Dublin

Have now decided to take the GF away for her birthday. The plus side is she is born over the first May Bank Holiday weekend which means we get an extra day away but sadly also means its a bit more expensive. Having thought about Brussels, Paris and Dublin, it seems that Dublin has won, partly thanks to the lure of the Guiness and Jamesons factories [:w].

So advice please. I have never visited Dublin. Where is good to stay? Whats good to see? Wheres good to eat? I would prefere a hotel that is in a good location but not around the less desirable areas of the City. Put it this way I don't really want to be overlooking the Irish equivalent of Oxford Street or Leicester Square.

I know that Pete started a thread last month on Dublin hotels but I having never visited the city and I did not really have a clue about the areas being suggested. So any advice would be gratefully received.

I went there a few years ago with my GF and we really enjoyed it, except for the fact that it tipped it down for most of the 3 days!
Temple Bar seems to be 'where its at' in terms of night life, but there some nice shopping as well as the University which is an interesting tour.

Originally posted by willd

So advice please. I have never visited Dublin. Where is good to stay? Whats good to see? Wheres good to eat? I would prefere a hotel that is in a good location but not around the less desirable areas of the City. Put it this way I don't really want to be overlooking the Irish equivalent of Oxford Street or Leicester Square.

We enjoyed The Clarence...

http://www.theclarence.ie/

overlooking the Liffey, away from the hubbub but close enough to get there if you need to..

Paul

We stayed at The Shelbourne overlooking St. Stephen's Green last September. The hotel was lovely, the area nice, and we could walk to lots of things from it. We were able to use Marriott points to get our room free, which was an added bonus! [y]

The Shelbourne because of its location without doubt. Its surrounded by many of the new and older bars , great restaurants etc. If you like a good steakhouse 'Shanaghans on the Green' is the no1. The Shelbourne itself has a lovely restauant and only 10 mins walk away is the restaurant Deap La Shaker , a modern Thai restaurant with a real party / Irlsh feeling as well.

The Westbury is also ideally located but not as good as it used to be.
Temple Bar is nice to visit during the day but its not for me at night - Full of Stag nights etc.

Enjoy and pm me if you need any further information.

[Pete]

I plumped for the Westin Dublin in the end. Using the special offer of 2 nights free for a 4 night stay, it worked out cheaper than most comparable properties; it is in Temple Bar, which might not be your cup of tea though.

I'll be there from the 4th - so might see you for a pint, Will

Pete

Have a ball Pete - The Westin is really nice as well - I not eaten there but I would imagine its good - Dont get me wrong about Temple Bar , you will love it but I would not hang out there once the clubs start opening etc. It just starts getting a bit messy - Head up to Dawson Street and go to Ron Blacks - Its one of those 'super pubs' that really has to be seen to be believed. Also beside Blacks is CafŽ En Seine -Now this place is huge - Go for an early drink in the Shelbourne - Its really nice but get there early as it packs up. Ask the hotel consierge about some of the restaurants I have mentioned - There are loads of cool cafes also down Temple Bar as well. Off the main shopping street (Grafton Street) there are loads if great tradional Irish bars as well for you to have a 'pint' - Have a blast and let me know how you get on - Would love to meet up with you for a beer but its my wifes birthday that weekend so we have things organised etc -

Cheers,

Keith