A perfect weekend in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is a great city. So good, that every other year I make sure I go back for a weekend - and I did so recently for various reasons: I wanted some whiskey, some shopping, great food and fun, under an hour from London and, of course, Lady Gaga.
Yes, I know I have an Irish surname, but Mr. O is as British as it gets. But he can surely put on a mean Irish accent, which, in my opinion, is the sexiest native English accent.
Friday night
Our flight with BA took under an hour and we landed just in time for dinner at Roly’s, one of Mr. O’s favourite places in Ballsbridge. A bit of fine dining never hurt anyone and, as usual, it didn’t disappoint either. Starting with the delicious soda bread, I quickly moved on to the Dublin prawns and one of my favourite desserts in the world.
I will have some of that pretty caramelised Lemon tart, please!
From the restaurant, we headed back to the hotel, as it was late. In Dublin, we always stay at the Westin. Why? Lovely building, perfect location, not huge and I love the classic style. This time, I also loved the Oscar Wilde suite! I also love the themed nights at its Mint Bar. Sadly we missed Gin & Jazz (on Thursdays), but nothing prepared us for the Latin night. It has been ages since I had seen people dancing so well and such a good music selection. It was quite hard to believe I was in Ireland – almost felt strange to order a whisky!
The Westin – Mrs. O’s home in Dublin
Saturday
Mrs. O was a good girl and even made it to breakfast at the hotel – after a good night’s sleep, there was lots to do! A minute away, we had a little peak around Trinity College – I still have not seen the Book of Kells, which simply means I have to go back again.
Wouldn’t mind coming back for a bit of studying here… – Trinity College, Dublin
At this stage, I could feel the excitement – I wasn’t far from Grafton Street. We went to say hello to Molly Malone and before I knew it, we were there. You may have heard that I like to buy shoes and things, but I have never mentioned the best department store in the world. The place where I pretty much like everything they have to sell – and don’t get me wrong, I am spoiled for choice in England and when we travel. But this place is something else.
This is it, Mrs. O’s spiritual home
To prove that great things come in small packages, one wouldn’t be impressed by the size of Brown Thomas, also known as Mrs. O’s spiritual home. This Irish department store is, without a doubt, my favourite in the whole world. It is not massive, quite compact actually, but its buyers seem to know me very well. It’s very sleek and modern, the service is lovely and I love the carrier bags. And the handbag and shoe collection – pretty much all of it, which *almost* never happens. So if you and I are in Dublin at the same time, I can be found somewhere there. Promise.
From here, we explored all the little side streets and eventually found Powerscourt Centre, not your usual shopping centre. I liked it as it was a bit quirky and had lots of unique shops and boutiques. And also because the lovely Fiona Hilliard, a Dublin native who I was to meet later that day told me to go there, when she shared her favourite places in Dublin with me.
Olesya’s Wine Bar
A lazy lunch followed at Olesya’s wine bar, a place we found on our last trip, and promised to go back. It has one of Ireland’s most interesting wine lists – apparently 400 different wines, with over 100 by the glass, which I found quite interesting. The cheese and charcuterie sharing platters were delicious and perfect for what awaited us – a private visit to the Old Jameson Distillery.
The visit to Jameson was one of the most awaited moments of this trip. Firstly, because I got to finally meet Fiona, who I have been “interacting” on twitter since early this year and enjoying her great blog, but also, because Jameson’s & soda happens to be my after-dinner drink of choice.
But first things first, we had to get acquainted, so a little Irish Coffee seemed perfectly adequate!
Bonding with Fiona over an Irish Coffee at Jameson’s Distillery
I had been to Jameson a few times before, but interestingly, this time was different – I had Mr. O, my super BFF and her husband and two new Irish friends. We weren’t in a rush to go anywhere, no queues and was lovely to go back. What I found super interesting? A video where people from around the world shared how they liked their Jameson. (You may not know, but in Southern Europe, whisky competes with vodka and gin for airtime, and it is enjoyed just like those two drinks). As I said before, I have always been a Jameson & Soda girl – not so keen on mixing it with coke, but never crossed my mind that people would mix it with other things.. and that I would even like it! Two very popular combinations were Jameson with Ginger Ale or with Cranberry. And I must say – although shockingly surprising, they were absolutely delicious.
Some of my favourite moments at Jameson’s Distillery
After the whisky tasting lesson – where we compared Jameson (which is triple-distilled) to Scotch and Bourbon, we were almost ready for Lady Gaga. But first, we had to stop at a Dublin institution, Mulligan’s for a bit of food. I loved its quirkiness, food and attention to detail (the menus were brilliant). Absolutely worth a visit.
