Dublin Hotels

Having said this, of course, some of the best experiences in Dublin are still to be had at the pub. Just steer clear of the artificial Irish-themed pubs and head off the beaten track for the real Dublin drinking experience – the small, cramped old pubs that look more like a living room than a drinking hall and where traditional music rings out.

Aside from this, there’s lots to see – from the Guinness Storehouse (it really does taste better over there), Kilmainham Gaol or Fry Model Railway to Dublin Castle, the National Museum of Ireland and Trinity College.

Of course, if you’re in town for St Patrick’s Day, it goes without saying that Dublin’s cosmopolitan and cultural gems are forgotten completely and you have full permission to don green garb, drink into the wee hours and hurl yourself with gusto down the streets singing (or just find a quiet corner to hurl). It’s to be expected, so put away that British reserve and go crazy!

DUBLIN’S TOP 10

DUBLIN LOCAL

Temple Bar

Yes, Temple Bar is touristy, but don’t let that put you off. Because all around the Disneyland fakery of ’80s-installed cobblestones and renovated ‘historic’ buildings are people going out of their way to have a good time. Tourists mingle with trendy young students and tolerant older locals, everyone with a pint in their hand and soaking up the laughter in the air.

Aside from eating and drinking at some of the best pubs, clubs and restaurants in Dublin, Temple Bar is also home to the Irish Film Centre, the Project Arts Centre and DESIGNyard, all of which are worth a gander.

If partying is not your cup of tea, have a quiet pint (or cup of tea, for that matter) at the Auld Dubliner pub after browsing the stalls at the Temple Bar Market. And if you’re looking for a solid eight hours of uninterrupted sleep during your Dublin stay, don’t stay in Temple Bar. The whoops, cheers, laughter and drunken renditions of Danny Boy from the tourists do not a sound slumber make.

City Centre

This is Dublin’s fair city, where the girls really are so pretty – and where you really can find Molly Malone. A statue of her stands on Grafton Street, Dublin’s famous shopping mile. Known locally as the ‘tart with the cart’ her collection of cockles and mussels look a little incongruous now surrounded by designer stores where Dublin’s trendy and monied spend up ready for big nights.

Dublin’s City Centre is also home to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, a host of museums and galleries and the city’s two most picturesque parks, St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.

Old Dublin

In something of a lazy naming effort (or an ironic assumption about visitors’ lack of intelligence), Old Dublin is in fact, the oldest part of Dublin. Go figure. There are beautiful old buildings to be discovered, as well as some new life peeking through in a number of cafés and restaurants where you can rest your weary feet for a while, particularly on Francis Street, where you’ll also find a number of galleries and the Tivoli Theatre.

Far less touristy than Temple Bar, Old Dublin is home to some of Dublin’s best live music pubs (on Vicar Street). For a change of pace, though, check out the Meath Street markets.

DUBLIN EAT & DRINK

DUBLIN EVENTS

February plays host to the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

March brings the promise of the famous St Patrick’s Day celebration, where it is not only acceptable, but damn-near mandatory to get hopped up on green Guinness and make a fool of yourself. Alternatively, just go along and watch the American tourists there to ‘get in touch with their ancestral history’ do just that.

June brings with it the Dublin Writers Festival, which dishes up a banquet of readings, discussions and public debates. Judging from some of the literary talent to come out of tis city, aspiring writers should pay close attention!

Second only to St Pat’s as far as fame goes, Bloomsday is the Dublin festival and public holiday celebrating the date that set the scene for James Joyce’s famous novel Ulysses. This takes place on June 16.

The Electric Picnic rolls around in August for a three-day celebration of comedy and music.

Dublin Fringe Festival is brought to you in September and plays host to innovative acts from around Dublin and the globe.

October brings with it the Dublin Theatre Festival, showcasing the best acts from Ireland and around the world.

WHEN TO GO

· Tourist season in Dublin generally begins after Easter, reaches a peak in mid-summer and starts to die off in September.

· Ireland is hardly noted for its gorgeous weather, so either take a brolly or find a pub where you can happily watch the rain fall down.

GETTING AROUND

You can get direct flights to Dublin from most major cities around the UK, with regular buses taking you into the heart of the city. Alternatively, the ferry to Dun Laoghaire takes longer but is somehow more romantic (and windswept).

Travelling around the city itself is best done on foot or, if you’re planning to travel further afield, outside peak hour.

Buses are relatively cheap and easy to use. They cost around €1.15 for up to three stages or €2.20 for up to 23. You’ll need the exact change, otherwise you’ll be given a receipt that you can get reimbursed at the Dublin bus office.

Bicycles were introduced into Dublin in 2009. Simply buy a €10 Smart Card (and pay a €150 deposit) in order to ‘free’ a bike for use. Bikes are free for half an hour and then €0.50 for each half-hour after that! Highly recommended.

Taxis are a great way to get home after a boozy night (well, better than walking alone!). It can sometimes be tricky to find a cab after the pubs shut, so it’s best to book ahead.

WHAT TO MISS

· 21 Westland Row is not a museum, so don’t head there expecting to see inside Oscar Wilde’s birthplace. (It’s actually the writing centre for the Creative Writing and Irish Literature Masters of Philosophy students at Trinity College, Dublin.)

· If you’re out in Temple Bar, be careful of pickpockets at night and some quite unhygienic happenings in the streets. Where Paris may see you dodging dog piles on the pavement, here you could be dodging piles of upchuck.

· Molly Malone. Yes, we know, she’s Dublin’s most famous working girl, but it seems like a lot of crowded fuss over a pretty standard statue. Avoid the crowds and visit the statues of Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynott on Harry Street or James Joyce at North Earl Street.

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