Dublin

Dublin’s hotels are packed with character. Whether you wish to stay at a boutique hotel boasting rock star owners, an imposing guesthouse or unique B&B, the Irish capital has it all. Members of U2 own The Clarence (6-8 Wellington Quay), which is popular amongst celebrities, although The Morrison (Ormond Quay) is a worthy competitor on the north bank. An old Victorian school plays host to the four-star Schoolhouse Hotel (2-8 Northumberland Road), while the Georgian-built Grafton Capital Hotel (Stephen Street) represents good value along with a prime location. For the budget traveller Isaacs Hostel (Frenchmans Lane) is to be found near the bus station and boasts plenty of personality, housed in old wine cellars.

The variety of shopping is intriguing and far-reaching in Dublin, with designer boutiques and modern department stores complemented by vintage shops and Victorian arcades. The heartbeat of the action is to be found from O’Connell Street to Grafton Street, where the renowned Brown Thomas department store (88-95 Grafton Street) is located along with the Powerscourt Townhouse shopping centre (59 South William Street). For individuality head to Temple Bar for offerings such as Whichcraft (Cow's Lane), selling contemporary crafts, in addition to the Designer Mart (Cow's Lane) which is held every Saturday. For traditional Irish crafts make for Nassau Street, or for antiques you’ll be after Francis Street. To toast the day’s escapades seek out the Celtic Whiskey Shop (27-28 Dawson Street).

Although traditional pub lunches and wholesome Irish dishes are still high on the menu, Dublin has blossomed to offer plenty more besides, thanks to a plethora of creative chefs and international influences. Splash out at the fancy two-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud (21 Upper Merrion Street), or stick to the pubs of Temple Bar for something heartier to accompany your Guinness; such as the Porterhouse Microbrewery (16-18 Parliament Street). Head into the Wicklow Mountains and take in the live music and superb views, as you take down oysters and smoked salmon at Johnnie Fox's (Ballybetagh Road) in Glencullen. Check out the Moore Street Market (Moore Street and Henry Street) for all your picnicking and lunchtime needs.

TradFest

January

Get your knees up at this five-day celebration of traditional Irish music found in Temple Bar. There’s a variety of performances to get involved with, from large concerts to informal pub sets, jams and workshops.

St Patrick’s Festival

17 March

Despite the best efforts of revellers the world over, nowhere celebrates St Paddy’s Day quite like Dublin. There’s a real carnival atmosphere in the run-up to the day itself, until you get involved in the parades, concerts and fireworks, as Ireland’s biggest street party really gets going. 

Dublin Writers Festival

May

Scholars, wordsmiths and bookworms unite at this gathering to celebrate Dublin’s long-standing infatuation with literature. Immerse yourself in the debates, readings, workshops and talks by bestselling authors. 

Dublin Fringe Festival

September 

Enjoy this cherished arts festival over more than two weeks, as a variety of venues from theatres the pubs to parks and even the cathedral put on music, comedy, dance and theatre performances.

Dublin Theatre Festival

September/October

Having left hardly any time to draw your breath after the Fringe Festival, this slightly more highbrow celebration runs for 16, days and is a worldwide draw thanks to an illustrious history of showcasing new and classic drama since the 1950s.