An Irish Apology.



Last year, 
I wrote a post
about how I didn't
love the city of Dublin.

The responses were varied.

Some of you agreed.

Some of you though I was crazy.

Last week, I went back
and I looked back through the comments
to find some recommendations
that you offered as highlights 
for my next stay in Dublin.

And, woah. 

You delivered.


First recommendation: The Bank for Dinner. Very cool place. So cool, we couldn't get a table. Next time!


So, Dublin,
I'm coming back to you.

With my hands over my heart,
pleading on my knees,
and my belly a little chubbier
after discovering some of the gems
of your fair city.



here are some new stops to add to the list
to create an awesome time of your own 
when you find yourself in Dublin.

*   *   *


Fallon & Byrne

After reading a comment recommending 
this stop for eats,
I was keen to keep my eye out for it.

Luckily, I didn't have to strain my eyes too hard...
as it was next to our hotel.

The first night we had dinner in the restaurant upstairs.

Delicious.

Tyler left with the baby a few minutes early
as I settled up the bill and ordered a coffee.

The amazingly sweet waitress 
talked me into embracing the moment alone
and trying their signature dessert, 
the Knickerbocker Glory.

Imagine a big sundae glass layered with
berries, ice cream, cheesecake, whipped cream, & digestive cookie crumble.

Yum.



I also loved their take away coffee bar.

The week I was there, they were donating all sales
to the relief of the Philippines. 

After watching a few hours of coverage on it the night before,
that got big points from me.

And the flourless chocolate cake didn't hurt either.

Check them out here.


*   *   *


Central Hotel

This hotel is in a great location.

Not only is it a stone's throw from Fallon & Byrne,
but it sits just a few steps from everywhere you want to see
during your time in Dublin.

(Trust me, it's a decent place.)





The rooms aren't anything fancy,
but the prices are great,
the staff was really kind & gracious,,
the location is great,
and it will more than get the job done.

Check it out here.


*  *  *


Bewley's 


All over Ireland, 
you'll see small shops
boasting that they sell Bewley's Coffee.

Go straight to the source
in the middle of bustling Grafton Street
while you're in town for a classic cup
and a great view.


Potato & Bacon soup with brown bread.... when in Rome.

Whether you eat inside
or score one of the balcony seats
on a nice day,
it's a stop that,
with it's stained-glass windows & constant buzz-
 will add a little character to your day
without stripping your wallet.


*   *   *


Brown Thomas


I think there is something 
really special about visiting 
the main department store of a city.

Not just one that is part of a chain,
but one that stands alone
as an icon for the city's style.


In Paris, you visit Printemps or Galleries LaFayette.
In London, Liberty or Harvey Nichols.
In New York, Henri Bendel or Barney's.
In Dallas, you go to the first Neiman's downtown.

And in Dublin,
you visit



The windows are gorgeous,
the departments are curated perfectly,
and the prices...
well, they're high.

(It's fancy!)

But it's worth stopping through
and buying something pretty for yourself.




Even if it's something on the smaller side,
like a pretty candle.


*   *   *


So thanks for the help, amigos.

It made my four nights in Dublin
all the better
with your suggestions and guidance.


And now,
I only feel it right to conclude 
with one more round of your suggestions
on the best Dublin stops...

I can only guess how great
 it will make next time like.





*all photos original to Aspiring Kennedy

12 comments:

  1. Having Ireland at the top of my Travel To-Do list I remember reading your last post on Dublin and thinking "oh no!" So when I saw this post I couldn't help but smile! Glad you enjoyed Dublin this time! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. Love that you were able to see it with eyes renewed and new memories to remember fondly. x

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  3. This makes me so excited for our trip there in March!! We're already staying at the Central Hotel (so glad to hear it's great!) and now I'm looking forward to trying a few other places on your list. Also, I'm heading your way for a little London weekend the end of March. Fingers crossed I run into you somewhere! :)

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  4. I loved Brown Thomas! My last apartment in Dallas was across the street from the original Neiman's on Main. Trouble.

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  5. If you have not been to the Pig's Ear, definitely try it on your next trip. We had a really lovely dinner there, and I think you would like it! xx

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  6. Just found your blog! I am actually an ex-pat too. I'm from California and currently live in Dublin! :) Looks like you hit up some great spots! I was just at Fallon & Byrne today!

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  7. I'm so glad that you ended up loving Ireland :) I've always thought that Dublin seems really charming (although I've never been, myself), and this just made me want to check it out while I'm in Europe! Also, you're really scaring me with that puffy coat and extra layers... is it freezing over there already?! So terrified after being spoiled with Texas and California weather all my life!

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  8. I secretly hoped I'd run in to you last week, as I was there on a last minute trip to see family. How cold was it?!! Freezing. But I'll take those clear skies any day. We decided to stay near Dublin city all week, take a few day trips and then get some serious shopping/touristy stuff in. Day trips: Powerscourt and Enniskerry (my mom grew up here, and is the quaintest little town. Super close to Dublin and Powerscourt is breathtaking), Killiey Park (great view of the North part of the city, Enya's castle!, as well as the coast line. Sometimes you forget you're so close to the sea!). Dublin: Drury Court Hotel (not fancy, but amazing service, inexpensive and only a few blocks from Grafton. It's also connected to one of my favorite Dublin bars - they serve IPA! - which has such a cool, vintage vibe and little rooms for private parties, O'Donoghue's for a super authentic pub experience, Ann's Bakery on O'Connell Street for turnover bread (basically the best white bread ever). And for extra touristy, the Hop on/Hop off bus tour! A great way to see the city in one swoop. I'm so glad you enjoyed your time, maybe I'll almost run into you next time!!

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  9. I LOVE that you did this! Way to be such a fantastic blogger/friend. You're really making me want to see hubby's people now.

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  10. Oh I love returning to a place that I didn't love and falling in love with it. That's happened to me several times.

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  11. I have a mixed relationship with Dublin, but I found watching films about its history before I visited helped make my visit much richer (if not less rainy and cold...) I highly recommend Michael Collins and In The Name of the Father, if you haven't already seen them :)

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  12. The full Irish breakfast and Irish brown bread at Bewley's on Grafton Street in Dublin -- the on-and-off tour bus in Dublin (hilarious!!!) -- the Guinness Brewery Tour -- Trinity College and the Book of Kells in Dublin.

    Beyond Dublin, hiring a car, a drive around the ring of Kerry and West Cork in the deep south. The Cliffs of Moher and Galway, on the west coast. A drive through Connemara, home of the peat bogs.

    B&Bs to meet the utterly charming Irish people, and frequent the pubs that feature "Trad," the traditional Irish music .

    In no time one will discover that Ireland is truly The Enchanted Isle.


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