• We have expert advice given by the National Biodiversity plan
• With this plan we created a new planting policy in the garden. Planting only pollinator friendly plants sourced from Irish nursery’s and Irish grown, non-invasive plants.
• We planted wild flower seed
• We did not mow the lawns between April until the end of June.
• We did not use any pesticides or weed killer
• We did not water the plants only with water gathered from our water onsite.
• We used our own mulch to protect our beds that was gathered from dead wooding our trees. This was also done to protect our beautiful trees from harm and rot.
• We created our own compost heap to help continue the life cycle of plants in the garden
• We created our own green house, located in a disused bedroom, the tower suite to grow flowers from seed as a learning experience for staff. We think we had the highest green house in Dublin!

Protecting our Wildlife
Protecting the local animals and birds was fore front to our biodiversity action plan. We wanted to get expert advice so we asked for birdwatch Ireland co-founder Niall Hatch to meet with our green team. He walked through the space and made recommendations.

• We had Niall Hatch visit us to discuss ways of improving the garden as a habitat for local animals and birds
• We cleared an unused area behind the hedging to create further beds and vegetable patch
• We left a lot of undergrowth and scrap land specifically for the animals such as hedgehogs, foxes, insects, and birds to continue to use this as protection in such a manicured suborn area.
• We also ordered from Birdwatch Ireland a selection of birdhouses that are specific to each bird. We especially wanted to include a bird house for the endangered Swift

Conservation of Wildlife and Biodiversity
Here are the ways in which we are protecting and conserving wild life.

• Keeping our gardens pesticide free
• Keeping areas in our gardens suitable for animals such as leaving undergrowth
• Not watering the garden relying on natural rain fall
• Continued local and beach cleans to keep local environment clean and suitable for wildlife
• Installation of swift boxes to help stem the decline of the swift population in Ireland

The post Biodiversity appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

The school was designed by the architectural practice of John McCurdy and William Mansfield Mitchell. Mccurdy and Mitchell also designed the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin; Many of the buildings in Trinity College Dublin, including the Anatomical Museum, The School of Physiology, and the Chemistry Building; parts of Saint Columba’s College, Rathfarnham; and Lowther Lodge, north of Ballsbridge, which every schoolboy In Gormanston who went on the beach walks or played beach cricket known as ‘’Filgate’s’’.

Mccurdy and Mitchell designed the new Masonic Girls School in the Queen Anne Style and the foundation stone were laid on 24th June 1880 by the Duke of Abercorn. The cost was estimated at £12,000, and the building was brought ‘’almost to completion’’ by the building contractors Gahan & Son, who went bankrupt in the process. The building was completed under the supervision of William Bolger and The new School opened in 1881.

The cost of building came in just under £15,000.

The school stood on a 10-acres site and as well as schoolrooms, it included a Library, Dormitories, Recreation and Dining areas, around 2 sides of a quadrangle. The school entrance was beneath a corner tower that was not merely ornamental but also contained all the workings connected with the water supply of both the building and bathrooms.

Inside, despite the military-style order, cleanliness and spare impressions, the rooms were airy and bright and the dormitories were cheerful. Most of the fittings and furniture were made and bought in Ireland.

The large drill hall (now known as Thomas Prior Hall) stood beside the main building and was also used for prayers and meetings. The hall still boasts many of its original features, such as the ornate oak-panelled walls, stained glass windows, original mosaic tilling, a choir balcony and vaulted wooden ceiling.

The school closed in 1970 and the building was bought by the Royal Dublin Society and renamed Thomas Prior House after one of the founding members. It was then sold in in the 1980s and a hotel was developed on-site.

In 2015, the hotel became Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge; part of Dalata Hotel Group Ltd and since upgraded from a 3-star hotel to a 4-star hotel. In 2016, Thomas Prior Hall was tastefully renovated in a modern style whilst retaining its historic charm.

Thomas Prior Hall now stands as one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Ireland, along with being a very popular event and meeting space.

The post A History of Clayton Ballsbridge appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

All of these activities are located close to Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.

