Ireland

Dublin has an abundance of well-known attractions for visitors, but why not take a step away from the 'must-sees' and look for your own unique mix of memories.  The city's streets are like a maze of art, design and just plain quirkiness, so turn of your GPS and just wander freely around the city.  While everyone knows the craic to be had in Temple Bar, skip the pubs (for now) and stroll up to The Music Centre's Wall of Fame to view the iconic photos of Ireland's best loved rockers from Phil Lynott and Rory Gallagher to Luke Kelly and Bob Geldof.  

While there, pop around the corner to one of the city's most endearing vintage shops, Lucy's Lounge.  A mix of upcycled and vintage goods fill the basement, and staff love the chance to recommend styles or sizes.

From Temple Bar take a stroll onto George's Street where there now stands a colourful dedication to the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic with the proclamation printed underneath in five different languages.

Across the road from here stands arguably Dublin's most well-known pub, The George.  It's regarded as the lynch-pin of the Dublin gay scene having been in operation for nearly 30 years. 

George's Street also hosts the vibrant George's Street Arcade.  It is Ireland's first purpose built shopping centre and one of Europe's oldest.  The high interior ceiling beautifully complements the exquisite red brick Victorian exterior and this topped off by the unique offering of the shops inside.

If George's Street Arcade doesn't satisfy that inner hipster in you, then head south to Richmond Street to The Bernard Shaw pub.  Bordered by eclectic street art and leftover ruined walls of a once neighbouring building, The Bernard Shaw is hard to describe.  But it certainly is more than just a pub, it's an experience.

Dublin City's attractions go well beyond those listed on any tourist guide, the city is littered with unique street art and charms if you are just willing to explore.

Here are our Top Attraction Recommendations in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

Opened at the end of the 18th century and closed 130 years afterwards (1796-1924), Kilmainham Gaol Museum has been one of the most famous European prisons. Now a museum, this old jail is an unusual and curious place to visit. The tour guides here are excellent and bring the whole experience to life. Here you will learn about the 1916 Rising, which brought about Ireland's independence and the associated tragedies and execution of the ringleaders and leaders of the Rising. Very highly recommended. It's a good idea to book your tickets in advance especially in high season.

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum has been awarded the coveted title of most popular museum by TripAdvisor visitors to the capital. This is a very highly recommended visit; its quirky layout and zany tour guides make for a memorable experience following your Fresh Eire Adventure trip in Ireland. The museum explains everything from the visit of Queen Victoria to the global success of U2 and almost everything in between.

National Museum of Ireland

The prestigious National Museum of Ireland is an enlightening place to observe Irish history. The Museum offers an interesting global view of the national archaeology, the decorative arts & history, country life and natural history. Perhaps the most fascinating exhibits are those of the bogs - you will be visiting bogs on your bike tour so here is a golden opportunity to see some of the fascinating finds.

Dublin Writers Museum

Located in Parnell Square, 5 minutes from the city centre, the Dublin Writers Museum is an unmissable classic of Irish literature. It opened in 1991 but is part of an 18th century house. It’s a really charming place where you can learn about Irish writers old and new; from Wilde to Yeats, Synge to Stoker. Writing workshops are frequently held here - advance booking is required. In the basement you'll find one of Dublin's top restaurants, the literary themed Chapter One - treat yourself to a fabulous lunch or perhaps even a pre-theater dinner before or after your visit. 

Guinness Brewery

Founded in 1759 and located at St James’s Gate on the river Liffey close to Hueston Station, the Guinness Brewery is probably the most ubiquitous attraction in the country. The Guinness storehouse, which extends over 7 floors, is a marvel of 21st century design. For a complete visit, spend an afternoon at the Brewery, and you will understand how the beer is made from the growth of the finest barley and hops, to the ideal roasting temperatures of the grains. At the end of your visit you will be offered a "dirty pint" of porter in the Gravity Bar from which you can admire the 360-degree view of Dublin. Even the Queen and her husband were tempted to try the Pint o'plain - but they managed to resist.

