2. ELITE GUIDE TO DUBLIN
2
ELITE DESTINATION GUIDE | DUBLIN
www.elitetraveler.comwww.elitetraveler.com 2
HIGHLIGHTS OF DUBLIN 3
ONLY ELITE 4
Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experiences
CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS 5
Dublin’s top concierges share their personal suggestions for the perfect day
WHERE TO
STAY 7
DINE 16
BE PAMPERED 20
WHAT TO DO
DURING THE DAY 21
DURING THE NIGHT 24
FEATURED EVENTS 28
SHOPPING 29
NEED TO KNOW
MARINAS 32
PRIVATE JET TERMINALS 33
EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT 34
USEFUL INFORMATION 35
ELITE GUIDE TO DUBLIN
ST. PATRICK’S FESTIVAL
SAMUEL BECKETT BRIDGE
GEORGIAN DOORS IN DUBLIN
UILLEAN PIPER
T R A V E L E R
DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES
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HIGHLIGHTS OF DUBLIN
Don’t miss out on Dublin’s wealth of attractions, adventures and experiences
Nestled in the gently lapping waters of
Dublin Bay, and flanked by the haunting
mountains of Wicklow, this one-time Viking
settlement radiates over one thousand
years of history and presents a gateway to
one of the most beautiful nations on earth.
It is also a slick and sassy capital city
which began the 21st century as a major
node point in global economics. In the mid-
nineties, Dubliners hit the jackpot as the
Celtic Tiger saw the Irish economy balloon
beyond recognition. Almost overnight,
Dublin became a business haven and a
playground for the world’s glitterati, with
swish new bars, hotels and restaurants
embracing both the European currency
and European culture.
Today, you’ll find a happy medium between
misty-eyed nostalgia and modern glamour,
and this guide will provide the Elite
Traveler with a little bit of both. Whether
you’re drinking a Guinness to the tune
of a fiddle, or nibbling tapas in Dublin’s
sparkling commercial hub, you’ll realize
the wit and warmth of the Irish transcend
boom and bust.
JOHNNIE FOX’S PUB
General Manager: Tony McMahon
Phone: +353 1 295 5647
Email: info@jfp.ie
Address: Glencullen, County Dublin
Website: www.jfp.ie
For an evening of good Irish merry-making,
Johnnie Fox’s shouldn’t be missed. Sat on a wild
hillside outside Dublin, the pub claims to be the
highest in Ireland and is certainly one of the most
fun. Every night of the week traditional musicians
gather, often with dancers, and perform
boisterous ditties to the delight of a loving
crowd. The regular ‘Hooley Nights’ are the real
crowd pleaser. These nights begin with a fine,
hearty meal followed by a performance from the
country’s leading Irish bands and the classically
trained Johnnie Fox’s Dancers. All this takes
place in a cozy former farmhouse, a beautifully
humble haunt for visiting heads of state and
Hollywood heartthrobs. For an extra bit of magic,
head to the pub by helicopter and marvel at the
heather-dotted hills on your descent.
THE SHELBOURNE HOTEL
VIP contact: Paul Marlow, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 663 4500
Email: paul.marlow@marriott.com
Address: 27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.marriott.co.uk
This grand red brick edifice has seen almost
two centuries of Irish history saunter through
its corridors, and remains the epitome of
Dublin luxury. A traditional haunt for the
literati, the hotel was a favorite of William
Thackeray and Elizabeth Bowen, and many a
famous wordsmith has reposed on its sofas
since. The Constitution of the Irish Free State
was drafted in a Shelbourne suite in 1922 and
to this day political heavyweights sojourn here
for matters of state or just a pint and a chat.
The hotel stands on St. Stephen’s Green, a
lush inner city park fringed with handsome
Georgian buildings, and a recent renovation
has added several international awards to the
Shelbourne’s ever-stellar reputation.
THE SHELBOURNE HOTEL
JOHNNIE FOX’S HOOLEY NIGHT
HURLING AT CROKE PARK
CROKE PARK
VIP contact: Linda McCoy, Commercial Manager
Phone: +353 1 836 3222
Email: lmccoy@crokepark.ie
Address: Croke Park Stadium, Dublin 3
Website: www.crokepark.ie
At a capacity of over 82,000, Croke Park is the
fourth biggest sports stadium in Europe and home
to Ireland’s two most unique and popular sports.
The Celtic games of hurling and Gaelic football go
back centuries and in the last hundred years have
enjoyed a massive revival. Played on a vast grass
pitch at a breakneck pace, they both involve hitting
a ball through the opposing team’s net, with some
bone-shaking clashes along the way. Both are
easy to follow for the uninitiated—Gaelic football
has echoes of rugby, while the small ball and
sticks of hurling recall field hockey and lacrosse.
The symbolic significance of Croke Park is hard
to overstate. As the site of the infamous Bloody
Sunday killings in 1920, the stadium has become
intertwined with Irish identity and to watch a match
here is to share in a dearly-held national ritual.
Every section of society comes to ‘Croker’ and the
upper echelons are well indulged in the stylish
corporate suites.
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ONLY ELITE
Elite Traveler has selected the most exclusive VIP experiences
ASHFORD CASTLE
Contact: Niall Rochford, General Manager
Phone: +353 94 954 6003
Email: niallrochford@ashford.ie
Address: Cong, County Mayo
Website: www.ashford.ie
Fifty minutes in a helicopter will take you from Dublin to Ashford Castle,
a stunning piece of medieval history and one of Ireland’s most blissful
rural retreats. On the shores of Lough Corrib in the western county
of Mayo, this majestic residence has stood at this spot for nearly 800
years, was once home to the Guinness family and now thrives as a
luxury hotel honored by The Leading Hotels of the World. Founded by
the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family in 1228, the estate totals 350 acres
of landscaped gardens, lakes and woodland, with the fish-rich River
Cong running through its heart and gorse-flecked mountains beyond.
Approaching the castle by helicopter gives you the feeling you’ve hit on
something pretty special. Touching down on the pristine lawn, you’ll be
handed a cold glass of champagne and a choice of five-star indulgence,
country pursuits or a bit of both. The adventurous can go fishing on the
river or lake—Lough Corrib is one of Europe’s best salmon and brown
trout fisheries—or try their hand at falconry, horse riding, archery or
clay pigeon shooting. Swap tales of elusive fish back at the hotel spa,
before a gourmet meal in the regal dining rooms. When you finally put
your head down for the night, you’ll be in the same suite once enjoyed
by King George V, Ronald Reagan and a host of other household names.
This is aristocratic Ireland at its very best.
THE LODGE AT DOONBEG GOLF CLUB
Contact: Joe Russell, General Manager
Phone: +353 65 905 5600
Email: info@doonbeglodge.com
Address: The Lodge at Doonbeg, Doonbeg, County Clare
Website: www.doonbeglodge.com
Take a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman, a hotel
recognized by Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a stretch of the
most heart-melting coastline in Ireland, and you’ve got the stuff of elite
dreams. Just a 45-minute helicopter ride from Dublin, the village of
Doonbeg is a hidden gem on the unspoiled west coast, built around a
16th century castle and surrounded by enchanting Celtic relics. The 18-
hole golf course is Greg Norman’s only design in the British Isles and
frequently appears in the top rankings of the best courses worldwide.
An astonishing piece of links land, the crescent-shaped Doughmore
Bay undulates for a mile and a half, accommodating the traditional
out-and-back course beautifully. Non-golfers can explore the landscape
on horseback, go surfing or simply relax in the fantastic Lodge spa. The
immaculate hotel suites combine country house elegance with modern
amenities, and the fine dining is exceptional.
DOONBEG GOLF CLUB
ASHFORD CASTLE
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CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS
Dublin’s top concierges share their personal suggestions for the perfect day
DAVID MCNALLY
CONCIERGE, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Phone: +353 1 665 4000
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Set yourself up for the day with breakfast
at Seasons Restaurant at the Four Seasons
Hotel, or at Expresso Café in the upmarket
Ballsbridge district. Expresso offers a range
of delicious pastries, homemade scones and
preserves, fruit salads and granola, as well as
a good selection of hot treats.
The Four Seasons can arrange a private
guide to take you on a walking tour of the city,
beginning with a stroll through the streets
and squares of Georgian Dublin. A visit to
the unique museum townhouse at Number
29 Fitzwilliam Street gives visitors an insight
into life upstairs and downstairs in a genteel
18th century home. Next stop is the National
Museum of Ireland with its dazzling array of
gold artifacts from the Bronze Age. Trinity
College is another must-see, offering an
oasis of calm amid the busy city center.
SEAN LALLY
HEAD CONCIERGE, THE MERRION HOTEL
Phone: +353 1 603 0600
Website: www.merrionhotel.com
Government Buildings, the National Gallery
and the National Museum of Ireland are
all on the doorstep of the Merrion Hotel on
Upper Merrion Street. A short walk takes
you to the lively pubs, shops and restaurants
around St. Stephen’s Green, as well as
Grafton Street for designer label hunters.
Dublin is a delight to explore on foot, with
its medieval and Georgian architecture
and a host of attractions including castles,
museums, art galleries and theaters.
