24 hours of Arts and Culture in Dublin, Ireland
The Archaeology Museum on Kildare Street
Get a fresh morning brew at Insomnia
The IFI shows arthouse and world films
Taste-test the famous boxty - an Irish potato pancake
Overview - When most people think of Dublin, they envision stout beer and friendly people. But the Irish capital is also a mecca of arts and cultural activities, including the national museums, the Irish Film Institute and a host of art galleries.
Breakfast - You’ll begin with a cup of coffee and a fresh scone at one of the many branches of Insomnia Coffee Company around Dublin. Their brews are always tasty and strong and the baked goods are light and refreshing – and everything for an affordable price.
Morning - Take the morning to explore the Museum of Ireland, which is actually a network of several museums around the city. Starting out at the Archaeology Museum on Kildare St., you’ll discover treasures from the Medieval and Viking ages in Ireland and view their collection of ancient gold ornaments. Virtually next door is the National Gallery of Ireland, which houses paintings by several famous European artists, including Jack B. Yeats and Gabriel Metsu, among others.
Lunch - Head over to Gallagher’s Boxty House on Fleet St. in Temple Bar. They serve boxty – an Irish potato pancake filled with an assortment of tasty things like lamb or seafood. You can also order coddle, stews, chowder and many other traditional Irish dishes. And while you eat, musicians playing traditional Irish music will serenade you.
Afternoon - From Gallagher’s Boxty House, it’s just a short walk through the charming Temple Bar area to reach the Irish Film Institute on Eustace St., an education and research center cum cinema. They show all sorts of interesting art house and international films – stuff you won’t find in a regular movie theater. Grab a quick coffee at their quaint café and then head into your film. Afterwards, go to the National Photographic Archive, located just outside the cinema in Meeting House Square. The archive is part of the National Library of Ireland and is home to thousands of historic and modern photos about Irish life.
Dinner - You’ll go for an early dinner tonight at the Wynn’s Hotel Bar on Lower Abbey St. The hotel was established in 1845 and you can really feel the history as you walk in. Dining under high ceilings with ornate cutlery will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time. Finish just in time to pop around the corner for a play.
After Dark - Rounding out your cultural Dublin day is a thespian evening at the Abbey Theatre, of course located on Abbey St. They run all sorts of plays, from those written by modern playwrights to the classics like “A Comedy of Errors” and “The Ideal Husband”. The tickets are affordable and the setting is cozy.
Sleep -
You’re staying tonight at The Clarence Hotel, a simple, modern hotel owned by Bono and the Edge of the Irish rock group, U2. You have a room overlooking the quays (pronounced "keys"), and you can step out onto your balcony for a private view of the River Liffey.