With 2026 on the horizon, travelers are seeking destinations rich in culture, culinary identity, and storytelling – and Dublin is having a major moment. Driving interest in the Irish capital is the new House of Guinness Netflix series centered on the iconic brewing family, which is shining a fresh spotlight on the Irish capital and inspiring travelers to explore the city through a new lens.
Dublin continues to evolve as a must-visit destination in 2026. The city’s culinary scene is thriving, balancing Michelin-starred excellence at Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen with a new generation of chefs and bars celebrating Irish ingredients in unexpected ways – from creative takes on the beloved Irish spice bag to the resurgence of poitín, Ireland’s native spirit, poured at spots like Bar 1661 and The Sackville Lounge. Meanwhile, the city’s natural wine scene continues to flourish (Row Wines and Frank’s are local favorites.)
March brings an expanded five-day St. Patrick’s Festival, transforming the city into a global stage for music, art, and culture. And with new nonstop Aer Lingus routes from U.S. cities like Raleigh-Durham, part of the airline’s largest-ever transatlantic schedule, Dublin is more accessible than ever. Looking ahead, Ireland is already gearing up to host the Ryder Cup in 2027, adding to the country’s global spotlight.
The hospitality scene is also heating up, with recent openings such as The Hoxton and citizenM Dublin St. Patrick’s adding new energy to the city’s hotel landscape. At the heart of it all, The Shelbourne, Dublin’s most iconic five-star hotel and a 200-year-old landmark overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, has announced a €50 million refurbishment led by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, further cementing its position as Dublin’s grande dame.
