Just last week I nipped across the Irish sea on a surprisingly sturdy propeller plane to my motherland. It had been years since I’d been back and with a full itinerary ahead of me I knew there would be plenty anew for me to see. During my trip I can wholeheartedly say the rumours of Dublin being a hugely expensive, 10 euro a pint town, are about as true as that there are leprechauns walking around. However, the stereotype that the Dubliners know how to party, well that is all too true…..
…the reason for my trip? The 15th birthday of the Guinness Storehouse. Hangovers at the ready, read my 3 day guide of what I got up to!
Day 1
I hopped on a speedy 50-minute flight from LBA to Dublin airport via Aer Lingus and in a hop, skip and jump I was there. The airport is just on the outskirts of town so a taxi fare is probably the easiest way to go (I used Lynx taxis; about 22 Euro into central). There is no rail system linking the airport but if you do want to cut costs you can get the bus.
I hopped on a speedy 50-minute flight from LBA to Dublin airport via Aer Lingus and in a hop, skip and jump I was there. The airport is just on the outskirts of town so a taxi fare is probably the easiest way to go (I used Lynx taxis; about 22 Euro into central). There is no rail system linking the airport but if you do want to cut costs you can get the bus.
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After a speedy ride into the city, I dropped my bag off at the Trinity City Hotel, a super central 4* hotel which was excellent, and met my fellow bloggers in the Lobby for a Food trail around the city with Evelyn. The Fab Food Trails have been going for 6 years, taking tourists and locals alike around the best restaurants, cafes and producers of Dublin. The tour took me to some fantastic little gems – see my food guide to Dublin for the full scoop on these, coming up next! Evelyn really knew her stuff and literally everyone around town too. From pistachio cannoli, to lobster rolls we potted around town nibbling. I was grateful for the totter in between places as we were really well fed on the tour and I was verging on stuffed! The tour took about 4 hours and is a perfect way to both see the city and uncover its rich culinary heritage at the same time. Really worth doing if you have half a day to spare here.
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After the end of my fabulous tour I headed to the world famous Trinity College to the Long Room Library to see the Book of Kells. The Library is housed in Ireland’s most prestigious University and is really quite unique. The room is a magnificent construction of old polished oak, its towering book cases adorned with marble breasts of famous philosophers, mathematicians and scientists. This room and the Book of Kells are a MUST for anyone coming to Dublin, even if your interest in books is meagre.
My evening dinner took me to a French bistro, The Green Hen, a classic French bistro slapping up cracking dishes and killer cocktails. More to follow on my experience in the next piece, but it was a delightful end to my first 14 hours in Dublin. Belly full, I waddled home and passed out in my cosy room at the Trinity City Hotel.
Day 2
After a solid sleep, I awoke to go to possibly the most well-known attraction in the whole of Ireland. Where else, but the home of Guinness! I met my lovely group of bloggers and headed to the Guinness storehouse, brewery and world famous tourist attraction. The Storehouse welcomes over 1 million visitors a year and I can see why. The exhibitions within this magnificent building are modern, interactive and I think even for those not too fond of a pint, there is plenty to keep you entertained. The tour guides who show you around the building are definitely chosen on personality and enthusiasm for the brewery and the products it makes.
After a solid sleep, I awoke to go to possibly the most well-known attraction in the whole of Ireland. Where else, but the home of Guinness! I met my lovely group of bloggers and headed to the Guinness storehouse, brewery and world famous tourist attraction. The Storehouse welcomes over 1 million visitors a year and I can see why. The exhibitions within this magnificent building are modern, interactive and I think even for those not too fond of a pint, there is plenty to keep you entertained. The tour guides who show you around the building are definitely chosen on personality and enthusiasm for the brewery and the products it makes.
We were lucky enough to enjoy the "connoisseurs experience" within the brewery. Sitting in a Victorian like snug room, with an under lit bar in the middle, we were taken through various Guinness brews, each carefully paired with dishes and fed interesting backstories behind each pint.
Before this I thought Guinness was Guinness and that was that, so I was surprised to know how many Guinnesses there are and in such varied flavours too. Certain brews are made predominantly in African Countries, each designed to compliment the cuisines and palettes of different nations. We finished the session by learning how to pour the perfect pint. If you don’t mind spending a little extra I would seriously recommend this. The food was good and the beers exciting. I left with so much Guinness in my blood it was practically gravy, and a whole new appreciation for this most noble of drinks.
