Dublin City Breaks

A guide to Dublin

It is hard not to fall in love with the fair city of Dublin. It offers all the familiar trappings of a British way of life, yet has a refreshing openness and irrepressible spirit that is all too rare nowadays in modern UK cities. Trips here are not short on fun, with a legendary pub scene and a great range of fascinating kids’ activities, but there are also a number of magical historic sites to explore. First-timers should take a tour of the imposing Dublin Castle, and stroll through the delightful cobbled courtyards of hallowed Trinity College. More modern attractions not to be missed include the ever popular Guinness Storehouse tour, and kids will sure to have a wild time at Dublin’s famous old zoo.

Magical history and high jinks

If time is a little limited on a weekend break to Dublin, the best way to take it all in is on an organised city tour. There is everything from literary pub crawls, walking tours, a hop-on hop-off bus, and even amphibious road and river cruises. Having said this, the city is indeed compact and is never more colourful than simply exploring at will. This is never truer than for bargain hunters, as there are loads of small hidden side roads off the main shopping artery of Grafton Street, which are home to countless small boutiques, antique and junk shops, sure to throw up a few eccentric gift ideas.

Fun-filled city centre, legendary late nights

Drinking and having fun is what Dublin does best, and it would be criminal not to indulge in a night out in a traditional pub at least once. You can also enjoy riotous partying in the trendy Temple Bar district, a plethora of student-orientated live music bars and kicking late-night dance clubs. Visitors to Dublin can find charming guest houses right in the middle of all the action, and a little off the main tourist beat are plenty of cheap eats, and delicious pub grub at great value prices.