Dublin weekend

Steelbasher

The OH wants to go to Dublin for the weekend at the end of May for her birthday but I've got the impression it's full of stag do's. Any advice would be appreciated, as would any info on good hotels with spa/health clubs.

StudentSaver_2

Haven't stayed here myself, but you can have a look at this hotel: http://www.thegrand.ie/

Do a search on lastminute.com or any travel website and have a look at what comes up for the dates you request.

crazyhazel

We went to Dublin a couple of years ago stayed at Jury's hotel in Dublin a great hotel but the bathroom was strange.

http://www.gomeo.com/travel/hotels/search/dublin%20hotels/s$-$google/k$-$dublin+hotels

should give you some direction. A visit to the Guinnes factory is a must as is the Jameson distillery. Take an open top bus tour as soon as you get there - (you can hop on and off at various points) it is a very good way of getting your bearings!

If you have a car take a drive to Swords and have lunch in the converted railway station - fantastic.

We had such a great time when we went I wish I were coming with you!!!!

Have a great time:beer:

alchemista

We just got back and found the cheapest rate at Day's Inn city center at 71.25 euro.

SteveyJC

be warned though, drinking in Dublin is very expensive. 5 or 6 Euro a pint is the norm. Oh and you cant smoke indoors if that bothers anyone (Personally I think it's great)

Stevey

StudentSaver_2

SteveyJC wrote:

be warned though, drinking in Dublin is very expensive. 5 or 6 Euro a pint is the norm. Oh and you cant smoke indoors if that bothers anyone (Personally I think it's great)

Stevey

The last time I was down, it was €4 for a pint of Guinness....everything else was €4-€5 a pint.

If you go abroad, the local alcohol is always cheaper...in this case it's Guinness!!

searcher30

hi there
well after living there for a bit i would recommend going a great pub called Cafe en Seine and round the corner from there the Baileys but i would ay Cafe en Seine.
yes there are a lot of English hen nights but that is really in the tourist area of Temple bar. i would recommend you hang out otherwise in the Grafton Street area. also good shopping.

briona

Steelbasher wrote:

The OH wants to go to Dublin for the weekend at the end of May for her birthday but I've got the impression it's full of stag do's. Any advice would be appreciated, as would any info on good hotels with spa/health clubs.

Hi Steelbasher

I'm from Ireland and lived in Dublin for a few years before moving to the UK. It's not cheap, but is not as full of nasty stag/hen dos as it was in earlier years. Avoid Temple Bar area as if there are any stag parties over there, that's where they'll be.

The obvious [although not at all cheap] hotel is the Clarence – owned by U2 [see link below] – it's even got a spa area...

http://www.theclarence.ie/

Shopping-wise, Grafton Street is both within easy reach and also the best with designer stores like Brown Thomas [now owned by Selfridges] and BT2. Other than that, over the North side you have Henry Street, just off O'Connell Street. However as VAT is 21% in Ireland [as opposed to 17.5% here] there are not many bargains to be had!

Dublin is full of great places to eat, my favourites being Mao – a Thai restaurant which doesn't always require booking in advance [see first link below] and Acapulco – a stunning Mexican restaurant with top-notch maragaritas! [see second link below].

http://www.ireland-guide.com/establishment/mao_cafe_bar.4307.html
http://www.ireland-guide.com/establishment/acapulco_mexican_restaurant.4238.html

In short, Dublin is not cheap but it is a great city, easily navigated, with good transport links to the suburbs. It has tons of museums, galleries etc, and you will undoubtedly have a great time...

Briona

Steelbasher

Thanks to everyone who replied, all your advice is greatly appreciated :beer: