“Dublin is a city of stories and secrets.” - Unknown.

Even on a rainy day, the route into Dublin boasts singing rolling hills.

The city itself whispers and whistles.

Stepping off the Airlink at Talbot Street (it had to be done), let the wind take you along the winding streets, dodging the trams, to the river.

Passing the many vintage, souvenir and chain stores, you may either stop for a coffee and raspberry scone at Insomnia, or cross the river.

If you’re into history, you may wish to enter the Dublin Palace. If not, take a left and stroll through Temple Bar, admiring the sweet little pubs. Take a slight right and wind up on one of the backroads, say, in front of the Blossom Hotel, admiring the graffiti.

If not your thing, make your way through to Trinity College where history awaits you. You may wish to take a tour - but beware the queues on a Saturday - or stop in for a coffee.

Dublin is full of surprises round every corner. Cafes and hotspots somehow fit into the most unlikely of places. Hotspots like the Zozimus Bar, famous for its suspended umbrellas, hidden away in a corner near St Stephen’s Green. Rather than part of a long street as I had initially imagined.

Then there are the pubs. Not only nestled in cosy places, but cosy places to nestle.

One such place I was happy to encounter was Arthur’s. On Thomas Street West, where an Irish coffee is necessary and the house soup delicious. The perfect combo for a crispy Autumn afternoon.

Before making your way to the Guinness Storehouse.

Enter using your prebooked skip-the-line ticket and place your belongings into the cloakroom so you can free yourself up for an afternoon you will never forget.

Expanding five floors, the Guinness Storehouse is a journey that takes the visitor through the process of making ‘the black stuff’. Or should I say, ruby red.

From the field to the impressive advertising history, there is a lot to be learned. And that is before the tasting and the art of drinking Guinness properly even begins. Plus the Irish dancing barmen and women. AND the free pint, live folk music and Sky Bar.*

Do not bother with a gift box.

Instead, gather your things and make your way back to Heuston Station. Take the Airlink back to the airport.

On your way through duty free, may I suggest a last minute boost in the form of a Cadbury Tiffin?

Take a seat - and grab a spare plug if you can - and await your flight.

It has been a long day, but the stories will be worth it.

Would you add anything else to the experience?

Han x

*Thank you icelolly.com for arranging the Guinness Storehouse visit!