If You Go: Dublin

It was a quick trip, but fun trip.  Here are our recommendations:

Hotels
The Gresham 
The Gresham's location was unbeatable - about 2 blocks from O'Connell bridge, it was an easy walk just about anywhere in Dublin - Trinity College, Merrion Square, etc.  The hotel was nice - though the bathrooms a bit dated.  I would still recommend ($180/night).

Restaurants
The Pigs Ears
This was a fun gastro-pub with a lot of traditional Irish food with a contemporary twist.  Their duck fat fries were my favorite item of the meal.  I had a beautiful rack of lamb and P had a fish dish that was equally good.  A bit pricey, but recommend

The Front Door
This restaurant is in the heart of the Temple Bar area - this is another gastro pub with contemporary Irish food.  It's a bit loud (really is a pub!) but the food was excellent.  I loved my steak sandwich and P enjoyed his shepard's pie.

Boojum's
If you're craving Chipotle, but don't have Chipotle...Boojum's is the answer!!!  It's the closest chain to Chipotle I have found - we saw it in Belfast, but finally tried it in Dublin.  It's VERY good!  Cheap and delicious!

Things to Do 
Merrion Square
My favorite part of Dublin was Merrion Square - where all of the Georgian Architecture surrounds the square.  Just love it!

Book of Kells / Trinity College
I loved the beautiful Trinity College Library!   Such a historic spot - it's EXACTLY what you think a library should look like!  Book of Kells wasn't particularly interesting to me, but if you're into religious history!

Guinness Brewery
The classic thing to do in Dublin.  This was very busy with tons of tourists, but it's an interesting tour...and has a very cool visit at the top!