County Down Outlook - Features - Find Hotels in Dublin for a Fun, Quirky Trip to the Emerald Isle

Features

Find Hotels in Dublin for a Fun, Quirky Trip to the Emerald Isle

Thursday, 2 June 2011

From limericks to leprechauns, there are many Irish stereotypes. Some, such as a pint of the black stuff, are connected with Ireland for good reason while others are a touch outdated and twee. Why not check out some of the best hotels in Dublin and discover the real Ireland, stereotypes and all, for yourself?

Dublin may seem like a one stop stereotype shop, and the best thing to do when in Dublin is to go with the flow (of Guinness!). You will find the black stuff with the white head in every pub in Dublin, but if you want a traditionally Irish experience then you have to have a pint in the world-famous Temple Bar.

This friendly bar has been serving Dubliners and tourists alike for more than 160 years, and is the most popular bar in Dublin for good reason. As well as a good pint of Guinness, you will also find good food, whiskey, live music and some of the best craic in the city.

The craic aside, the Temple Bar area is also Dublin's cultural heart and has some amazing shopping opportunities for those who like to partake in a little retail therapy in every city they visit. An artist's haven, the Temple Bar area has a glut of small shops peddling art and crafts, as well as boutique style clothing.

Wander off the main shopping thoroughfare a little more to Camden Street and you will find a daily outdoor food market, as well as tiny food, craft and gift shops crammed together. It is the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon spent picking up bits and pieces to remind you of your trip.

The brave of heart should leave the city behind and head to Kilmainham Gaol. Built in 1792, it is Ireland's most famous disused prison, and was the location for many hangings in its day. The sight of the 'hanging door' and the small 'hanging cell' are enough to give even the most stout of heart the chills.

Those who find Dublin at little too obvious a choice of Irish destination for their liking should consider Cork or Belfast instead. Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, after Dublin, and there are some great sights to see in the hills around the city.

Those with an interest in architecture will be inspired by Cork's stunning examples of Gothic architecture, including the amazing triple spires of St. Finn Barre's Cathedral and the University College.

On the other hand, if all things mystical float your boat, you should head to the village of Blarney, home to the castle and the famous Blarney stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will bestow upon you an incredible gift of the gab, and each year many pilgrims make the trip to test this legend out for themselves.

A popular Irish destination that is less heavy on the stereotypes is Cork. The city is a great place for a laid-back mini break. With a wide range of hotels to choose from, including HotelClub's accommodation in Cork, you will have plenty of choice when it comes to choosing where to rest your head.

Those looking to relax in luxury should consider the five-star Hayfield Manor Hotel. This grand manor house hotel offers a high level of luxury and opulence, in a countryside setting.

For a five-star stay near Blarney, Ashlee Lodge Hotel boasts 10 elegant bedrooms, and a bright, conservatory dining room.

HotelClub also has some fantastic offers on 4 star Belfast hotels, so if it's the capital of Northern Ireland that takes your fancy then you can stay in the luxurious manner which you are accustomed.

Belfast is a real beauty of a city, which manages to combine sea, city and countryside effortlessly. Offering visitors endless areas of stunning natural beauty to explore, Belfast is a great place to get some fresh air into your lungs. Blessed with many green spaces for visitors to explore, you will not feel stifled in this city. The Botanical Gardens are one such popular public space, as is Crawfordsburn Country Park, with its beach and riverside walks.

For an amazing day trip from Belfast, you would find it hard to beat the Giants Causeway. This breathtaking natural geological phenomenon is a World Heritage Site and certainly worth taking a trip out of the city for.

Whichever Irish city you choose to visit, you are guaranteed amazing culture, great craic and lots of the black stuff. Unfortunately, leprechaun sightings cannot be guaranteed!