BEST RESTAURANTS
The Cellar Restaurant
Cuisine: Irish
Address: The Merrion Hotel, Upper Merrion
Street, Dublin 2
BEST SHOPPING
Brown Thomas
For: Luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics
and housewares.
Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 THE MERRION HOTEL, SWIMMING POOL
For lunch, sample the French cuisine at
two Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick
Guilbaud, or Eamonn O’Reilly’s modern
Irish menu at One Pico. For something
more casual try the lovely brasserie-style
Peploe’s Wine Bar and for a pint of Guinness
in a traditional Victorian pub, head to the
Long Hall, Kehoe’s or Davy Byrne’s.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
Cuisine: Contemporary French
Address: 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
Chapter One
Cuisine: Classic French
Address: 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
One Pico
Cuisine: Classic French with modern touches
Address: 5–6 Molesworth Place,
Schoolhouse Lane, Dublin 2
BEST SHOPPING
Brown Thomas
For: Luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics
and housewares.
Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Kilkenny Design Centre
For: Handcrafted Irish jewelry, knitwear, Celtic
gifts, china, crystal, pottery and glass.
Address: 6-15 Nassau Street, Dublin 2
BEST TO DO
Visit the restored 18th Century townhouse at
Number 29 Fitzwilliam Street
BEST PUBS
The Long Hall
Address: 51 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2
Kehoe’s
Address: 9 South Anne Street, Dublin 2
Davy Byrne’s
Address: 21 Duke Street, Dublin 2
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CONCIERGE RECOMMENDATIONS
HUEY O’BYRNE
FRONT OFFICE MANAGER, THE MORRISON HOTEL
Phone: +353 1 887 2400
Website: www.morrisonhotel.ie
BEST RESTAURANTS
Chapter One
Cuisine: Classic French
Address: 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Fallon & Byrne
Cuisine: Modern European
Address: 11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2
Odessa
Cuisine: Eclectic
Address: 13 Dame Court, Dublin 2
Pichet
Cuisine: French bistro
Address: 14/15 Trinity Street, Dublin 2
BEST SHOPPING
Brown Thomas
For: Luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics and housewares.
Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
BEST TO DO
Private tour of the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery
Address: Bow Street, Smithfield Village, Dublin 7
Private tour of Number 10, the quintessential Georgian townhouse
Address: 10 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
SIMON DUNNE
THE MORGAN HOTEL
Phone: +353 1 643 7000
Website: www.themorgan.com
Enjoy Breakfast in the Morgan Bar before heading off to see the
sights of Dublin. Trinity College, one of Dublin’s most popular tourist
attractions is just three minutes walk. Here, stunning scenery
along with the world renowned Book of Kells can be seen. Another
two minutes or so up the road, you’ll find Dublin’s main shopping
promenade, Grafton Street. Hours can be spent here watching the
local street entertainment or shopping in famous stores such as
Brown Thomas. Relax with some mouth-watering tapas in the Morgan
Bar. The evening options are plentiful particularly in Temple Bar, the
entertainment heartland of Dublin.
BEST RESTAURANTS
Shanahan’s on the Green
Cuisine: American-style steakhouse
Address: 119 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Marco Pierre White
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Address: 51 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Elephant and Castle
Cuisine: International
Address: 18 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
BEST SHOPPING
Brown Thomas
For: Luxury fashion, accessories, cosmetics and housewares.
Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
BEST TO DO
The Guinness Storehouse Tour
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
THE MORGAN HOTEL
THE MORRISON HOTEL
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THE K CLUB
Phone: +353 1 601 7200
Email: sales@kclub.ie
Address: Straffan, Co.Kildare, Ireland
Website: www.kclub.ie
The Kildare Hotel, Spa & Country Club, affectionately known as The K Club,
is Ireland’s AA Hotel of the Year 2011 and Ireland’s Leading Golf Resort.
The exquisite K Club, built in 1832, is located in the heart of the idyllic
Irish countryside and blends the appeal and elegance of a French château
with Ireland’s finest gracious beauty and character. Located just
30 minutes from Dublin city center and Dublin International Airport, The K
Club is nestled in 550 acres of stunning landscape, as well as being home
to two championship golf courses—The Palmer Ryder Cup Course and
The Smurfit Course. The K Club knows exactly how to make a guest feel
special and at home. Attention to detail, consistent levels of service and
added value packages for both business and leisure breaks have become
synonymous with this magnificent resort.
Leisure Facilities
Why we love it: Spa, golf and leisure
The K Club is home to two championship golf courses—The Palmer Ryder
Cup Course, venue for the 2006 Ryder Cup, hailed among Europe’s greatest
courses, and The Smurfit Course, host to the European Open from 1995 to
2007, a challenging Links inspired course. The Resort Spa, K Spa offers a
wide variety of treatments for both men and women including the traditionally
Irish Voya seaweed baths. The K Spa is an oasis of calm and the minimalist
and contemporary décor sets the scene for pure indulgence and mind and
body relaxation. The K Spa also features a secluded outdoor hot tub and herb
garden, seven luxurious treatment rooms, two private suites and a hammam,
hydro bath, Vichy shower and exotic rasul chamber and it even has its own
juice bar for the health conscious.
Culture enthusiasts can enjoy regular art talks and tours of The K Club’s
extensive private art and antiques collection. Wine cellar tours are also
available with the resident sommelier Lisa O’Doherty. The K Club is home
to many important Irish works and even has a room dedicated to the Irish
Expressionist painter, J. B. Yeats. The Yeats Room features many of Yeats’s
important paintings and is a riot of color and texture.
WHERE TO STAY
Whether a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our stunning selection
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WHERE TO STAY
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WHERE TO STAY
THE SHELBOURNE
VIP contact: Paul Marlow, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 663 4500
Email: paul.marlow@marriott.com
Address: 27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.marriott.co.uk
The grande dame of Dublin luxury, the AA five-star Shelbourne has quite
rightly won worldwide renown. Built in 1824, this national treasure has
recently undergone extensive refurbishment and now looks better than ever,
with striking contemporary art sitting happily beside roaring open fires and
Waterford chandeliers. Located on St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s most glorious
garden square, the hotel is just a short walk from Trinity College, Grafton
Street shopping and the 22 acres of the green itself. The Shelbourne’s famous
Horseshoe Bar won Licensing World’s Best European Bar 2010 and is the
perfect place to sip a cocktail or a pint of the local favorite, Guinness. With its
13 banqueting and meeting suites and an unrivalled event planning service,
the Shelbourne is ideal for a business engagement or celebration. Guests can
indulge in tender steak at the Saddle Room Restaurant, fresh oysters at the
stylish Oyster Bar or afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge, proud in the
knowledge they are treading hallowed ground.
TOP SUITE
PRINCESS GRACE SUITE
Square footage: 1,530 Nightly rate: $3,500
Why we love it: Hollywood legend Grace Kelly found in the Shelbourne a home
away from home and her favorite suite now bears her name. The Princess
Grace Suite is the last word in elegance and extravagance, with two bedrooms,
Egyptian cotton bedding, plush furnishings, a large separate dining area and
a marble bathroom. The style is grand and traditional with soft autumnal
colors and rich wood features, and the views of St. Stephen’s Green are
magnificent. The suite includes an LCD flatscreen TV, multi-line telephone,
high speed internet and luxury amenities. Guests can also take advantage of a
complimentary shoeshine service, barber service, 24-hour concierge, and an
exclusive genealogy butler for those who wish to trace their Irish ancestry.
THE SHELBOURNE LORD MAYOR’S LOUNGE
THE SHELBOURNE HERITAGE LOUNGE
PRINCESS
GRACE SUITE
T R A V E L E R
DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES
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WHERE TO STAY
THE DYLAN
VIP contact: Gráinne Murphy, Director of Sales
Phone: +353 1 660 3000
Email: gmurphy@dylan.ie
Address: Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4
Website: www.dylan.ie
Dylan, the ultimate in style and luxury, in Ireland’s most dynamic and
sophisticated city.
An evening arrival at the gates of Dylan is a stirring experience. Antique
iron lamps cast curious magical designs across the Victorian façade of this
boutique Dublin Ireland five-star hotel. Inside, candles, champagne, and a
subtle sense of warmth evoke the city’s alluring artistic and literary character.
Stroll over the Grand Canal along the historic Baggot Street and explore the
center haven of St. Stephen’s Green and the world renowned Grafton Street.
Peruse the upscale shops or enjoy the diverse street entertainment. Return
to the restful comfort of your guest room or suite. Dine amid the cool energy
of Dylan Restaurant. Take pleasure in this intimate five-star Dublin hotel,
entirely enthralling with a playful atmosphere of decadent elegance.
Dublin’s landmark in style and luxury, Dylan is home to 44 sumptuous
guestrooms and suites. Plentiful modern amenities include air conditioning,
plasma screens, CD player, iPod docking station, laptop compatible safe,
minibar, snacks and Wi-Fi access. Guests are also spoiled with the finest
percale cotton linens, plush towels, plush robes and exclusively designed
‘7th Heaven’ beds. All guestrooms are unique and individually designed,
serving to epitomize the luxury, decadence and style which comprise the
incomparable Dylan Experience.
