Expert Advice for your Short Break Dublin

If you are considering a short break Dublin Ireland, you've come to the right place for everything you need to plan a weekend getaway in this great Irish city.

Our family spent some time here several years ago and not normally being a "city girl", I really enjoyed Dublin. It didn't seem so big and overwhelming to me.

We flew into Dublin for our Ireland family vacation, rented a car, spent a couple of days in the area, explored on the way to Dingle Peninsula....then around Shannon, where we flew back to the U.S..

I would highly recommend this itinerary for Ireland holidays. You'll get a fantastic look at the "Emerald Isle", truly a BEAUTIFUL country!

Now for the short break Dublin details...

Dublin Accommodations and Rentals

Dublin Guest Houses and Hotels in Dublin

• Dylan Hotel - Ph. 353 1 6603000, Stylish, boutique hotel in quiet area, expensive, special touches and details
• Anchor Guesthouse - lovely guesthouse only 10 minute walk to city centre, breakfast included, great rates
• George Handel Hotel - Ph. 353 1 6709400, on Fishamble Street, near Temple Bar, good rates, simple hotel
• Jury's Christ Church Inn - Ph. (+353 1) 454 0000, city center hotel, walk to most Dublin sights
• Kilronan House Hotel - Georgian charm, guesthouse in good location near St. Stephen's Green, reasonable rates
• Harding House - Ph. 353 (01) 679 6500, good, historic location, rooms in front quieter, bar and restaurant
• Marine Hotel - Ph. 353 1 839 0000, Outside of Dublin (trains to the city) near fishing village, some rooms are seaview, peaceful alternative to the city, good value
• Butler's Town House - small, luxury hotel with elegant sitting room, delicious breakfast, nice rooms, some special rates

Bed and Breakfast in Dublin

• Azalea Lodge - Lovely host, homey feel to place, clean comfortable rooms, great breakfast, moderate rates, 20 minute bus ride to city
• Willowbrook Bed and Breakfast - Ph. 353- 1- 8333115 lovely rooms, great breakfast, friendly hosts, 20 minute bus ride to city centre, good value
• "Evergreen" B and B - Ph.353 1 8403886, near Swords outside of Dublin, excellent rates, 10 min. from airport

Dublin Attractions

• Tours - good choice for a Dublin Weekend break
  • Day Tours Unplugged - small groups in small buses, day trips from Dublin to Wicklow and Newgrange
  • Historical Walking Tours - 2 hour tour covers Trinity College (theatrical tour guides are History majors here), Old Parliament House, Temple Bar, City Hall, Dublin Castle, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral, Four Courts....great overview of major sights
• Trinity College and Book of Kells - we took a tour here which was very interesting and included the beautiful Long Library and Book of Kells
• Christ Church Cathedral - Anglican Cathedral with video and interesting basement crypt/tombs, small entrance fee
• Kilmainham Gaol Historical Museum - This prison tells the story of Ireland's troubled path to independence and has been designated a National Monument. Interesting tour. Put this on the list for your short break Dublin.
• Chester Beatty Library - art museum, library with manuscripts, rare books, art treasures of the world including Gallery of Oriental Art
• National Botanic Gardens - free gardens include greenhouse, rose garden, visitor centre, cafe
• Grafton Street - pedestrian-only with lots of shops

Side Trips near Dublin

Newgrange, about 45-60 minutes north of Dublin, is the sight of a Megalithic Passage Tomb built about 3200BC! Our family visited this interesting place on our holiday in Ireland.

If you would like to experience the beautiful Wicklow mountains (about an hour South of Dublin airport), consider the lovely Wicklow Way Lodge.

This would be perfect for a romantic getaway....very peaceful and a great walking base.

Dublin Restaurants

If you are looking for someplace to eat on a romantic break, check out One Pico Restaurant featuring modern Irish cuisine with French influences, Pearl Brasserie for its unique atmosphere and good food or Blackboard Bistro with its French Bistro feel and changing menu of food made with fresh ingredients.

The Winding Stair Restaurant has contemporary Irish food and is very popular. Italian food lovers try Il Baccaro a quaint restaurant which is a favorite of the locals.

You must check out a pub on your short break Dublin, so try Brazen Head which is the oldest pub with lots of atmoshpere. For Irish music there is Hughes Bar, O'Donoghue's or Cobblestone.

I hope you enjoy your short break Dublin as much as we did!

Return to the top of Short Break Dublin