I have a couple of questions regarding an upcoming trip to Dublin. I'm heading to Dublin in a week for a business meeting, but have allowed a couple of days of free time before my meetings. I land in Dublin in one week (Sunday morning), and have Sunday and Monday as free days. My wife has decided to join me as well.

Just wondering if I'll run into any problems with sites, restaurants, or pubs being closed on Sunday, especially this time of year. I'm not expecting the best of weather as well.

We're staying at The Shelbourne (Marriott property), and plan on touring the Guinness facility, Temple Bar area, etc. Any tips or destinations worth visiting for such a short trip?

I visited Dublin at this time last year, and found that most attractions ran slightly curtailed hours, so get yourself a good guidebook (my favourite is Rough Guide) or visit the tourist information office to find out what hours things are open.

Top list of things that you and your wife might like to do...
*Guinness Storehouse
*Kilmainham Gaol (guided tours only)
*Dublin Castle (guided tours only)
*Trinity College/Book of Kells
*Chester Beatty Library
*Georgian House at 29 Fitzwilliam St Lower (guided tours only)

The guided tours I've mentioned are absolutely fantastic. Really informative and I learned soooo much about Irish history, coming from having known absolutely nothing.

There are two pub crawls which are lots of fun. There's the Traditional Irish Music pub crawl, and the Literary pub crawl. Very mixed crowd, all ages, definitely not just a pissup. But in winter they only run them on Friday and Saturday nights, so plan ahead.

It's also great just wandering around the streets of Dublin. Lots of cool little shops and cafes to discover.

Your wife might also like to go on a daytrip out to Glendalough. If she goes to the tourist information office they can tell her about the various organised tours available. I really enjoyed getting out of the city, breathing the bracing country air and seeing a bit of the countryside.

Have a great trip! Claire.

Mike - as Claire says, with her very good recommendations, do check opening hours!

I would add The National Museums to that list. If you are interested in treasures of early Irish history, you just have to go out the hotel front door, turn right down the next street and walk for less than a minute and you are there! I highly recommend the Museum of Decorative arts on the quays of the Liffey at Collins Barracks (an amazing building in itself). Unfortunately, with your limited visit, they are both only open on Sunday afternoon (2pm to 5 pm) as museums are closed on Mondays. They are free to visit.

If you like art, five minutes walk away is the National Gallery of Ireland in Merrion Square (open, thankfully, on Mondays!) and a bus ride away, at the top of O'Connell Street (and open from 11 am on Sunday but not on Mondays) is The Hugh Lane Gallery

If you don't manage a trip out to the country in that short time, cross the road from the hotel and go into the peaceful green haven of St Stephens Green to feed the ducks!

PS I don't know what age group you fall into but unless you are very young and want to whoop it up at night, I would be inclined to leave Temple Bar off the 'must sees'. It is quite touristy by day and what you might call 'buzzing' at night.

Dublin Tourism do a collection of downloadable iWalks, some of which you might find useful.

Many thanks for the tips and suggestions.

Felicity, you mentioned we might want to leave Temple Bar off the itinerary. I probably should have mentioned that my wife and I are in our 30s and like to have an adult beverage (or two...).

We have traveled in Europe on several occasions and found some of the most interesting memories consisted of discussions with locals while having a cocktail or two. We have always assumed that this would certainly hold true of Ireland. We'd love to hear of some favorite Dublin pubs, etc.

Re. Temple Bar. You are only a little older than my children so go for it Mike!! You will probably love it.

My student days (oh, happy days!) were my big 'drinking' days and that was some time ago so most of the pubs of my youth have changed a lot. I knew O'Donoghues in Merrion Row when it was a 'spit and sawdust' pub (and handily for you it is within spitting distance of the Shelbourne!) and I believe it is still just as popular but perhaps you are more likely to meet tourists in there nowadays, than locals. They have live music. A few doors up from this is Toners, another old haunt of mine and I think this is frequented by a more local crowd so might have more of an 'authentic' feel. My husband and I are fond of The Old Stand (where Wicklow Street meets Exchequer Street) which has hardly changed at all and if you are really hungry at lunchtime they give you massive helpings of food, with excellent Guinness. Although they have added an international flavour to their menu they usually have some very typically Irish dishes - things like boiled bacon and cabbage, Irish stew etc.

I am sure there is someone around who is more up to date....

I'm Dublin-born and bred and suggest a trip on the DART train to Howth or Malahide. The latter is particularly lovely, with a harbour, medieval castle and model rail museum and a good selection of eating places. Howth is also on the coast, offering good views north and, if you're energetic, a 30 minute walk to the top of the head.

There is lot more on my Dublin site (please see below).

Have a great time and feel free to pm me for more information,

Peter

Just wondering how your trip went Mike - what did you do with your time in the end and how is the Shelbourne now? Actually I was in Dublin myself Saturday to Tuesday so as I walked up Kildare Street towards the Shelbourne I wondered if I was passing you and your wife in the street but I didn't like to accost likely suspects to ask them!

I was glad for you that the weather was good both of your free days. I am back there next week again.

quote:

Originally posted by felicity:
how is the Shelbourne now?

I can't speak for Mike's experience, but I spent a couple of nights at the Shelbourne last week and it was fabulous. Great location, spotlessly clean room, very comfy bed, terrycloth robe and slippers... the only thing I didn't like was the damn electronic minibar, which made it impossible to refrigerate any of your own items. I treated myself to afternoon tea, which was pricey but worth it. Overall, I thought the level of comfort and service was outstanding - I spend a lot of nights in hotels and the Shelbourne was really exceptional.