Dublin

Dublin Travel Guide

• About Dublin

Dublin has it all: a charming mix of medieval, Georgian and modern architecture, fascinating history, a legendary literary tradition, plus all the cosmopolitan delights of a dynamic capital city. Home to one of the youngest populations in Europe, modern Dublin is awash with chic bars and upmarket restaurants, while many of the rundown areas have been given a swanky makeover. For all the talk of spent Celtic Tigers and Eurozone woes, the city remains affluent in culture and art, and has an equally rich history to match. A short stroll through the centre is enough to remind you of all three, whether it’s mediaeval castles and cathedrals or the plaques that honour James Joyce, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. Such literary prowess is nothing new and builds on what was begun 1,000 years ago when Dublin was a haven for monks who would use their time to produce spectacularly beautiful versions of the Bible. The best surviving example of this is the famous Book of Kells dating from 800 AD, which is now on show at Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university. The city swarms in museums, with the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library, the National Gallery and the cute Little Museum of Dublin among the most interesting. All this is backdropped by the bulk of the 13th century Dublin Castle which, while built by the English, is now as Irish as anywhere else in the city. Those who take a more literal approach to getting a taste of city life will find plenty to occupy them at the Guinness Storehouse, which along with providing a snapshot into the history of brewing, allows ample opportunities to sample the black stuff. No less tasty are the weekly food markets, in particular the Ballymun, which sees farmers from the surrounding, emerald green countryside set up shop in the capital.

• Dublin History

Dublin’s earliest years are the subject of debate among historians but what is certain that by 988AD, the Norman Vikings had established a settlement at Wood Quay. Many invasions followed, most notably by the Danes, who remained until 1171 when they were forced out by Henry II of England. Until the 17th century, Dublin was still a small, walled medieval town and a backwater in an English empire. That would all change following the English Civil War, when Oliver Cromwell paid a visit in 1649. By the end of the 17th century, Protestant refugees from the Europe had poured into Dublin, boosting its size and filling its coffers. The rise of the British Empire brought further prosperity, although at a price: as the aristocracy grew rich, Roman Catholic peasants were oppressed and remained poor with many choosing to immigrate to the New World. The seeds of rebellion were sown and in 1916, the Easter Rising, staged while British eyes were turned towards WWI, paved the way for independence. In 1921, following heavy fighting, the Irish Free State was declared and Dublin became its capital. Much of the 1940s and 50s were spent building institutions and repairing damage left from the Easter Rising. But when the Troubles in Northern Ireland rose in the 1960s, it caused problems for Dublin too, most notably through bomb attacks. Deprived inner city areas became notorious over the same period for drug-taking, organised crime, unemployment and poverty, with the result that many more citizens fled to the US. Much of that came to an end during the boom years of the 2000s when Dublin, enjoying an unexpected surge of prosperity, became wealthy and attracted immigrants from all over Europe. But the 2009 global meltdown brought the end of the party, with Ireland hit particularly hard by the recession and leaving the capital littered with empty construction sites. Although still not fully recovered, life and prosperity are gradually returning to Dublin.

• Did you know?

The city got its name from the original settlement’s site beside a ‘dubh linn’ – Gaelic for ‘black pool’. Modernist author James Joyce was born in Dublin, where he set his influential novel Ulysses. Ireland’s oldest pub is in Dublin. There has been a pub on the site of the Brazen Head since 1198.

• Weather in Dublin

These days, Dublin is a year round tourist destination. The most pleasant time to visit is in summer when the mercury lifts up to t-shirt wearing levels, a flurry of pavement cafés embrace the weather and locals sunbathe en masse in St. Stephen’s Green. This is the best time too for cultural and music performances. Spring and autumn appeal as tourist numbers dip. Winter can be dark, cold and wet, but the main attractions tend to be much quieter and there are more opportunities to enjoy the ‘craic’ in the pubs as locals hide away from the elements at bars.