The award winning Dylan Bar has a much talked about energy and buzz.
Overlooked by the brilliantly designed informal Dylan Restaurant, Dylan Bar
is the perfect place to chill out, wind down, meet friends and soak in the
atmosphere. For a stylish city center oasis, step on to the Dylan Terraces with
its comfortable seating, outdoor heating, full coverage canopy and two plasma
screens for watching the match or catching up with the news. Cocktails,
wines, sumptuous food to indulge in, with the same quality ingredients and
professionalism found in the bar and restaurant going into the in-room dining
menu, the decision to dine in the comfortable surroundings of your room or
in the magnetic vibe of Dylan Restaurant may be the most difficult choice you
need to make during your whole stay.
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WHERE TO STAY
THE MERRION
VIP contact: Peter MacCann, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 603 0600
Email: generalmanager@merrionhotel.com
Address: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.merrionhotel.com
One of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, The Merrion occupies a Grade I
listed building in the city center. Created from four Georgian townhouses,
the 142 bedrooms and suites are arranged around two 18th century
landscaped gardens, and the well restored interiors provide the perfect
backdrop for one of Ireland’s most impressive private art collections.
There is a world-class Tethra Spa and a choice of two restaurants—
the only two-star Michelin restaurant in Ireland, Restaurant Patrick
Guilbaud, and The Cellar Restaurant and Bar. Guests can sip champagne
in the intimate cocktail bar, No. 23, take afternoon tea in the gracious
drawing rooms and in the summer enjoy al fresco dining on the garden
terrace. The Leading Hotels of the World has recognized The Merrion
with the prestigious Commitment to Quality Award.
TOP SUITE
PENTHOUSE
Square footage: 2,200 Nightly rate: $4,000
Why we love it: The suite is split across two floors with a separate
1,000-square-foot rooftop terrace complete with hot tub. On the ground
level of the penthouse are the two main bedrooms, each with an en-suite
bathroom and views of the hotel gardens, and the master bedroom also
includes a large en-suite dressing area. A staircase leads to the top floor,
where guests can enjoy the spacious open-plan living room with its stone
fireplace and state of the art entertainment system. The dining area
offers spectacular views over Dublin, and a further room off the main
living area can be used as a study, private meeting room, gymnasium
or as accommodation for security personnel if required. Guests have
exclusive access to The Merrion Penthouse via a private lift.
PENTHOUSE
PENTHOUSE
THE MERRION LOBBYTHE MERRION DRAWING ROOM
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WHERE TO STAY
THE MORRISON
VIP contact: Sandra Doyle, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 887 2400
Email: gm@morrisonhotel.ie
Address: Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Website: www.morrisonhotel.ie
Irish fashion guru John Rocha has based The Morrison’s décor on a
subtle ‘East meets West’ motif, and the results are stunning. White
walls, contemporary art, stone floors and handmade Irish carpets create
simple, chic interiors that have made the Morrison one of the coolest
hotels in town. The atmosphere is calming and unstuffy, and the central
location by the River Liffey is perfect for shopping, sight seeing and
bar-hopping. Halo, the hotel’s nouvelle Irish restaurant, offers delicious,
inventive dishes, and the lively cocktail bar is a favorite haunt for Dublin’s
in-crowd.
TOP SUITE
PENTHOUSE
Square footage: 1,075 Nightly rate: $1,100
Why we love it: The Penthouse showcases Rocha’s design at its finest.
In the open-plan living room, tasteful dark woods and cream walls are
complemented by vivid acid-washed velvet throws and cushions. The
master bedroom has a king-size bed and a second adjoining bedroom is
available for guests who need to extend the suite. The limestone-floored
bathroom includes a huge Jacuzzi with a frosted glass wall overlooking the
master bedroom, a double sink, a walk-in shower and a separate seating
area. The dining area seats eight guests and the full-size honesty bar is
well stocked. Guests can enjoy a flatscreen TV with a multi-region DVD
player, and the wrap-around balcony offers panoramic views of Dublin.
Secluded and luxurious, the Morrison Penthouse is a popular choice for
visiting celebrities.
HALO RESTAURANT AT
THE MORRISONPENTHOUSE
PENTHOUSE
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WHERE TO STAY
THE CLARENCE
VIP contact: Clinton Attwell, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 407 0800
Email: clinton@theclarence.ie
Address: 6-8 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
Website: www.theclarence.ie
Bono and the Edge bought the Clarence in 1992 and with a major redesign,
transformed their old hangout from a forgettable two-star into a world-
ranking five-star. A triumphant symbol of the Celtic Tiger years, the
Clarence is now one of the most fashionable hotels in Dublin and attracts
a host of glamorous jetsetters from rock stars to supermodels. London-
based designer Keith Hobbs has given the interiors an inviting, arts and
craft feel, with American white oak panels, Italian limestone floors and
tall bronze-framed windows lending a fresh, unpretentious elegance.
What was once the ballroom is now the acclaimed Tea Room restaurant,
with a soaring coved ceiling, charming service and probably the best Irish
breakfast in Dublin. With U2’s stamp of approval, the hotel’s Octagon Bar
has become a hot place to be seen, and the cocktails are dreamy.
TOP SUITE
PENTHOUSE
Square footage: 2,088 Nightly rate: $4,000
Why we love it: During refurbishment, an entire floor was added to the
hotel’s original four storeys to allow the construction of several new suites,
with this dazzling penthouse as the crowning glory. Built over two floors,
the Penthouse Suite features two master bedrooms each with their own
bathroom, two living rooms, a turquoise dining room seating eight and a
kitchen fully-equipped with Alessi appliances. The dark oak double doors
lead into an airy, Shaker-inspired space with Irish-crafted furnishings of
leather, suede and velvet. True to its rock ’n’ roll pedigree, the suite includes
a well-stocked private bar, a baby grand piano and a panoramic rooftop
terrace complete with open air hot tub.
THE OCTAGON BAR AT THE CLARENCE
PENTHOUSE
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WHERE TO STAY
THE MORGAN
VIP contact: Paul Fitzpatrick, Managing Director
Phone: +353 1 643 7000
Email: paul@themorgan.com
Address: 10 Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Website: www.themorgan.com
Located in Dublin’s lively Temple Bar district, the Morgan is among the city’s most
chic boutique hotels and has attracted a keen following in the music and fashion
industries. The cool modern interiors contrast with the dynamic street life outside
and offer elegant comfort perfect for longer stays. Each room is individually
designed in a contemporary minimalist style, with the colorful bathrooms
perhaps the most striking feature. Elite travelers will love the cocktail bar—a
favorite among Dublin’s in crowd—and the hotel’s proximity to Grafton Street, the
city’s main shopping thoroughfare. The Morgan also has a fine tapas restaurant,
professional meeting rooms and an attractive courtyard.
THE FITZWILLIAM
VIP contact: Fergal O’Connell, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 478 7000
Email: enq@fitzwilliamhotel.com
Address: St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.fitzwilliamhotel.com
The Terence Conran designed Fitzwilliam sits in a prime position on
St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin’s proudest Georgian Square. Conrad’s interiors
here are typically sleek and refined, with a lobby of purple carpets,
Barcelona sandstone and a black-and-white tiled catwalk leading to the
pewter-clad bar. Every detail has been carefully considered, right down
to the bowls of apples and votive candles in the hallways, and the use of
neutral colors and clean lines is effortlessly graceful. Michelin-starred
restaurant Thornton’s is the Fitzwilliam’s trump card, while the excellent
bistro Citron offers more casual dining.
TOP SUITE
PENTHOUSE
Square footage: 5,600 Nightly rate: $1,300
Why we love it: This duplex style apartment features Philippe Starck furniture,
its very own baby grand piano and a rooftop garden with panoramic views
of the city. Light beechwood furnishings and creamy neutral walls lend the
interior a clean fresh feel and make this an easy place to stay for a week or
two. The master bedroom includes a king size bed with a gilt-framed Louis XV
headboard and guests can make use of a widescreen TV and private bar. The
fully-equipped kitchen and ample dining area are convenient for longer stays,
and you’ll find every appliance and feature is designed with exquisite attention
to detail. A novelty you won’t find elsewhere, the rooftop terrace includes an
extra room in the form of a vintage Airstream caravan.
TOP SUITE
PENTHOUSE
Square footage: 2,000 Nightly rate: $3,200
Why we love it: A popular suite for stars performing at Dublin’s O2
venue, the Fitzwilliam Penthouse is a fabulous showcase of Conrad flair.
Bright red leather furnishings, deep shag pile rugs, a gleaming grand
piano—this is accommodation fit for rock royalty. Guests can enjoy a
private bar with 24-hour butler service, as well as a spacious dining
area with Michelin-starred cuisine for entertaining. A unique sculptured
ceiling houses the latest in computer controlled lighting, a leather-
covered wall retracts to reveal a huge plasma screen and the vast
limestone bath offers a deep soak worthy of Cleopatra.
