Are you heading to
Ireland for a well-deserved break? When you stay in one of our Dublin hotels, you'll be close to some of the most iconic Irish landmarks and be able to explore everything this beautiful capital city has to offer.
History
Records show that Dublin was invaded by Vikings in the 700s, but we don't really know much about what the city was like before then. In 1169, the Brits conquered Dublin (and the rest of Ireland), continuing their rule until after WWI when the Republic of Ireland was formed. All around the city, you can see historically significant buildings and artefacts - many from medieval times - so make sure you set aside enough time to check them all out.
Things to Do
Culture vultures will love wandering the halls of the National Gallery, National Library, National Print Museum, Irish Museum of Modern Art, National Transport Museum and the City Hall Exhibition. Make sure you also visit Dublin Castle (built and added to since the 1200s), the Customs House (built in 1791), Christ Church Cathedral (built in 1028), St Patrick's Cathedral (built in the 1200s) and historic Aldborough House (built in 1796).
Dublin's cultural charm doesn't end there, though. It has recently been listed as a UNESCO City of Literature, so if you’re a bookworm, make sure you visit all the sights. In the Trinity College Old Library, there's the Book of Kells, which dates back to 800AD! Then there's the Dublin Writers Museum, the James Joyce Centre, Marsh's Library (built in 1701) and the Chester Beatty Library inside Dublin Castle. If you can, try to plan your trip around the Dublin Writers Festival in May or the ever-popular Bloomsday Festival on June 16th.
Dublin Zoo, Croke Park, Kilmainham Gaol, the National Botanic Gardens, St Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park are all excellent venues for a day trip as well.
Events
The be-all-and-end-all of events in Dublin is St. Patrick's Day on March 17, so pack your greenest outfit, practice your Irish jig and get ready to paint the town green! In the city centre, you'll be in the company of thousands flocking to see the street parade, theatrical performances, puppet shows and live music events. And in the evening, Guinness will be flowing, so make sure you've organised transport back to your hotel at the end of the night. Just make sure you remember which hotel you’re staying at!
Shopping and dining
For a bit of retail therapy, hit the shops along Grafton and Henry streets in the
city centre. Or if it's fresh produce and gourmet goodies you're after, pop by the Temple Bar Farmers' Market on a Saturday morning.
Temple Bar has the best nightlife in the city, so you'll be able to enjoy the local pub culture and sit down for a glass of Guinness just about anywhere you go. If you're serious about your drink, why not take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse?
Bewley's Grafton Street Cafe is a national icon not to be missed. In 1835, the Bewley family imported more than 2,000 chests of tea from China and started the tradition of tea drinking in Ireland. The cafe opened in 1927, and since then this family-run business has become recognisable all over the country and has even expanded to include coffee roasting and brewing. So make sure you sit down for a cuppa!
Getting here and around
To get here, nab one of these
cheap flights to Dublin and then get around by bus, train, car or bicycle. If you're arriving late or heading home in the early hours of the morning, take a look at our fantastic range of
hotels near Dublin Airport.
Don't wait another second. Book your Dublin accommodation with us now and live every lastminute!