What began as a quick getaway turned into one of our favorite adventures — Dublin buzz, seaside cliffs, and unexpected pasta stops. Here’s how our Irish summer of 2022 unfolded.
🏰 Home Base: InterContinental Dublin
We planted our bags at the InterContinental Dublin in leafy Ballsbridge. Spacious rooms, heavenly beds, and a warm indoor pool (instant hit with the kids). At night, the whisky bar whispered “stay a while,” while the spa called my name louder than a Dublin pub singer.
Pro Tip: Treat yourself to afternoon tea in The Reading Room — because you can never go wrong with scones and clotted cream.
🍀 Dublin Town: Where History Meets Energy
We hopped on the City Sightseeing Dublin hop-on/hop-off bus, which made exploring the city easy without chasing maps or cranky little legs. Every stop felt like a new discovery:
Merrion Square – Bursting with color and art, this square felt alive. The kids loved the whimsical playground inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant. I loved how street artists had their canvases laid out along the railings, turning the whole park into an open-air gallery.
St. Stephen’s Green – A true city oasis. Walking through here, you almost forget you’re in busy Dublin. Swans drift across the pond, flowerbeds bloom in perfect rows, and families picnic in shady corners. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and a great reset button.
Dublin Castle & Dubh Linn Garden – Beyond the pretty courtyards, we ventured inside the museum and state apartments – and wow. Walking through these rooms felt like stepping into centuries of Irish history. From ornate tapestries to Viking excavation remains, the mix of royal grandeur and raw history was captivating. Standing there, you could feel the weight of time layered in the walls.
Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – The sheer size takes your breath away. The vaulted ceilings, stained glass, and echoes of music made me stop and just soak it all in. It wasn’t just a church; it felt like a living piece of Ireland’s soul.
House of Read – Tucked away like a secret, Dublin’s oldest shop (since 1670!) gave me all the cozy feels. With its creaky wooden floors and shelves lined with handmade wonders, it was like traveling back in time.
National Gallery of Ireland – Free, stunning, and surprisingly calming. Standing in front of works by Irish masters (and even a Vermeer), I felt the perfect mix of awe and serenity.
🍽️ Our Foodie Trail
Dublin isn’t all stews and pints—our taste buds traveled around the world:
Al Boschetto – Comforting Italian in the heart of Dublin. Their pasta was rich and flavorful, and the pizza crust? Crispy perfection.
Cloud Nine (Temple Bar) – Dessert heaven. We savored gelato while watching Temple Bar’s cobblestone chaos unfold. Sweet in every way.
Reyna Turkish Grill – A flavor-packed detour. Grilled meats, fresh dips, and warm pita that made us say, “one more bite.”
🌊 One Day, Three Stops: Cliffs of Moher & Beyond
We joined Irish Day Tours for a whirlwind journey beyond Dublin. It started early (6:50 AM!) but every stop made the yawns worth it:
Cliffs of Moher – Standing at the edge of these 700-foot cliffs, with waves crashing below, I felt both tiny and infinite. The wind whipped around us (hold onto your hats!) and the views stretched endlessly. We climbed O’Brien’s Tower, which gave us an even grander perspective—absolutely goosebump-worthy.
Doolin Village – A charming little village known for its traditional Irish music. Lunch here was hearty and homestyle – perfect fuel for the adventure.
The Burren – At first glance, it looks barren, but up close, the limestone pavements reveal cracks filled with wildflowers. It felt otherworldly, like walking on the moon but with splashes of green.
Galway City – Bursting with color and music, Galway stole my heart. Buskers played on every corner, shops spilled onto cobblestone streets, and the whole city pulsed with energy. No wonder it’s called the “City of Tribes.” Stop in to enjoy a snack and coffee at one of the many cafes in town.
Pro Tip: Bring a windbreaker to the Cliffs. That Atlantic breeze means business.
Guinness Storehouse 🍺🏰
We didn’t make it inside this time (wrangling two little ones meant saving it for the future), but if your schedule allows, the Guinness Storehouse is an absolute must. It’s Dublin’s most-visited attraction for a reason—seven floors of interactive exhibits that walk you through the history, craft, and culture of Ireland’s most famous stout. Even if beer isn’t your thing, the experience is top-notch, and the Gravity Bar at the top delivers panoramic views of the entire city. Totally worth a stop if you’ve got the time.
Pro Tip: Book tickets in advance. It’s one of Dublin’s busiest spots, and you don’t want to waste precious travel time waiting in line.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Ireland gave us history, beauty, and plenty of food memories. It wasn’t just about ticking sights off a list—it was about the feeling of standing in places layered with stories. Dublin charmed us, the Cliffs humbled us, and every meal made us smile.
If Ireland is on your list—go. Wander through a park, listen to street music, taste the unexpected, and let the island surprise you. Because trust me, it will.
🎒 What to Pack for Ireland (Summer Edition)
Ireland may be green, but it’s also famously unpredictable when it comes to weather. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty rain. Here’s what came in handy (and what I wish I’d packed more of!):
Layers, layers, layers – T-shirts, light sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. You’ll be peeling things off and putting them back on all day.
Windbreaker or rain jacket – The Cliffs of Moher will test your willpower and your hairdo.
Comfortable walking shoes – Cobblestone streets + castle stairs = leave the fancy shoes at home.
Small backpack or crossbody bag – For snacks, water, and those inevitable souvenirs.
Umbrella – But make it a small, sturdy one. Irish winds will laugh at flimsy umbrellas.
Portable charger – Between Google Maps, photos, and music, your phone will drain fast.
Plug adapter (Type G) – Ireland uses UK-style outlets. Don’t get caught without one!
Reusable water bottle – Tap water in Ireland is clean and fresh.
A nice outfit – Dublin has a lively restaurant and pub scene. Perfect excuse to dress up one evening.
Camera – Yes, phones are great, but the landscapes deserve something extra.
Pro Tip: Pack an extra layer even in July. The weather loves to play tricks, and it’s better to be the cozy tourist than the shivering one.