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Things to see in Dublin

Attractions

• Dublin Castle

Dating from Norman times, Dublin Castle has had a coloured history since its construction in 1204. Memorable tales here bring back British rule, the kings of old and stolen state treasures. Admission to the main building is by guided tour only, running every 20 to 30 minutes. The courtyard and impressive Chester Beatty Library (beside the gardens) are worthy explorations too. Address: South Central Dublin, Dame Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 4 6942 2213 Opening times: Daily 09:45-17:45. Website: www.dublincastle.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Trinity College Dublin

Visitors can drift among the ghosts of artists past in one of the world’s most famous centres of learning. Jonathan Swift, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and many other seminal thinkers and writers studied at Ireland’s oldest university, which was founded in 1592. Its main attraction is the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript dating from around AD800, which is displayed in the magnificent Old Library. Address: South Central Dublin, College Green, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 896 1000 Opening times: Daily 09:30-17:00. Website: www.tcd.ie Admission Fees: Yes (for The Book of Kells and tours); free access to campus. Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Kilmainham Gaol

A former prison that housed the leaders of failed uprisings against the British from the 1780s to the 1920s, this museum gives a detailed insight into Ireland’s political history, and includes the site of the execution of 14 members of the Easter Rising in 1916. The history of the prison itself is also explored. Access is by guided tour only. Address: Central West Dublin, Inchicore Road, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 453 5984 Opening times: Daily 09:30-17:30. Website: www.kilmainhamgaolmuseum.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Croke Park

Gaelic football and hurling at Croke Park are an unusual and essential experience for those with even a modest interest in sport. On match days, make noise on the Hill 16 terrace cheering on the sky blues of Dublin. Otherwise, check out the GAA Museum, featuring the history, rules and the chance to have a go at Gaelic sports. The views from the Etihad Skyline, a 0.6km-long (0.37 mile) walkway around the roof, aren’t bad either. Address: Jones’ Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 819 2300 Opening times: Daily 10:30-17:00. Website: www.crokepark.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Christchurch Cathedral

Richard de Clare, who helped lead the Norman invasion of Ireland, founded Christchurch Cathedral on the site of a Viking church in 1172. Highlights include the Leaning Wall of Dublin, the north nave wall that has leant 46cm (18 inches) since 1562 when the roof collapsed. There’s also a mummified cat and mouse found in an organ pipe, the heart of the patron saint of Dublin, and a large crypt full of other unusual relics. Address: South Central Dublin, Christchurch Place, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 677 8099 Opening times: Daily 09:00-18:30. Website: www.christchurchcathedral.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral

The largest cathedral in Ireland, this magnificent building was constructed on the site of an ancient well allegedly used by St Patrick to baptise believers in the 5th century. The saint’s life is depicted in 39 different episodes on the window at the west end of the Cathedral. Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, was dean of the cathedral from 1713 until his death in 1745 and is buried here. Address: Central Dublin, St. Patrick’s Close, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 453 9472 Opening times: Daily 09:30-17:00. Website: www.stpatrickscathedral.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• National Museum of Ireland (Archaeology)

Among this rich collection of Irish antiquities, dating back to 7000BC, are the 8th-century Ardagh Chalice and the 12th-century Cross of Cong. Most visitors are taken with the petrified bog bodies (Iron Age mummies of sorts) as well as the Egyptian room and the detailed Viking exhibits. This is just one of three nationalised museum venues, with further collections on view at Collins Barracks (Decorative Art and History) and at Merrion Square West (Natural History). Address: Kildare Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 677 7444 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.museum.ie Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Guinness Storehouse

The world’s largest single-beer company began in 1759, when Arthur Guinness brewed the first pint of Dublin’s champagne. The brewery itself is closed to visitors, but a trip to this state-of-the-art museum shaped like an oversized pint glass tells visitors everything they ever wanted to know about the famous stout. The tour culminates with a free pint of the legendary black stuff in a bar with a view. Address: Central West Dublin, St James’s Gate, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 408 4800 Opening times: Daily 09:30-17:00 . Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Dublinia

An exploration of Ireland’s Viking heritage, Dublinia brings medieval Dublin to life through recreations, interactive media, overlay maps and the odd bit dressing up. There’s plenty here for the children and even more the serious history buff, including glances at excavations and a real sense of the city’s hardship when it was built on the bones of Viking conquests. Address: South Central Dublin, St Michael’s Hill, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 679 4611 Opening times: Daily 10:00-17:00. Website: www.dublinia.ie Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Phoenix Park

