Destination DUBLIN

Dublin1

From friendly people to charming bed-and-breakfasts, lively pubs to music jams, this historic cobblestoned city will rise to meet you.

By Kerrie Kennedy

Although it’s the largest city in Ireland, Dublin’s size — roughly 45 square miles — makes it just right for a relaxing getaway. It’s also easy to get to. A little over a seven-hour flight from Chicago, Dublin is a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride from the airport. Once there, you won’t need a car — Dublin is a very walkable city. And although Irish is the official language, English is more widely spoken, so there’s no language barrier to worry about. Dublin is also relatively safe and the locals have built a reputation for friendliness. If you’re looking for conversation, it’s as simple as popping into a pub for a pint of Guinness and a bite to eat. Even the lodging is friendly. Dublin’s charming B&Bs and guesthouses feel like a homeaway-from-home, and most of them will treat you to a full Irish breakfast in the morning, more than enough to fuel a day of sightseeing.

The Quays Bar, Temple Bar

Here’s what to do and see in Dublin:

Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral Founded in 1191, Ireland’s national cathedral and its largest church is also the burial site of “Gulliver’s Travel’s” author Jonathan Swift, who was once dean of the Cathedral.

Read at Trinity College Library Dating back to 1592, Ireland’s largest library houses 200,000 works and is home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century Gospel manuscript. The library’s long room served as the inspiration of Hogwarts Library is “Harry Potter” and is one of the most instagrammed spots in Ireland.

Go Pub-Hopping in Temple Bar District One of the oldest areas in Dublin and often described as the city’s bohemian quarter, the cobblestoned Temple Bar neighborhood — and its plethora of pubs — is one of the best places to hear live Irish folk music.

Tour Dublin Castle Dating back to the 13th century, Dublin Castle sits on the site of a Viking settlement, complete with a medieval castle. And for 700 years — up until 1922 — it was the seat of British power in Ireland.

Check Out a Trad Session at the Hairy Lemon This green and yellow 19th-century house hosts some of the best Trad Sessions — casual and sometimes impromptu gatherings of musicians playing traditional Irish music — in all of Dublin.

Walk the Ha’ Penny Bridge Built in 1816 over the River Liffey, the bridge got its name from the half-penny toll that was required to cross it. Depending on when you visit, you might be able to catch live performances by some of the best musicians in Dublin through the “Music Under the Bridge” series.

Visit a Historic Pub One of the oldest and best traditional pubs in Dublin, Toner’s on Baggot Street dates back to around 1818 and is said to be a favorite watering hole of the poet W. B. Yeats.

Have Dinner at The Church Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the former St. Mary’s Church of Ireland is now a tastefully restored bar and restaurant, serving up some of the best Guinness Beef Stew in the city, perfect to warm you up on a rainy day.

Trinity College Library

Author

Back row: Annmarie Mendez,  Wellness coach Karen Donovan, Reiki Master Janie Crick, Massage Therapist  Gina Neill, Functional Nutritionist  Front row: Aimee Ottosen,  Yoga Therapist Julie Rutkowski, Therapist and Founder Megan Daniels, Acupuncturist

Snapshot: Center for Healing & Integration

Elm School Fundraiser-01

Community Scene: Elm School Spring Fundraiser

Photo by Jessica Remus Photography

Snapshot: Dr. Michael Halkias, O.D.

Wine Women Shoes-Floral Arrangement

Community Scene: Wine Women & Shoes

Hinsdale Kitchen Walk Luncheon.14

Community Scene: Hinsdale Kitchen Walk Luncheon

Jo Marie Ferro

Community Scene: Heart of Gold Benefit

Central Scene Winter Band Concert band 4

Central Scene: Winter Band Concert

SaraFix2023-41781

PROFILE: SARA FIX

Adam Maycock, President & CEO, University of Chicago Medicine Advent Hinsdale and La Grange Hospitals

PROFILE: ADAM MAYCOCK

The Benet Red Wings vs Team USA

Checking into the Hall of Fame

Mary Doten

Mary Doten National APTA Champion Retires

Silhouette of Happy Mother Playing Outside with Baby

Mom: World’s Greatest Coach