library, which features a collection of books, manuscripts, paintings and costumes that were donated by the mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty.

Visit the Old Library of Trinity College and pop into the nearby National Gallery of Ireland. The National Concert Hall hosts classical performances, jazz and opera. There’s also a number of theatres south of the river, including the Gaiety, Olympia and Smock Alley theatres and the Project Arts Centre.