A Fashion Insider's Guide to Dublin: Dining Recommendations, Accommodation Tips, and Packing Essentials

      Welcome to Out of Office… Who What Wear UK's stylish travel guide offering a fashionable perspective on various destinations by connecting with creatives who share recommendations on where to stay, what to eat, and, importantly, what to pack. This month, acting fashion editor Sophie Robyn Watson shares her advice for an unforgettable trip to Dublin. I have always had a fondness for city breaks, enjoying long weekends of discovering new places with just a carry-on. After visiting some of the UK's trendiest and most sought-after spots, including Bath, Glasgow, Oxford, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Brighton, I was eager to venture a bit further afield to explore Ireland. Naturally, my first destination was Dublin. With all the buzz surrounding its rich Celtic culture, exciting culinary scene, iconic pubs, beautiful parks, and notable literary history, I decided to embark on a three-day journey to soak it all in.

      In preparation for my short getaway, I reached out to several local Dublin insiders for their recommendations on must-visit locations and tips that most tourists might miss. Corina Gaffey, fashion stylist and writer, provided me with her stylish suggestions for the best shopping spots and packing advice for looking chic in the city. Anthony Remedy, hospitality consultant and entertainment expert, shared his curated list of restaurants, bars, and nightlife venues. I was fortunate to be hosted by The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, which merits special mention for my wonderful stay. Read on to discover my Dublin guide, highlighting activities, dining, shopping, and packing essentials. Make sure to bookmark this—enjoy!

      1. Where to Stay

      My experience would not have been as enjoyable without my stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin. This five-star establishment recently underwent a magnificent renovation and is ideally located opposite St Stephen's Green, which is perfect for morning jogs, leisurely walks with coffee, and taking in some fresh air amidst the bustling city. The suites feature four-poster beds, terraces overlooking the park, and luxurious Diptique products in the elegant bathrooms. Do not skip the breakfast; it’s classic and delicious, setting you up for a day of exploring the cobblestone streets. According to Remedy, "Dublin has numerous quality hotels suitable for everyone, whether for business trips, city breaks, or attending concerts." Other five-star accommodations include The Merrion, The Dylan, The Marker, The Westbury, and The Shelbourne, while trendy options include the recently opened The Hoxton, The Hendrick, The Dean, and Zanzibar Locke. Many hotels also have excellent dining choices, such as Glovers Alley in The Fitzwilliam Hotel or Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud at The Merrion, both with Michelin stars. For a more casual experience, try Balfes at The Westbury Hotel.

      2. What to Do

      Dublin has something for every visitor, whether you’re after arts and culture, galleries, sightseeing, or live music. Firstly, the city's pub culture is legendary, and you won’t have to walk far to discover a Victorian-era pub or tavern, each with its own unique atmosphere. The one unifying element is, of course, Guinness, the famous dry stout that seems to energize the city. If you appreciate classic pubs, make a note of these places, all serving 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 just a small selection, as there are around 700 pubs across Dublin—yes, really! To fully immerse yourself, spend an afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse at the historic St. James's Gate Brewery to understand why the stout is so central to the city. Be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

      If you prefer cocktails, I recommend several chic bars for pre- or post-dinner drinks. The award-winning Bar 1661 resembles a modern apothecary, crafting drinks that feature classic Irish spirits like poitín, whiskey, gin, and rum. The Sackville Lounge, sister bar to 1661, is also worth visiting, specializing in classic cocktails like old-fashioneds, spicy margaritas, palomas, negronis, and Irish coffees. For a nostalgic 1930s hotel bar vibe, visit The Sidecar in The Westbury hotel, offering a menu inspired by the city and its history.

      For nightlife, Remedy suggests booking ahead for performances at The Gate and The Abbey theatres, as well as the Project venue. For live bands and DJs, check out Whelan's, The Sugar Club, Button Factory, The Grand Social, The Academy, Vicar Street, and of course, The Olympia Theatre. Film lovers will enjoy Dublin's vibrant cinema scene, which hosts numerous festivals and events. The Irish Film Institute and The Lighthouse are must-visits, with The Stella cinema just outside the centre