Work up a Sweat

Why not take a run around our local area taking in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge and Sandymount Strand? The perfect way to soak up the local atmosphere.

SEE MORE

Walk to Dublin City Centre

Take a walk through the leafy suburb of Ballsbridge up through Baggot Street and over the Canal into Dublin City Centre. This walk will be the perfect way to take in the beautiful examples of Edwardian, Victorian and Georgian architecture this area has to offer. This walk will take you on average 20 mins from Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.

Hop on the DART

Located only 350m away from Sandymount DART station making Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge the gateway to Dublin’s Sea Side Towns. Why head to Blackrock and enjoy its Market full of delicious food and antiques? Go to Dun Laoghaire and munch on Teddy’s Ice cream while walking the pier. Maybe grab a pint in Bono’s local; Finnegans of Dalkey. All located just under 20mins on the DART.

Dublin Walls

Have created a walking map based on some of Dublin’s most eye-catching and Instagramable street art. Check out their website for more information.

Bike it

Why not hop on one of Dublin’s many free bikes such as bleeper bikes  or Dublin city bikes  and enjoy the day cycling the city

Kayaking

City Kayaking runs tours along the Liffey River giving you a unique viewpoint of Dublin City.

Merrion Square and St Stevens Green

Two of Dublin’s most famous parks. The perfect place to let the kids go wild whilst you enjoy a coffee and the scenery. Both parks have a playground suitable for all ages.

The post Green things to do in Dublin City appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Nourish

16 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2.

Nourish is an independent chain of health food stores however what makes their location on Wicklow street really interesting is their selection of natural makeup. Alongside their range of makeup, they have a great selection of natural skincare products.

Siopaella

30 Wicklow St, Dublin, D02 Y037

Located on Wicklow Street in Dublin City Siopaella is one of Dublin’s finest thrift shops. They have a focus on more designer wear, this store brings thrifting and vintage shopping to a whole new level.

Jenny Vander

50 Drury St, Dublin 2.
This is one of Dublin’s most famous Vintage and antique clothing dealers. If you are looking for something special then it’s one to drop into.

The Irish Design Shop

41 Drury Street Dublin 2.

If you are looking for beautiful mementoes of your time in Ireland this is the shop. Moving away from the usual traditional souvenirs you will find handcrafted and designed Irish goods. Although not an eco-friendly shop exactly this store stocks a lot of environmentally friendly and locally sourced products that really show the true beauty of Irish craft.

Fresh Cuts

13 Castle Market, Dublin, D02 XH05

Is dedicated to selling ethical and sustainable clothing. They not only stock their own brand of T-shirts and clotheing tbut other designers too. Their new location on Castle Street is a beautiful shop to visit.

Lucy’s Lounge

11 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 XW64

One of Dublin’s most iconic vintage shops is located in Temple Bar. This eye-catching store will have you browsing through an eclectic mix of amazing vintage finds for hours.

Powerscourt Town House Shopping Centre

59 William St S, Centre, Dublin 2, D02 HF95

Host a selection of beautiful stores in one of Dublin City’s most iconic shopping locations.

Within the town centre, there is a selection of great shops. A particular favourite of Dublin shoppers is the antique shops located on the 1st floor such as Monty Cristo.

Chupi Jewellery is located on the top floor, this is one of Irelands newest jewellery brands. They make stunning pieces made with sustainable materials such as lab grown diamonds.

The post Sustainable Shopping appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Sustainable tourism is not just about getting outside it is also about celebrating the local cultural heritage.

Dublin City has no shortage of history. Walking the streets alone you will give you an enormous understanding of our history, with maybe a few pubs along the way!

But as always there are some cultural hot spots which our guests should check out.

Dublin’s Theatre Scene

Support some of the world’s most famous acting communities and book a night at the theatre in one of Dublin’s theatres.

