Written by Jenniffer Chee May 2024
Dublin, is the epicentre of Irish culture, and the playground for twenty-something-year-olds. Whether it be an overnight trip or a long weekend, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the city with new and usual attractions. Our list compilates Gen-Z’s must-go-to spots for your next trip to the Irish capital.
Eateries:
Dublin is sure and fast becoming a city speckled with great new restaurants. Well-known locations include influencer-known steakhouse Fire https://www.firesteakhouse.ie/, date-spot famous Mama Yo https://mamayo.ie/, and hotspot Shouk https://www.shouk.ie/ for a fresh taste of Middle Eastern, with plenty a sharing platter.
For the best of brunching, try Slice Café https://www.asliceofcake.ie/, which incorporates seasonal ingredients into its menu alongside a killer cappuccino. Whilst we recommend the popular spots as an enjoyable eating experience, to live life like a local, a good night out will always be followed by the famous curry chips at any corner ‘chipper’.
Babylon in the heart of Camden Street is convenient and infamous for a post-night out feeding, with queues regularly out the door in the early hours. Take a visit after a night of dancing for the local experience, but make sure to keep your raucous out the door, as the bouncers are renowned for their zero tolerance to mischief.
Your traditional tourist hotspots – that are worth the visit:
For lovers of contemporary cinema, a trip to Trinity College Dublin https://www.tcd.ie/ should be on your itinerary. As the iconic setting featured in the highest streamed BBC series of the year in 2020, explore the campus like Connell and Marianne in Normal People. Grab a latte from nearby spots including Keogh’s Café https://www.keoghscafe.ie/ or one of the famous Butler’s Chocolate Café’s https://www.butlerschocolates.com/en/chocolate-cafes, and wander around the grounds.
Explore the new Book of Kells immersive experience https://www.visittrinity.ie/book-of-kells-experience/, with a visit to the original artefact and an array of funky digital art installations along the way. If history attractions aren’t your thing, live like a Trinity student and watch a spot of rugby or sit and chat on the Cricket Pavilion steps with a pint from the Pavilion Bar amongst the hubbub of student activity.
Look, it wouldn’t be a twenty-something-year-old’s guide without a mention of the famous Guinness Storehouse https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/home, located at St. James’s Gate. The 90-minute immersive experience finishes with a good pint of Guinness and a great view of the city, before you continue your exploration of the city.
Drinking and music
Ireland’s drinking spots are renowned for a solid pint of Guinness and a merry night of live tunes and mayhem. Music and drinking go hand-in-hand when deciding on Dublin pub’s, and many can be found around the city’s cobblestone streets.
A night out in Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Camden Street. Devitt’s https://www.devittspub.ie/ and Jimmy Rabbittes offer live music regularly throughout the week. For a more local vibe, be sure to give Ryans https://ryansofcamdenst.com/ a try, however, as a well-regarded out-of-Dubliner spot, don’t be surprised if the bouncer’s turn you away.
For those looking to explore beyond the inner city, wander over to the North side and visit The Cobblestone http://cobblestonepub.ie/ to see traditional Irish trad sessions on show every day of the week. Another option located a little closer to home, at Ireland’s Best Traditional Pub of the Year in 2019, is The Stag’s Head https://stagshead.ie/ on Grafton Street, which offers live sessions every Friday and Saturday.
Touristy spots are always a safe bet for hearing local musicians performing the Irish staples. Dame Tavern and The Temple Bar https://thetemplebarpub.com/ located in Temple Bar are staples if you want to listen to the best of The Cranberries, The Dubliners and other well-known Irish covers alongside a good pint of Guinness – but be warned, these watering holes will come with a pretty price – anywhere up to 9 euros a pint.
Going out, out
As an intimate city, Dublin’s nightclubs ensure that its locals all flock to similar spots and are sure to come in to contact with one another, for better or worse. As a tourist this makes it an easier decision to determine the location of your night. Copper Face Jack’s is arguably the best known, and most visited for locals and tourists alike. If you are looking for alternate options, Bad Bob’s gives a good time with a variety of music genres, anywhere from pop staples to Latin music.
For those looking to follow the crowd, The Camden boasts style and space, with intricate ceilings and ample room to boogie the night away. Whilst a heavy amount of local nightlife occurs at pubs and bars, the club is a common end to the Irish night out.
To add to the Dublin attraction please enjoy the U2 Homecoming video from 2025