Europe’s biggest walled city-centre park boasts more than 707 hectares (1,752 acres) of wilderness and landscaped gardens. It’s located on the western edge of the city and originally served as a 17th century royal hunting ground, resulting in a herd of deer today. Dubliners enjoy its landscaped gardens, nature trails and grassland. The park also houses Dublin Zoo – home to 400 animals and tropical birds. Address: Central West Dublin, Phoenix Park, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 820 5800 Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Website: www.phoenixpark.ie Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• Dublin Tourist Information Centre Barnardo Square

Address: 3 Palace St, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 265 5634 Opening times: Daily 09:00-17:00. Website: www.visitdublin.com  Dublin’s sightseeing options are vast. While there are many shops purporting to be ‘tourist information’ centres, most are commercial operations. The official Suffolk Street outlet is located in a re-purposed church, and serves as a goldmine of entry tickets, hotel booking, reams of information and neutral advice. There are more brochures on offer here than you’ll want to carry, but stock up on a few favourites, check for the city’s regular festivals and grab a map on the way out.

Tourist passes

• The Dublin Pass

Website: www.dublinpass.com is a good investment if you’re planning on going heavy on the sightseeing, offering 33 attractions for a single price. It comes together with a guidebook, fast-track entry and special offers only available to pass holders at a further 20 attractions. Book in advance for its free airport transfer offer. The pass is available for 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-days from tourist information outlets.

Things to do in Dublin

• Go kite-surfing around Bull Island

The area around Bull Island, 6km (4 miles) to the north of the city, has a developing reputation as an outstanding kite-surfing destination. If you prefer to watch, walk the Great South Wall to Poolbeg Lighthouse for fantastic views. To take part, head to Pure Magic Telephone: +353 1 805 4912 Website: www.puremagic.com  for lessons, kit hire and all things wet and wild.

• Have a go at hurling

Get an education on the most Irish of sports, starting with the highly competitive sport of Gaelic football before moving on to the more challenging and aggressive world of hurling. They go easy on the full contact at Experience Experience Gaelic Games Telephone: +353 1 254 4292 Website: www.experiencegaelicgames.com  so you should get home without a visit to the A&E ward.

• Hike the Dublin Mountains

Head for the hills of the Dublin Mountains, which are sprinkled with looped trails, gentle walks and adventures to suit hikers of all levels of fitness. Start at Marlay Park and walk or drive to Kilmashogue Forest Park which offers 10km (6 miles) of forest and mountain walks with views of Dublin city. Alternatively, head to the cute village of Howth, 15km (9 miles) from the city centre, where clifftop walks and fresh fish suppers await.

• Mountain bike through the Wicklow Mountains

Escape the bustle of the city by exploring the beautiful Wicklow and Dublin Mountains, set within easy reach of the city. Capture panoramic views from your saddle, including the famous ‘Guinness Lake’ (Lough Tay), the Vartry Reservoir, coastal vistas of the Irish Sea, Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens and Enniskerry Village. Terrains are available to suit all fitness levels. Dublin Bikes Telephone: +353 8 3414 7627 Website: www.dublinbikes.ie  have wheels to hire in Ticknock.

• Pay your respects at the Garden of Remembrance

If you want some time out from the to and fro of the city, take an hour to visit the Garden of Remembrance. It’s centrepiece is a water-filled non-denominational cross scattered with cracked shields and broken swords, there to commemorate all victims of Ireland’s various uprisings, from the 1798 rebellion to the Troubles of the 20th century.