The Abby Theatre – 26/27 Abbey Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 K0F1

The Gate Theatre – Cavendish Row, Parnell Square E, Rotunda, Dublin 1

The Gaiety Theatre  King St S, Dublin 2

Let’s not forget about the little ones – why not check out what’s on in The Ark  – 11A Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 A590

Museum and Galleries

We are very lucky in Dublin that many of our top cultural sites are free to enter.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Is Ireland’s leading institution of modern art.
Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

National Museum of Ireland

Comprises of a separate museum located around the city. Such as:

National Museum of Archaeology – this houses the famous bog bodies

Decorative Arts and Heritage Museum– here you will find delightful display of Irish homes throughout the decades.

Natural History Museum – Fondly known by Dubliners as the Dead Zoo. This newly renovated museum has a selection on taxidermy of native Irish animals.

National Gallery of Ireland

Merrion Square West
Dublin 2, Ireland

Has on display an array of Irish and international works of Art from Caravaggio to Van Gogh to our very own artists such as Harry Clark and Jack Yeats.

The post Culture Vulture appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Be a responsible visitor

Here are some ways in which you can help us to help the environment

Conserve energy

Reduce energy by switching off the lights in your room when you leave it and closing
windows if the heating is on.

Transport

Turn your car engine off while in the hotel car park waiting for someone, this can help reduce energy wastage and pollution.
Why not try car sharing or taking public transport on your next trip to Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

A substantial effort is being made throughout the hotel to reduce, reuse and recycle. Try and recycle any waste you have. A recycling bin is provided in the main bedrooms and a general waste bin is provided in all bathrooms.

Be Water Wise

Please use water wisely.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and adhere to our towel policy
We have also added aerators and timers to our showers to help manage the water waste

Respect Nature

Help us to look after the landscape and wildlife by not littering in our garden,
and being respectful to our flora and fauna.

Choose Local Produce

When ordering from our menus and the bar why not choose one of our locally produced products and drinks made in Ireland?

The post How to make your stay more sustainable appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Whether you want to embrace the great outdoors on a relaxing walk or you would prefer to enjoy a pint of the black stuff alongside some live music, this is Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge’s guide to things to do in Dublin on the weekend.

Tour the Aviva Stadium

15-minute walk from the hotel

Boasting well over 140 years of sporting history, a tour of the Aviva Stadium is the perfect weekend activity for sports and history enthusiasts alike. The guided stadium tour will give you a unique insight into the home of Irish rugby and football including a look at the dressing rooms, dugouts, and the spots where some of the most historical moments in Irish sports took place.

Picnic in St. Stephen’s Green

35-minute walk from the hotel, 11-minute drive 

A true oasis of calm and scenic beauty in the heart of the city, St. Stephen’s Green boasts over 22 acres of greenery making it a local favourite for picnics, catch-ups, or simply a relaxing wander. Opt to pack your own picnic or grab takeaway lunch, hot drinks, and freshly baked snacks from Tang café which sits just outside the park. Roll out your blanket and enjoy an afternoon of perfect relaxation in this historic space!

Try out a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

One of the best ways to see all the city has to offer is with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour! The full tour takes around 2 ½ hours and will take you on a journey through some of the most well-known attractions including the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, and Kilmainham Gaol. Get off and experience the sights up close or simply enjoy the views from the comfort of the open-top bus.

Tickets can be purchased online and the tour regularly stops outside the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.

Embrace the fresh air on the Great South Wall walk

12-minute walk from the hotel

The Great South Wall walk is one of the most popular walks enjoyed by locals at the weekend in Dublin. The scenic walk begins at the picture-perfect beach of Sandymount Strand and the guided trail takes you along towards Dublin Bay. The walk finishes when you reach the roaring red Poolbeg lighthouse where you will enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.

Check out the Howth market

6-minute walk to the Dart, 30-minute Dart to Howth

A visit to the charming fishing village of Howth is always a good idea! Hop on the Dart from Sandymount and enjoy a picturesque trip to this seaside town. Once you arrive, visit the Howth Market where you will be met with an array of organic produce, freshly baked goods, one-of-a-kind antiques, and of course, delightful local producers behind every stall. The town itself is full of history and beauty so make sure to explore before hopping on the Dart back!

