Stay…
Budget
Ireland has many bed and breakfast establishments, which offer exactly that and are the cheaper way to see the country. In Dublin, some of the best priced ones are on Gardiner Street, located near the main bus station
www.avondale.ie
Expensive
The Shelbourne: The most beloved hotel establishment in the whole of Dublin, if not Ireland, is the Shelbourne Hotel on St Stephen’s Green. It’s a must-stop for everyone from heads of state to TV stars.
www.shelbournehoteldublin.com
Eat…
Budget
Zaytoon Kebab Shop: With locations in the popular Temple Bar and Wexford Street areas, it’s a popular lunchtime and late night haunt and attracts a mix of students and office workers who just love their hearty portion sizes.
Expensive
Shanahan’s on The Green: Located on St Stephen’s Green, many Dubliners save up to dine here. Renowned as one of the top eateries in the city, it is situated in a stately townhouse and while the prices are on the more expensive side, the portions more than make up for it
119 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 1.
Must see…
Most cities have big bus tours, but Dublin goes one better and has the Viking Splash Tour, an amphibious sightseeing tour of the city and the only real way to experience Dublin’s streets and waterways.
www.www.vikingsplash.ie
Must do…
Ireland is now world famous for its Irish dancing, thanks to Michael Flatley and Riverdance. The best venues to enjoy local song and dance, from contemporary remixes to old classics, are Whelans Pub on Wexford Street or the Arlington Hotel on Bachelor’s Walk by the river.
www.arlington.ie/irish-nights.html
Flight time
Seven hours.
Getting there
Etihad Airways flies direct from Abu Dhabi and a bus operates to and from Dubai. Prices start from around Dhs2,985 return.
www.etihadairways.com
Exchange rate*
Dhs1 = 0.18 EUR
* Approx exchange rate
Time Out recommends
The smallest bar in Ireland is the Dawson Lounge on Dawson Street and a popular tourist stop-off. But, beware, it gets packed very quickly and requires being able to squeeze around the small spiral staircase to get down into the country’s smallest watering hole.
www.dublinpubscene.com/thepubs/ronblacks.html