PENTHOUSE, THE FITZWILLIAM
PENTHOUSE
PENTHOUSE
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WHERE TO STAY
THE RITZ-CARLTON POWERSCOURT
VIP contact: Max Zanardi, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 274 8888
Email: max.zanardi@ritzcarlton.com
Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com
Set in one of Ireland’s most scenic and historic estates, The Ritz-Carlton
Powerscourt is a spectacular rural retreat 30 minutes from Dublin. The
200-room resort boasts extraordinary Palladian-style architecture and
includes two championship level golf courses, a 30,000-square foot spa
by ESPA and a Gordon Ramsay signature restaurant. The friendly staff can
arrange chauffeur-driven tours of the area, or provide bike hire and horse
treks for the more intrepid. Guests can explore the woodland and lakes of
hilly Wicklow, before returning to the hotel for a blissful spa treatment and
dinner at Ramsay’s or traditional pub, McGill’s.
TOP SUITE
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
Square footage: 2,456 Nightly rate: $7,100
Why we love it: This palatial seventh floor suite offers outstanding views
of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, with two double bedrooms and a Jacuzzi
on the private rooftop terrace. The Ritz-Carlton signature linens and
featherbeds are a delight, and the warm colors and open fire in the
living room lend a charming country house ambiance. The spacious
dining room is ideal for entertaining and the separate study useful for
business guests. The bathrooms feature marble baths with recessed
TVs, separate rainforest showers and double vanities, and the master
suite bathroom includes a sauna and steam room. Presidential Suite
guests can enjoy 24-hour in-room dining and a fully-stocked honesty
bar. The accommodation of choice for the likes of Bono, Johnny Depp
and Eva Green.
THE RITZ-CARLTON POWERSCOURT
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
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WHERE TO STAY
THE FOUR SEASONS
VIP contact: Jose Soriano, General Manager
Phone: +353 1 665 4000
Email: jose.soriano@fourseasons.com
Address: Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4
Website: www.fourseasons.com/dublin
A beautiful marble-adorned lobby leads you into one of the most spacious
and peaceful hotels in the capital. Located in the desirable Ballsbridge
district in the southeast of the city, the new red brick building combines
faux Georgian and Victorian features with modern concrete and glass,
and once inside you can expect immaculate service and particularly good
facilities for families. The four-acre garden makes a verdant view from
the large hotel windows and provides a tranquil retreat in the summer.
Tea in the Lobby Lounge is delightful, or for something a little stronger,
the hotel’s popular Ice Bar is as cool as its name would suggest. Seasons
Restaurant serves fine seasonal dishes using Irish ingredients and for
sybaritic bliss, the large hotel spa is one of the best in Ireland.
TOP SUITE
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
Square footage: 2,691 Nightly rate: $2,600
Why we love it: With extravagant furnishings, ornaments and amenities,
the Presidential Suite is every bit as opulent as you would expect from
the Four Seasons empire. Available with two or three bedrooms thanks
to adaptable connecting rooms, the suite includes a separate kitchen,
an eight-seat dining room and a balcony with pleasant views on to the
landscaped gardens and the show grounds of the Royal Dublin Society.
The master bedroom includes a large walk-in closet and dressing area,
with a guest powder room near the suite entrance, and the marble
bathroom offers a deep soaking bath tub, a separate glass-walled
shower and a double vanity.
FOUR SEASONS GARDEN
FOUR SEASONS ICE BAR
SEASONS RESTAURANT
PRESIDENTIAL SUITE
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WHERE TO DINE
With a rich native supply of fine
meat and seafood, Ireland has
made the very most of the boom years
and revolutionized its restaurant
scene. The Celtic Tiger has seen Dublin
transformed from a culinary backwater
to a gourmand’s paradise, and the capital
now boasts some of Europe’s best dining.
Here are some hotspots.
STYLISHTOP CHOICE
THORNTON’S
Manager: James Plasic
Phone: +353 1 478 7008
Email: thorntonsrestaurant@eircom.net
Address: 128 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.thorntonsrestaurant.com
Cuisine: French
Style / Ambiance: Based in the Fitzwilliam Hotel, Kevin Thornton’s
eponymous restaurant enjoys wonderful views of St. Stephen’s Green and
serves Michelin-starred cuisine. New York firm 1100 Architects created
the warm, stylish dining room, as well as the chic Canapé Lounge for
heavenly amuse-bouches. There is an exquisite range of dishes on offer,
with the tasting menu standing out as one of the best in Ireland. Highlights
include the Bere Island scallop with truffle mousse and the sea urchin
with brunoise of vegetables, or if making a decision is just too hard, try
the eight-course surprise menu devised for your table. For private dining,
reserve the intimate Scott Room or the kitchen-facing Chef’s Table.
RESTAURANT PATRICK GUILBAUD
Manager: Stephane Robin
Phone: +353 1 676 4192
Email: info@restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie
Address: 21 Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie
Cuisine: Contemporary French
Style / Ambiance: Arguably the most respected restaurant in Ireland, the
legendary Patrick Guilbaud’s opened in 1981 and since then has won every
major food award going. Currently in the hands of chef Guillaume Lebrun, the
restaurant has held two Michelin stars for the last fifteen years, and has long set
the standard to which others aspire. It remains the only two-star restaurant in the
country and with a wine list every bit as impressive as the food, you’ll be talking
about this place for some time after. Highlights include the Clogher Head lobster
ravioli, caramelized veal sweetbreads and the assiette au chocolat. Beside the
main dining room, a heated terrace looks over the 16th century garden of The
Merrion Hotel and offers a charming spot for a digestif and cigar.
INISHMORE SEA URCHIN AT
THORNTON’S
RESTAURANT PATRICK GUILBAUD
T R A V E L E R
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WHERE TO DINE
LOCAL FAVORITE
GREAT STEAK
THE WINDING STAIR
Manager: Elaine Murphy
Phone: +353 1 872 7320
Email: restaurant@winding-stair.com
Address: 40 Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Website: www.winding-stair.com
Cuisine: Irish
Style / Ambiance: This buzzy little eatery has long
been a favorite for bohemian types flocking to
the bookshop below, and a recent renovation has
extended its fan base well beyond that. There are
now few better places in Dublin for a traditional Irish
meal, and the chef always keeps you guessing with
some brilliant modern twists. All ingredients are
locally sourced and organic, with some delicious
seafood and a superb selection of Irish farmhouse
cheeses and cured meats. Add to this an excellent
wine list and friendly service and you’ll find the
Winding Stair’s charms hard to resist. The bookcase-
lined walls make a happy home for both books
and wine, and the dark wood floorboards and big
windows lend a bistro feel that bland chain cafés
would love to imitate. On a sunny day, get yourself
a table overlooking the river and tuck into some
potted Dingle Bay crab on soda bread or an Ummera
bacon-wrapped pork fillet with roasted onion mash,
savoy cabbage and apple gravy. For the sweet tooth,
it would be remiss not to try the famous bread and
butter pudding with whiskey sauce.
SHANAHAN’S ON THE GREEN
General Manager: Martin Clegg
Phone: +353 1 407 0939
Email: management@shanahans.ie
Address: 119 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.shanahans.ie
Cuisine: American-style steakhouse
Style / Ambiance: A pleasure for the discerning
carnivore, Shanahan’s serves some of the best beef
in Ireland. The steaks are all certified Irish Angus and
cooked in a special broiler at 1,600-1,800 degrees
fahrenheit to sear the outside while keeping the
inside tender and juicy. The menu also offers fresh
native seafood, excellent pork and lamb dishes and
a truly indulgent Oreo cookie cheesecake. Patrons
enjoy all this in a majestic Georgian townhouse on
St. Stephens Green, designed by Dublin’s leading
18th century architect, Richard Cassels. Complete
with marble fireplaces and gilded chandeliers, the
classically-proportioned dining rooms drip with
history, and the attached Oval Office bar provides a
splendid setting for a post-supper liqueur.
THE WINDING STAIR FISHPLATE
SHANAHAN’S ON THE GREEN
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WHERE TO DINE
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
STYLISH
BON APPÉTIT
Executive Chef: Oliver Dunne
Phone: +353 1 845 0314
Email: info@bonappetit.ie
Address: 9 James Terrace, Malahide, County Dublin
Website: www.bonappetit.ie
Cuisine: Contemporary French
Style / Ambiance: On a quiet harbor in the village
of Malahide, you’ll find one of the finest gourmet
restaurants in the country. Opened in 2006, Bon
Appétit won a Michelin star less than two years
later, the fastest star ever awarded to a restaurant
in Ireland. Chef Oliver Dunne worked under Gordon
Ramsay and Gary Rhodes in London, before
returning to his homeland to become the youngest
Michelin-starred chef on Irish shores. He concocts
extraordinary dishes from locally sourced seasonal
produce, and sommelier, Jean Baptiste, helps
find the perfect wine pairing from the restaurant’s
copious wine cellar. The interior design melds
traditional opulence and subtle modern chic, with
plush grey carpets, coffee-colored silk wall covers
and cream Victorian chairs. Bon Appétit is the
top choice for Dublin’s suburban elite and a great
excuse for visitors to discover this picturesque
village just north of the city.
