Dublin Guide from our Concierges

Nobody knows Dublin better than the concierges who work in the very heart of the city at the Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin.

They know all the usual favourites – the attractions, the sights, the events – but they also know the not-so-famous things that you might just love. They can tell you what shows are on, how to get tickets and where you might like to eat or have a quiet pint too.

Here are just some of their suggestions:

Patrick on Music, Arts & Culture

Patrick reckons that “Dublin is one of the world’s great cultural centres and you are completely spoilt for choice when it comes to music, the arts and theatre.”

1. Kilmainham Gaol
A spectacular place to visit and to experience such an important part and place of Ireland’s history. Everyone we send there comes back to thank us for recommending it – but you need to book in advance. Get your tickets t0 Kilmainham Gaol online.

2. GPO Witness History Museum
We are currently celebrating 100 years of Irish independence so this exhibition is really worthwhile – GPO Witness History Museum.

3. Jameson Distillery
On Bow Street you’ll find the old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and its fantastic tour. Even if you’ve been before, go again, because they’ve just totally renovated the place and it’s worth seeing.

4. St. Stephen’s Green
Right outside the door of the hotel, across the road, is one of the finest Georgian squares in Europe – St. Stephen’s Green. It’s an oasis of calm and nature right in the middle of the city. Check out our pod cast walking tour or ask concierge John for the historic detail here…

Viktor on Bars & Restaurants

Viktor is the guy who seems to know every restaurant, bar and pub in Dublin: “While the famous old bars and eateries are always there, it’s nice to see new experiences appear in familiar places.”

1. Pickle Restaurant
Pickle is a new, but old fashioned, Indian restaurant on Camden Street. It looks and feels and tastes authentic and that makes it unusual and well worth a visit.

2. Hang Dai Restaurant
This is the Chinese restaurant that everyone is talking about. It’s a really funky room that looks more like something out of Blade Runner or Tokyo than Dublin. Try it. You’ll like it.

3. Delahunt Restaurant
Again on Camden Street, we gave Delahunt a quick review on our best places to eat page and we still recommend it as a great place to eat.

4. Cassidy’s Pub
Still on Camden Street, Cassidy’s is one of the city’s best-known pubs. It’s old fashioned with great characters and lovely Guinness. Read a little more about it on our traditional Irish pubs page.

Dane on Family Attractions

Dane is a mine of information when it comes to family attractions. In his own words: “If you’re here with the family, you’re all going to have a great time in Dublin, I promise.”

1. Leprechaun Museum
It’s the first Leprechaun Museum in the world and, of course, it’s in Dublin and not too far from the hotel. It’s a really fun way to explore our little world of Irish folklore and mythology.

2. Imaginosity
Imaginosity is a purpose-built playground of learning and discovery for under 9s at Dublin’s Children’s Museum. There’s also lots of exhibits designed to inspire life-long learning.

3. Dublin Zoo
One of the best things to do in Dublin is to take in a visit to Dublin Zoo which was opened in 1831 and is still a fantastic attraction today.

4. Viking Splash Tours
A really unique way to spend a couple of hours is with Viking Splash Tours. Jump on an amphibious truck and explore Dublin’s Viking heritage by land and by water – and shout at some locals on the way.

John on Sports & The Outdoors

John is our go-to guy when it comes to sports and the outdoors. “Ok, so you can’t depend on the weather in Dublin but there’s still lots of things you can do if you are into sports and the outdoors.”

1. Walk Away
Dublin is a fascinating city to just walk around in. Everywhere you look there’s a fantastic looking building, street art, buskers, shops, public buildings and, of course, great bars. Have a look at our Dublin Walks blog for some inspiration.

2. Walk with us
Take some company on your stroll – our podcasts are fascinating and they’ll take you around the city with your own personal guide in your ear. Go to our Dublin walking tour podcasts page for more.

3. Run Along
Running is big in Dublin and it’s big in the hotel too. We have some quite serious competitors and they’ve got some tips, insights and ideas for you.

4. On your Bike
Rent a bike, or tandem, from Phoenix Park Bikes and go practically anywhere in Dublin at your own pace. Free drop off and pick up from the hotel and a discount just because you’re with us.

There is no shortage of things to do in Dublin, of places to eat and drink, of outdoor and indoor activities, of big concerts and small shows, of games and matches and contests and festivals, of new and old ways to enjoy the city.

Our concierges know about it all – just ask them at any time and they’ll tell you what’s going on during your visit and help plan and even to book everything.