A Guide For Your Guests at a Dublin Wedding If you’ve ever been to a destination wedding, you may have encountered a list of recommendations for things to do and places to go in town. Particularly these days when so many couples are able to set up their own websites in advance of their weddings, there are often a few pages or lists devoted specifically to making sure guests are comfortable and entertained wherever the destination is. While the wedding is always the main event, it’s understood that some guests may have an extra night or day (or two or three) on either side of the celebration. Thus, it’s always a nice idea to provide this kind of resource. To some extent, these guides are meant to come from the couples. They demonstrate what a couple perceives to be the best local places to eat, drink, and hang out, and in some cases, they include places of special significance to the couple. Below, however, we’re providing a more general guide that might at least give you a head start if you’re planning a Dublin wedding that friends and family will need to travel to.
Where To Eat
Rosa Madre - Rosa Madre is located on Crow Street in the Temple Bar area, and while the surrounding establishments tend to be packed with tourists, it’s a little bit more intimate. It actually has a reputation as a place that can give you a particularly authentic taste of local seafood, in part because the owner personally explains preparations to patrons!
Chameleon - A 2012 review described this lovely Indonesian restaurant as
an oasis of calm in an otherwise turbulent neighbourhood. It’s a difficult description to take issue with given the Chameleon’s location, just around a corner from the bustling Temple Bar area, and it expresses what’s so charming about the place. It’s comfortable, comforting, and surprising, and gives you a perfect chance to duck away from the crowds of the city centre and enjoy an authentic Indonesian meal to die for.
Dax Restaurant - This is a slightly fancier option, but well worth it for anyone seeking a nice night out. Despite its somewhat ambiguous name, Dax Restaurant is a French establishment, run by local chef Graham Neville with assistance from French restauranteur Olivier Meisonnave. It’s tucked away on Pembroke Street and is a wonderful place to eat.
Where To Drink
Grogan’s - Located on its own corner on South William Street, Grogan’s is a popular choice among those who simply want a pint or two in simple but authentic surroundings. It’s not an elaborate bar, either in terms of setting or menu, but it has a certain charm to it, and if you’d just like an easy place to have a beer, keep it on your list.
The Palace Bar - The Palace Bar is exactly what a lot of people are looking for in a Dublin watering hole. While the facade of floral arrangements is a bit unexpected, the inside is an old, cosy, and authentic two-story bar with a healthy selection of Irish whisky and local brews. Many would argue that The Palace Bar is the best bar in the city.
Farrier & Draper - For anyone seeking a drinking establishment with a more unique personality, Farrier & Draper is the way to go. It’s a fully stocked bar, but one that’s designed like some kind of warped genius’s lounge space. There are colourful pieces of furniture in all shapes and sizes, and there are framed paintings covering just about the entire interior. It’s a weird but lovely place for a drink, particularly with some fellow friends from out of town who can appreciate it with you.
Entertainment
Abbey Theatre - The theatre scene in Dublin is quite famous, and the Abbey Theatre is right at its centre. It was actually founded by the poet and writer WB Yeats right around the turn of the 20th century and is now known as the national theatre of all of Ireland. Needless to say, anyone, who has a chance to catch a show there should do so.
Croke Park - Croke Park is the primary local sporting venue in Ireland, and it gives visitors a chance to see some sports that aren’t necessarily popular out in the world. Specifically, GAA sports like hurling and Gaelic football are played at Croke Park in front of large, enthusiastic crowds. Either can make for some wonderful entertainment on a free night or afternoon during a wedding weekend.
Fitzwilliam Card Club - The last 15 years or so have seen lots of buzz surrounding
online casino games. Sites supporting these games have grown enormously, and
developers have put a lot of time, energy and creativity into making the experience fun and realistic. Here and there in Ireland and the UK real-life casinos linger on though, and the Fitzwilliam Card Club in Dublin is one of the finest examples. Elegantly understated, it’s a classy place for a few games of cards, and maybe just the thing for guests who want to break up the trip with something unexpected.
Things To See
Christchurch Cathedral - As you might expect of the capital of a country with such a rich Catholic history and tradition, Dublin has its share of impressive cathedrals. As far as sightseeing goes though, Christchurch Cathedral is probably the best of the bunch. It’s a beautiful, strong structure that was built in the 11th century but has been renovated and maintained to perfection over the years.
Trinity College Library - Counted among the world’s greatest libraries and
housing the largest collection of books in Ireland, the “Long Room” at Trinity College Library is the kind of place you have to see in person. It’s a gorgeous, striking room with a high, arched wooden ceiling and multiple floors full of high stacks of books. To put it bluntly, you feel more academic just looking at pictures of it!
St. Stephen’s Green - St. Stephen’s Green is one of the main local parks, and it’s a special one as compared to so many other big city parks. While most such parks are rather massive, St. Stephen’s Green is one you can fully explore, given that it’s just over 20 acres in size. Thus, it’s a perfect refuge from the busy city (and located just steps from one of the most popular shopping areas), but one you can enjoy over the course of just an hour or two before moving on with your exploration of the city. Among the park’s attractions are a duck pond and a bust of the famous author James Joyce.
