A Fashion Insider's Guide to Dublin: Culinary Delights, Accommodation Recommendations, and Packing Essentials

      Welcome to Out of Office… Who What Wear UK's stylish travel guide that presents the most fashionable insights for any destination by connecting with creatives who are in the know about the best places to stay, dine, and, crucially, what to pack. This month, acting fashion editor Sophie Robyn Watson shares her advice for an unforgettable visit to Dublin. I have always enjoyed a city getaway and relish the chance for a long weekend to explore new places with just a carry-on bag. After visiting some of the UK's trendiest hotspots, such as Bath, Glasgow, Oxford, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Brighton, I was eager to venture a bit further and experience Ireland.

      Naturally, my first choice was Dublin. Having heard so many positive remarks about the city—its rich Celtic culture, culinary scene, famous pubs, beautiful parks, notable literary heritage, and overall lively atmosphere—I decided to embark on a three-day trip to make the most of my visit. As I prepared for my short yet delightful journey, I sought advice from a few Dublin locals for their recommendations on must-see spots that many tourists often miss. Corina Gaffey, a fashion stylist and writer, shared her favorite shopping locations and packing tips to ensure I was stylishly equipped for my stay; meanwhile, Anthony Remedy, a hospitality consultant and entertainment specialist, provided his recommendations for restaurants, bars, and nightlife, which can be found below. I was fortunate to be accommodated by The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, and I’ll give a special nod to my wonderful experience there.

      Continue reading to uncover my Dublin guide that highlights activities, dining options, shopping locales, and what to pack—definitely a post you’ll want to save. Enjoy!

      1. Where to Stay

      Firstly, my trip would not have been nearly as enjoyable without my stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin. With a five-star rating and a recent stunning refurbishment, the hotel is ideally situated across from St Stephen's Green, making it perfect for morning runs, leisurely coffee strolls, and enjoying fresh air right in the midst of the bustling city. The suites feature four-poster beds, a terrace overlooking the green, and luxurious Diptique products in the bathrooms. Don't skimp on breakfast; it’s classic, scrumptious, and will energize you for a busy day of exploring.

      Remedy suggests, "Dublin has a variety of quality hotels catering to all needs, whether for business, a city break, or attending one of the many concerts in the city." Other five-star options include The Merrion, The Dylan, The Marker, The Westbury, and The Shelbourne. Trendy hotels include the recently opened The Hoxton, The Hendrick, The Dean, and Zanzibar Locke. Many of these establishments also boast fantastic dining options, such as Glovers Alley at The Fitzwilliam Hotel and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud at The Merrion, both of which hold Michelin stars. For something a bit more relaxed, try Balfes at The Westbury Hotel.

      2. What to Do

      There's truly something for every type of Dublin traveler, whether you’re interested in arts, culture, galleries, sightseeing, or live music. Firstly, the pub culture is an integral part of the Irish capital, and it’s hard to walk a short distance without encountering a distinct Victorian-style pub or tavern. The common element among them all is, of course, Guinness, the renowned dry stout that seems to energize the city.

      If you enjoy classic pubs, consider visiting the following, all of which serve the iconic beverage: The Long Hall, The Hairy Lemon, Peter's Pub, The Stag's Head, The Dame Tavern, Davy Byrnes, The Duke, Kehoes, The Temple Bar Pub, and The Quays Bar. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are approximately 700 pubs in Dublin—yes, you read that correctly! For the full experience, an afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse at the historic St. James's Gate Brewery will immerse you in the city's unique relationship with the drink. Be sure to book tickets in advance to skip the lines.

      If cocktails are more your style, I recommend these bars for chic pre- or post-dinner drinks. The award-winning Bar 1661 resembles a modern apothecary and offers expertly crafted drinks using traditional Irish spirits like poitín, whiskey, gin, and rum. Don’t miss The Sackville Lounge, the sister bar to 1661, known for its classic cocktails. For a touch of 1930s hotel-bar charm, visit The Sidecar at The Westbury, where you’ll find a menu filled with concoctions inspired by the city and its rich history.

      When it comes to nightlife, Remedy has some recommendations: "Be sure to book in advance for The Gate and The Abbey for theater shows, along with Project. For live music and DJs, consider checking out Whelan's, The