Dublin tours and excursions

Dublin tours

• The Viking Splash Tour

A tour aboard an amphibious vehicle that splashes off the road and into the city’s canals, the Viking Splash Tour has great novelty value, but some worthy substance too. Dublin’s Viking history is an aspect often overlooked by visitors, and while this tour’s presentation is a little on the shout-along, horned hat side, it’s also a quick-fire way of seeing what is worth more of your time. Telephone: +353 1 707 6000 Website: www.vikingsplash.com 

• Bus tours

City Sightseeing Dublin offer hop-on, hop-off bus tours covering all the major sights of the city centre, with running commentary from a tour guide across several routes and dozens of stops. Tours commence from any of the stops, and tickets are valid for up to two days. Key stops include Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. Telephone: +353 1 898 0700 Website: www.city-sightseeing.com

Dublin excursions

• Glendalough

This early Celtic monastery, once an important seat of Christian learning, is situated 30km (19 miles) south of Dublin. St Kevin founded the monastery in the 6th century and his body lies in the 9th-century cathedral. The site is known for its 30m-high (98ft) Round Tower, which offered defence against marauding invaders by situating its door several metres off the ground. Access is possible via the gorgeous Wicklow Way, which passes through the valleys of the Wicklow Mountains; the valley’s lakes and walking trails are as memorable as the monastery itself. Telephone: +353 404 45600 Website: www.glendalough.ie

• The Cliffs Of Moher

Towering 214m (702ft) over the battering waves of the west coast Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher are one of the iconic images of Ireland. At an 8-hour round trip from Dublin, the day tours are quite an undertaking, but with good weather and your feet hanging over an epic drop, this place is truly breathtaking. Helped by some cleverly integrated tourist infrastructure, the cliffs are a memorable, one-off-the-bucket-list experience. Telephone: +353 6 5708 6141 Website: www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Shopping in Dublin

Like the city itself, Dublin’s shopping scene is dominated by the fusion of old and new, with something for everyone.

• Key areas

Dublin’s fashionable Temple Bar district has good, one-off shops, such as Whichcraft, Cow’s Lane, a showcase of innovative Irish jewellery, interior design and decorative arts, while the antiques quarter, centred round Francis Street, is particularly lively on a Saturday morning.

• Markets

There is nowhere more traditional than the Moore Street Market, on Henry Street (off O’Connell Street), where fresh fruit and vegetables are sold at bargain prices Monday to Saturday 0930 to 1830. The Temple Bar Food Market, in Meeting House Square, every Saturday 1000 to 1700, displays more pricey organic produce. Temple Bar is also home to the Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane. Every Saturday from 10am-5pm, over 30 designers showcase an eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage crafts, handmade clothing, ceramics, visual art, jewellery and crafts.

• Shopping centres

South of the River Liffey is the smart Grafton Street shopping precinct with upmarket department store Brown Thomas and one of Dublin’s finest shopping centres, The Powerscourt Town House. The Design Centre on the top floor of the Powerscourt Town House shopping centre deals exclusively in Irish designer fashions. Nassau Street, off Grafton Street, is best for traditional Irish gifts, such as hand-blown glass, crafts, knits, Celtic jewellery and Arran sweaters; the Kilkenny Design Centre, 6 Nassau Street, and the Blarney Woollen Mills, 21-23 Nassau Street, are also good bets. For cool club clobber, head to BT2, Grafton Street.

• Opening hours

Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:00/18:00. Late-night shopping is on Thursday, with the bigger stores and many of the smaller ones remaining open until approximately 20:00. Many bookshops keep longer hours and some also open on Sunday afternoon.

• Souvenirs

Pottery, whisky, arts and crafts, shamrock memorabilia, jewellery, charms, Guinness products and Irish music are among the souvenirs you can buy in Dublin.

• Tax information

VAT is levied at different rates on goods and services. Tax-free shopping is available to non-EU residents, who can redeem the tax at the airport on production of a completed tax-free slip. Global Refund Telephone: +353 9 155 3258 Website: www.globalrefund.com can provide further information.

Restaurants in Dublin

Dublin’s restaurants now show a variety you wouldn’t have found a few years ago, offering food from almost any corner of the globe – and much of it at reasonable prices. The restaurants in Dublin below have been grouped into three different price categories: Expensive (over €60) Moderate (€40 to €60) Cheap (under €40) These prices are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine or equivalent, including VAT. A service charge of 12.5% is often added to bills (this will be clearly stated, although many diners add a discretionary tip of around 5 to 10% of the bill. If service is not included, a tip of between 12.5% and 15% is usual. Credit cards are accepted in most restaurants.

