For the last three years, Jonny and I have gone on mini adventures for our Anniversary, brightening up the start of the year. So far we have been to Paris, Edinburgh and this year we took ourselves off to Dublin. I feel like we have nailed the long weekend away now, focusing more on the location of the hotel rather than the room itself and booking last minute to get the best deals - £24 return flights, anyone? Oh yes.
I loved this card I found Jonny for our anniversary. Scribbler's finest.
We stayed at Temple Bar Inn on recommendation from a friend and I didn't realise quite how central it was until we got lost and discovered how far afield we had walked by mistake. It's a fun, modern hotel with THE comfiest bed I have ever experienced which made for tricky early wake ups. We were round the corner from all the sights and must sees, Trinity College, Ha'penny Bridge and Grafton Street which had a department store that even Jonny didn't mind window shopping in.
We found a couple of sweet little cafes for breakfast each morning and tasted potentially the best coffee in a place called Bean Hive. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, as all the Irish tend to be, and we were a little sad we hadn't discovered it on our first day.
We decided to go all out on our first evening and have dinner on the other side of the River Liffey in a place called The Winding Stair. After climbing the creaky staircase you reach the Cosy shabby chic restaurant with the perfect setting overlooking the river. For once I wasn't the one with food envy as I chose pork terrine followed by the most delicious roast chicken with polenta chips and gravy. Simple but perfect for the cold wintry evening.
The following night we ate at a burger place called The Counter where you can customise your own burger from scratch. Perfect for trying out something you wouldn't normally dare to add. It was a great little find, I just wish there were others around the UK. I was too engrossed in the food and completely forgot to snap some photos. You're going to have to believe me when I say it was good.
We couldn't go to Dublin and not visit the Guinness Storehouse. It was such a lovely sunny (albeit cold) day so we walked there and back from our hotel. Even if you don't like Guinness it was an interesting place to stroll round.
You each get a coupon for a free pint of Guinness (score!) and Jonny and I decided to learn how to pour our own. It was great fun learning how to do it the proper way and to top it all off we enjoyed it from the Gravity Bar which showcased a beautiful 360 degree view on the sunny day we lucked out on.
We couldn't go to Dublin and not visit the Guinness Storehouse. It was such a lovely sunny (albeit cold) day so we walked there and back from our hotel. Even if you don't like Guinness it was an interesting place to stroll round.
Please excuse the glare - There was nothing stopping that sunshine!
You each get a coupon for a free pint of Guinness (score!) and Jonny and I decided to learn how to pour our own. It was great fun learning how to do it the proper way and to top it all off we enjoyed it from the Gravity Bar which showcased a beautiful 360 degree view on the sunny day we lucked out on.
I would love to re-visit Dublin in the summer when we can make the most of St Stephan's Green and stroll around in the slightly warmer weather. It's such a beautiful, small and welcoming city and I would definitely stay at Temple Bar Inn again in the future.
