The Magnificent Macaron: 72 Hours in Dublin

Where to stay:
Hampton Hotel. Great deals can be found on Jetsetter. My rate was about $120 / night for weekend nights which is fantastic given Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

When to go:
I highly enjoyed my stay in mid November. The city is beautiful during fall and yes it is cold, but not unbearable. Hotels and flights are also less expensive because it is considered off-peak.

Day 1
What to Wear:

Mu Du Floppy Hat
J.Crew Factory Gingham Shirt
J.Crew Pixie Pant in Leather Stripe
J.Crew MacAlister Wedge Boots
Bonita Layla Coat

What to do:
Arrive at DUB Airport. Unlike many major cities, Dublin's airport is actually somewhat close to the city center which makes flying in and out a breeze.

The best way to get to your hotel is probably to take Air Coach--a bus that connects the Airport with the city center and major hotels. A round trip ticket to the Hampton Hotel is €14.

After checking in to your hotel it is most likely time for a snack. By snack I mean beer. This can be achieved in the hotel bar which is actually quite nice and not very expensive. Try the clonmel 1650-an Irish lager.

Next head over to St. Stephens Green. it's a gorgeous 20 minute walk from the Hampton. You will most likely fall in Love with all the colored doors on the way like I did.

Stroll through St. Stephen's green now.

If it's winter time you can grab a hot chocolate or better yet, mulled wine, from the Christmas Market.

Now it is time for dinner. If you're a vegetarian like me, God speed. You're better off if you eat fish so go for the fish and chips from a nearby pub. I suggest Kehoe's.

Last thing you need to do today is find some Irish music. You can find live music at most pubs or you can head over to Grafton street where there are local musicians playing on the street. They are actually pretty good too.

Day 2

What to Wear:

Nice Things Sweater

J.Crew Factory Flannel Shirt

J.Crew Minnie Pant in Stretch Twill

J.Crew Mirror Perforated Loafers

Boots Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in "rule breaker"

Sony Camera

What to do:

Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast. Vegetarians can skip the sausage, bacon and black and white pudding. How they get meat into a pudding, I do not know.

Next head over to Temple Bar Square. This is a fun and quirky little neighborhood. It's a 30 minute walk from the Hampton but the best part about Dublin is all the funky stuff to look at so take your time and enjoy the walk.

Temple Bar is a great area to grab lunch. I suggest Hippety's Cafe which has great fresh and local food and a cozy atmosphere.

Did I mention Day 2 is long and action packed? That means eat often! Now you are off to O'Connel street for a leisurely stroll. Head over to O'Connel Bridge and walk North up O'Connel Street.

The view from O'Connel Bridge.

I personally loved the Dublin Writers Museum but I recognize that it may not be for everyone. They have a great audio tour but the actual contents are a little dull.

Now head back down O'Connel Street for a wee bit o'shopping. Start with George's Street Arcade, which is Europe's oldest shopping arcade. Then head over to The Loft Market. The Loft Market houses several Irish designers and vintage collectors. I am kicking myself for not buying a handmade skirt made from Irish wool. Ugh. Student life.

You have got to be exhausted by now. Also it's probably dinner time so I suggest heading back to the hotel and enjoying a casual dinner. The Hanpton features live music most nights. Plus you need to rest up for Day 3!

Day 3

What to Wear:

Zara Coat

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans

J.Crew Tissue Tee in Navy

Cath Kidston Plimsolls

What to Do:

Having lived in a big city for 10 years I sometimes crave country life. In the sense that I want to gawk at it and take photos and then return to the conveniences of city life.... So for Day 3 I suggest heading out and seeing the Irish Country side.

I opted to book a tour with Irish Day Tours. I booked the Giant's Causeway tour which takes you all over Northern Ireland. I highly recommend it. Since it was such a long day and technically it's a whole new country it deserves its own blog post. For now I'll leave you with a few teasers.