whats best to do in dublin for a weekend?

Hey guys
I have some friends coming over for a long weekend and we are staying in dublin. I dont know dublin very well at all, and was just wondering what the highlights would be to fit in for a few days, and where the best watering/eating holes are at present. Thanks very much for your time
cheers

There's this area called Temple Bar that might be worth checking out. Other than that, there's the Guiness Brewery tours. Guiness is an alcoholic drink originally from Ireland. It tastes different depending on where it's made these days; the Irish version is particularly tasty. That would be worth checking out.

A guide book will tell you the highlights so I don't know why you are asking here about that and much of what I am about to say would be found in those books but...

Yeah, Guinness Brewery, Temple Bar (the International is my preferred Temple Bar bar, but they are all much of a muchness and full of tourists etc; the Quay has lots of live music and a good restuarant upstairs; oh yeah, Gallagher's Boxty house at 20 (?) Temple Bar is good for Irish food but I think they only do Murphy's and not Guinness). Getting away from Temple Bar a little bit there are some good bars on Dawson St - Ron Black's (at the St Stephen's Green end, really small place, but there is also a larger Black's in the same street) and Cafe en Seine is worth the effort.

The national gallery has some notable Jack Yeats works (his later stuff I love) and Carravagio's Taking Of Christ but the modern art museum I found to be disappointing, mainly because it seems to be a very poor use of the large space.

If the weather is good make your way to Phoenix park just to hang out for a bit and chill. The gardens in Dublin castle are great in good weather but don't go expecting to see a castle (only the Norman tower remains of anything resembling a castle); it does have the pond after which Dublin is named (Dublin meaning black or dark pool).

Michelle,

Not that everyone is counting their pennies or cents, you and your friends can have a great free week-end by doing some of the following:

Aras an Uachtarain - Residence of the President of Ireland. Admission is free and ickets are issued at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre only on the day, on a first-come, first-served basis. – Located in the Phoenix Park a few km from the city centre

Arbour Hill Cemetery - The military cemetery at Arbour Hill is the last resting place of 14 of the executed leaders of the insurrection of 1916. Among those buried there are Patrick Pearse, James Connolly and Major John Mc Bride. Located at the rear of the National Museum of Ireland about 1.5km from the city centre

Farmleigh - Farmleigh is an estate of 78 acres situated to the north-west of Dublin's Phoenix Park. Developed in order to provide accommodation for visiting dignitaries and guests of the nation, for high level Government meetings and for enjoyment by the public. Farmleigh remains a unique representation of its heyday, the Edwardian period. Located in the Phoenix Park a few km from the city centre

Garden of Remembrance - This beautiful garden in the heart of the city is dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom. The large sculpture is based on the theme of the "Children of Lir". The garden is intended as a place of quiet remembrance and reflection. Located in Dublin city centre.

Government Buildings - The imposing complex of Government Buildings on Upper Merrion Street was undertaken by the British administration in Ireland.. Fortuitously, the complex was completed in March 1922, and was available immediately to be occupied by the new Irish Free State government. Admission is free and tickets can be obtain from the National Gallery.

National Botanic Gardens - The National Botanic Gardens is noted for its fine plant collections holding over 15,000 plant species and cultivars from a variety of habitats from all around the world. Famous for its exquisitely restored and planted glasshouses. About 3.5km north of the city centre

Royal Hospital Kilmainham - The Irish Museum of Modern Art, in collaboration with the Office of Public Works, presents the magnificent 17th century Royal Hospital. Located 3km from Dublin city centre

St. Audoen’s Church - Sited in the heart of the walled medieval city, St Audoen's Church is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. Located in the city centre

St. Mary’s Abbey - St. Mary's Abbey is one of Dublin's best-kept secrets. It was once the wealthiest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. Today only two rooms remain - the Chapter House and the Slype. Located in the city centre.

The Iveagh Gardens - The Iveagh Gardens are among the finest and least known of Dublin's parks and gardens

War Memorial Gardens - These gardens are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the beautifully illustrated Harry Clarke manuscripts in the granite bookrooms in the gardens.

