Dublin will make you a Craic addict

Temple Bar is lively and vibrant

There is nowhere better for a quick weekend away from Britain than the capital of the Emerald Isle.  Forget the twiddly, twee image of folk bands and chunky sweaters, Dublin is an exciting vibrant city that draws you in and takes you on the ride of a lifetime, so buckle up.  It has played host to Film stars, Rock and Roll legends and Sports stars for over two hundred years.  Furthermore it can cater for every pocket, even in the recession.

Arrive in style (and probably half cut)

Dublin is barely half an hour’s flight from most UK airports and air fares are cheap and easy to arrange.  If you like a more leisurely journey, or just a healthy dose of sea air, Irish Ferries sail every day from Holyhead.  I recommend catching the ferry Ulysees, the most luxurious ferry in Europe.

The Mandala Spa, La Stampa

Where to stay?  Well if somebody is treating you then I recommend one of the boutique hotels such as  La Stampa on Dawson Street.  It is home to two amazing restaurants, one Thai and one A la Carte, a wonderful spa incorporating treatments from China, Bali, Thailand and India, and a fantastic bar.

As recommended by Bono, Madonna, Sting, The Edge...

U2 are the proud owners of their own hotel, the Clarence, on the South bank of the Liffey.  This magnificent wood panelled hotel is home to the one place in Dublin where it definitely pays to be seen, the Octagon bar.  Try their award winning cocktails, ah go on.

The Harcourt is a party person's dream hotel

In the more mid-range price wise I recommend the Harcourt Hotel.  This centrally located Georgian hotel has it’s own bar and downstairs nightclub.  It is one for the party animals!  If you like to venture out then you are a stone’s throw from Dublin’s biggest and best nightclub, the PoD.

Brown Thomas is the Irish Harvey Nichols

So the girls love to shop?  Step this way madam..  Dublin has the finest shopping of any city in Ireland, home to such designers as John Rocha who frequently visits Brown Thomas on Grafton Street.  Further down the street you have the designer boutiques of the Powercourt Centre, definitely worth a look.  But the best places if you like to rummage around for a bargain is the indoor market of the Georges Street Arcade.  Alternatively the North side of the city offers many department stores that will keep you on your feet for hours.

Temple Bar is full of little delights

Places to eat?  Dublin is full to the brim with every type of exotic eaterie you can imagine.  Have an evening stroll around Temple Bar and see if you discover something new.

If it is a special occasion Dublin has some fantastic steak restaurants such as Shanahans on the Green, or try Diep Le Shaker for Thai food and amazing cocktails.

Further down the range there is Little Caesars, a chain of quality Italian restaurants that offer good value for money.  Through the day there is the Epicurian Food Hall, an indoor food market comparable to a world tour for the tastebuds.

The home of many an after-show party

And on to a club?  Well why not?  The main draw for the visiting A-listers is Lillies Bordello, home to many an after show party.  Dress to the nines and bring your credit card, everyone does.

I mentioned the PoD (Place of Dance) earlier, it is home to the top DJs and acts of the club world.  Don your finest club wear and take the dance floor by storm.

For more details check out http://www.discoverireland.com