Dublin

About Dublin

The lively city of Dublin is the ideal spot for a fabulous city break that’s not too far away from home. If you’re here to discover more about one of its most famous exports, head to The Guinness Storehouse, a superb tourist attraction with floor after floor of fun facts about the black stuff. There’s also a great view from the top floor ‘Sky’ bar. There are plenty of other fascinating galleries and museums here, and Trinity College is a gorgeous place to explore.

Just like its people, Dublin’s hotels are bursting with personality. You’ll find everything from boutique hotels owned by rock stars to grand old guesthouses, converted schools, houses and quirky B&Bs.

Dublin boasts a fun and fashionable shopping scene where curio shops mingle with flashy department stores, designer boutiques and Victorian arcades. The city’s retail heartland runs from O’Connell Street to Grafton Street, home to the famous Brown Thomas department store and Powerscourt Town House shopping centre. Trendy Temple Bar has some unique little shops, Nassau Street is good for traditional Irish crafts, and Francis Street is the place for antiques and boozy souvenirs.

These days, Dublin has blossomed into a foodie mecca, with sophisticated restaurants offering creative menus using local produce and international flavours. Traditional Irish dishes can be enjoyed with a Guinness in Temple Bar’s many long-established pubs. Visit in January and you can enjoy the sounds of traditional Irish tunes at TradFest, a five-day musical shindig. Of course, nowhere celebrates St Patrick’s Day as riotously as the Irish capital - although book well in advance as it gets busy. Dublin hosts the country’s biggest street party, ceilidhs, parades, fireworks, concerts, bottomless pint glasses and limitless craic.