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.

Sip the Whiskey, Taste the Difference Like Guinness, Jameson Irish Whiskey is another local tradition, and that makes a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery a must. I loved the comparative tasting here – a chance to taste Irish whiskey, which is triple-distilled, against its Scottish (double-distilled) and American (single-distilled) counterparts. The differences in smell and taste are astounding. You can also do a one-hour tour here – parents, the kids can tag along! – which ends with a Jameson sipper and your very own Whiskey Taster Certificate.

After Grafton, Do Temple SquareShopping reigns supreme on Grafton Street, a vibrant pedestrian promenade where you’ll find everything from inexpensive souvenirs to luxury brands. But you’ll find some wonderful shopping gems in Temple Bar. What’s more, Temple Bar hosts wonderful weekend markets: the Designer Mart and Food Market on Saturdays and the Book Market all weekend long. Stay late; the nightlife and cultural happenings here are great.

Skip the City, Visit HowthEmily Westbrooks lives in Dublin and shares her insights on her blog (fromchinavillage.com) and her guidebook (delightfuldublin.com). She thinks guests should “get out of the city for a half day,” she told me. “One of the best things about Dublin is how close we are to the sea and the mountains. With a quick train ride, you can be up in Howth walking the piers where the fishing boats come in and supply the restaurants in the city, hiking the cliff path overlooking the city, or listening to the locals (real ones!) play traditional Irish music on a Saturday night.” I recently had a great sea-to-table meal in Howth.

Celebrate Life, Visit the DeadMore than 1.5 million people are buried at Glasnevin Cemetery, and many of them have played pivotal roles in Irish history. The museum here is considered the first cemetery museum in the world and features interactive displays in three main areas that help you learn about the historical significance of those buried here. For example, the City of the Dead, an immersive exhibit in the basement, takes a look at old burial practices. And if Irish blood flows through your own veins – after all, 40 million Americans claim Irish heritage – this is a great place for personal genealogy research, thanks to meticulous record keeping that dates back to the 1820s.

Skip the Park, Do the GardensActually, Dublin’s green, in the form of wonderful parks, are perfect for strolling and relaxing amid a day of sightseeing. But the National Botanic Gardens take it a step further, allowing guests to both enjoy and learn about plant species from Ireland and around the world. There are more than 300 species here, including several that are already extinct in the wild. The onsite Herbarium has a collection of hundreds of thousands of dried plant specimens, as well as a DNA research lab. And an extensive reference catalog will keep any budding horticulturist busy. Ask about the self-guided tours, which you can download to your mobile phone.

Skip the City Guide, Go AlternativeMy travel industry friends in Dublin recently turned me on to Le Cool, a weekly online magazine that goes beyond the typical Dublin visitor tips. The folks behind this free publication focus on what’s new, fresh and alternative each week, things like street art displays, DJ performances, fashion demos, off-the-wall attractions and more. They also lead walking tours that change week to week, depending on what’s hot and happening; they are downtown based and last two hours, but starting point and stops always vary and tours are improvised depending on weather conditions.

Gabe Saglie is senior editor for Travelzoo, which features travel tips and exclusive deals to Ireland here: http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/ireland/.