ONE PICO
Chef-proprietor: Eamonn O’Reilly
Phone: +353 1 676 0300
Email: one_pico@yahoo.ie
Address: 5-6 Molesworth Place,
Schoolhouse Lane, Dublin 2
Website: www.onepico.com
Cuisine: Modern French
Style / Ambiance: Tucked away on a small lane
near St. Stephen’s Green, One Pico offers award-
winning fine dining in a peaceful pocket of the city
center. The fresh white exterior leads into a dining
room of gold and beige, peppered with plush purple
furnishings that make it easy to linger here for a
while. Chef Eamonn O’Reilly creates wonderfully
inventive dishes using local seasonal produce,
changing the menu every month and never failing
to impress his many loyal disciples. Particular
delights are the seven-course surprise menu and
the daily table d’hôte lunch menu. O’Reilly has an
eye-catching CV—he cut his teeth alongside three
Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno at Le Meurice
in Paris, and went on to top hotels in Boston and
Casablanca before opening One Pico back on his
home turf. A welcome return it was too.
BON APPÉTIT
ONE PICO
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WHERE TO DINE
WARM WELCOMETOP CHOICE
L’ECRIVAIN
Executive Chef: Derry Clarke
Phone: +353 1 661 1919
Email: enquiries@lecrivain.com
Address: 109a Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.lecrivain.com
Cuisine: Irish with French influence
Style / Ambiance: L’Ecrivain is one the capital’s most celebrated gourmet
restaurants and can be found in a gorgeous Georgian neighborhood. Chef-
owner Derry Clarke creates inventive, Michelin-starred dishes and changes
the menu regularly to keep his ingredients seasonal. Using small, local
producers, he gives traditional Irish flavors a piquant French twist and
the results have won the affections of many regulars. Game dishes are a
specialty—Clarke’s pigeon, quail, duck and venison are particular winners—
and the superb wine list is updated frequently. With an airy, blond wood
interior, the atmosphere is light and relaxed, and you’ll find the staff some of
the friendliest in town.
CHAPTER ONE
Proprietors: Ross Lewis and Martin Corbett
Phone: +353 1 873 2266
Email: info@chapteronerestaurant.com
Address: 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Website: www.chapteronerestaurant.com
Cuisine: Classic French
Style / Ambiance: Book worms will the love the literary location below the
Dublin Writers Museum, but the real appeal here is the dazzling, Michelin-
starred food. Chef and co-owner Ross Lewis excels at classic French-inspired
dishes, using locally-grown organic and artisan produce and changing the menu
with the seasons. Expect such treats as braised oxtail with truffled macaroni,
squab pigeon wellington and John Dory with leeks in white truffle butter. The
building was once home to John Jameson—of Irish whiskey fame—and Chapter
One makes beautiful use of the vaulted basement. The natural stone and wood
interior is delicately lit, with plenty of white and chic, unfussy décor. Certainly
one of Dublin’s most atmospheric and delicious dining spots.
COD WITH FENNEL PURÉE AND SCALLOPS AT CHAPTER ONE
L’ECRIVAIN
CHAPTER ONE
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WHERE TO BE PAMPERED
Be taken to another world of relaxation and beauty with our top therapists and spas
FOUR SEASONS SPA
Spa Manager: Shona Tarrant
Phone: +353 1 665 4602
Email: shona.tarrant@fourseasons.com
Address: Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Treatments and facilities: The only hotel in Dublin with a full-service spa,
the Four Seasons Spa offers four treatment rooms, a sunlit indoor lap pool,
a whirlpool and separate steam rooms and saunas for men and women. The
fourth floor suite features a relaxation area and twin treatment beds with
the option of a screen for guests visiting as a couple or with loved ones or
friends. To begin or end your session with a workout, the adjoining fitness
center provides state of the art exercise equipment and after a morning visit
guests can enjoy a nutritious lunch by the poolside, in the calm surroundings
of the spa.
Signature treatment: Let an expert masseuse take care of you with a
soothing back massage and full body hydration, followed by a Samadara
facial to give your skin a golden glow. The spa uses the finest Sodashi
products for life-enhancing skin and body care, and for a serene sense of
well-being, try the Four Seasons chakra balancing treatment.
MANDALA SPA
Spa Manager: Sarah Murray
Phone: +353 1 671 7099
Email: info@mandala.ie
Address: 35 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.mandala.ie
Treatments and facilities: Guests at Mandala Spa at La Stampa Hotel can
enjoy any of the six spacious and sophisticated retreat rooms or relax in the
divine candlelit Lotus Room. The décor embraces the philosophy of feng
shui, incorporating the five elements—earth, wood, fire, metal and water—
and creating an atmosphere of tranquility and solitude with a hint of eastern
mystique. Inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony, the Lotus Room offers a
selection of Oriental teas, exotic fruit juices and organic foods.
Signature treatment: The Om Harmony Bath. A two-hour deep herbal bath
in a grand white carrera marble tub, surrounded by candles and garnished
with flower petals. The revitalizing herbs will recharge your energy and help
balance your body and mind. This is followed by a purifying massage with a
blend of cajeput and petitgrain to help rid the body of toxins. Total bliss from
start to finish.
MANDALA SPA
FOUR SEASONS SPA
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WHAT TO DO DURING THE DAY
From the medieval Christ Church
Cathedral to noble Georgian squares
and the ultra modern Millennium Spire,
you’ll discover Dublin’s rich history
simply by wandering its streets. With a
population of just over a million, Dublin
feels compact and easy to navigate,
with the most memorable sights within
a couple of square miles of the city
center. In the unlikely event you get lost,
you’ll find plenty of cheery locals to
point the way.
SPORT
LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE
Contact: Anna Kerr, Hospitality Manager
Phone: +353 1 289 0507
Email: info@leopardstown.ie
Address: Foxrock, Dublin 18
Website: www.leopardstown.com
Irish passions run high when it comes to horseracing, and you’ll see them
running near their highest at Leopardstown Racecourse. Located six miles
south of Dublin city center, the iconic venue sits in the foothills of the Dublin
Mountains with a magnificent panorama of Killiney Hill, and hosts both
national hunt and flat racing throughout the year. The best seats in the house
are in the esteemed Penthouse Suites on the fourth floor of the grandstand,
where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the racetrack from above the final
furlong. Each penthouse is furnished with a private balcony, a bar, LCD TVs
and Tote betting facilities. VIP guests are offered a personal member of staff
to attend to their needs throughout the day, and the gourmet catering team
provide first class bespoke dining. For maximum convenience, guests arriving
by helicopter can arrange to land in the center of the racecourse.
LEOPARDSTOWN RACECOURSE
T R A V E L E R
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GUINNESS STOREHOUSE
Contact: Paul Carty, Managing Director
Phone: +353 1 408 4800
Email: guinness-storehouse@guinness.com
Address: St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8
Website: www.guinness-storehouse.com
Urban myth claims a pint of Guinness in Dublin tastes better than anywhere
else on earth, and the Guinness Storehouse lets you put it to the test.
Dublin’s number one tourist attraction, the storehouse is an impressive
conversion of an old grain store opposite the original St. James’s Gate
Brewery and a private tour gives a fascinating insight into Ireland’s world
famous stout. The tour begins with an introduction to the beer’s four
ingredients—water, barley, hops and yeast—followed by a history of the
legendary Guinness family, an exhibition of iconic Guinness advertising and
finally a welcome pint of ‘the black stuff’ in the glass-enclosed penthouse
bar. With winning views of the city, bay and distant Wicklow mountains, that
pint is bound to taste special.
TRINITY COLLEGE
Contact: Anne-Marie Diffley, Visitor Services Manager
Phone: +353 1 896 2320
Email: adiffley@tcd.ie
Address: College Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.tcd.ie
Ireland’s oldest and most esteemed university, Trinity College can name
Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Jonathan Swift among its graduates.
Founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, the college has long been
synonymous with academic excellence and with its central position in the
city remains a focal point for locals and tourists alike. The Book of Kells
is the star attraction—housed in the glorious Old Library, this exquisite
9th century gospel manuscript is truly one of a kind, its intricate and
wonderfully preserved decorations enticing visitors from across the globe.
Contact Anne-Marie Diffley for an exclusive tour.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
CULTURAL
GUINNESS STOREHOUSE GRAVITY BAR
TRINITY COLLEGE
LITERARY
DUBLIN WRITERS MUSEUM
Phone: +353 1 872 2077
Email: writers@dublintourism.ie
Address: 18 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1
Website: www.writersmuseum.com
Ireland’s literary prowess is well known. The nation has produced some
of the world’s most respected writers, including four Nobel Prize winners,
and this intriguing museum examines the key figures of the last three
hundred years with an extraordinary collection of books, letters, portraits
and personal items. Notable exhibits include an 1804 edition of Swift’s
Gulliver’s Travels, an 1899 first edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and an
1899 edition of Wilde’s ‘Ballad of Reading Gaol.’ Based in a magnificent
Georgian townhouse, the museum centers on the vast Gallery of Writers in
the former drawing room, generously adorned with paintings, Adamesque
plasterwork, and a deep Edwardian lincrusta frieze. A private guided tour
is highly recommended.