Before this I thought Guinness was Guinness and that was that, so I was surprised to know how many Guinnesses there are and in such varied flavours too. Certain brews are made predominantly in African Countries, each designed to compliment the cuisines and palettes of different nations. We finished the session by learning how to pour the perfect pint. If you don’t mind spending a little extra I would seriously recommend this. The food was good and the beers exciting. I left with so much Guinness in my blood it was practically gravy, and a whole new appreciation for this most noble of drinks.
The charming Donal who led the experience.
We were also lucky enough to be privy to the newest addition to the Storehouse; St. James’s Gate, a brewery and pop up bar within the Guinness group. To punters it offers a seasonal and ever changing menu of beers brewed right there onsite. It is here where brewers have the flexibility and leeway to experiment and test concoctions out on the public. This is a neat attraction and I think may perhaps become a permanent bar. The pop up is only open temporarily for the next few weeks, so get your tickets soon if you fancy a taste.
A quick change at the hotel, a pit stop at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery (because we hadn't drunk enough, right?) and we headed back to the storehouse for their anniversary party. This was a glitzy affair with the great and good from the Dublin social circuit, as well as tonnes of international journalists (including myself – who knew!). We drank pints of Guinness, naturally, as well as champagne, and were entertained by acrobats, live music and all sorts of jazzy bits and pieces – all within the heart of the brewery! Very cool! At some point we were taken upstairs for dinner where we feasted on fresh oysters, sushi, roast meat, ice cream and popcorn for puds. It must be said….the Irish know how to throw a party. The less said about the rest of my night, the better!
A quick change at the hotel, a pit stop at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery (because we hadn't drunk enough, right?) and we headed back to the storehouse for their anniversary party. This was a glitzy affair with the great and good from the Dublin social circuit, as well as tonnes of international journalists (including myself – who knew!). We drank pints of Guinness, naturally, as well as champagne, and were entertained by acrobats, live music and all sorts of jazzy bits and pieces – all within the heart of the brewery! Very cool! At some point we were taken upstairs for dinner where we feasted on fresh oysters, sushi, roast meat, ice cream and popcorn for puds. It must be said….the Irish know how to throw a party. The less said about the rest of my night, the better!
Day 3
For my last day in Dublin I went to visit the local tourist board to talk about what exciting events are to come up in Dublin and Ireland over the next year. They have a huge amount going on over the New Year’s period, all of which I shall explain in my Dublin for New Year piece, coming up. Just as the night before’s hangover started to kick in, we were saved by a taxi to Ely Brasserie, right in the heart of the financial district. This quaint little spot is set inside aged wine vaults and is Ireland’s oldest wine bar! Consider the possibilities – history and wine….merged. Literally my dream. The restaurant’s old stone walls were evocative of a time years past when wine merchants would have docked on the river from warmer lands with their barrels of wine.
Wine asides, here we devoured a solid lunch. Interestingly all the meat on the menu is taken from their very own organic farm. Their wine selection is outstanding and this certainly a place to people watch over lazy lunch with a bottle or two.
For my last day in Dublin I went to visit the local tourist board to talk about what exciting events are to come up in Dublin and Ireland over the next year. They have a huge amount going on over the New Year’s period, all of which I shall explain in my Dublin for New Year piece, coming up. Just as the night before’s hangover started to kick in, we were saved by a taxi to Ely Brasserie, right in the heart of the financial district. This quaint little spot is set inside aged wine vaults and is Ireland’s oldest wine bar! Consider the possibilities – history and wine….merged. Literally my dream. The restaurant’s old stone walls were evocative of a time years past when wine merchants would have docked on the river from warmer lands with their barrels of wine.
Wine asides, here we devoured a solid lunch. Interestingly all the meat on the menu is taken from their very own organic farm. Their wine selection is outstanding and this certainly a place to people watch over lazy lunch with a bottle or two.
After a potter around town and a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, it was home time. My 3 fabulous days in Dublin went terribly fast. I was spoilt with food to please the most picky epicurean, engaging culture and above all the contagious charm of the Irish people. A skinful of Guinness over the entire 3 days helped too.
If you are in the mood for a sip or a fun filled weekend away, read my follow up piece on New Year in Dublin. It won't be one to miss.
If you are in the mood for a sip or a fun filled weekend away, read my follow up piece on New Year in Dublin. It won't be one to miss.
Written by Erin Goodall, FoodGoblin Northern Correspondent
