Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Dún Laoghaire

"Stroll the campus greens and pretend to be a student at one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, Trinity College. Many top thinkers and creators can call this university their alma mater (ahem, Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett . . .). If you’re in the relative college age range and look comfortable enough, other tourists are bound to ask you for directions – now’s the time to practice that Irish accent!"

"Make your way back down Grafton Street to College Green, turn left and follow Dame Street to Dublin Castle. Again, the bus tour might have left you a bit underwhelmed here, so enter through the castle gates and be astonished. A walk around the area should take you half an hour, leaving you a bit of time to enjoy a coffee (both the café near the castle entrance and the Silk Road Café come recommended)."

"As the stronghold of British power in Ireland for more than 700 years, Dublin Castle has played a central - and often adversarial - role in the history of the nation. A mix of buildings from..."

"Kilmainham Gaol (jail) opened in 1796 and was operational until 1924, and those years saw major rebellions in Ireland. Many of the leaders were detained and executed in the gaol, but many ordinary citizens, including children, were incarcerated as well. There’s a haunting amount of history within these stone walls, so a tour of Kilmainham Gaol is a poignant and evocative experience that offers fascinating, albeit harrowing, insight into prison life."

"One of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe Kilmainham Goal opened its door in 1796 and finally shut in 1924. It witnessed some of the most heroic an tragic events in Ireland’s emergence an independent nation. Now a major museum visitors get the opportunity to have a real insight into the lives of prisoners and what they had sacrifice for their country."

"When you are in Dublin and want to take photos, you should definitely go to Kilmainham Gaol. This is a former prison that is now a museum. The prison played a role in the history of the country, especially at the beginning of the 20th century."

"The Little Museum of Dublin is as quirky and eccentric as the city itself. Set in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse on the periphery of Stephen’s Green, this museum will take you on a path through the last century in Dublin. And it’s far from a lackluster historical lecture—U2, and the puppets Podge and Rodge, are given as much billing as James Joyce."

"A quirky little museum on Stephen’s Green, this spot in a gorgeous Georgian townhouse offers an incredible insight into Dublin over the last 100 years. Tours are led through the old house every hour, and there’s a changing exhibition downstairs. Keep an eye out for special events, too."

"The Little Museum tells the story of the 20th century in Dublin through several rooms full of various exhibitions. It is the newest addition to Dublin’s museums since it opened in 2011 and displays over 400 artefacts. It has been generously funded by many Dubliners."

"Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time."

"Situated within the imposing 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, IMMA is an impressive setting for modern art, one with a cobblestoned courtyard, gardens, and pretty benches overlooking the grounds. The collection itself consists of more than 3,500 pieces, with about 250 works on display at any given time. Although IMMA is a bit outside the city center—about a 30-minute walk from Dame Street—you can combine it with a visit to the Kilmainham Gaol, which is 15 minutes away by foot."

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"This is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"Last but not least, Brookwood deserves a spot on this list for it's incredible meat - don't come here ordering a salad. This New York style restaurant serves up some exceptional dishes. Ideal for a big group of friends who want to indulge in great wine and a big roast at the weekend for a reasonable price."

"Brookwood restaurant on Lower Baggot Street in the city centre is known for its steak, seafood, and cocktails. All beef served in the restaurant is obtained from a single 4th generation butcher who hand cuts and delivers the meat daily. Location: 141 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin"

"Brookwood is a standout restaurant along Baggot Street in Dublin. This is the perfect culinary destination for top-class food and cocktails. The menu features the finest Vintage Reserve Irish dry-aged beef all sourced from the same butcher."

"A short walk from St. Audoen’s Church is a much more modern construction dating back to 1874. John’s Lane Church was constructed on the site of a former hospital and today is famous for the towering spire and steeple that rises over 200 feet above the city. The tallest spire in the city of Dublin, this was originally constructed solely as a unique aspect of the church and not to hold bells which were later added."

"Located a short walk from the city centre, John’s Lane Church is nestled in the centre of a bustling high street. Built in 1874, John’s Lane Church is one of Dublin’s younger parishes but still has a rich history. The beautiful structure combines grey and red bricks with a green roof which makes it an ideal spot for Instagrammers."

"Bejeweled with stunning mosaics and stained glass, construction began in 1862 on this French Gothic inspired church. Located in Dublin’s historic neighborhood, The Liberties, you’ll have lots to see around this landmark."

"We’re coming to the end of our first day in Dublin, and what better way to finish off than by watching the sun set over the River Liffey, which runs right through the centre of the city. Of course, the sunset time will vary depending on the time of year you visit, and you have to be lucky with the weather, but sometimes the sky can put on a real show!"

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"As the name would have you believe, Vegenity deals solely in plant-based produce. Their slogan is “where street food meets fine dining” and it sure lives up to that. Their new Vietnamese-inspired menu takes you through foodie paradise with drool-worthy “vish cakes” and mushroom pho that bursts with flavour."

"Veginity is a fine dining-style vegan restaurant known for its incredible flavours. Menus include all-day breakfast, an Italian-inspired dinner offering and pastries that would convince you they're full of butter if you didn't know any better, so you can satisfy your need for a decent croissant here."

"A buzzing café serving exclusively vegan and vegetarian food. What started as a food truck has now found a permanent casual dining spot serving unfussy food. Owner-chef, Mark Senn changes the menu regularly with a tasting and a la carte options."

"Last but certainly not least is Coco Bó on O’Connell Street. Coco Bó use the finest quality ingredients from all around Ireland to make a delicious selection of whipped ice-cream. If you are feeling particularly adventurous you should try their specialty- delicious ice-cream sundae’s!"

"99 hot chocolates to get you through the colder mornings - more whipped cream you say?. A post shared by Coco Bó (@cocobodublin) on Oct 8, 2015 at 1:15am PDT"

"Their team of talented staff can make even the most complicated order. They are popular for theme cakes in particular, as they can create a variety of characters and styles."

"Situated in the Dublin Docklands, Il Valentino is an innovative bakery that feels distinctly different. With a commitment to making the healthiest, most authentic baked goods possible, they use only Italian extra virgin olive oil and preservative-free flours to make their spelt, country malt-grain, stoneground loaves and other breads. They also have ‘theme weekends’ for their customers, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients – October is ‘apple comforts’ month, while November is all about chocolate and chestnuts."

"Glovers Alley is a swanky Millennial pink fine-dining restaurant on the first floor of the Fitzwilliam hotel. Dubliner Andy McFadden is the executive chef, having moved from London where he lived for 12 years, working in the prestigious Pied à Terre restaurant. Fun fact: At age 25, Andy was the youngest chef in London to hold a Michelin star, so you know he means business."

"A baby pink restaurant that is home to one of the most talented chefs in the country right now - Mr Andy McFadden. Gourmet food and a luxurious venue - what more could you want?"

"Liath, the Irish word for grey, is a fine dining restaurant created by chef Damien Grey. Grey was the co-owner of the one-star Michelin Star Restaurant, 'Heron And Grey' which closed at the start of the year. Right now, getting a booking here is like gold dust."

"On the Michelin guide for 2020, Pearl Brasserie is an award-winning find dining restaurant that specialises in French food (naturally). The basement setting is surprisingly light, while the interiors are dressed in a modern yet formal style. Classic French ingredients are employed to fill the tempting menu which showcases produce like quail, crab and foie gras."

"What’s more romantic than a single table for two in a wine cellar?. Take your seat in their intimate wine cellar or have a cosy meal by their fireplace. Either way, you’re sure to wow your date with their innovative cuisine and romantic setting."