DrupalCon is fast approaching and, as we all know, this September’s conference will be held in the fantastic Irish capital Dublin! As well as being the birthplace of Guinness and this year’s conference location, Dublin has a lot to offer to attendees outside of the conference hall. As a previous resident of Dublin (and a big fan of the city) I’ve gathered together a top 10 list of things I recommend in Dublin. Try them out!

Kilmainham Gaol: this is a must visit! Educational and grim—but exciting. You’ll get to experience what it was like in a prison that was built in 1769 and learn a piece of history of Ireland’s independence. Extra points for pronouncing the name correctly!

Traditional Irish music session at The Stag's Head: guaranteed to lose your voice singing, if you time your visit with their basement jam sessions! Lots of beer, cheery people, great music, and a sweaty atmosphere. Proper Irish craic!

Market Bar: biggest tapas plates you’ve ever had in a former shoe factory, in what used to be Europe’s biggest red light district, where King of England Edward VII lost his virginity. Along the area you’ll find plenty of cool restaurants and bars (Temple Bar is for tourists – this is THE place in Dublin).

Poolbeg Lighthouse: grab a Dublinbike or jog along the Great South Wall to see the lighthouse that was built in 1768. The Great South Wall was by the way the world's longest sea wall at the time of its construction and still remains one of the longest ones in Europe.

Dublinbikes: explore the whole city in no time and with minimum costs! Or if cycling is too physical, take a cab instead – they’re affordable and available everywhere.

The Liberty Market: probably not the best place for shopping latest fashion (despite its bargains), but for sensing “the different kind of atmosphere” of Dublin. It’s one of the longest running markets in Dublin and many of the shopkeepers have had their stalls and shops for decades.

Viking Splash Tour: another rival for exploring the city. Probably the funniest and most embarrassing option! :)

Chicken Wings at Elephant & Castle: the BEST chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. That’s a promise! Tribeca and Canal Bank Cafe won’t let you down either, and those might be quieter places.

Iveagh Gardens: take a relaxing stroll in a beautiful garden, right in the centre of the city, with palm trees and a picturesque waterfall. Be aware, the experience won’t do the trick if it’s raining… And, there are opening hours as well so check them out before going.

Ha’Penny flea market: go shopping and drinking at the same time, this is a vintage and craft market in a pub! No more words needed, check it out, every Saturday 12-18!

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Guinness Brewery: learn how to pour your pint of the liquid black gold the right way! There’s a unique way to do it and after learning it you’ll be the master of spotting the incorrect ways. The place is the original place where brewing Guinness actually started and provides several stories worth knowing. 

Camden Street Lower and its Lebanese restaurants: this street, especially its’ southern part are filled with good and affordable Lebanese restaurants. You can also Bring Your Own Bottle to the restaurants as most don’t have a licence to serve alcohol.

Trinity College - The Old Library: despite being a popular tourist destination, it’ll probably be the most beautiful library you’ve ever seen. The books in there are OLD. For those interested in smelling old dusty books, the Book of Kells from 1661 is found from there as well.

Nightclubs at Dawson Street: for those looking for the hottest nightclubs in town, head to these two neighbouring places! Looking from outside, you couldn't imagine the size of the places. Both being uniquely decorated; Cafe en Seine is grand and Dawson 37 quirky. Don’t worry if you’re not up for the beats – these places are open almost all day so pop in for a lunch or just for drinks.

Let us know what you’re up to

If you decide to try out one of the recommendations above, why not let us know over Twitter? Just tweet using #WunderGroupDublin with photos of your experiences and we’ll be happy to share the best shots with our followers.

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