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    CultureMap Travel

    First-timers guide to Dublin: 10 fun and fascinating things to do in charming Irish capital

    Marcy de Luna
    Nov 8, 2017 | 1:40 pm

    From amazing architectural gems to can't-miss restaurants and bars, there is no shortage of interesting things to see and do in Dublin. What's more, with the holidays not too far away, there's no better time to visit the capital of the Republic of Ireland, when Grafton Street, one of the city's main shopping thoroughfares, is decked out with twinkling lights and ornate trees.

     

    That's the time of year I made my first trip to Dublin with a select group of travel and food writers hosted by Guinness Storehouse. While I was only there for four days, we made the most of our visit, hitting up a large number of landmarks and restaurants.

     

    But with so many "must-see" attractions in the charming city, deciding how to spend your time can be a task; thus, we’ve narrowed down the list for you. Here 10 fun and fascinating options that are sure to make for an unforgettable first visit to Dublin.

     

     Where to tour:

     

     Saint Patrick's Cathedral
    Founded in 1191, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. It’s the largest church in Ireland and, including a 141-foot spire, it’s also the tallest. From in 1860–1865 it underwent major reconstruction, paid for by Benjamin Guinness, the grandson of Arthur Guinness, and inspired by the fear that the cathedral was in danger of collapse. The revamp dates much of the current building and striking decor to the Victorian era.
     Insider tip: Look downward at the floor tiles, which incorporate boars into the mosaics, a symbol of the Guinness family.

     

     St. Stephen’s Green
    Catch a breath of fresh air at the scenic St. Stephen's Green. An oasis in the middle of town, the city park boasts sculptures spanning four centuries of history, involving important figures such as Arthur Guinness and Irish politician Countess Constance Markievicz. There's also a playground, various species of birds and plants, and a garden for the visually impaired.
     Insider tip: Download the park’s app to score a free audioguide tour.

     

     Trinity College Library
    Constructed in the mid 18th century, the the Old Library building located on the campus of Trinity College Dublin attracts more than half a million visitors annually. Take in the view of awe-inspiring Long Room with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books in its oak bookcases. And get a first-hand view of 9th century gospel manuscript, the Book of Kells, and the Brian Boru harp, which dates back to the fourteenth/fifteenth century and is the official emblem of Ireland, appearing on the Presidential seal and every Irish passport. As well, it's used in the coat-of-arms of the National University of Ireland and, backwards, as the symbol of quintessential Irish brew, Guinness.
     Insider tip: Note to Star Wars fans: In Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, George Lucas allegedly included images of a library, similar looking to the Long Room.

     

     Little Museum of Dublin
    At nonprofit museum Little Museum of Dublin, you'll find a uniquely-quirky collection of memorabilia donated by the public. Housed in an 18th century Georgian home, around 5,000 items, chronicling the history of the city in the 20th century, are showcased in several themed rooms, from Writers of Dublin, with collectibles tied to such Irish authors as Oscar Wilde and Roddy Doyle, to U2: Made in Dublin, an exhibit featuring musical rarities, signed albums, photography, and more.
     Insider tip: Guided tours sell out fast. Book ahead.

     

     Croke Park
    Calling all sports enthusiasts: Croke Park serves as headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and as the principal stadium, with a capacity of 82,3000, for Gaelic sports (football, hurling, handball, and camogie, an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women). It’s also home to the GAA Museum, which displays items reflective of the history the Gaelic games, from ancient times to the present day (think the original Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy Cups, a Hall of Fame, and an interactive games zone).
     Insider tip: Book a ride on the Ericsson Skyline. The rooftop walkway, 17 stories tall with panoramic views of Dublin, is the town's highest open-viewing platform.

     

     Guinness Storehouse
    Although St. James's Gate Brewery hasn’t been open to the public since 1972, the Guinness Storehouse, set in the heart of the brewery, is one of Dublin's major tourist attractions, drawing more than 1.6 million visitors in 2016. Enter the massive steel-framed facility, completed in 1904, to find seven floors of interactive experiences, from a behind-the-scenes look into the process of crafting the Irish stout, made with only four ingredients: water, hops, yeast, and a secret ingredient that sets the black stuff apart from the pack, to lessons in perfecting the six-step,119.5-second, perfect pour at Guinness Academy. Cap off your tour with a ice-cold brew at rooftop gathering spot, Gravity Bar, with sweeping views of the city, or at in-house brasserie, 1837 Bar and Brasserie, with fare from beef to Guinness stew to baked sea bass.
     Insider tip: Splurge for the intimate connoisseur dinner (€55.00 or approximately $65 per person). Held inside a hidden bar, tucked away in a secluded area of Guinness Storehouse, the experience includes a seven-course meal crafted around the most popular Guinness labels.

     

     Where to eat:
     
     Queen of Tarts
    Sisters Regina and Yvonne Fallon, who trained as pastry chefs in New York City, returned home to Ireland to open their own cafe, Queen of Tarts, in 1998. Dig into homemade buttermilk brown breads, daily-made soups, sandwiches, and sweets including Bailey's chocolate chip cheesecake, lemon meringue tart, and raspberry scones.
     Insider tip: Layer your scones with utterly-delicious clotted cream, a thick cooked (not whipped) cream made with cow's milk.

