For this quick guide, we are excited to feature Tamar from World By Weekend! We initially connected over our mutual desire to prioritize travel, especially around weekends, with limited vacation time. Originally from the U.S., Tamar and her family are now enjoying the expat life in Ireland. Keep on reading to learn more about the best things to do in her current home city of Dublin.
MEET WORLD BY WEEKEND
Tamar, along with her husband and two children, are behind the travel adventures that are highlighted on her blog. She is a California native, but moved across the country to the opposite coast to live in New York CIty. Like our family, Tamar is also passionate about maximizing travel opportunities while working full-time jobs. We have similar travel styles: packing in as many sights as possible while still taking the time to appreciate what we see.
However, the last few years have brought on a lot of change for Tamar and her family. First, they welcomed their second child into the world. Then, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, her family moved across the Atlantic to live the expat life in Ireland! These days, you can find Tamar checking out all the family-friendly adventures that Europe has to offer.
Since we’ve never been to Ireland before, we were excited to connect with Tamar and learn more about the best attractions to experience in Dublin!
TOP THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN
Why should someone visit Dublin, Ireland?
“For a small city, Dublin packs a punch! There are many museums and cultural institutions, gorgeous city parks, great shopping streets, and, of course, pub culture. History buffs can learn about Celtic and early Christian history, Vikings, and the complicated relationship between Ireland and England. Lovers of literature can wander through the many bookstores and take literary themed walking tours. For those who want to wander, Dublin’s lovely Georgian architecture is a joy to stroll through, and the streets are dotted with cafes and eateries.”
What is a touristy attraction you recommend and why?
“The Book of Kells (at Trinity College) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Dublin and for good reason. First, the experience includes an in-depth exhibit on how Irish monks created religious texts from velum (calf’s skin) and meticulously decorated them with intricate, colorful drawings. Visitors then get to see two pages from the Book of Kells itself, one of the best preserved and most artful examples of medieval Irish monastic texts. Finally, the visit ends with a walk through the beautiful and historic Trinity library (which could be a scene from Harry Potter!)”
What is a touristy attraction you don’t recommend and why?
“The Temple Bar neighborhood is fine for a quick stroll, but in general, I recommend that visitors avoid eating and drinking there. This area is way overpriced and you can find better value just a few blocks away. Also, don’t be fooled by the name: The Temple Bar Pub is not historic and is named after the neighborhood, not the other way around. It’s a glorified tourist trap and not worth the crowds or rowdiness.”
What is an attraction that is not as well-known that you would recommend and why?
“While it’s well-known amongst the Irish, visitors to the island may be unfamiliar with Croke Park, the home of Irish (Gaelic) sports. The facility offers daily guided tours of the stadium and has a great museum on Irish sports. This is an excellent way to learn about traditional Irish sports that date back nearly 3,000 years!”
What is a must-visit restaurant and why?
“Bewley’s on Grafton Street is a nice place to stop in for lunch or brunch. This historic café is decorated in the art deco style and filled with mahogany and stained glass. It’s a great place to sit and enjoy a comfortable meal and tasty baked goods.”
MORE TRAVEL TALK WITH TAMAR
We want to give a huge thanks to Tamar for sharing her recommendations for Dublin! As a fellow family travel blogger, we couldn’t help but ask her a few additional questions:
Where is your favorite destination you’ve ever traveled to?
“If I could only choose one, then Israel is my favorite country to travel in. From the history, both ancient and modern, to the food, culture, and natural beauty, Israel has something for everyone. I love wandering through the various shouks (markets) and tasting fruits, nuts, halva, and other delicious treats.” (Be sure to check out our Quick Guide to Israel we did with another travel blogger!)
What is at the top of your travel bucket list at the moment?
“I’m interested in planning a winter trip to Norway. I love the idea of a winter adventure complete with chasing the northern lights, cross-country skiing, and some down time in a sauna. Norway’s scenic beauty and dramatic fjords, as well as its Viking history, are also big draws.”
Lastly, if you could only share one travel tip, what would it be?
“My travel mantra is: ‘Assume you’ll go back.’ Oftentimes when we visit exciting new places, we get caught up in how much we’re missing. But it’s impossible to see everything in one trip. So my advice is not to get hung up on what you don’t see, but to focus on what you DO get to experience. In other words, enjoy the moment, value the opportunity to travel, and assume you’ll return!”
CONNECT WITH WORLD BY WEEKEND
A big thanks goes out to Tamar again for sharing her tips on the best things to see and do in Dublin, Ireland. Be sure to follow her family’s adventures as they travel within Europe and beyond at @worldbyweekend on Instagram and at WorldByWeekend.com.
Have you been to Dublin? What are your answers to the questions above? We’d love to get your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check out our other Trips and Tips!