So, I spent a whirlwind weekend in Dublin, and despite the rain, the Guinness, and my inability to understand half the locals, I had a blast. But looking back, there are a few things I’d do differently. Here’s the rundown of my trip, complete with what I thought would be amazing and what I’d actually recommend next time around.

Day 1: Tourist Overload

Morning: Trinity College and the Book of Kells
First stop? Trinity College, to see the famed Book of Kells. I was ready for some deep cultural enlightenment until I realized I’d paid to peer at a single page of an old manuscript in a dimly lit room with a hundred other tourists. The Long Room library, though—absolutely worth it. Towering shelves of ancient books that I pretended I’d read. I’d still recommend seeing it, but I’d skip the crazy early arrival. Next time, I’d breeze in after the morning rush and save myself the bleary-eyed wait in line.

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The Grafton Street Brunch Misstep
Craving a hearty Irish breakfast, I wandered down Grafton Street, distracted by street performers and overpriced souvenirs. I ended up in a bustling café where I ordered the full Irish breakfast—black pudding and all. But next time? I’d pick a place that doesn’t double as a tourist hub; finding somewhere a bit off the main drag is key. The meal was good, but the vibe was more conveyor belt than cozy breakfast spot.

Afternoon: Guinness Storehouse Experience
The Guinness Storehouse was next, a labyrinth of everything Guinness. I was thrilled to pour my own pint and learn about the brewing process—once. Next time, I’d skip the “perfect pint” lesson and make a beeline to the Gravity Bar at the top, where I could enjoy the view with a pint without wading through seven floors of Guinness memorabilia. Don’t get me wrong, it’s iconic, but once you’ve seen one floor of barley, you’ve kind of seen it all.

Evening: The Temple Bar Gauntlet
Dinner in Temple Bar seemed like a must, so I braved the area. It was all colorful facades, raucous laughter, and more tourists than you could shake a shamrock at. I did the traditional Irish stew and pint routine and listened to live music at three different pubs. Would I do Temple Bar again? Absolutely. But I’d come equipped with earplugs and choose one pub to post up in for the evening. The hopping was fun but exhausting, and next time I’d pick a quieter pub where I could actually hear myself think.

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Day 2: Less FOMO, More Enjoyment

Morning: Kilmainham Gaol
My second day began at Kilmainham Gaol, a fascinating piece of Irish history. The jail itself is chillingly preserved, and our guide wove stories that gave me shivers. It’s a must-do, but next time, I’d book an earlier tour—by the time I got there, the crowds were a little too thick for the full eerie experience. Pro tip: reserve your ticket well in advance, or you’ll be out of luck!

The Irish Museum of Modern Art
Then I decided to up my culture game with a visit to IMMA. Modern art is a mixed bag, and this was no exception. There were a few head-scratchers (like the chair bolted to the wall), but also some beautiful pieces. Would I go again? Maybe not. Next time, I’d check out the National Gallery for more traditional art or save my time for wandering around Dublin’s streets, which honestly felt like their own open-air museum.

Afternoon: Phoenix Park, or Where Are the Deer?
In Phoenix Park, I set out on a mission to find the resident deer herd. An hour later, I finally found them, grazing like a postcard come to life. But here’s the thing: Phoenix Park is huge, and finding the deer is harder than it sounds. Next time, I’d bring a map and a few snacks, or even better, plan to rent a bike so I could zip around instead of meandering aimlessly. The deer were cute, but I could have done without the mini-hike.

Evening: A Quieter Music Scene at The Cobblestone
To cap off the weekend, I wanted a more traditional Irish music vibe, so I went to The Cobblestone. Unlike Temple Bar, this place felt authentic, with local musicians and a crowd that was there for the music, not just the booze. Perfect ending to the trip—but next time, I’d go here first and spend less time trying to navigate the louder, crazier Temple Bar scene.

Lessons Learned for Next Time

• Skip the Guinness Marathon: The Storehouse is great, but you don’t need a deep dive to appreciate a pint. Head straight to the Gravity Bar, thank me later.
• Pick a Café Off the Beaten Path: Grafton Street is lovely, but next time I’ll pick a quieter brunch spot and leave the street for shopping.
• Time the Popular Attractions Right: Book ahead for Kilmainham Gaol and plan to visit Trinity later in the morning—early-bird crowds are real.
• Give Yourself More Time at Phoenix Park: It’s sprawling, and next time I’m bringing a bike to maximize my deer-spotting potential.
• Choose a Single Pub for Live Music: Temple Bar is fun, but The Cobblestone is where it’s at for that authentic, unhurried Irish music vibe.

Dublin in a weekend is ambitious, but with these tweaks, next time will be even better. Here’s to more Guinness, fewer lines, and maybe a little less rain. Sláinte!

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