Science Gallery

The Science Gallery is a scientific museum that offers interactive, visual and exciting experiences. Opened in 2008, this global science gallery network was pioneered by Trinity College of Dublin. Contrary to the majority of science centres, this unusual Science Gallery doesn’t have a permanent collection but rather around five temporary exhibitions each year.

IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is housed in the Royal Hospital of Kilmainham, the finest 17th century monument in Ireland. IMMA offers an enjoyable experience of Irish contemporary art by altering its dynamic programme, and frequently including special temporary exhibitions from overseas artists. IMMA is considered as the house of the national collection of modern art.

Light House Cinema

Located in Smithfield Market Square, Dublin 7, the Light House Cinema is a perfect alternative to have a relaxing moment eating popcorn and savouring your drink during the time you will enjoy a new or old favourite movie. Spend the end of an afternoon to appreciate the original and new design atmosphere of the Cinema. All the seats are painted different colours, the décor is stunning and the general architecture is unusual. While their programme typically features independent and art house movies they frequently hold special events – check their programme.

Project Arts Centre

Based in Temple Bar in front of the River Liffey, the Project Arts Centre is (as indicated by its name) a prestigious multidisciplinary arts centre dedicated to support artists through all forms of performing and visual arts. Opened in 1967, the Project Arts Centre its now able to offer diverse programme including all contemporary art forms: theatre, dance, live art, video, film, traditional, jazz, electronic, classical and popular music, painting, sculpture, photography, multidisciplinary installations and performance pieces.

Gallery of Photography

Inaugurated in 1978, the Gallery has become one of the best Irish photography venues. Located in Temple Bar in Dublin 2, this non-profit making Gallery founded by the Arts Council and Dublin Corporation aims to offer a wonderful, touching and original experience. We suggest you to take a look in the Gallery’s boutique; you could be interested by one or two of the numerous great books – “Exit By The Gift Store” as Banksy might say. 

Here are our Top 3 star Hotel Recommendations in Dublin, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

Kellys Hotel

Located in the creative and entertainment hub of Dublin's city centre, and formerly the old Jewish Quarter, Kelly's is a stylish and functional and very affordable 3 star hotel. While the rooms are mostly a little on the small side, Kelly's is an ideal choice for the intrepid traveller who intends to only sleep at their hotel. The rooms are clean and modern with excellent showers, white linens and breakfast in served in the attached Le Guelleton restaurant each morning. Bring earplugs with you however as the hotel is also attached to the No Name bar, an excellent place to rub shoulders with Dublin's thirtysomethings and fortysomethings as they enjoy a few afterwork pints and cocktails. There are so many excellent restaurants nearby; 777, The Market Bar and Fade Street Social are all within 100 feet of the front door.


Drury Court Hotel

Midway between Dublin Castle and St Stephen’s Green, and only 4 minutes walk from Grafton Street the Drury Court Hotel is ideally located in the Dublin city centre. The Drury was recently refurbished to offer more luxurious rooms to it’s guests and is rated the best 3 star Dublin hotel on TripAdvisor.

Buswells Hotel

Buswells 3 star Hotel welcomes you inside a historic and recently refurbished building. Opposite Leinster House, seat of the Irish Parliament (or "Dail"),
and other tourist attractions, this affordable hotel is a good way to visit the capital effectively. Relax yourself in the warm and cosy lounge of Buswells’s Hotel and earwig on some lively political debate.

Here are our Top 5 star Hotel Recommendations in Dublin.

Merrion Hotel

Located beside the stunning Government Buildings on Merrion Square, The Merrion is simply the most luxurious hotel in the capital. Historically, this hotel was built by the gathering of four wonderful Georgian houses. The hotel has become a stunning high luxury destination and offers a private swimming pool, private gardens, two restaurants, two bars and lot of other high quality features for your comfort. The Merrion has never lost its charm of yesteryear while also offering up to date luxuries and a gastronomic Michelin star restaurant led by renowned chef Patrick Guilbaud.

