Discover Dublin
Want to see Dublin by bike?
Dublinbikes is a self-service bike rental system open to everyone from 14 years of age. As a visitor to Dublin, a 3 Day Ticket is your best choice for just €2 (the first half-hour of use is free; after that a service charge applies).
From the Mespil Hotel the closest Dublinbike station is located by Baggot Street Bridge which is only 2 minute walk for the hotel. The closest Dublinbike station that is credit card enabled is located by Leeson Street Bridge, 5minutes walk from the hotel.
For more information in the Dublin bikes and fees please visit
Dublin Bikes website.
Things to Do in Dublin City Centre:
The Mespil’s Top Suggestions:
Shop 'til you Drop
The Mespil Hotel is just a short walk from Grafton Street and St Stephen’s Green – which offers a wonderful array of products ranging from the traditional to the more contemporary. You can easily explore on foot the central shopping area from Stephens Green / Grafton Street and across the river to Henry Street and O’Connell Street. You will also find many extensive shopping centres throughout the city and Dundrum Town Centre is easily reached by taking the Luas (light rail system), which is located close to the Mespil Hotel.
Kildare Village one of Europe's 9 Chic Outlet Shopping Villages is located less than an hour away from Dublin city centre. The Kildare Village is home to over 50 prestigious international and European brands for the home and wardrobe, with prices reduced by up to 60%.
Kildare Village Shopping Outlet Express is a direct coach service that departs from the outside of the Mespil Hotel on Saturdays & Sundays. Tickets available at reception.
www.kildarevillage.com
Visit the Home of Guinness
Visit the Guinness Storehouse and follow the dramatic history of Guinness which began 250 years ago and watch as this icon of Irish culture unfolds before your eyes. Experience the brewing process and learn to taste Guinness for yourself.
www.guinness-storehouse.com
Discover Dublin
Discover more of Dublin city on one of the hop-on-hop-off bus tours which have been designed to give you the freedom to explore and experience the history and culture of Dublin at your leisure. You can join a tour from outside the hotel. If you prefer to discover the city for yourself, download an iWalk from www.visitdublin.ie to your MP3 player and take things at your own pace. If you don’t want to download a walk why not try the ‘Rock & Stroll’ self-guided tour that stops at the many significant sites associated with Dublin’s world famous musicians, rock group and pop artists
Go to the Zoo
"Meet the Keeper" and learn about the many rare and endangered species that live in Dublin Zoo. Located in the Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo has become a centre for conservation, education and study to help stem the tide of extinction. The African Plains, recently added, is worth a visit and provides a great walk through beautiful parkland, watching all the wild animals roam freely. A great day out for the family, not to be missed.
www.dublinzoo.ie
Sample some Art
Located on the west side of Merrion Square the National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish Art and European master paintings. Admission to the permanent collection is free.
www.nationalgallery.ie
Visit a Castle
Step back in time and visit Dublin Castle in the heart of historic Dublin. Dublin gets is name from the Dubh Linn or Black Pool which stood on the site of the present Castle Gardens. The ornate 18th Century State Apartments now hosts important State functions, including Presidential inaugurations.
www.dublincastle.ie
Sample the Culture
Located in the heart of the city, Trinity College is one of Ireland’s historical sites, attracting over half a million visitors each year. It is the oldest university in Ireland and has over 40 acres of cobbled squares and green spaces. The Book of Kells is a 9th Century manuscript of the gospels renowned worldwide for its rich and varied illustrations. It is on display in the Old Library in Trinity College.
www.tcd.ie/Library/
Canal Stroll & Literary Ireland
Where our famous poet Patrick Kavanagh gleaned much of his inspiration the Grand Canal offers a peaceful retreat from city life - his seat remains intact outside the Mespil so have a rest and who knows what piece of literary genius might inspire you! The Irish literary tradition is one of the most illustrious in the world, famous for four Nobel prize winners and for many other writers of international renown. A visit to the Dublin Writers Museum is well worth a visit and a special room is devoted to children’s literature.
www.visitdublin.ie
Viking Splash
Be a Viking for the day and let the Viking guides tell you about the city centre sights and they might even teach you the Viking Roar! See Dublin by land and water in reconditioned World War II vintage amphibious military vehicles. An adventure for all the family.
www.vikingsplash.ie
Party the night away!
Dublin has one of Europe's most vibrant and exciting nightlife cultures. So whether it's the traditional pubs with Irish music, or the hip and trendy bar and club scene that you're after, you'll find it all here! Dublin is also famous for its playwrights and choice of theatres so if drama's your thing why not check out what's on?
Traditional Irish Music Evening
The Merry Ploughboys have been playing Irish Music together in Dublin since 1989 and are the owners of their own traditional Irish Pub in Dublin called "the Merry Ploughboy Irish Music Pub”. Dinner and show takes place at the pub almost every night of the year and a return bus transfer service picks up directly from the Mespil Hotel.
www.mpbpub.com/dublin_shows.html
The Mespil Gourmet Food Market
Located on the banks of the Grand Canal just opposite the Mespil Hotel.
The Mespil Market operates each and every Thursday from 11am - 2.30pm.
More information on the Mespil Goumet Food Market
Weather
Planning on visiting Dublin? Why not have a look at the
Dublin Weather forecast
Would you like some more helpful tips / information?
For more useful links and tips
