The Dublin, OH foodie scene has exploded recently, and I could not have been more excited to check it all out! Dublin is located approximately twenty minutes northwest of Downtown Columbus, and is an quick 2.5 hour drive east on I-70 from Indianapolis. I was ecstatic to partner with Visit Dublin for a weekend getaway to experience this Midwest gem. It truly is a great place for a quick weekend getaway!
Dublin, Ohio Weekend Getaway
In this travel guide you will find details about where to stay, what to do, and (of course) where to eat so you can make the most out of your next trip to Dublin!
Is Dublin, Ohio Safe?
Yes, Dublin, Ohio is widely considered a very safe place to visit. It’s a clean, well-maintained suburb with a strong sense of community, and the areas visitors tend to spend the most time in, like Bridge Park, Historic Dublin, and the surrounding neighborhoods, feel comfortable and welcoming.
As with any destination, it’s always smart to use basic awareness, especially at night, but overall Dublin feels relaxed and easy to navigate. It’s the kind of place where you can walk around, explore shops and restaurants, and enjoy the area without feeling on edge, which makes it great for a weekend getaway or couples trip.
How Far Is Dublin, Ohio From Columbus, Ohio?
Dublin is located just northwest of Columbus, and it’s only about a 15–20 minute drive, depending on traffic. That close proximity makes Dublin an easy add-on if you’re visiting Columbus or a perfect home base if you want something slightly quieter while still being close to the city.
Driving is the easiest way to get around, especially if you plan to explore multiple areas or head into downtown Columbus. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available and convenient if you don’t want to worry about parking. Once you’re in Dublin, many of the main attractions, especially around Bridge Park, are walkable, which makes exploring even easier.
Where To Stay in Dublin, Ohio:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbus Dublin
We stayed at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, which is located in the newly developed Bridge Park area. The location is PERFECT because it is in the heart of all the action, just steps away from all the fun! The rooms are very spacious, and they had the lobby all decorated for Christmas, complete with a cozy fireplace.
AC Hotel Columbus Dublin
One of the newer and more stylish places to stay in Dublin, the AC Hotel sits right in Bridge Park, which means you’re within walking distance of great restaurants, nightlife, shops, and the Scioto Riverfront. The rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the rooftop bar has lovely city views that are fun to enjoy after a day of exploring.
This hotel is perfect if you want a bit more of an elevated stay and love the idea of being right in the heart of everything. It’s especially great for a couples getaway where dinner and drinks can start just steps from your front door.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
Embassy Suites is a reliable pick if you want a classic, comfortable stay. Suites here are spacious and often include separate living and sleeping areas, which is great for couples who appreciate a little room to spread out. There’s also an indoor pool and a restaurant on site, which makes evenings easy when you don’t feel like heading out.
It’s centrally located in Dublin and offers a good balance of comfort and convenience for visitors who want solid amenities without a super high price tag.
Dublin Ohio Tourist Attractions
What To Do in Dublin, Ohio:
We were amazed by how many fun and festive things there are to do in the area since we visited in December! Here is what we did during our visit:
Riverside Crossing Park
One of the most notable features of Dublin is the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge that connects Historic Dublin to its recently developed Bridge Park area. This allows for downtown Dublin to be very walk-able, and we loved how quickly we could get from one side to the other! Since we visited in December, the park was decked out in holiday décor including a large decorated tree and an ice skating rink available to the public. Get more info on the rink here.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Since we visited Dublin in December, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium had their annual Wildlights event going on! This has actually been on our bucket list for a few years, so we were so excited to check it out. They go all out during this, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen so many lights in one place before. We really enjoyed visiting some of the exhibits and seeing the different animals while there. I definitely want to come back sometime and check out the full zoo and aquarium! Get more information here.
Shop and Explore Historic Dublin
We took a quick walk across Dublin’s pedestrian bridge to do some shopping and grab a glass of wine in Historic Downtown Dublin. With its quaint shops, charming streets, and beautiful parks, it’s easy to see why this area is a local favorite. Be sure to explore the Dublin Village Center, where you’ll find a mix of boutique stores and cozy cafes. This area is full of historic architecture, and it’s the perfect spot to walk around and take it all in. We stopped in a few spots here including Boho 72 Boutique, which has the cutest clothes and accessories!
We also visited Paris 75, which the perfect spot to find a little corner of Paris in Ohio. Then we picked up some of their handmade macaroons to take to Coast Wine House and enjoy. Coast Wine House is the cutest and coziest wine shop with rotating, seasonal blends from destinations like Tuscany, Austria, Napa Valley and more, and we really enjoyed sipping on a few of their wines to finish off the trip.
Where To Eat in Dublin, Ohio:
Brunch at Kona Craft Kitchen
Kona Craft Kitchen was a phenomenal spot to grab brunch! I was blown away the moment we walked in the door. The design and atmosphere is stunning here, and the food and drinks are even better! We enjoyed some seasonal lattes including the Spiced Praline Latte, which was SO good. For brunch we tried the Big Island French Toast and the Chicken Chorizo Hash.
They also offer a variety of pastries, fresh baked bread, and cocktails. We even had a chance to chat with the owners and hear a little more about the restaurant. Overall, we were very impressed and highly recommend stopping here during your visit to Dublin!
Lunch at North Market
North Market in Bridge Park is the perfect spot to grab lunch, especially if you’re in a group of people who all want something a little different. It is set up cafeteria style with a wide variety of merchants and even a Market Bar. We started off our trip here, so I enjoyed an Espresso Martini while deciding which spot to try. We ended up enjoying food from Hoyo’s Kitchen and Lan Viet Market.
Dinner at Café Istanbul
This was our first time trying Turkish cuisine and we could not have been more impressed with everything! Café Istanbul has such a great space just outside the Bridge Park area. We immediately loved the cocktails and fresh bread and oil served, and things just kept getting better from there. For appetizers we tried the Sautéed Liver Cubes and the Sigara Borek, which were both delicious. For our entrees we had the Swordfish Kebab and Lamb Sauté. Everything was great, and the portions were a good size so we even ended up with leftovers!
Grab a craft beer at North High Brewing Co.
In between our busy itinerary we made sure to leave some time to try some local craft beer! I absolutely loved the Clark Christmas Ale with the cinnamon and sugar rim at North High Brewing. This is a very cool spot in Historic Downtown Dublin!
Additional Tips for Visiting Dublin, Ohio
Experience the Magic of the Irish
Dublin is renowned for its Irish heritage, which is celebrated throughout the year. A visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the annual Dublin Irish Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The festival showcases traditional Irish music, dance, and food, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Embrace Nature at Dublin’s Parks
For nature lovers, Dublin has more than 100 miles of bikepaths and a wide variety of parks that offer playgrounds, soccer fields, cricket fields, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, skate parks, dog parks and more.
Plan Your Visit Around Local Events
Dublin, OH hosts a variety of events throughout the year that showcase its vibrant community spirit. From farmers’ markets and art fairs to seasonal festivals, there’s always something happening. Check the local events calendar before your trip to see what’s going on during your visit.
Overall, we had a fantastic trip to Dublin, OH and it really is the perfect spot for a foodie-filled weekend getaway that isn’t too far from Indy. We will definitely be back! You can learn more about planning a trip to Dublin at: https://www.visitdublinohio.com/