Shelbourne Hotel

This fabulous 5 star hotel located in the heart of Dublin and close to the National Museum of Ireland, and overlooks St Stephens Green.  Thi is a perfect place to spend a night or two. You will appreciate the atypical and luxurious décor, directly inspired by the Renaissance Golden Age. The Shelboune is steeped in history and it's Horseshoe Bar is one of the most stylish places in which you can enjoy an afternoon cocktail or glass of champagne and oysters.

Fitzwilliam Hotel

Located in the city centre of Dublin, on St Stephens Green, The Fitzwilliam is a sensational 5 star hotel where you can luxuriate in the heart of the city. After a morning shopping and perhaps a light lunch in nearby Etto, treat yourself to a late Afternoon Tea, served from 2pm to 6pm, every day in the popular Green Bar of the hotel - pinkies out!

Marker Hotel

The Marker is one of our highly recommended 5 star hotels to spend a night in Dublin. This 5 star hotel located Grand Canal Square in the Docklands, just a few minutes walk to Pearse Square Park and in front of Bord Gais Energy Theatre has only one motto: “The Marker Equilibrium, it’s all about me”. The hotel has its own restaurant the “Market Brasserie” which prepares refined meals based on Irish local products; a perfect pre-theatre destination. Furthermore, you will have the pleasure to relax in the Marker Spa & Wellness Center, offering a 23m long infinity pool, spacious Jacuzzi and all the comfort that you need. Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious cocktail in the Marker Bar, which has been recently redecorated in a fresh, modern and luxurious way.

Dylan Hotel

Located in the South of Grand Canal Square on an exclusive Victorian Street in Dublin 4, this excellent 5 star boutique hotel is close to Dublin city centre and offers you an ideal oasis in which to regain energy from your day. The Dylan hotel offers a large range of luxurious services for your comfort. You will be impressed by the quality of the Bar & Terrace’s crafted cocktails and enjoy the classic & deluxe menus of the Tavern Restaurant. Using seasonal ingredients is essential for the Tavern to offer an incomparable quality of meals.

LEEK & POTATO SOUP

Try this delicious, warming, winter soup recipe. We've been loving the homemade soups prepared by Padraic every day during our internship at Fresh Eire Adventures. There's nothing better than a hot soup in the middle of a winters day. Leek & Potato soup is a staple on Irish menus so you're bound to see it on any one of your Ireland bike trips with Fresh Eire Adventures.

Ingredients : (for 4)

♣  5 medium potatoes                                                  
♣  1 Red Onion   
♣  Half bulb of garlic
♣  1 large leek
♣  4 celery stalks
♣  200g Butter
♣  Large bunch of parsley
♣  1L of water

Recipe :

- To begin, wash and slice the leeks, garlic, onions and celery. Make sure all your ingredients are perfectly clean.

- Wash and peel potatoes, cut into pieces. Then, par-boil your potatoes for 20 minutes.

- Put the potatoes into another container, let them rest. Wash your pan, you will need it for the vegetables.

- Into the pan, melt butter and when the butter starts to bubble add the leeks, onions, garlic and celery and begin to sweat them.

- Add your remaining ingredients into the pan, simmer for 5 minutes and then add water to ensure a smooth blend.

- Mix them all, cover and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Using a hand blender mix all ingredients into a smooth velvety texture.

- Let stand and, just before serving, add chopped parsley.

- Serve, and perhaps consider a light drizzle of Truffle-infused olive oil for a final touch.

- Enjoy!

I really appreciate discovering a vegetarian cuisine during this work experience. Usually, I don’t eat too much soup, but here with Padraic’s help I was truly surprised savouring this leek and potato soup in particular. We hope you will enjoy it.