Bret & Mary
Bret & Mary
Things to Do
Our top 5
1. See the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher tower over the western coast of Ireland. They are a natural masterpiece and by far one of the most memorable experiences in Ireland.
There are many easy and affordable day trip options to see the Cliffs on Viator. We highly recommend this one hosted by Railtours Ireland that combines the Cliffs, the Burren, and Galway via train/bus. Mary and Melanie took this exact trip during their first trip to Ireland! It's a full day of adventure but well worth it.
2. Visit Howth
Howth is an Irish fishing village on the Howth Peninsula, east of Dublin, and only a 30-35 min ride away on the Dart. Once you arrive, grab a coffee from one of the local shops and head towards the sea to conquer the Howth Cliff Walk. There are a few loops but the most popular is the Howth Cliff Path Loop (Green Loop, approx 5 miles).
After getting those steps in, re-fuel with a pint and the best fish and chips or seafood chowder at The Brass Monkey. There are lots of little shops worth browsing before heading back to Dublin on the Dart.
Experiencing Howth came highly recommended to Mary during her latest trip to Ireland and it did not disappoint! It was one of her favorite days of the trip.
3. Tour the Guinness Storehouse
The Guinness Storehouse at St. James's Gate is a must-do while in Dublin. You can purchase tickets in advance or when you arrive. Tour the historical building and at the top enjoy a pint overlooking the city at the iconic Gravity Bar. If you purchase the Guinness Academy ticket, you'll also learn how to pour the perfect pint and receive a certificate to prove it!
4. The Little Museum of Dublin
The Little Museum of Dublin may be small but it's one of the most interesting places to learn about Ireland. And not just the usual stuff; each of their many relics represents a unique story. Plus, the tour is only 30-min!
The perfect afternoon in Dublin includes a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin, a stroll through St. Stephen's Green across the street, followed by coffee or a drink at the No. 27 Lobby Bar in the Shelbourne Hotel.
Or you can book the after-hours tour at the museum and enjoy a glass of wine as you go!
5. Hike the Glendalough Valley
Just a short drive from our wedding venue is Wicklow National Park; the largest of 6 national parks in the country and the only one on the east coast. One of the most popular and scenic spots in the park is the Glendalough Valley. Take the Green Loop for an easy walk or the White Route for a moderate hike. Or explore more for all levels!
Additional Recommendations
Dublin
Places to Visit & Activities
- Trinity College, Book of Kells Experience
- Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
- Phoenix Park; Great for a morning walk, run, or bike ride!
- Visit Smithfield & Stonybatter; a trendy neighborhood for brunch and shopping that neighbors Pheonix Park.
- Dublin Hop on Hop off bus; A great ticket to purchase for 2 days of transportation around Dublin with access to all the major site-seeing areas & fun facts along the way.
- Go for a swim at the Forty Foot as seen on Bad Sisters! From Pearse Station, catch the Dart train to Sandycove and Glasthule and enjoy a summer afternoon on the Irish Sea!
- See a football (aka soccer) game
Day Trips from Dublin
- Venture to Northern Ireland to see the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Dunlace Castle, Dark Hedges, and Belfast. Mary & Melanie also did this exact tour during their first visit to Ireland and it was a blast - even in the rain!
- Visit the Blarney Castle and Cork
Places to Eat, Drink, & Be Merry
Restaurants
- Note; one of Mary's favorite dinner spots in Dublin. Be sure to make a reservation!
- Glas; unique vegetarian dishes
- Fish Shop; the best fish and chips in Dublin. Be sure to make a reservation!
Bars/Pubs
- Loose Cannon; popular wine bar. Small space but if you arrive in the afternoon you should be able to snag a seat!
- Gravediggers; known as the pub with the best pint of Guinness in Dublin.
- Dukes Pub; make a stop while shopping on Grafton St.
- The Bar with No Name; great for late-night cocktails
- Cafe en Seine; restaurant by day, club by night
- 37 Dawson St; great music and a good time!
Wicklow
Our venue sits on a 150-acre estate. There is a lot to enjoy on-site including woodland walks, over 16 acres of gardens, a pilates studio, and a whiskey distillery. But we encourage guests to also get out and explore Wicklow, nicknamed the Garden of Ireland, for its rolling mountains, national park, high waterfalls, sandy beaches, and dramatic scenery.
Places to Visit & Activities
- Powerscourt Estate & Waterfall
- Mount Usher Gardens; only 10-min from our venue
- Play 18 along the Irish Sea at Wicklow Golf Club; tee times from €65 for visitors. Only 10-min from our venue
- Shopping in Greystones; stop into One Dame Lane for some unique jewelry. Have lunch at The Happy Pear.
- Go on a biking adventure with Fatbike
- Anne Sexton Pilates; right on the property of our venue
- Broadlough Estate Whiskey Distillery; right on the property of our venue
The Wicklow Coast
Wicklow is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coastlines on the East Coast of Ireland. Here are some of the best beaches and fun ways to experience the coast.
- Black Castle in Wicklow Harbor
Places to Eat, Drink, & Be Merry