Flights from Birmingham to Dublin with Aer Lingus cost from £39* return, including taxes, for the weekend of 17-19 October. Aer Lingus also flies to Dublin from 16 other UK airports
*Fares correct on 30 September, according to skyscanner.net

What to do

The city has dozens of museums and galleries, but don’t miss the charming Little Museum of Dublin (€7, free Thurs eve). Housed in a Georgian townhouse, it tells the story of 20th century Dublin through donated artefacts. The museum’s City of a Thousand Welcomes programme pairs visitors up with locals for a pint (or cuppa) and some tips – a good call for first-timers. The city suits wandering and shopping: try the Irish Design Shop on Drury Street for colourful homegrown crafts, from stationery to jewellery.

Theatre lovers should check out the 17th-century Smock Alley Theatre, the city’s oldest, for a play or guided tour. And don’t forget Dublin’s on the coast. Take a kayak from Dalkey harbour (20 minutes from the city by train) to see the seal colony. Year-round guided tours costs €45pp (kayaking.ie).

Where to eat

James Joyce once worked in The Woollen Mills, a historic building by Ha’penny Bridge which is now a deli, cafe and bar over four storeys and a good stop whether you want a croissant or lamb ragù. For breakfast or lunch, the cool crowd like Fumbally in up-and-coming Blackpitts. The pulled porchetta won’t disappoint. For a great brunch menu, oysters and small plates, Super Miss Sue in the city centre is the place to be.

Where to drink

Most tourists flock to Temple Bar on the south bank of the River Liffey, but Dubliners stay away from the mayhem – and if you’re looking for a proper boozer you’d be wise to do the same. For a pint of Guinness at a traditional old man’s pub, try Mulligans on Poolbeg Street, Kehoes on South Anne Street or O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Cassidy’s on Camden Street is the place to go for live music on Sundays, while craft beer fans should try Against the Grain on Wexford Street.

There are several new hotspots for a cocktail, including bohemian hangout Pedal Pushing Monkey in the heart of the city and the ground floor bar of Peruk & Periwig on Dawson Street. The bar at House on Lower Leeson Street has an impressive gin and whiskey list and tasty cocktails – try the refreshing basillionaire fiz .

Where to stay

Hotels in Dublin often come with a hefty price tag, but there are affordable chic options. Try The Cliff Townhouse (weekend doubles from €163): it’s a restaurant with nine rooms, high ceilings and sash windows. If you’re on a budget, head to Smithfield Square, which is all exposed brickwork, glass and black steel, dotted with artwork and design pieces such as Tom Dixon’s fluorescent orange stools’s hip Generator hostel (dorm beds €8.50, en suite doubles from€70).