Enjoy live music in Slattery’s pub

20-minute walk from the hotel

Ideally located just a short walk from Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, Slattery’s Pub is a traditional Irish pub fit with the perfect outdoor area for those warmer days and a cosy front bar for those colder nights. After first opening its doors in the late 1980s the pub is a favourite amongst locals looking to watch the latest match, have a Guinness with friends or enjoy some live music.

After a day of experiencing some of the top things to do in Dublin on the weekend, put your feet up and relax with a drink at the Grandstand Bar at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge before resting in our luxurious rooms! Check out our range of special offers here.

The post Things to do in Dublin on the Weekend appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Whether you have never gotten around to seeing Dublin Zoo or you fancy trying out something a little different (did someone say kayaking down the River Liffey?); there is something to keep a smile on the face of every family member during a weekend in Dublin!

This is our ultimate guide to a Family Staycation in Dublin.

Day 1 in Dublin

Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo

Up and at ‘em! First up is a trip to the ever-popular Phoenix Park. Visited by around 10 million people every year, this public park is jam-packed with historical sculptures, stunning gardens and of course – the well-known fallow deer. If you’re feeling energetic, why not rent a bike at the entrance to discover all the park has to offer on two wheels.

It would be difficult to mention Phoenix Park without mentioning Dublin Zoo which is located on the grounds. Known as Ireland’s biggest family attraction, the zoo first opened its doors in 1831 and is now home to over 400 animals! Children under 3 go free but there are also family tickets available – all tickets to Dublin Zoo must be pre-booked. The Phoenix Park is the perfect way to start your family staycation in Dublin!

Little Museum of Dublin, St. Stephen’s Green

It’s time to make your way back into the city centre and prepare to learn almost everything that’s worth knowing about Dublin’s fair city in the Little Museum of Dublin: the museum dedicated to telling the history of Ireland’s capital.

Located on St. Stephen’s Green, the Little Museum of Dublin boasts around 5,000 unique artefacts which were all generously donated by the people of Dublin making it one of the most unique museums in the city. As well as offering classes for kids to learn about Dublin’s history, the museum also offers an award-winning walking tour that begins in the museum. When you’re finished up, take a short walk around St. Stephen’s Green and soak in the atmosphere of this beloved park.

Lunch in Pi, George’s Street

We’re sure some stomachs may be rumbling by now so it’s time to make your way to Pi Pizza on George’s Street for some delicious lunch during your weekend in Dublin. Voted the 7th best pizza in Europe in 2019, Pi opened to the public in 2018 and has been a steady favourite amongst pizza-loving locals ever since.

The restaurant offers a good atmosphere and great pizza with options for vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike. If you’re not too full after your Pi pizza experience – treat yourself to the chocolate budino: a chocolate pot topped with Achill Island sea salt.

Kayak the River Liffey

Let the fun continue on your family staycation, next up is a unique opportunity to experience Dublin city from the River Liffey on a City Kayaking tour. If you’re interested in seeing a little more, a custom tour can be organised where you’ll have the option to go even further towards Dublin bay.

Beginning by the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, City Kayaking typically times its tours with the flow of the tides but if you’re interested in a certain time slot – simply get in touch! The tour lasts around 90 minutes with 30 minutes at the start dedicated to taking you through all the necessary safety precautions and paddling instructions.

Day 2 of your Weekend in Dublin

Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk

Start off day two of the family staycation with a visit to the iconic Poolbeg Lighthouse located on the Great South Wall. Established in 1767, the lighthouse was built to aid navigation at the mouth of the River Liffey leading into Dublin City Centre.

The Lighthouse walk begins at the Great South Wall car park and takes around 40 minutes to reach the lighthouse and get back to the car park. The walk will gift you unparalleled views of Dublin Bay, the Poolbeg Chimneys and, depending on when you’re walking, the sunset. The walk is family-friendly and suitable for buggies with a relatively flat surface.

Science Gallery Dublin, Trinity College

Make your way back to Dublin city centre and towards Pearse Street where you’ll visit the Science Gallery Dublin; a part of the Global Science Gallery Network pioneered by Trinity College Dublin and an excellent place to visit during a weekend in Dublin.

