As soon as COVID-19 is over, let’s all meet at The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish know how to party, and that is exactly what we must do. Day drinking is encouraged, and if you’re not drunkenly singing in the streets at some point, everyone will know you’re a tourist. This will guide you to the best, most authentic way to experience Dublin, even if you only have one day! Of course it will be a bit cheeky, I’d be shunning my Irish heritage if it wasn’t. And yes, we’ll make sure you’ve had a Guinness or two and know all the words to “Seven Drunken Nights” by the end of this venture.
Here are just a few suggestions on what to eat and where to explore on your day in Dublin. It is important to note that you won’t be coming across those “traditional” Irish foods, such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage, because that is actually what the impoverished Irish ate during the plague. Dublin has delicious bar food and if you’re ordering any kind of beef, know it will have to be well done; that is the only way they cook beef!
To start the day, you’ll need breakfast. You can’t day drink on an empty stomach, the party has to last all day, after all.
Herbstreet
Located on the Grand Canal Dock–Herbstreet is a modern cafe that offers homestyle-cooking made from sustainable produce, and the decor is designed to have a low impact on the environment! They offer outdoor seating and the menu has a wide range of breakfast options. From classic pancakes to a full Irish breakfast, tourists and locals are bound to find a plate that fills their hungry tums. Let’s not forget about the drink menu, there’s more options here than the actual food! Crafty beers and ciders, bubbles and rose, white, red, and fortified wines, and of course BOOZE. They also have teas, coffees, and soft drinks, but why bother with those? Enjoy it all with a waterfront view. A great way to start the day in Dublin!
After taking a gander through Pearse Square Park and perhaps a tour through the National Gallery of Ireland (and/or the museums of archaeology and natural history!), I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite and the mimosas have begun to wear off. Let’s get lunch!
The Porterhouse Central
A traditional pub offering local ales and comfort food. They have their very own brewery and pride themselves on using simple, pure ingredients in their brews. If you’re eighteen or older, enjoy a can or two of their IPAs and stouts. Oh, and the food is good too. The Porterhouse Central has your classic bar food: wings, burgers, wraps, and fries galore. But let’s admit it, you’re not going there just for the food.
After lunch at The Porterhouse Central, you’re right by Trinity College! It is one of the most gorgeous college campuses, the architecture is immaculate. It’s 47 acres adorn with Georgian buildings, it is absolutely breathtaking. I encourage you to stumble through the grounds as you head to the Irish Whiskey Museum or The Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum. Dublin is full of random museums, make sure you go to at least one! They’re absolutely everywhere, you’re sure to bump into one, or two, or three.
Once you’ve explored the most random museums and Georgian architecture you can endure, it’s about time for dinner and more drink!
Badass Cafe
Traditional pub with highly modern interior offering drinks (a must), and a bistro-style international menu and music! They’re also the oldest restaurant located in the area of Temple Bar. Time to start learning some Irish bar songs as you enjoy “ass kicking burgers,” or “kick-ass pizzas,” or “kickin’ mains.” They even have a delicious selection of sides fittingly titled “The Hangover Cure.” Now I’m sure you’re wondering what’s on their drink menu. Let me inform you–because this is still an informative–that this place has some BADASS cocktails, such as the Badass Black Russians and Badass Strawberry Daiquiris. Delicious.
It is not an adequate day in Dublin if you don’t finish it off at THE Temple Bar. The self-proclaimed Legendary pub, with daily Irish music! They say it best on their website, The Temple Bar is truly “A very sincere and heartfelt welcome to the authentic home of Irish Cultural heritage.” They have been around since 1840 and is famous for it’s “traditional ambience, unrivalled vitality and for [their] celebrated charm and conviviality.” There is always music playing and drunkards drinking. The best part about this place is you can enjoy The Temple Bar experience from anywhere, they have a live earth cam set inside and outside the bar! You can (and must) enjoy the world that exists inside The Temple Bar as soon as COVID is over. Grab a Guinness and some earbuds–or fly to Dublin for a measly $800!–and experience true Irish culture.