     

     Fade Street Social
    Celebrity chef Dylan McGrath rose to prominence as a former Masterchef contestant and as head chef at defunct Mint restaurant, where he received a Michelin star. At his signature gastropub, Fade Street Social, expect Irish fare, from crispy lamb tongue to beef with truffles to braised rabbit. McGrath's other Dublin eateries include Rustic Stone and Brasserie Sixty6.
     Insider tip: The 8,000 square-foot space includes The Gastro Bar. Grab a pre- or after-dinner cocktail at the speakeasy, located on the street level.

     

     Where to drink:
     
    The Long Hall

    Drink up at The Long Hall, one of Dublin’s oldest and most beloved pubs. Dating back to the 1860's, the walls at the charming Victorian venue are adorned with engravings of the dealings of Russian Emperor Paul I with Polish patriot Kosiusko and the bar top was once ranked the longest in Ireland.
     Insider tip: While there’s no shortage of beverages here, there’s no food on the menu. Eat before you go.

     

     Temple Bar
    Despite the crowd at tourist hub, The Temple Bar, the iconic gathering spot offers much to be appreciated, from boozy bar offerings to live music to DJ sets.
     Insider tip: Smokers rejoice. The pub has several small rooms and a central area where you can puff away.

    Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, was founded in 1191.

    Houston, St. Patrick's Cathedral dublin, Sept 2017
      
    Courtesy of cntraveller.com
    Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, was founded in 1191.
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    2025 world's best awards

    6 Houston hotels ranked with the best in the world by Travel + Leisure

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 8, 2025 | 2:30 pm
    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
    Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
    The Houstonian is back on top as the best resort in Texas.

    Several renowned Houston hotels and resorts were just declared the best in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, according to the publication's annual World's Best Awards.

    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was honored as the No. 1 best resort in Texas, while the prestigious Post Oak Hotel ranked as the No. 7 best hotel in the nation. Among T+L's list of the 15 best hotels in Texas, four more distinguished Houston properties made the cut.

    Every year, Travel + Leisure surveys its readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2025 survey had more than 180,000 responses from T+L readers with over 657,000 votes across 8,700 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

    The Houstonian Hotel reclaimed the top spot for 2025 after previously slipping into No. 4 in 2024. The publication celebrated this "serene sanctuary" for its numerous sports and fitness activities, plus its rejuvenating 26,500-square-foot spa, pool, and jacuzzi. The resort's location next to Memorial Park also provides guests with the feeling that they've escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.

     The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa “The staff treats you like you are a long-awaited family member," said a T+L reader.Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

    "Resort guests receive complimentary access to the fitness club, which has dedicated spaces for a myriad of sports, including nine tennis courts, a shaded jogging trail, an indoor track, and a lap pool," the report said. "On top of the unbeatable facilities and location, the Houstonian’s memorable hospitality had our voters eager for repeat visits."

    In a press release, general manager Steve Fronterhouse said the entire Houstonian team was honored to receive the worldwide recognition.

    "To be named the best resort in Texas by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure is not just a reflection of our 27 acres and amenities; it’s recognition of the Southern hospitality and warmth our staff delivers every day," he said. "We are grateful to all of our guests who continue to make The Houstonian their home away from home.”

    The full list of best Texas resorts, in order, are:

    • The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
    • Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
    • JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
    • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
    • Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine
    Best hotels in the U.S.
    In addition to being ranked among the top 10 best hotels in the U.S., The Post Oak Hotel was also hailed as the No. 1 best hotel in Houston. The hotel succeeds at providing guests with a flawless level of service and accommodations, while its on-site restaurants and bars add to the overall opulence of the property's amenities.

    "And naturally, there's a world-class spa on site and a Rolls‑Royce showroom in case you need to pick up a new ride," the report said.

     The Post Oak Hotel Stay in style at The Post Oak Hotel.  Photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel  

    A T+L reader said The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel is "a destination in itself" and noted that guests could still have a memorable experience in Houston even if they never step foot off the 700,000-square-foot premises. But if guests did choose to explore everything the city has to offer, the hotel provides an over-the-top travel method.

    "There is a rooftop helipad so that you don't even have to sit in Houston traffic if you don't want to," the reader said.

    The full list of Houston winning hotels, in order, are:

    • No. 1 – The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
    • No. 2 – Hotel ZaZa
    • No. 3 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
    • No. 4 – JW Marriott Houston Downtown
    • No. 5 – Hilton Americas-Housto

    Other Texas awards
    San Antonio's Hotel Emma and Fort Worth's Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection were the only two other Texas properties to earn acclaim in T+L's list of the "15 Best City Hotels in the U.S."

    San Antonio was also deemed one of the best U.S. travel destinations in 2025, ranking 12th out of 15 total cities.

    In a release, Travel + Leisure editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said the 2025 World's Best Awards "reflect a travel landscape in motion."

    "From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place," Gifford said. "We're thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences."

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