The Science Gallery is an interactive space that encourages visitors of every age to think outside the box. From questioning our relationship with plastic to investigating optical illusions, the gallery consistently offers new and exciting exhibitions to get your mind thinking and your creative juices flowing! Although lunch is on the cards next, don’t miss an opportunity to try some fresh bread or pastries from Bread 41 located just across the road.

Lunch in Bunsen, Temple Bar

Take a walk down Pearse Street, past Trinity College and towards Temple Bar where you can chow down on one of the city’s best burgers in Bunsen, Temple Bar.

Bunsen first opened in 2013 and has now expanded to multiple locations across Ireland. Known for offering ‘straight-up burgers’, Bunsen’s business card sized menu makes ordering quick and easy! Think of a good quality ham or cheeseburger, fries on the side and a beer, soda or a milkshake to match.

Guinness Storehouse, St. James’s Gate

Walk 20 minutes from Temple Bar (weather depending) or hop on a bus from Lord Edward Street to get to your next destination: Guinness Storehouse; arguably one of Dublin’s most popular attractions for both visitors and locals alike, a must-see on a family staycation in Dublin.

Located in the heart of St. James’s Gate, the Guinness Storehouse is spread across seven floors and offers an interactive insight into the history of Ireland’s much-loved beer. The end of the tour ends in the Gravity Bar where you’ll experience panoramic views over Dublin city and a free pint (for the adults) of the black stuff!

Ice cream and a walk around St. Stephen’s Green

Take a final short trip to Dublin city centre to finish off your 48 hours in Dublin with a well-deserved treat and a stroll. Grab a crepe in Gino’s on Grafton Street or George’s Street, try out the much-talked-about brown bread ice cream from Murphy’s on Wicklow Street or enjoy one of Dublin’s latest additions to the ice cream scene: Three Twenty Ice Cream Lab.

Treat (of whatever kind) in hand, take a stroll around the city, take a seat in St. Stephen’s Green and start planning your next family staycation in Ireland’s great capital!

Tip: See more things to do in Dublin City with our helpful guide.

Family Hotel in Dublin City Centre

Make the most of your family staycation in Dublin and book into the 4 star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge. Located in Dublin’s south city, Clayton Hotel offers breakfast, complimentary car parking and a range of special offers for families!

The post Family Staycation: A Weekend in Dublin appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

1. The Back Page

This Dublin sports bar offers the full package: Brewtonic craft beers, huge screens showing a range of sporting events and delicious handmade pizza. Whatever your sport of choice is, you’re guaranteed to have the craic at The Back Page.

2. The Bleeding Horse

Located off Camden Street, The Bleeding Horse has an active schedule for their large screens showcasing a host of sports including GAA, darts, golf, Formula 1, Premier League, rugby, soccer and Tour de France. The bar also hosts live entertainment sessions on weekends and has a food menu full of delicious grub.

3. The Living Room

Known as ‘Ireland’s No. 1 Sports Bar’, The Living Room is a sports fan’s dream – featuring some of the largest screens in Europe and multiple extra screens, wherever you sit you’re guaranteed to see the action. After the match you can expect a huge party with live DJs playing til late.

4. The Woolshed Baa & Grill

Situated on Dublin’s Parnell Street, The Woolshed is a household name when it comes to sports bars in the city. Fans can cheer on their teams in a buzzing atmosphere with pitchers of beer and delicious bites from their large bar menu. They also serve fishbowl-sized cocktails for you and your friends to enjoy.

5. Blackbird

Blackbird has a beer garden that’s perfect for outdoor sports screenings on those sunny Dublin days. Considered to be both a sports bar and a craft beer bar, fans can enjoy a range of craft beers, ciders and freshly made pizzas while shouting for their team. During the summer months Blackbird has been known to host half-time barbeques and other themed events.

6. The Bridge 1859

Sport is at the heart of The Bridge 1859 pub. Owned by Ireland and Leinster rugby players Sean O’Brien, Jamie Heaslip and Rob and Dave Kearney and located a stone’s throw from the Aviva Stadium. The Bridge is the place to be on match days. Head for a drink before or after watching the match at the stadium or watch the game on their large screens for the next best thing.

