Thinking of visiting Dublin for a cosy weekend trip? Here is everything you need to do to make sure it is as wholesome as possible.
Dublin is often known for being the place to go to sing, dance and celebrate the best of Irish culture. However, it can also be a place to have a cosy, wholesome break in too, which we’re here to help ensure you do.
From drinks by a warming fireplace to a romantic stroll amongst the beautiful trees within Phoenix Park, here are ten wholesome things you can do in Dublin, over one weekend, to ensure you have an unforgettable time in the city.
10. Take an early morning stroll around Phoenix Park – a place full of the most unusual Irish residents
There is nothing more wholesome than taking in an early morning stroll around Phoenix Park. With deers and wild animals a plenty, the park is the home to some of Ireland’s most iconic areas, including Dublin Zoo.
With around 707 hectares to explore, the park is large enough to escape the busy city centre during all seasons but it feels extra special during the colder seasons. Plus, it is one of the few places in the world that still has gas lamps. It is well worth an afternoon stroll to see them be lit up.
This spot is ideal for families, couples, photographers, and those looking for a break from the busy city centre.
Address: Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 K7Y8, Ireland
9. Find your next read at Hodges Figgis – discover more than one new place over the weekend
Established in 1768, this bookshop is a statement venue within Dublin’s history. With books lining the walls from top to bottom, there is an eclectic mix of old and new to choose from. Upon walking in, there is the authentic smell of books that draws visitors in for hours.
With three floors to explore, it is the perfect place to escape a rainy day in the city. There is also a cafe right next door to take any purchases into to begin reading with a warming cup of coffee.
Address: 56-58 Dawson St, Dublin 2, D02 XE81, Ireland
8. Enjoy a cosy date night at Whitefriar Street Church – a place to really feel the love in
Upon walking in Whitefriar Street Church, there is a cosy feel to it. Candles are often lit and left to flicker for loved ones, presenting a warming glow throughout the main hall. Largely left untouched, the building is full of history, providing a sense of refuge for many.
The church also houses some of the relics from St Valentine’s, which are said to bring good luck to those looking for love or hoping their relationship lasts a lifetime. Everyone who visits leaves in a very romantic way.
Address: 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 YF57, Ireland
7. Head to the seaside by visiting Howth – escaping the city can be just what you need to unwind
Accessible via train in under an hour, the seaside town of Howth, on the outskirts of the city, is perfect for a wholesome trip to the beach. Easily walkable, the area provides a sense of calm, with little shops, eateries and welcoming locals presenting a slower pace of life.
With so much of the area photogenic, it is the perfect place to go to if seeking a reset after a busy couple of days. A stroll around the cliffs really does highlight the beauty of the Irish coast.
6. Pick up an antique on Francis Street – take a piece of Irish history home with you
Sitting within The Liberties area, Francis Street is home to some of the most wholesome shops within Dublin. Avoiding big chain retailers, the street is full of antique dealers, little businesses and vintage thrift stores that provide a real piece of Irish history to go home with.
Known for being like this since the 18th century, the mix of old meets new allows for a real sense of comfort to be felt, as the sellers have been around for years and can tell a number of stories behind each piece. Expect to spend a few hours exploring each shop.
This spot is ideal for shoppers, vintage lovers, photographers, families and history fans.
Address: The Liberties, Dublin 8
5. Feed the ducks at St Stephen’s Green – a quacking great way to have a really good day
Based right in the centre of Dublin city, St Stephen’s Green provides a sense of real calm amongst the storm.
With amenities close by, via Grafton Street, it is a great spot to have a cosy picnic or coffee in. Any leftovers that you may have can be fed to the graceful ducks that swim within the ponds afterwards.
The green is also home to some of the most iconic monuments in the city and is close to The Little Museum of Dublin, which is another wholesome area to explore on a wet day.
Address: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 DX88, Ireland
4. Unwind with some cheese and wine at Loose Canon – because cheese and wine always ensures for a good time
As soon as Loose Canon Cheese And Wine arrived on Drury Street, the locals flocked to enjoy the best of its Irish produced products.
Famous for its grilled cheese toasties, the friendly staff know how to warm visitors up from the moment they enter the restaurant. Whilst it may seem small from the outside, Loose Canon has a big heart inside.
The team have made sure that there is plenty of space for all to sit in, making sure that those who enter never leave without something to keep that wholesome feeling going once at home, via a bottle of their best wine or a chunk of cheese.
Address: 29 Drury Street, Dublin 2, D02 RX95, Ireland
3. Visit The Hungry Tree – take a bite out of this historical site
Highlighting just how wonderful nature can be, The Hungry Tree in King’s Lynn provides a sense of real fun and beauty.
One of the best places to grab a picture for the gram, it is a spot that often provides a sense of calm, giving space to take in what has happened to the old steel bench.
Marked as a heritage tree, the area is also one that is not often seen around the world, making it an iconic wholesome area to take in and tick off the bucket list.
Address: Kings Inns Ct, Dublin, Ireland
2. Warm up on a vintage afternoon tea tour – sip and steer your way around the sights
If it is raining outside but the weekend is drawing to a close and there feels like so much more has to be seen, head on a Vintage Afternoon Tea tour bus.
Going around the city, the bus allows for sights such as the Guinness Factory, Phoenix Park and St Stephens Green to all be seen, whilst sipping on a warming cup of tea.
With sandwiches, cakes and classic Irish scones on offer too, the tour is a fun way to make sure that nothing is missed, whilst also providing a bite to eat at an affordable price too.
Address: Stephens Green North, Dublin 2, Ireland
1. Snuggle up by a warming fire at Idlewild – a cosy pub right in the heart of the action
Welcoming all into it, this cosy pub provides a space to sit back and relax by a roaring fire after a busy day in the city. With books to read, hearty meals to have and a perfect pint of Guinness on tap, it is a great place to round off an unforgettable weekend in the city.
As locals share stories, jokes and play traditional Irish music, anyone who steps inside Idlewild will leave feeling like they are part of the family. Plus, their toastie and a pint deal for €8 makes it a great spot to warm up at lunchtime too.
Address: 14 Fade Street, Dublin 2, D02 HH33, Ireland
There you have it. The perfect way to have a wholesome and unforgettable weekend away in Dublin. Simply sit back and relax, as the sights and sounds of the cosiest places within the city risk away all troubles.