Mulligan Grocer
Our evening was spent with Lady Gaga and some of our closest 50,000 Irish friends. I had seen her previously in Lisbon and really wanted to see her on the current tour. Unable to get tickets for the London show, we were surprised that we were able to buy the best seats and a flight for less than one ticket in London. I really don’t understand how this is possible – but pretty sure that I had a lot more fun and a great weekend in Dublin. I shall investigate further opportunities… it would be rude not to!
A great night out at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin
Sunday
Our Sunday was a lazy one – just the way I like it. We walked around other parts of town – I love how compact Dublin is, and how perfect it is for a weekend break.
Happy by the River Liffey
I even found out that Mr. O had a little side business going on in Dublin and conveniently forgot to tell me… coincidence?
Do we have a pub in Temple Bar?
But our friend Derek was keen to get us out of the city – he mentioned seaside, delicious fish and an easy transfer to the airport. He had me at sea. We hopped on the DART and in around 25 minutes, we arrived at Howth, a pretty fishing village.
The pretty village of Howth
We had a wonderful lunch at Deep. where we tasted some of the best seafood I ever had – from oysters, to crab, to lobster. And to end it in style, I couldn’t say no to another Irish coffee.
Delicious food in Howth
We had a brilliant weekend in Dublin - I loved the people, the accent and the food. Oh and the shopping isn’t bad either. Maybe it’s time I go finding my “O’Reilly” roots and explore a bit more of this beautiful country. Ireland, I will be back!
xo
Mrs. O
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Looks like you had a fantastic weekend, Dublin is a brilliant city and this post really shows that!
First New Oleans…now Dublin…you just keep giving me some brilliant tips! Heading over in October….I just know these will be coming in handy.
Anita Mac recently posted..The Variety of Accommodation in the Middle East
Im so pleased! Dublin is fab fab fab!
Howth looks soo pretty and the seafood looks divine. Hope to go back to Dublin one day and explore more of the city. It’s the only place in the world where I can drink and enjoy Guinness
Natasha recently posted..New Things to do in Singapore for Frequent Visitors
Howth was stunning! Loved it
can’t wait to go back to Ireland!
I absolutely love Dublin! It is my favourite city in the UK. A great a place to visit.
In Ireland
Excellent Mrs O! And what a fab weekend. Jameson’s was just fun and the whiskey tasting great and surprising. Don’t forget the winter drink – whisky and ginger wine – Whiskey Mac. Warms you up and is great! thanks for the memory.
When can we go back?
Mrs O! I am glad you enjoyed Dublin. The next time you head over, let me know and I will give you some more new suggestions. Glad you made it to Olesya – a great wine bar. Dublin has also come a long way on the gastronomic front – five or six years ago it was a different story.
Megan Eaves recently posted..12 Irish destinations for 2012
Megan, you are Irish? I will let you know! Had a great list of places but not enough time. What you are saying is very true indeed – and I actually made that comment to mr o and our friends – food wasn’t fab before, but certainly can be now. Just like London!
What a phenomenal guide to what to do in Dublin!!! And totally crazy that Lady Gaga tix in Dublin + flight would be cheaper than ticket to see her in London!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted..Photo of the Week – Harbor in Dubrovnik, Croatia
It is seriously strange, but that the hell!
I too would like a weekend of Lady Gaga and shopping.
But I’m not a whisky girl…
whatkatemadenext recently posted..The Detox Dinner Menu
Aww, this just made me homesick for Ireland. Most of my family lives there, and actually so many people I know were also at that Lady Gaga concert, haha. Sounds like you had the most amazing weekend!
The World Wanderer recently posted..Exploring the Okavango Delta: Part One.
Oh, I had no idea about that!
We loved Dublin, now we need to explore the rest of the country
This really is perfect, my dear friend. I only wish I could have been there to meet Fiona and Lady Gaga. I nosed around Brown Thomas and I agree, it’s a brilliant store…perfection all around.
Leah Travels recently posted..Seeing Egypt the Russian Way: Scary Planes & Friendly Camels
I seriously think it is my spiritual home
thank you for your kind words – maybe we go to Ireland one day?? 
I’m trying to figure out how feasible a weekend trip to Dublin is from the US…it’s a pretty easy flight (for being transatlantic). This post made me want to figure out a way to make it work sooner rather than later!