DUBLIN WRITERS MUSEUM
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DAY TRIP
HOWTH
Address: Howth, County Dublin
Howth Castle website: www.howthcastle.ie
For an idyllic day trip from the capital, the
sleepy fishing village of Howth should be high
on your Dublin to-do list. Howth is an ancient
settlement nine miles north of Dublin, built
on the rugged peninsula of Howth Head and
surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring
landscape on Ireland’s east coast. A walk
along the cliff path will take you past the Baily
Lighthouse and ruined abbey, and give you an
exhilarating view of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow
Mountains. History lovers should arrange a
private tour of Howth Castle, one of the oldest
occupied buildings in Ireland and home to
the Gaisford-St Lawrence family since they
founded the estate in the 12th century. For
animal lovers, a short boat trip will take you
to Ireland’s Eye, a tiny uninhabited island off
Howth Head teeming with seals and a dizzying
variety of seabirds. Howth is still a major
fishing center and for floppingly fresh seafood,
Elite Traveler recommends Aqua Restaurant on
West Pier.
HOWTH HEAD
DUBLIN CASTLE
DUBLIN CASTLE
Phone: +353 1 645 8813
Email: dublincastle@opw.ie
Address: Dame Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.heritageireland.ie
Built in the 13th century on a site originally
settled by the Vikings, Dublin Castle has
endured many a twist and turn in Irish
history. Over the last 700 years, the castle has
functioned as a military fortress, a prison, a
treasury, courts of law, the seat of English
Administration in Ireland and is now used for
important state receptions and presidential
inaugurations. It was in the grand courtyard
of Dublin Castle that the last British Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland handed power to rebel
leader Michael Collins and so ended the
Irish War of Independence in 1922. Book a
private tour and discover the opulent State
Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal,
before exploring the remarkable Chester Beatty
Library with its ancient manuscripts, miniature
paintings, books, bindings, calligraphies
and the western world’s most stunning
collection of Qur’ans. A must for history
buffs and bibliophiles.
IRISH HERITAGE
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WHAT TO DO DURING THE NIGHT
Once upon a time, Dublin nightlife
meant an evening at the pub, but
the city’s surge of wealth in the nineties
changed all that. The elite traveler can
now find gracefully restored members’
clubs and chic new bars, while many
traditional watering holes have upped
their game to keep up. Wherever you
find yourself, the famous Irish craic
(Gaelic for ‘fun’) still lives strong and
an early night is not in a Dubliner’s
vocabulary.
THE PINK
VIP contact: Karen Houlihan
Phone: +353 1 612 7999
Email: karen@thepink.ie
Address: La Stampa Hotel, 35 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.thepink.ie
Any celebrity worth their column inches spends their Dublin evenings in
this spangly new nightclub in La Stampa Hotel. The brainchild of renowned
nightlife impresario Robbie Fox, The Pink has fast become the glitziest club
in town and counts Bono, The Corrs and Joe Elliott among its regulars.
Elite Travelers will want to make a beeline for the first floor Members’ Bar,
accessed by a private lift and restricted to the very select few. Here you can
expect first class service and a wine and champagne list that will make
connoisseurs go weak at the knees. Contact Karen Houlihan to arrange a
private area, complete with your own hostess and a selection of excellent
sushi. On other floors you’ll find a fabulous Asian fusion restaurant and the
‘Club Downstairs’ with its coveted VIP booths, über-cool dance floor and
champagne tables offering bar and bottle service way into the small hours.
All in all, a thoroughly classy affair.
NIGHTCLUB
THE PINK
THE PINK
T R A V E L E R
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RESIDENCE
VIP contact: Eugene Hogan
Phone: +353 1 662 0000
Email: info@residence.ie
Address: 41 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Website: www.residence.ie
Dublin’s most prestigious private members’ club, Residence will
offer a warm welcome to the Elite Traveler. In a grand Georgian
townhouse on St. Stephen’s Green, the understated entrance leads into
MEMBERS’ CLUB
the award-winning Restaurant Forty One, two peaceful private terraces
and drawing rooms with crackling open fires. Head to the Piano Bar
on the third floor and cradle a brandy to live jazz or Spanish guitar,
or for more colorful libation take a pew in the smart Cocktail Bar
and put the inventive mixologists to the test. More energetic guests
can wander down to the Beckett Bar where discerning DJs bring the
boutique nightclub to life. A Residence membership is no small honor
in Dublin and with such unequalled luxury, regulars happily make a
second home here.
RESIDENCE DRAWING ROOM
RESIDENCE DRAWING ROOM RESIDENCE DRAWING ROOM
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THEATER
NIGHTCLUB
ABBEY THEATRE
Phone: +353 1 887 2200
Address: 26/27 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1
Website: www.abbeytheatre.ie
For a city that produced Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel
Beckett, it’s no surprise that theater is a huge source of pride in Dublin.
Theater holds a much-loved place in Dublin culture and the Abbey Theatre
has been a place for literary greats since W. B. Yeats first opened its doors
in 1904. As the national theater of Ireland, it promotes a bevy of homegrown
writing talent, both past and present, and tours nationally and internationally
to universal acclaim. Book a premium seat in the stalls to make the most of
the powerful performance space, and enjoy some of the best drama in the
English-speaking world.
LOST SOCIETY
VIP contact: Garret Brady
Phone: +353 1 611 1777
Email: info@lostsociety.ie
Address: Powerscourt Townhouse, South William Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.lostsociety.ie
A heady mix of 18th century decadence and modern chic, Lost Society is a
favorite among Dublin’s elite. Originally the city home of Lord Powerscourt,
the building is made from granite mined at the Powerscourt Estate in County
Wicklow and remains one of the largest stone mansions in Dublin. What was
once Lady Powerscourt’s dressing room is now the White Room lounge bar,
adorned with the original French-inspired plasterwork and chandeliers, and
overlooking the grand townhouse piazza. The Library bar features plush
leather sofas and floor to ceiling bookshelves complete with classic tomes,
while the stylish modern club room hosts international DJs to keep the party
going well into the night.
ABBEY THEATRE
LOST SOCIETY
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DOHENY & NESBITT
Phone: +353 1 676 2945
Address: 5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2
No trip to Dublin would be complete without
a pint of Guinness in a good old Irish pub, and
Doheny & Nesbitt is an excellent place to start.
Located on the historic Baggot Street, this
protected building is a charming example of
Victorian pub architecture and has benefited
no end from a thorough wash and brush-up.
Gleaming brass signs, polished mahogany, a
convivial barman—this is fairytale Ireland at its
best and will reward whiskey lovers with a superb
selection of Irish whiskies. With its proximity to
the Dáil (Irish Parliament), Doheny & Nesbitt has
long been the pub of choice for Dublin’s political
elite and the heated debates within these walls
are the stuff of legend. Add a gaggle of lawyers
and journalists to the mix and you have a hotbed
of banter and scandal. Find a spot in one of the
partitioned ‘snugs’ and enjoy the show.
PUB
JOHNNIE FOX’S
General Manager: Tony McMahon
Phone: +353 1 295 5647
Email: info@jfp.ie
Address: Glencullen, County Dublin
Website: www.jfp.ie
In the dramatic heights of the Dublin
Mountains you’ll find the legendary Johnnie
Fox’s, apparently the highest pub in Ireland
and certainly one of its most loved. The big
draw is the traditional music and dancing,
performed every night as well as weekend
afternoons, pulling in eager crowds from
near and far. Irish dancing is a mainstay of
Irish culture and you can see some of the
nation’s finest dancers at one of Johnnie Fox’s
regular ‘Hooley Nights’. A spectacular Dublin
experience, a Hooley Night begins with a
four-course feast—the seafood is excellent—
followed by live Irish music and a performance
by the pub’s celebrated dance troupe. Scores
of famous figures have flocked to Johnnie
Fox’s over the years, from Hollywood stars to
royalty, and when you’re whisked up by the
magic of it you’ll understand why. This humble
pub is a place of pilgrimage for good reason.
Manager Tony McMahon will happily arrange
a Hooley Night to coincide with your visit,
and for swift access from Dublin city center,
helicopters can land on the adjacent field.
PUB
DOHENY & NESBITT
JOHNNIE FOX’S DANCERS
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28
WHAT TO DO FEATURED EVENTS
As a major European city, Dublin
caters for all kinds of tastes. From
Celtic rituals that go back millennia, to
cosmopolitan new festivals, the Irish
will find any excuse for a celebration.
Whether you want sport, art, music,
food or literature, Dublin has it in
spades. Here are just a few events that
might appeal to the Elite Traveler.
GAA ALL IRELAND HURLING FINAL
SEPTEMBER 9, 2012
VIP contact: Linda McCoy, Commercial Manager
Phone: +353 1 819 2300
Email: lmccoy@crokepark.ie
Address: Croke Park Stadium, Dublin 3
Website: www.crokepark.ie / www.gaa.ie
Skilful, brutal and whippet quick, hurling is a Gaelic sport that dates
back at least 3,000 years and remains the fastest field sport on the
planet. Today, hurling stands alongside Gaelic football as the most
popular sport in Ireland, and the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association)
All Ireland Final whips the nation up into a frenzy. Somewhere between
lacrosse and field hockey, hurling is played on a large grass pitch with
two teams and a goal at each end. Players carry an axe-shaped wooden
bat called a hurley, and score points by belting a hard, tennis ball sized
‘sliotar’ into their opponent’s goal. The pace of it has to be seen to be
believed, and the strength and dexterity of the players is formidable.
