Dublin has it all. A charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture; a wealth of history and culture, excellent shopping, world-class restaurants and friendly and welcoming people! There has never been a better time to visit

By far the best way to see Dublin is on foot, and whether you have a week or just a long weekend to discover its many wonders, a good pair of walking shoes (an umbrella) and a sense of adventure will ensure you leave with a few tales to tell of the emerald city.

City highlights

Anyone you ask will tell you that the best place to start is at Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells – written around the year 800 AD by Columban monks, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Irish Celtic art. Whether this kind of thing interests you or not, the library and surrounding cobblestone campus is worth a visit.

Leave here and take a stroll down O’Connell Street (the widest in Europe) to Henry Street. Apart from being the centre of Dublin’s shopping district, it’s also where you’ll find the Moore Street Markets – home to the fabled heroine of Dublin, Molly Malone.

Then it’s just a short hop over Dublin’s famous Ha’penny Bridge for lunch at Temple Bar. This hostelry is a must visit while in the city and the perfect place to sample its legendary black brew – if you can’t make it to the St James’ Brewery and the Storehouse, that is.

Temple Bar Square is also a great spot to explore regular food and book markets that take place every Saturday (weather permitting). It gets pretty busy at the food market so make sure you get there early!

Further up Parliament Street, Dublin Castle and the city’s famous Christchurch Cathedral afford some spectacular photo opportunities if you still fancy a bit of sightseeing after lunch and you can drag yourselves away from the action.

On the beach

Fancy leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind? Jump on a train and visit nearby Skerries Harbour. The scenic coastal town of Skerries is a great day out, especially during the summer months. Enjoy a walk along the coast, stopping along the way to admire the marvellous views, enjoy some fresh air, a plate of fish and chips and watch the boats (and if you’re lucky members of the local colony of seals) come in.

While you’re there you can also visit the famous Skerries Mills. Children love the working mills and this is a great spot for a picnic – as are Skerries beaches.

If the weather stays good, then there are plenty of other nearby beaches to explore. The Victorians turned Dublin’s seaside into a network of public and private bathing places so many still have piers and promenades today.

Best for walks and views are Tower Bay Beach, Portrane and Balcarrick Beach at Donabate. A gentle cliff walk leads from Tower Bay to Balcarrick in nearby Donabate, following a coastline of shingle. You’ll also hit Balcarrick’s sandy 3.4-kilometre stretch and its rock pools, perfect for kids who want to catch a few crabs and starfish.

Nearby Velvet Strand North and South at Portmarnock alternatively offers vast expanses of smooth sand, making it the perfect play surface, whatever your beach pastime of choice. It gets pretty busy in summer though so get there early!

Want to escape the crowds?

Then head for the sleepy fishing village of Loughshinny. With its sheltered bay and sandy half-moon beach it’s a wonder that this place has remained such a well kept secret, particularly when you consider it was home to swathes of smugglers in its day.

Also outdoors …

During the summer, why not take a picnic to Pheonix Park and enjoy a game of polo (on Saturdays and Sundays)?
Dublin's playground, Pheonix is the largest urban enclosed park in Europe, with a circumference of 11km and a total area of 712 hectares (1,760 acres). Just 3km west of the city centre, it is home to ornamental gardens, nature trails and broad expanses of grassland, separated by avenues of trees, including oak, beech, pine, chestnut and lime.

Livestock graze peacefully on pasturelands while deer roam the forested areas, and Dublin Zoo – home to more than 600 animals – is also found here. A registered charity, a visit to the zoo provides a contribution to one of its many conservation programmes as well a fun day out for the whole family.

Thirsty work

Traditional Irish music is what lots of tourists want to hear when they visit Dublin. Both played and heard with great passion in the whole country it has flourished throughout the city’s pubs and restaurants in recent years. Common instruments used for Irish music include a fiddle a bodhran, an accordian and often spoons. Mostly dance and music sessions are impromptu, but there are some regular haunts to visit – Irish House Party and The Merry Ploughboy to name two.

Other more touristy hotspots are: Johnny Foxes, the Turks Head, Stags Head, Porterhouse or sports fans are sure of a good night at Kielys and Paddy Cullens.

For those looking for a more authentic Dublin night out we recommend The Bank, The Merrion Hotel (the cellar and upstairs), Octagan in The Clarence hotel (owned by Bono and The Edge from U2), The Church and The Hole in the Wall.

 

Abu Dhabi Week likes... The Clarence

Owned by Bono and The Edge of U2, The Clarence offers travellers a boutique alternative to some of the city’s larger hotels. Located in the heart of the city on the famous River Liffey, the hotel is small, simple and elegant, decorated in a traditional style with every piece of furniture in its 49 rooms designed by Irish artisans. (www.theclarence.ie)

 

Where to stay

The Regency Hotel

Formerly an 18th century stately home, The Regency Hotel is located just north of Dublin City centre on the way to the airport. Croke Park is within walking distance and the hotel provides a shuttle service to the centre of Dublin.
Mustn’t miss: Great live entertainment in the Appian Bar on Saturdays

The Westbury

Situated on Grafton Street, The Westbury is within walking distance of St Stephen’s Green and Trinity College. At the very heart of Dublin’s premier retail and cultural quarter, the hotel is close to great shopping, great pubs and restaurants, plus great theatres and nightlife.
Mustn’t miss: A bite in one of its four restaurants and bars (including the Gallery for afternoon tea)

The Westin Dublin

Once the grand HQ of an Irish bank, The Westin Dublin occupies its own city block in the centre of town. Trinity College is directly opposite, the Temple Bar is on your doorstep and Grafton and the O’Connell Street Bridge are just a few minutes away.
Musn’t miss: Dining in the Art Deco surroundings of the Exchange Restaurant

Carton House

A restored historic mansion, Carton House has been transformed into a luxury retreat featuring two championship golf courses and a renowned spa. The hotel is just a 40-minute drive from Dublin.
Mustn’t miss: A visit to the spa, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room

Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club

Set within 400 acres, Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club enjoys views of the Irish Sea on one side and the spectacular Wicklow mountains on the other. The hotel is located 20 miles south of Dublin.
Mustn’t miss: A round on one of the hotel’s two championship golf courses