See This, Skip That: Dublin

— -- In Dublin, the celebration of Ireland’s patron saint is not merely a one-day celebration. St. Patrick’s Festival is a green-themed fete that can last five days, fueled by plenty of craic – that’s the word the Irish use to describe a really good time – and thousands of international visitors. For 2015, the theme for Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is “Celebrate Now,” the second in a three-year narrative titled “Past, Present and Future.”

But even after the parade ends, and after the 750,000 or so revelers clear the city streets, the traveler’s delight that is Dublin reigns on. I’ve been lucky to visit this buzzing city a few times, and I’ve loved discovering something new every time. Never been? Here are just a few of the amazing things to see and do in the Republic of Ireland’s capital city.

Skip the Bar Stool, Do the CrawlSavoring a pint is a must, but don’t park yourself at any one pub. Literary pub crawls are a must, because they offer a multisensory history lesson. Irish actors lead you through famous Dublin pubs where native sons like Oscar Wilde and James Joyce once sipped for inspiration. (Works by William Butler Yeats will likely feature prominently in 2015, as Ireland celebrates what would have been the Nobel Prize-winning poet’s 150th birthday.) Along the way, they sing, they tell stories and they act out famous scenes, and, often, they include stops at intellectual hangouts like Trinity College. This is a fun, oft-boisterous experience that’ll have you singing (and sipping) along in no time.

For More Joyce…My colleague Michelle Brister, a producer in Travelzoo’s London office, visits Dublin often and makes a point of visiting Sweny’s Pharmacy. “It’s a funny old building in the center of Dublin, right between the National Gallery and Trinity College,” she says. “It’s supposed to have been mentioned in James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’ and now it’s a second-hand bookshop run by volunteers.” There are daily readings of James Joyce’s works here, followed by discussion. Their website lists reading times and the book-of-the-day.

Don’t Be a Spectator, Play BallGaelic games have been part of Irish life for more than 3,000 years and, during your summer visit, you’re likely to stumble upon a rousing match of Gaelic football or hurling or handball on TV. But don’t stop there. The husband-and-wife team behind Experience Gaelic Games allows visitors to learn the basics of these games, and then play them. You’re in the hands of expert trainers and participation is open to any age, gender or skill level. This is perfect for large groups traveling together – sports teams, bachelorette parties, large families – but even couples or solo travelers can be placed on a “team.”

Come for the Brew, Stay for the MealThe Guinness Storehouse is easily one of the most popular attractions in Dublin; the famous dark and foamy brew has been crafted at this very spot since the 1750s. Today, this seven-story interactive destination is where you come to learn the perfect pour (the official six-step process requires that you let the beer settle in the glass for 119.5 seconds before you top off) and to enjoy sweeping views from the top-floor Gravity Bar. But make this a meal stop, too. The four eateries here feature a bevy of Irish specialties made with Guinness beer. At the Brewer’s Dining Hall, enjoy Beef & Guinness Stew and some Guinness & Chocolate Mousse for dessert. Get a loaf of Guinness Bread to go.