Ireland has quickly become a go-to European destination for US travelers, and I totally understand why. It’s a quick flight from the East Coast, there’s rich history to dive into, and the country’s stunning greenery and views rival the world’s lushest destinations. | | | | | Ireland has quickly become a go-to European destination for US travelers, and I totally understand why. It’s a quick flight from the East Coast, there’s rich history to dive into, and the country’s stunning greenery and views rival the world’s lushest destinations. Prior to this trip, I’d been to Dublin a handful of times but never made it past the popular Irish Sea swimming hole, Forty Foot (shoutout Apple’s Sisters). This is not for lack of trying, though! It’s not easy choosing where to go in Ireland when you only have a few days. My colleague and Dublin local, Sasha Brady, even shared her list of Dublin recommendations she’d give to a friend on our Substack, and I wished I’d had enough days there to live out her recs. Next time, Sasha! This time around, I had seven days and three destinations to explore – finally! Dublin, Adare and Killarney all offer unique luxury experiences, from city life and delicious Michelin-rated meals to hiking near the Ring of Kerry and learning to play padel. I’m so grateful for this experience! If you haven’t added Ireland to your list, this is your sign to do so for 2026. | | | Stay: We stayed at the chic Merrion Hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, which is centrally located between St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square Park, and near the shopping on Grafton Street. The hotel is a combination of four restored Georgian townhouses and is home to the largest private collection of 19th- and 20th-century art in Ireland. It even provides a walking tour of the hotel's art collection at your leisure and offers Art Tea, which features pastries inspired by select pieces of art, such as Madonna and Child by Mainie Jellett.
| | | Eat and drink: For breakfast, my go-to is grabbing a pastry (this time from Bread 41, an organic bakery) to enjoy on a park bench.
We also had delicious meals at The Merrion. Lunch at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (a two-star Michelin winner) was spectacular, and dinner at the Cellar Bar offered a cozy atmosphere where I could sit for hours.
Nightlife in Dublin is vibrant every night of the week. You can pop by O’Donoghue’s Bar for live music or head to the Westbury Hotel’s cocktail bar, The Sidecar, which features 18 house-crafted cocktails (my favorite was the Risky Business).
| Do: If you've not been to Dublin before, make sure you see the key sights of Trinity College, to view the 9th-century Book of Kells, and St Patrick's Cathedral.
One of the top experiences I'd recommend is with The Perfect Pint Tour, founded and led by Keith, a Dublin local. Private or public tours visit historical pubs and bars in search of the perfect pint of Guinness. Even if you’re not a beer person, it’s a fascinating tour filled with Guinness history, pub culture and tips on how to be a good tourist when visiting these spots (very important). | | | Photography credits: Serina Patel/Lonely Planet, Richard Semik/Shutterstock, agaglowala/Shutterstock, Serina Patel/Lonely Planet (6) | This email was sent to you by: | Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 | | | |
