Staff Picks: Global Destinations – Dublin

By Deena Farrell
In the mood for live music, fresh seafood and the best pint of Guinness in the world? Then a trip to Dublin might be for you.
Dublin, which is translates in Gaelic to "black pool," is the capital city of Ireland. The flight from New York takes just about six hours, and the Dublin airport is about 30 minutes from the city center. From the airport there are several options for getting around. The AirLink bus offers one way and round-trip services from Dublin International Airport to the Heuston Rail Station, making stops all over Dublin along the way. A round trip ticket on the AirLink bus will cost you around $15. There is also set rates for taxis; and Uber is also available. 
Temple Bar - Probably the most unique part of visiting Dublin is the pub culture. Temple Bar is the most popular area of the city for live music and tradition Irish pubs. Popular at almost all hours of the day, Temple Bar is the perfect spot to kick off a trip and really experience the charm of the city. Also make sure to brush up on your Irish drinking songs! Wild Rover, Whiskey in the Jar and Galway Girl are popular songs for most of the bands. The area is family friendly during the day, but does get livelier during the evening hours. It is a must-see and do while in Dublin.
Jameson Distillery - While on the topic of famous places to drink in Dublin, there are two spots you can't miss. For whiskey drinkers, the Jameson Distillery offers an immersive experience on how the famous Irish whiskey is made. There are multiple tours offered, each with a complimentary Jameson drink. For those who want to learn even more about Jameson, there are also tastings available, where a Jameson expert will teach you the proper way to enjoy your dram.
Guinness Storehouse - The second is of course the Guinness Storehouse. When people think Dublin, they often think Guinness. Like the Jameson Distillery, the Guinness Storehouse offers various types of tours as well as a self-guided tour. Also, admission includes one complimentary "perfect pint" at the storehouse's Gravity Bar on the top floor. The Gravity Bar offers 360-degree views of Dublin. There is also seating and great photo opportunities while you wait the two minutes it takes to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. The storehouse also has a food options, pint pouring lessons and a well-stocked gift shop.
Trinity College and The Book of Kells - Trinity College was established in 1592 and still serves as a popular attraction for tourists as well as being a prestigious university. In addition to the building itself being a historical landmark, Trinity College is also home to the Book of Kells and the Trinity College Library. It costs about $15 to get into the exhibits. The Book of Kells exhibit contains the four Gospels in Latin based on the text which St. Jerome completed in 384 A.D. The Trinity College library holds centuries-old books and even the original harp that was the inspiration for the Guinness logo.
EPIC - For those who want to connect with their Irish heritage, the EPIC Irish Immigration Museum offers an in-depth explanation of Irish emigration. Also available at EPIC is the Irish Family History Centre where guests are able to trace their Irish family ancestry.
When most think of Ireland, cuisine is not what comes to mind. However, as the capital city attracts people from all over the world, it also offers cuisines from all over the world. It's not only potatoes and fish and chips. 
-Salamanca - Spanish-style tapas
-Pickle Restaurant - Indian fusion
-The Riddler -  Farm to table
-Brother Hubbard South - Middle Eastern flair to brunch 
-Bloom Brasserie - Traditional Irish with a modern spin
It’s also easy to explore other parts of Ireland from Dublin.
Howth - Dublin is also a major hub for transportation. You can take a day trip to the countryside and experience the rolling green landscapes and charming pubs. Located about an hour from Dublin is a small fishing village on the water called Howth. Howth is known worldwide for its fresh seafood. Want to try some of the freshest fish and chips in the world? Howth is the place. 
Cliffs of Moher - Day trips to the famous Cliffs of Moher are also available. The journey takes about three hours by bus, but along the way you can see many of the country side of Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher are located in the west of Ireland where the Irish language is still spoken.
So whether you want to get close to your Irish roots or just want to experience what the Emerald Isle has to offer, Dublin is a safe and easy visit across the pond. Ireland's national airline, Aer Lingus, has flights to and from New York daily for those who want every day to be St. Patrick's Day.