Expensive

• Fallon & Byrne

Cuisine: Modern Irish An informal way of delving into Ireland’s top class local produce, Fallon & Byrne boasts a restaurant, a wine cellar and a food hall, which works well with diners looking for an casual meal with a side of decadent shopping. A true foodie haven, menus change through the seasons. Address: South Central Dublin, Exchequer Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 472 1010 Website: www.fallonandbyrne.com 

• Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud

Cuisine: French Tucked inside the Merrion Hotel, this is Dublin’s only two Michelin star offering. It’s home to a romantic atmosphere as well as sumptuous, ever-changing menus and a particularly outstanding line in high-end desserts. The lunch menu is a bargain, if still pricey compared to the rest of the city, but the evenings see this palatial spot really come into its own. Address: 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 676 4192 Website: www.restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie

• The Pig’s Ear

Cuisine: Modern Irish Featuring views over Trinity College, The Pig’s Ear has established itself as a top class, sumptuous purveyor of adapted Irish staples. The menu covers a lot of classics such as potted crab to start and shepherd’s pie, but also experiments with a rough terrine spiced up with a pineapple chutney. Address: Trinity College, 4 Nassau Street, Dublin . Telephone: +353 1 670 3865 Website: www.thepigsear.ie

Moderate

• Bon Appetit

Cuisine: Modern Irish It’s well worth the DART ride out of the city to sample the excellent fare at Bon Appetit. Head chef Oliver Dunne works miracles in the kitchen with fresh local ingredients, and the restaurant has moved away from its Michelin star guise to plate up wonderful European cuisine like wild boar chop with braised red cabbage, potato fondant, parsnip and vanilla purée. Its tapas bar is fantastic too. Address: Malahide, 9 James’s Terrace, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 845 0314 Website: www.bonappetit.ie

• Bambino

Cuisine: Pizza Takeout There are not many places that serve Pizza food this fresh and well sourced in the centre of Dublin. Opened this bright modern restaurant has already attracted a loyal clientele who come to enjoy the Pizza. Address: 37 Stephen Street Lower, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 547 1552 Website: www.bambino.ie

• Bunsen

Cuisine: Hamburger A quirky, compact eatery with a simple menu of juicy burgers, crispy fries, and creamy shakes. At Bunsen, the small menu does not translate to limited flavor. Burgers and buns are made by hand every morning and the extra effort translates to a truly memorable meal – without any fuss. Start with a base of Black Aberdeen Angus beef and gooey. Address: 3 Anne St S, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 652 1022 Website: www.bunsen.ie

Cheap

• Gallagher’s Boxty House

Cuisine: Traditional Irish This popular, traditional Irish restaurant in upbeat Temple Bar has a simple, homely décor of pine dressers and bookcases. It specialises in boxties (griddled potato cakes containing savoury fillings, such as beef and Beamish stout, smoked fish or bacon and cabbage) and other tasty Irish fare such as coddle (sausage, onion, bacon and potato hotpot), plus stews, steaks, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Address: Temple Bar, 20-21 Temple Bar, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 677 2762 Website: www.boxtyhouse.ie

• Leo Burdock Christchurch

Cuisine: Seafood Be prepared to queue a while at the oldest and best fish ‘n’ chip shop in town, for delicious fresh fish and huge portions of crispy chips made with the finest Irish potatoes. Burdock’s has a list of previous clientèle on the wall that reads like a who’s who of Irish society – and you’ll only need the one trip to understand why. Address: 2 Werburgh St, Christchurch Pl, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 454 0306 Website: www.leoburdock.com

• The Mongolian Barbecue

Cuisine: Mongolian An unusual take on indoor BBQ, this place allows you to pick your own raw ingredients, blend them with your own selection of spices and hand them over for a quick, piping hot grill. The ‘all you can eat’ option can prove a huge temptation, but the novelty value and personalisation are the big draw in this lively central buffet. Address: Temple Bar, 7 Anglesea Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 670 4154 Website: www.mongolianbbq.ie