National Gallery of Ireland - The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the permanent collection is free. Located in the city centre

National (History) Museum - The National Museum of Ireland - is the national repository for all archaeological objects found in Ireland and home to over two million artefacts. The archaeological collection is the primary repository of ancient Irish artefacts and an indispensable source for researchers into the development of Irish civilization from prehistoric times until the end of the Middle Ages and beyond. The period covered by the exhibitions extends from the Mesolithic through to the end of the medieval period, and includes internationally known treasures such as the Ardagh Chalice, 'Tara' Brooch and Derrynaflan Hoard. Located in the city centre.

National (History) Museum - Decorative Arts & History Collins Barracks. This branch of the National Museum of Ireland displays houses fine examples of silver, ceramics, glassware, weaponry, furniture, Folklife, clothing, jewellery, coins and medals. All of these are displayed with imagination in innovative and contemporary galleries, which entice you to go further, look harder and examine more closely.

All of the above sites are free of change but you do need tickets (which are free) to gain access to some of the places.

Enjoy!

Some superb suggestions here (especially littlefox) to which I would add:

Trinity College Dublin (admission free - just walk in!). Admission charge for the Old Library/Long Room containing the Book of Kells).

Go for a ride on the DART train to Brey. As well as getting a very scenic suburban train, you pass the property of Bono, and other well-known personalities after Dalkey. For true excitement continue one more stop to the fishing village/town of Greystones, passing through Ireland's longest rail tunnel!

For a great lunchtime meal deal, go to Romano's Italian restaurant on Capel Street (5 mins from O'Connell St) where you can get a 2 course meal and coffee for €10 - cheap by Dublin standards.

Romano's is a good choice - decent food, for old-style prices. All the suggestions by littlefox are excellent, as is the suggestion to get out to Bray. If you need a bit of fresh air, consider walking from killiney station to Dalkey. First bit along Killiney beach, then nip up the alley under the railway line, up beside Bonos house, follow the road and in 20 minutes you're in Dalkey. If you're energetic, turn left and climb up Killiney Hill for great views.

I'm very partial to St Michans church (the crypts are ace) and it's nice to take the DART to Howth for a couple of hours to see the sea and some seals.

There's a good Cuban cafe with free WiFi just off Dame St (I'm tempted to say it's called Havana and it's on Great Georges St South but don't hold me to that) and the veggie place a couple of doors along from it is awesome – again I'm not 100% but pretty sure it's called Juice. Both do early bird specials.

I find the pub prices in Temple Bar a bit steep but they're very popular with tourists for good reason. Also the Dublin writers pub crawl is pretty interesting.

As it is a long weekend you should have time to get out to the amazing Glen da lough

Kilmainham Gaol and the Museum of Modern Art (Royal Hospital Kilmainham) can be done together as they are very close.

I think the Chester Beatty Library is brilliant - and the cafe there has delicious food.

I would second the Iveagh Gardens as a really nice place for a wander. Often much quieter than St Stephen:s Green.

Cornucopia is my favourite restaurant in Dublin. It's vegetarian and awesome. Other restaurants you might like are Brasserie 66 (Great South Georges St), Saba, (Clarendon st?), Wagamamas (next to St Stephen's green shopping centre). Cafe Irie on Fownes St Upper has delicious sandwiches, pizza, wraps, bagels etc. and a very relaxed vibe. It's pretty boho and the staff are super friendly.

As for Pubs - try O'Neills, Sinnnotts, Hairy Lemon, Long Haul.

The veggie cafe Mrs Monkey mentions is indeed called Juice. It has really nice food but is kind of expensive.

Quick solution - the Hop On Hop Off Dublin Bus City Tour and Temple Bar area.
For more options than this maybe visit some of my past posts for detailed activities available in Dublin.

From the OP: Thanks very much for your time

Let's rephrase that. "Thanks very much for wasting your time on me".