The 82,300 capacity Croke Park Stadium holds a near-sacred place
in the hearts of Dubliners, and the elite traveler can expect the most
lavish hospitality in one of the stylish corporate suites. Equip yourself
with an Irish whiskey and look on as Ireland’s top two teams go hell for
leather below.
HURLING AT CROKE PARK
T R A V E L E R
DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES
DUBLIN HORSE SHOW
AUGUST 15-19, 2012
VIP contact: Adrienne Clarke
Phone: +353 1 240 7291
Email: adrienne@rds.ie
Address: Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Website: www.dublinhorseshow.com
Ireland has a traditional affinity with horses, and the annual Dublin
Horse Show is a national institution. The event is held in great affection
both within Ireland and beyond, attracting the world’s best show horses
and jumpers as well as many thousands of enthusiasts. A magnet for
high society, the show spares no expense when it comes to hospitality.
Secure a seat at the exclusive Grand Stand Tier tables and enjoy
gourmet cuisine, chilled champagne and strawberries and cream, with
uninterrupted views of the Main Arena Puissance and Grand Prix. For the
fashion conscious, Ladies’ Day is a make-or-break date in the calendar.
DUBLIN HORSE SHOW
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WHAT TO DO SHOPPING
29
During the last fifteen years Dublin has
become a hot shopping city to rival
any capital in Europe and you can expect
to leave with twice the luggage you came
with. Strolling through the pretty city
center, you’ll hit upon a wealth of high-
end shops, with major luxury brands
sitting next to chic boutiques, antiques
and local crafts. For native Irish produce,
look for crystal, jewelry and decorative
arts, as well as epicurean delights such
as cheese and whiskey. Whether you want
the latest Gucci clutch or a Waterford
Crystal carafe, Dublin offers some rich
pickings indeed.
DEPARTMENT STORES
BEST SHOPPING AREAS / DISTRICTS
BROWN THOMAS
Contact: Michelle Curtin, Personal Shopper
Phone: +353 1 605 6666
Email: mcurtin@brownthomas.ie
Address: 88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.brownthomas.com
The most prestigious department store in Dublin, Brown Thomas is an
essential port of call for the Elite Traveler. It houses the world’s most
exclusive brands from fashion and accessories to beauty and homeware,
as well as collections by top Irish designers such as Paul Costelloe,
Lainey Keogh and Louise Kennedy. The palatial Beauty Hall boasts the
very latest products by MAC, Giorgio Armani, Bobbi Brown, Jo Malone,
Laura Mercier, Tom Ford, Crème de la Mer, Givenchy and Hermès. The
Designer Room houses international collections from Gucci, Prada,
Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Bulgari, Chanel, Christian Lacroix,
Christian Louboutin, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Burberry,
Hugo Boss, Issey Miyake, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Manolo Blahnik,
Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Tod’s, Valentino,
Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Zegna and Victoria Beckham, not forgetting
contemporary favorites like Michael by Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Marc
by Marc Jacobs and DKNY. Jewelry, accessories and watches by Tiffany
& Co., Cartier and Omega can be found in the extensive Luxury Hall,
and men can choose from a wide range of suits by Tom Ford, Brioni and
Canali. For premium crystal and ceramics, head to the unique Waterford
Crystal and Wedgwood flagship boutique on level three. The personal
shopping service is second to none and Michelle Curtin will tailor your
visit with excellent attention to detail. For hip designer labels and denim
check out the sister store BT2 at 28-29 Grafton Street.
The best way to explore Dublin’s main
shopping areas is to walk from the Central
North district over the River Liffey, through
the vibrant Temple Bar neighborhood and
end at Grafton Street in Central South. A
good starting point is O’Connell Street,
which will take you past the remarkable
Millennium Spire and across O’Connell
Bridge with its charming river views.
Grafton Street is the city’s main shopping
promenade, with the exclusive Brown
Thomas department store, Weir & Sons
Jewelers and a colorful array of street
performers. Many treasures are to be found
in the lanes off Grafton Street, particularly
Duke, Dawson, Nassau, and Wicklow
Streets, while the tiny Cow’s Lane has some
exquisite boutiques with collections by local
designers. A meander down Grafton Street
will lead you nicely to St. Stephen’s Green
where well-deserved refreshment awaits.
BROWN THOMAS
T R A V E L E R
DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES
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WHAT TO DO SHOPPING
HARVEY NICHOLS
Contact: Elizabeth Moor, Personal Shopper
Phone: +353 1 291 0488
Email: elizabeth.moor@harveynichols.com
Address: Dundrum Town Centre,
Sandyford Road, Dublin 16
Website: www.harveynichols.com/dublin
Harvey Nichols Dublin, located just a few miles
south of Dublin city center, is the centerpiece
of the new Dundrum Retail Centre. You’ll find
three floors of the best beauty and fashion
brands, as well as Harvey Nichols’ famous
Food Market, a sexy cocktail bar and the
deluxe restaurant, First Floor. Expect exclusive
collections by Chloé, Hoss Intropia, Lara
Bohinc, Marc Jacobs, Markus Lupfer, Opening
Ceremony, Project D, Siwy and Twenty8Twelve,
and beauty products by Omorovicza, Elemis,
Tända and Silkskin. Men can find the latest
collections by Harris and Denham. Contact
Elizabeth Moor for an exceptional personal
shopper service.
HARVEY NICHOLS
FIRST FLOOR BAR AT HARVEY NICHOLS
WEIR & SONS
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WHAT TO DO SHOPPING
JEWELRY & WATCHES
POWERSCOURT CENTRE
Contact: Shireen Marcus, Private Guide
Phone: +353 1 679 4144
Email: shireenmarcus@hotmail.com
Address: 59 South William Street
Website: http://powerscourt.odonnell.nu
Set in the 18th century Powerscourt
Townhouse, this elegant shopping mall is
a must for independent boutiques, beauty
salons and art, craft and antique shops.
The Antiques Gallery contains a myriad of
WEIR & SONS
Phone: +353 1 677 9678
Address: 96-99 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
RHINESTONES
Phone: +353 1 679 0759
Address: 18 St. Andrew’s Street, Dublin 2
CHOPARD
WEIR & SONS
Website: www.chopard.com
IWC
PAUL SHEERAN JEWELLERS
Phone: +353 1 635 1136
Address: 7-9 Johnson Court,
Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.iwc.com
PATEK PHILIPPE
WEIR & SONS
Website: www.patek.com
TAG HEUER
ERNEST JONES
Phone: +353 1 679 7599
Address: 81 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.tagheuer.com
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
APPLEBY JEWELLERS
Phone: +353 1 679 9572
Address: 5-6 Johnson’s Court,
Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Website: www.vancleef-arpels.com
jewels, silver, china and crystal, and the two
art galleries boast an extensive collection
of contemporary Irish art. The second floor
Design Centre sells works by some of Ireland’s
leading fashion designers, as well as coveted
international labels. With tall ceilings and
original Adamesque plasterwork, the courtyard
café is a charming spot for a bit of rest and
recuperation. Combine culture with shopping
by taking a guided tour behind the scenes at
this unique townhouse.
GRAFTON STREET
T R A V E L E R
DESTINATION GUIDE SERIES
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NEED TO KNOW MARINAS
DUN LAOGHAIRE MARINA
General Manager: Paal Janson CMM
Phone: +353 1 202 0040
Email: info@dlmarina.com
Address: Harbour Road, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin
Website: www.dlmarina.com
Located in the historic harbor of Dun Laoghaire on the southern shore of
Dublin Bay, Dun Laoghaire Marina is the only marina in Ireland with Five
Gold Anchors from the Yacht Harbour Association and has everything you
would expect from a world-class yachting destination. The marina has
capacity for 820 boats and can be accessed 24 hours a day by boats of up to
four meters (13 feet) draft. It has berths suitable for boats up to 30 meters
(98 feet) in length with a maximum displacement weight of 80 tonnes. The
marina’s four waterfront yacht clubs are among the most distinguished
in Ireland. Dun Laoghaire is conveniently situated just a short distance
from Dublin city center and a 45-minute drive from Dublin Airport, and
in Dun Laoghaire town you’ll find shops, banks, pubs, restaurants and a
chandlery. One of the marina’s biggest draws is the friendly, well-informed
staff who will always go out of their way to help you.
MALAHIDE MARINA
Contact: Damien Offer
Phone: +353 1 845 4129
Email: info@malahidemarina.net
Address: Malahide, County Dublin
Website: www.malahidemarina.net
Malahide Marina is located ten miles north of Dublin city center and
four miles from Dublin Airport. It has 350 fully serviced berths and can
accommodate vessels up to 75 meters (246 feet) length and four meters
(13 feet) draft with ample space for maneuvering. Malahide itself is known
locally as ‘the village’ and has a tranquil charm that has made this a
favorite among the international yachting crowd. The location is ideal
for cruising this scenic stretch of coastline and when it comes to shore
leave, Malahide is a perfect place for a stop-over. Visitors will find all the
necessary services in the fully-equipped boatyard and marina center, and
the village and surrounding countryside are idyllic. Restaurants, pubs,
shops, banks and a post office are within walking distance of the marina,
as well as a golf course, tennis courts, parks, botanical gardens, beaches
and the 12th century Malahide Castle.