Dublin Nightlife

Nightlife in Dublin has changed beyond all recognition recently. Stylish bars and buzzing pre-club haunts now sit alongside the traditional Irish pubs. The popular Temple Bar area is perhaps the city’s best-known hotspot, but areas around George’s Street, Abbey Street and Wexford Street are increasingly the preferred options for locals. They offer lively bars, chic venues and variety that goes way beyond the traditional pint of porter. For gigs, and shows, tickets can be purchased on the night directly from the venues or in advance at outlets of HMV stores, on Henry Street and Grafton Street, from:

• Dublin Tourism on Suffolk Street

Telephone: +353 1890 324 583 Website: www.visitdublin.com bookings in person only, or from

• Ticketmaster

Telephone: +353 8 1871 9300 Website: www.ticketmaster.ie Magazine Music   ( Website: www.goldenplec.com ) is a great source of gig listings District Magazine   ( Website:www.districtmagazine.ie ) is good for nightlife and events listings, with bar, restaurant and club reviews. Dublin Tourism also has online events listings that are updated daily.

Bars in Dublin

• Against The Grain

Dublin’s growing love of the craft beer market is epitomised in this haven for those who love a classy pint. Against the Grain has an ever-evolving selection with the wonderfully unique taste of Galway Hooker at the heart of their broad selection. With board games, snugs and lively late nights, it’s a pub well worth an evening or two. Address: 11 Wexford Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 874 4045 Website: www.galwaybaybrewery.com

• Dawson Lounge

This is the smallest pub in Dublin, with room for about six people tucked away in the basement. You’ll have to lever your way in on a busy night, but at least you know you’ll get served quickly. With wood-panelled walls and a mere smattering of furniture, it’s great for a few novelty photos before the night really gets going. Address: Grafton Street, Dawson Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 671 0311 Website: www.dawsonlounge.ie

• Oliver St John Gogarty’s

In the heart of Temple Bar, this bright green monster of a traditional pub seems to go on forever through winding little rooms and quaint hideaways. At its cosy core you’ll find trad music played to perfection, alongside Guinness and whiskey served the way it has been for generations. Address: Temple Bar, 58 Fleet Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 671 1822 Website: www.gogartys.ie

Clubs in Dublin

• Copper Face Jacks

Copper Face Jacks is where all visiting pop stars, actors and celebrities hang out for after-show parties. The famed upstairs room is a tough one to sneak into, but for a general sense of fashion and occasion, plus an extensive cocktail menu, it is worth dressing up for anyway. Address: Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 425 5300 Website: www.copperfacejacks.ie

• Twenty Two Night Club

Revamped into exactly the kind of warehouse venue it sounds like, Twenty Two Night Club. It is rustic to say the least, but always good for a night of debauchery. There’s rarely a quiet night here, have gained a particularly flamboyant reputation. Address: 22 Anne St S, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 707 9899

• The Sugar Club

Out on its own as Dublin’s most outstanding alternative club, The Sugar Club transform from coffee shop during the day to messy, beat-driven nightclub when the sun goes down. Known for its cocktails and relaxed buzz, it does host some intense DJ talent and has a sweatbox feel that’s fresh out of a Berlin basement. Address: 8 Leeson Street Lower, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 678 7188 Website: www.thesugarclub.com

Live music in Dublin

• National Concert Hall

Dublin’s main classical music venue is the National Concert Hall, which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra. It hosts a range of events, including a few bargain-basement lunchtime offerings, with a broad musical, literary and theatrical output in the evening. Address: Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 417 0077 Website: www.nch.ie

• The 3Arena

Dublin’s largest indoor concert venue has played host to many of the world’s most famous acts, and can be a real revolving door of talent. With a capacity of 14,000, it’s not exactly an intimate experience, but if you’re after massive shows in a polished, bouncing modern warehouse, this is the spot to choose. Address: North Wall Quay, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 819 8888 Website:www.3arena.ie

