Discover Dublin

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Europe's most intimate capital city, with its fine Georgian elegance, is steeped in culture and heritage. Every street around the city centre boasts its own historical landmarks, literary connections and friendly pubs and eateries. The Celtic Tiger economic resurgence has enriched the capital with some of Europe's most vibrant nightlife: a selection of international dining, world-class theatre and festivals, concerts, jazz and comedy clubs and of course traditional Irish music. And despite being a major city, Dublin is characterised by the endemic warmth and hospitality of its people who are always ready to welcome visitors among their own.

Self Catering Dublin - Dublin City

Greater Dublin sprawls around the area of Dublin Bay, bounded to the north by the hills of Howth and to the south by the Dalkey headland. The compact city centre is a walker's delight, although much of it can be explored by open topped bus or by hiring a pony and trap. Beginning at O'Connell Bridge, stroll past the spectacular Bank of Ireland building to the country's busiest shopping arena Grafton Street, home of a wealth of colourful and gifted street entertainers. Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is a splendidly elegant haven tucked away in the maze of little interwoven streets and is worth a visit to its unique Georgian atmosphere. Nearby, enjoy a verdant break strolling through St. Stephen's Green, where every path unfolds unexpected delights from tropical palms to the wildfowl of the ornamental lake, and statues that remind you these self same walkways were once trod by some of Ireland's literary giants, including Yeats and Joyce. The surrounding area is the historical and cultural epicentre hosting the National Museum of Archaeology and History, the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Library and Natural History Museum. Another must is a visit to the quiet cloisters of Dublin's venerable seat of learning, Trinity College, which houses the magnificent illuminated manuscript of the great Irish treasure, the Book of Kells. Add to that list Guinness' Brewery for a tour and a sample of the black stuff, Temple Bar for its cosmopolitan nightlife, The G.P.O in O'Connell Street touch for yourself the bullet-holes of the 1916 Rising, Kilmainham Jail for a chilling tour of the yard where its leaders were executed, and Phoenix Park for a glimpse of the President's residence, Aras an Uachtarain and watch the deer grazing at leisure.

Self Catering Dublin - Pubs & Restaurants

Dublin comes alive after dark with more than a thousand -yes, 1,000 pubs offering the warmest if welcomes, hearty food, live traditional music and above all the 'craic,' that inclusive, cheerful and quintessentially Irish blend of humour and conversation. Dublin's restaurant world has been revitalised and expanded beyond belief in the past decade; it's possible to find top quality examples of virtually every genre of cuisine. Try L'Gueuleton for the best of French cuisine, or Dunne and Crescenzi for Italian. Chapter One typifies new Irish cuisine and is popular with Dublin's artistic set. Bewley's Oriental Cafes have splendid period décor, fresh roasted coffee and sticky buns- a great place for people-watching. Theatres include the classic Abbey Theatre, its more experimental sister The Peacock, and the musical entertainment of the Olympia Theatre. Temple Bar and Leeson Street are the places to head for night clubs, and late openings.

Self Catering Dublin - County Dublin

County Dublin is home to a third of the country's population. Popular attractions include the Ardgillan Victorian Garden, at Ardgillan Demesne, and the Dublin Bay Sea Thrill at Dun Laoghaire - an exhilarating ride on life rafts. Seaside resorts include the picturesque Killiney, the fishing village of Howth with its National Transport Museum and marina, Malahide, again with a marina and a splendid castle housing the Fry Model Railway Museum for children of all ages. Further north, the seaside towns and villages of Balbriggan, Skerries and Rush are all pleasant, family-friendly and boast unspoiled beaches.

Self Catering Dublin - Golf

Dublin is also a great location for golf, with more than forty courses to choose from. Highlights include Portmarnock Golf Club, one of Ireland's' Big Four; has hosted most of the country's major championships . It's celebrated for its flat fairways and greens, and its controversial legal battles over its refusal to admit women. The Royal Dublin Golf Club is located on the wildlife centre of Bull's Island. The course has been redrawn to make it even more challeng - watch out for the 5th, 13th and the infamous 18th - a par 4 dog-leg with plenty of opportunities to shot out of bounds. The broad fairways on St Margaret's Golf and Country Club offer 18 holes of pure bliss set in rolling parkland. But don't be lulled into a false sense of complacency; while the broad fairways are forgiving, watch out for the lakes and brook at the awesome 12th which have brought many a drive to a watery end. Howth and Malahide each have their own scenic links and further out Edmondstown is a championship course located at the foot of the Dublin Mountains.

The Dublin coastline is celebrated for sailing and most watersports and there are an abundance of horse riding centres.

Dublin is an unmissable experience and time spent in the cosmopolitan, historic and culturally rich capital combines ideally with the more leisurely pace of life of the unspoiled villages and towns dotted along the coast, the rich rolling golf links and thriving marinas. County Dublin treats its visitors to the best of both worlds - indeed, some would say the best of all possible worlds, is encompassed in this one Irish county and the hospitable welcome of its people.

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Self Catering Ireland - Self Catering Dublin