Dublin is a very sailor-friendly destination
and Ireland is an excellent country to
explore by boat. Separated from mainland
Britain by the Irish Sea, Ireland is lined with
dramatic cliffs and wide sweeping beaches,
and surrounded by hundreds of islands
and islets, each with their own place in
Celtic folklore. Accomplished seafarers can
cross to Dublin from the UK, sailing the 63-
mile route from Holyhead in Wales to Dun
Laoghaire in Dublin Bay, and the marina
facilities on arrival are world-class.
DUN LAOGHAIRE MARINA
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NEED TO KNOW PRIVATE JET TERMINALS
DUBLIN AIRPORT - SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT
Operations Manager: Peter Costelloe
Phone: +353 1 844 6144
Email: dub@signatureflight.ie
Airport address: Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Website: www.signatureflight.com
Located six miles north of Dublin, Dublin Airport is within easy reach of
the city center. Signature Flight Support offers first rate hospitality with
clean, comfortable and well-furnished facilities. Features include rental
cars, a VIP shuttle service, a meeting room, bistro and pilot lounge, as
well as high speed internet connection, Global Processing Units, oxygen,
de-icing and fuelling. In addition, Signature line support offers the
unique Signature QuickTurn™ service for demanding travel schedules.
DUBLIN AIRPORT - UNIVERSAL AVIATION
Location Manager: Mark Shiels
Phone: +353 1 814 5777 (office) / +353 86 856 5710 (mobile)
Email: dublin@universalaviation.aero
Airport address: Dublin Airport, County Dublin
Website: www.universalaviation.aero
Universal Aviation offers the closest FBO to the airport entrance. The UK-based
European Operations Centre is available 24/7 for personal flight planning and
weather briefings, and Universal Aviation is the first NATA Safety 1st® certified
handler in Ireland. Facilities include two new UVair fuel trucks and a complete
line of ground handling equipment. The Elite Traveler can enjoy complimentary
drinks and wireless internet access in the private VIP lounge, which offers
the quickest route on the airfield from terminal to aircraft. Universal Aviation
offers a full VIP meet-and-greet service, a rental car and limousine service, full
baggage handling, fast customs, immigration and quarantine clearance, and full
coordination of slots, permits, and overflights where required.
OXYGEN AVIATION
Phone: +44 (0)1403 237 010
Email: info@oxygenaviation.com
Website: www.oxygenaviation.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/oxygenaviation
Services: Oxygen Aviation is synonymous with excellence in private
jet travel. By consistently providing an unsurpassed level of service,
Oxygen Aviation has become a major force in the private jet market
that offers total worldwide coverage.
It offers a full aviation solution; aircraft charter, sales,
management, block-hours and consultancy. You have choices
where to spend your time, money and energies, and you will be
sure to have more of each of these, once you begin traveling with
Oxygen Aviation.
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NEED TO KNOW EXCLUSIVE TRANSPORT
COSGROVE LIMOUSINES
Phone: +353 1 834 7168
Email: bookings@cosgrovelimousines.com
Address: Cosgrove Limousines Ireland, 16
Willowpark Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11
Website: www.cosgrovelimousines.com
Located close to Dublin Airport, Cosgrove
Limousines has been in operation for over
thirty years and provides chauffeur and
limousine services throughout Ireland.
Catering for the discerning business and
leisure traveler, Cosgrove offers pristine
condition Mercedes-Benz S Class, E Class
Saloons and stretch limousines, as well as
Chrysler Grand Voyagers and BMW 7 Series
Saloons. Services include airport transfers,
road shows and multi-point itineraries, as well
as sightseeing tours, golf tours and transport
to special events.
CORPORATE CHAUFFEUR SERVICES
Phone: +353 1 450 0076
Email: info@ccsl.eu
Address: Unit 2D, Long Mile Road, Dublin 12
Website: www.corporatechauffeurs.ie
Corporate Chauffeur Services offers chauffeur
facilities in all areas of corporate, leisure, VIP
and private transport throughout Ireland. Based
in Dublin, it provides a wide range of luxury cars,
including the Mercedes-Benz S Class and BMW 7
Series, as well as mini-coaches and coaches, all
of which are maintained to the highest standards.
Its chauffeurs are highly experienced, helpful,
polite and discreet. Services include A to B
and airport transfers, road shows, conference
transport, guided city tours with driver guide or
tour guide, corporate events transport, daily or
hourly hires and golfing tours both Dublin based
and nationwide.
DUBLIN CHAUFFEURS
Contact: Justin Wilson
Phone: +353 87 233 8396
Email: justin@dublinchauffeurs.com
Address: Staunton’s on the Green,
83 St. Stephen’s Green South, Dublin 2
Website: www.dublinchauffeurs.com
Dublin Chauffeurs offers an exceptional
transport service with a fleet of the Mercedes-
Benz S Class in gold, silver and black. Services
include airport transfers, city and country
tours, road shows, golf outings and special
occasions. All their vehicles have access to
Dublin’s many bus corridors, ensuring you get
to your destination swiftly even during peak
traffic hours. Dublin Chauffeurs have earned a
reputation for excellence and can name many
multinational corporations and luxury hotels
among their regular clients.
EXCHEQUER LEASING LTD.
VIP contact: Jim O’Sullivan
Phone: +353 1 283 3258 (office) / +353 86 254 5445 (mobile)
Email: info@exchequeraircraft.com
Address: 196 Roebuck Road, Roebuck Castle, Dublin 14
Website: www.exchequeraircraft.com
Established in 1993, Exchequer Leasing Ltd. is now one of Ireland’s leading
companies for private jet and helicopter charter and sales. With aircraft
available in Ireland, the US, Australia and South Africa, Exchequer has built a
EXCHEQUER LEASING LTD.
vast knowledge of aircraft leasing worldwide. It offers twin engine helicopter
access to anywhere in Ireland, as well as to and from the UK. Chartering with
Exchequer, you are not committed to a minimum number of hours on one
aircraft and the team will tailor your trip to your particular needs, both in the
air and on the ground. Exchequer Leasing Ltd. has access to 2,000 airports in
Europe—including smaller airports—and will process customs, immigration
and quarantine administration in advance to save you time. Many of the
Exchequer planes have a DVD player and telephone, and a complimentary full
bar service is available on every flight.
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NEED TO KNOW USEFUL INFORMATION
WHEN BEST TO GO
The best time of year to visit Dublin is from May
to September when the days are long and the
weather is warm. The most popular season is
the height of summer (July and August). Irish
weather is famously unpredictable, but the
climate is generally mild thanks to the island’s
position in the Gulf Stream.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Smoking in pubs, cafés and restaurants is
illegal, though many places have embraced al
fresco culture and have large heated terraces.
ATTIRE
Ireland is liberal when it comes to dress and
Dublin’s sartorial habits are eclectic. Church-
goers and guests at the more up-market
restaurants tend to dress conservatively.
Though temperatures rarely drop below
freezing, warm clothes are advisable in the
winter. Summer can be pleasant when the sun
is shining, though evenings are often cold so it
is always best to have a sweater handy. Dublin
is not especially rainy but visitors should come
prepared for the occasional shower even at the
peak of summer.
LANGUAGE
English is the dominant language in Ireland.
The official ‘national language’ is Irish (Gaeilge),
which is still taught as a compulsory subject
in schools but outside the classroom it is only
spoken in isolated rural communities.
CURRENCY
Euro
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = EUR 0.73
£1 = EUR 1.17
COUNTRY DIALLING CODE
+353
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
Ambulance: 999
Fire services: 999
Police: 999
Coastguard: 112/999
EMBASSY CONTACTS
US: + 353 1 668 8777
UK: + 353 1 205 3700
Mean Temperature (°C)
Total Rainfall
(mm)
Number
of Rainy Days
Month
Daily
Minimum
Daily
Maximum
January 2 7 71 17
February 2 8 52 15
March 3 10 51 14
April 5 12 43 14
May 7 14 62 14
June 9 18 55 15
July 11 19 66 17
August 11 19 80 17
September 10 17 77 17
October 7 14 68 15
November 4 10 67 17
December 3 8 77 19
TIME ZONE
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March
and the last Sunday in October).
POPULATION
1.1 million
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day
Good Friday, Easter Monday
May Day, Christmas Day
St. Stephen’s Day.
RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC
The population of the Republic of Ireland is 87%
Roman Catholic, 4.8% Protestant and other
Christian religions, and 4.2% non-religious.
Though the Catholic Church has become less
influential in the last twenty years, Ireland still
has one of the highest rates of regular church
attendance in the western world.
TYPICAL OPENING HOURS
Business hours are usually from 9am to 5.30pm
Monday to Friday, with a lunch break from
1pm to 2pm.
RIVER LIFFEY