• Whelan’s

Easily Ireland’s best-known live music pub, Whelan’s is a mecca for hipster types supping pints and chatting in-depth on the latest far-from-the-charts fodder. It’s also home to much of the city’s most impressive music, spreading acts across three stages and covering most genres. Whelan’s is a great spot to base a long night around. Address: 25 Wexford Street, Dublin. Telephone: +353 1 478 0766 Website: www.whelanslive.com

Dublin Food And Drink

Food In Dublin

• Dublin Coddle

Coddle (sometimes Dublin coddle; Irish: cadal) is an Irish dish which is often made to use up leftovers. It most commonly consists of layers of roughly sliced pork sausages and rashers (thinly sliced, somewhat-fatty back bacon) with chunky potatoes, sliced onion, salt, pepper, and herbs.

• Fish and Chips

It typically consists of battered and fried fish, served with chips (french fries) and often tartar sauce or malt vinegar on the side. The dish can be served as a takeaway (takeout) meal, or it can be eaten at a restaurant or pub.

• Dublin Bay Prawns

Despite the name, Dublin Bay Prawns are not found in Dublin Bay, but rather the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and off the West coast of Ireland and are also referred to as Norweign Lobster or Langoustines.

• Corned Beef and Cabbage ( beef brisket )

• Traditional Irish Stew Pie

Irish stew is considered a national dish of Ireland. Irish stew is a celebrated Irish dish, yet its composition is a matter of dispute. Purists maintain that the only acceptable and traditional ingredients are neck mutton chops or kid, potatoes, onions, and water.

• Barmbrack

Barmbrack (Irish: bairín breac), also often shortened to brack, is a yeast bread with added sultanas and raisins. The bread is associated with Halloween in Ireland, where an item (often a ring) is placed inside the bread, with the person receiving it considered to be fortunate.

• Boxty Pancakes

Boxty is a thick pancake of mashed and shredded potatoes, flour, baking soda, and buttermilk fried in butter or lard. These are traditionally formed into a circle and cut into quarters or triangles and are usually served as a side dish or appetizer. These are a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes.

• Soda Bread

Containing just four ingredients — all-purpose wheat flour, salt, baking soda, and buttermilk — this Irish soda bread recipe is very much in line with what’s eaten in Ireland. In addition to this version made with white flour, the Irish do make a whole wheat (aka wholemeal) variety as well.

Drink In Dublin

• Guinness

Guinness stout is made from water, barley, roast malt extract, hops, and brewer’s yeast. A portion of the barley is roasted to give Guinness its dark colour and characteristic taste.

• Irish Cider

Dublin’s Pub is an apple cider made in the purest Irish pub tradition. Alcoholic and refreshing, Dublin’s Pub’s unique taste is the result of a process involving the crushing of rigorously selected apples and the fermentation of their juice.

• Murphy’s Stout

Murphy’s Stout is a pure malt stout brewed in a totally natural process using natural ingredients, pale malt, roasted barley, chocolate malt, water, hops and yeast to give its distinctive black appearance.

• Tullamore Dew

It begins with three natural ingredients: water, grain, yeast, three varieties of distillate: golden grain, pot still, and rich malt, triple distilled, and three types of maturation casks: traditional, ex-bourbon, and sherry making it the world’s only triple distilled, triple blend, triple matured Irish Whiskey.

• Jameson

The whiskey is blended from single pot still whiskey and a small batch grain whiskey distilled at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, and is only produced once a year. This is cask strength whiskey, with an ABV of 60%.

• Ginger & Lime

Irish Whiskey, ginger ale, and lime perfectly complement each other in this refreshing drink that’s super simple to make. Sometimes called an Irish buck or an Irish mule, this classic Irish cocktail dates back to the 19th century. It’s bright, bubbly, and a little bit sweet.

• Irish Hot Whiskey

Irish whiskey is made from grains, water, and yeast. The key grains are barley (malted and unmalted) and corn. The use of unmalted barley is one of the main differences between Irish whiskey and Scotch production.

• Coole Swan

Coole Swan is 100% natural! It does not contain a single artificial ingredient. Its main ingredients are fresh Irish cream, single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate. Coole Swan is made only in Ireland.