Grogan's Pub (advertised as the Castle Bar and Lounge) is one of Dublin's iconic pubs. While it's neither the oldest (Brazenhead), classiest (Davy Byrne's), drunkiest (anywhere in Temple Bar), or most stereotypical (Stag's Head), it is an iconic piece of Dublin pub history. The last of the literary and cultural pubs, it has no music, no television, a classic barman family, and it's the busiest pub in central Dublin. While it can be hard to get a seat, it's our favorite. We'll probably be there at some point before heading to Westport, so you might see us around. For more information, give a listen to the episode of the great Dublin history podcast Three Castles Burning on Grogan's.

The Cobblestone is still one of the mainstays of contemporary trad music in Dublin. Located on the north side of the River Liffey in the neighborhood of Smithfield, it has daily trad sessions which are among the best in the city. Being a pub, and now known as a trad music haven, it can be hard to get a view of the cramped session area near the front, but still well worth the effort. We were there in June just past Bloomsday, and when whom should I see but James Joyce wandering out of the men's room. Turns out, we met the Joyce Centre's main Joyce impersonator, a milliner by trade with his documentarian in tow, who'd just retreated from a Bloomsday-themed event at the Irish President Michael D. Higgins's official residence where - gasp! - they only served wine. In need of a pint, he made his way to the Cobblestone where we chatted with him for about an hour. So, yeah...it's that kind of spot.

The Book of Kells is probably one of the most famous things to visit in Dublin, but it's worth it. Housed in the Trinity College old library, the Book of Kells is a medieval illuminated manuscript produced somewhere between the 7th and 9th centuries. As book lovers we've seen plenty of beautiful, historical books, and this is a global treasure. The library itself, tours of which must be booked in advance, contains a great number of historical items, including the "O'Neill Harp," which is both the national symbol of Ireland and (in reverse, due to copyright claim) the Guinness logo.

A couple of the most popular tourist destinations in Dublin are the Jameson's Distillery (nowadays just a tourist site, not actually a distillery) and the Guinness Brewery. Personally, we recommend booking a tour and tasting at Teeling's Distillery. The Teelings family have been involved in whiskey distilling in Ireland since the 18th century, and in 2012 they opened the first new distillery in Dublin itself since most were destroyed in the 1875 "Whiskey Fire." More intimate and artisanal than Jameson's, it's both an informative tour as well as a fantastic opportunity to taste the sort of Irish whiskey that's not poured down throats in pubs every St. Patrick's Day. Please note: The tour must be booked fairly in advance, but it's worth it.

Rathcroghan is a bit off the way, but not too far if you're driving between Westport and Dublin for the wedding. Rathcroghan is one of the ancient royal sites of Ireland, but of them it's fantastic because it's a lesser known site supported and managed by community driven preservation project. While one can simply drive past the archaeological sites to take some photos (basically a big human-made hill in a pasture), we recommend booking a tour with the Rathcroghan Visitor's Centre, where a guide will show you around the massive site, and explain its historical, archaeological and mythological significance over more than 4,000 years of human habitation, including in Táin Bó Cúailnge, one of the essential Irish myth stories. Tours must be booked in advance, and are the only way to take a plunge into Oweynagat, the "Cave of the Cats." (See photo above of Jeremy entering; bring a clean change of clothes if you want to go down but it's absolutely worth it.)

We're big supporters of the Old Irish Goat Project. A community led effort to preserve the genetic diversity and heritage of Ireland, the project is focussed on preventing the extinction of the Old Irish Goat - Ireland's indigenous landrace breed of goat with thousands of years of shared history with humans on the island - through both interbreeding with non-native species and general neglect. While the society's efforts are nationwide, their community center is less than 30 minutes away from Westport. We plan on visiting during our time there and welcome anyone who wishes to join us. Also, in lieu of gifts, which we do not expect or require, we encourage you to consider offering some financial support to the society.

The Anchor Bar is the only generally open pub on Clare Island. While the Sailor Bar (the wedding venue and one of our accommodations) will be open two days for us, this is the other main spot to drop by and grab a pint. We'll all likely be there Thursday.

One of the most important sites on Clare Island, the Abbey is a 12th century medieval church with unique wall paintings. Booking is not required and we will ensure you have information on accessibility. A beautiful walk from the Clare Island town, it's the historic tomb of the O'Malley Clan and the supposed resting place of Grainne O Maille.

An easy day hike, the Archaeological Trail on Clare Island takes you through the prehistorical sites documenting over 4,000 of inhabitation on the island. Details can easily provided on the island.

There are several restaurants and food spots on the island for the meals not provided.