Dublin

shopping
house of ireland, 011-353-1-671-1111, www.houseofireland .com. family or friends couldn’t join you in dublin? then pick up something nice for them from this top spot for souvenirs, whose inventory includes everything from claddagh rings to galway crystal.

attractions< br/>dublin writers museum, 011-353-1-872-2077, www .writersmuseum.com. it’s a little odd that an institution dedicated to the country’s greatest writers would feature a free audio guide, but that’s quickly forgotten once you begin exploring the generous exhibits and artifacts chronicling ireland’s rich literary history, which includes such classics as ulysses, dracula, and gulliver’s travels.

guinness storehouse, 011-353-1-408-4800, www.guinness storehouse.com. if we didn’t already tilt the elbow every now and again, we’d probably take up drinking after a trip to this museum of froth. housed in the brewing giant’s former fermentation room, the site reveals the process behind the world-famous suds. it also includes a rooftop bar offering one of the best views of the city — all the better to enjoy your free pint.