Dublin, Ireland is one of the most beautiful cities in Western Europe. Time has certainly taken a toll on the city, which has evolved from a once sleepy town to an incredibly popular tourist destination.

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The capital of Ireland, well over 3.6 million people (or half of the citizens of the Irish Republic) live in Dublin. The population is made up mostly of young adults, many of which have traveled from around the world to study at one of over a dozen colleges in the area. Dublin is also a bustling weekend-retreat destination for travelers from all over Europe, including those as far away as London, Paris, and Rome.

The Best Time to Visit Dublin

Start by visiting in March if you’d like to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in this incredible city. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a myriad of cultural events, parties, festivals and parades.

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The summer months in Dublin are nice as well. Everyone seems to begin moving outdoors to enjoy the nice weather and you’ll find a myriad of activities and open-air restaurants to enjoy. You will need to bring a sweater and strong umbrella, though. Even summer evenings can be a bit damp and chilly.

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December is another nice time to visit, as Christmas celebrations seem to last the entire month. January and February are simply cold, dreary, and damp – probably not the best time to make a trip over if you’re simply on a leisurely vacation.

Eating in Dublin

Traditional Irish cuisine consists of nothing but potatoes and beer. Ok, that’s a joke, but back in the day you’d be hard pressed to find any sort of creative culinary dishes. Now there are tons of chic eateries and fine dining establishments aimed at providing the best gastronomic experiences to anyone who dares walk through the doors.

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Start by visiting Busyfeet & Coco Caf?, an inexpensive caf? with a menu full of salads and sandwiches made with the finest organic ingredients. While it sounds different, you’ll probably really enjoy the grilled goat-cheese salad sandwich on walnut-and-raisin toast!

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L’Gueuleton is another favorite eatery and you’ll likely see long lines outside as patrons wait for a table. The restaurant is tiny but serves some of the best French food in the area at a price that is incredibly reasonable. These hearty dishes and desserts are well worth the wait. No reservations are accepted, but if you get there early they’ll put your name and cell phone number on the waiting list and will cal you a few minutes before your table is ready. At least you can explore the area while you wait!

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In the Merrion Hotel you’ll find Patrick Guilbaud, considered one of the finest dining establishments in Dublin. The chef’s cooking is a blend of French cuisine with Irish ingredients with results that are nothing short of stunning. These simple yet elegant dishes will leave you wishing you could eat in this luxurious kitchen year-round.

Sights to See in Dublin

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There are, of course, plenty of incredible sights to see throughout the entire city. Start your trip in Dublin West at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The beautiful building is considered the largest cathedral in Dublin and has also been chosen as the Church of Ireland’s national cathedral. Here’s a bit of history – back when it was first built St. Patrick’s Cathedral was actually outside of the walls of the city of Dublin. That’s why there are two cathedrals in the city today.

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The National Gallery of Ireland can be found on the Southside and will only take you a morning or an afternoon to explore, but will give you a glimpse at works by some of Ireland’s most popular artists. Pieces ranging from the 17^th through 20^th centuries are included, with over 12,000 paintings, artifacts, sculptures, and artistic works in the collection.

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Last but not least, make sure you take a trip towards the Guinness Brewery and Storehouse (we know you were wondering when we’d finally mention the beer). Guinness was founded back in 1759 and was once one of the largest breweries in the world. The brewery is not open to the public but the storehouse is a popular attraction where visitors can explore the warehouse and museum. Don’t leave without seeing the Guinness Storehouse. Guinness is, after all, the Irish national drink.

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There are tons of spectacular restaurants, museums, religious sites, markets, and attractions to see throughout the city of Dublin. These should get you started, and your concierge should be able to guide you to some that are close to your hotel as well. The city of Dublin has lots to offer. Grab your umbrella and explore!