John recently posted..Visiting Denver, Colorado: The Local’s Take With Kim Olson
That is brilliant, John! I think you’d really like it
and as you say, you can get there in a jiffy!
I have never been in Dublin, and now I want to go! SO MUCH!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Friday Lens Affair #13
Oh, wow
thank you! Means I have done my job well 
Looks like a great day exploring Dublin and awesome you got to meet Fiona.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice, France
I bet you would have loved to meet her too
Oh, it looks like you had so much fun. We’re so jealous. A Jameson and ginger ale is now on my drink bucket list. I need that in my life asap.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted..Our Life Revealed by our iPhone.
Let me know what you thought
I had some in Girona too 
ahhh you know how to make us seriously miss dublin, mrs. o!
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
That was the idea. Get on a plane!
Glad you gave Jameson and ginger a try! It’s a favorite in the Rambler household. I am very jealous of your distillery tour!! Looks like we have to add Dublin to our list. Great Post
Thank you
It was a nice surprise (the Jameson) and Dublin is certainly worth a stop 
We had only a few hours in Dublin, when we visited. We took a day trip from Belfast and found there was TOO MUCH to sandwich and we arrived too late. Thanks for this post–have to revisit!
Charu recently posted..Southern Belle: Western Kentucky University Museum Houses “Ordinary Objects” by Extraordinary Americans
I think you would love it, Charu
and the shopping is brilliant!
1. I shall try Jameson’s & ginger ale ASAP.
2. That seafood looks amazing!
3. The picture of you & Mr. O is absolutely adorable.
4. I really need to get to Ireland.
5. Fantastic weekend, fantastic post!
Francesca recently posted..A slice of Pure Michigan at Ludington State Park
Ohhhhhhhhhh thanks Francesca.
it was a really fab weekend, really nice! The Jameson and Ginger Ale was a true revelation 
Hey Mrs. O – well done. Coincidentally, I was in your native land (London) last weekend; back in Toronto. And now off to Dublin and Belfast on Wednesday next. I’ve been before but your insight will help me a bit more. Thanks.
Hi Mark, thank you
the restaurants were brilliant and highly recommend them. And not having some Jameson would be wrong 
Belfast never been – yet!
Thanks for sharing! Need to get there some day.
A Cook Not Mad (Nat) recently posted..The Infamous Number 60 Andrássy
I think you’d like the food
and pretty much everything else!
How funny. We have an O’reily’s bar like that in my hometown, San Jose. I almost considered moving to Dublin since they have tech jobs over there. =) This makes it look like a very decent place to live.
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Travel Costs: 1 Month in Australia
very cool place indeed – not sure economy is 100% at the moment
but they are still amazing people, and fun!
Lovely post Ana, was great to meet up with you finally – glad to see that you enjoyed your stay in Dublin and followed some of my recommendations from the Dublin guide I wrote for Mrs O! You’ll have to come back soon
Fiona recently posted..The Italy Edit: In Praise of Street Artists
But of course I would follow your advice
and loved it that it took a Portuguese to get you down to Jameson for the first time 
classic!
Well that sounds like a pretty spectacular weekend. Dublin is near the top of my list… This is getting to be a weekly thing for you, no?:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..All Aboard The Napa Valley Wine Train
Noooooooo, it can’t be! I know it’s close and all but maybe an annual thing?
loved it!
Sounds like a great weekend. The Westin looks stunning. How much is it to stay?
Suzanne Bearne recently posted..Life’s a beach: Seaside resort of Saltburn, Cleveland
Hi Suzanne, thanks for stopping by! Hotels in Dublin are quite reasonable – I’d say between €150-250 depending on time of the year. And it is a really nice hotel.
A fun weekend indeed! So cool that you got to meet Fiona.
I may not be a whiskey drinker, but that department store and wine bar look very much up my alley…
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo(s) of the Week: Baker Beach in San Francisco
My BFF does not drink whiskey, but obviously had no choice. I can’t tell you how shocked I was when she ordered a Jameson and Ginger Ale after dinner. It was hillarious!
wow, had no idea Dublin had such a diverse gastronomy, you convinced me with the lobster ehehe ( I would have loved being at Lady Gaga’s concert, humpfs… some other time) Seems like you had a great time.
Paula Cristina Neto recently posted..Wine Tasting Evenings in Lisbon
And I missed out on the meat, which is also lovely! The bread was out of this world – you’d like this place
And the Irish