7. Sinnott’s

With 14 large screens set throughout the bar and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, Sinnott’s is a favourite among sports fans in Dublin City Centre. Showcasing a variation of sports from GAA to American Football, the atmosphere promises to be electric at Sinnott’s as sports fans gather together to support their chosen teams. Sinnott’s have a full food menu for when that post-match hunger kicks in.

8. The 51

Home to an award winning carvery and 11 HDTV screens, The 51 bar is a staple among Dublin pubs. Filled with atmosphere and just moments away from the Aviva Stadium. The 51 runs some special offers where you can get a pint for just €5.

9. The Boar’s Head

The Boar’s Head Pub comes hand-in-hand with GAA in Dublin. Often frequented by players from past and present and packed with super fans on match days, this is the place to be if you haven’t got a ticket for Croke Park. A traditional pub in every sense of the word, fans are sure to make friends in this snug pub where matches are often followed by a good singsong.

10. The Hogan Stand

Just minutes away from the action at Croke Park, The Hogan Stand provides all the pre and post-match entertainment for GAA fans with food and drink specials, live music and large HD screens for showing GAA matches. The atmosphere at this bar on match days is like no other.

Four Star Hotel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium

Just a 15 minute walk from the Aviva Stadium, Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge have a range of special offers on stay packages for sports fans, families, business travellers and everyone in between. Enjoy luxurious bedrooms, delicious local food and a sun-filled terrace at the doorstep of Dublin’s city centre.

The post 10 of the Best Sports Bars in Dublin appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.

Dublin is a city that is steeped in history, dating back as far as the 9th century. Without planning a thing, you could easily spend your day wandering the streets, discovering the past of Ireland’s capital city one landmark or mounted wall plaque at a time.

Dublin has a whole array of attractions on offer to suit everyone and we’ve rounded up a list of our favourites:

1. Dublin Zoo

Opening its doors in 1831, Dublin Zoo is one of the world’s oldest zoos and is still a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike when it comes to whiling away a morning or afternoon. The zoo spans 69 acres of the city’s famous Phoenix Park and welcomed more than 2 million visitors in 2018, as well as the arrival of more than 100 new animal residents, including an Asian elephant calf.

The zoo is divided up into different habitats, such as the African Savanna, Asian Forests, Gorilla Rainforest, Sea Lion Cove and more. Here, you can also attend talks about the various animals onsite and even witness feeding time (pro-tip: check the website in advance so you don’t miss out).

2. Hiking in Ticknock

Perhaps getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city is more to your liking. If so, you won’t regret head up to the Dublin mountains for a hike in Ticknock. head on a two-hour hike with your date and take in all that stunning scenery.

With over 10km of mountain and forest walks, each offering beautiful views out over the city, Dublin Bay and even Bray Head, there are a whole network of trails to suit every level of hiker.

To finish off the day, there is a quintessential Irish pub called The Blue Light situated at the foot of the mountains where you can enjoy some hearty pub grub and a drink, looking out over Dublin Bay.

3. Croke Park

Croke Park isn’t just a landmark in the city of Dublin. It’s also a European landmark because with a capacity of 82,300, it’s the third largest stadium in the region.

More than just a sporting stadium, Croke Park has been at the heart of Irish life for over 100 years and is well worth paying a visit – even if it’s not on match days! The tours offer wonderful insights into everything from the intricate care of its rich green grass to its inspiring role in Ireland’s past and present.

When you’ve finished on the pitch, you can also ascend 17 storeys onto the Ericsson Skyline – the stadium’s rooftop walkway. It is Dublin’s highest open-viewing platform and offers unrivalled panoramic views of the capital from the mountains to the sea, all pointed out by a friendly guide.

Tickets for tours must be booked in advance through their website.

4. Adventure at Phoenix Park

The Phoenix Park is somewhere you could easily spend an entire day with your partner, and it would be a day well spent. The park itself is one of Europe’s largest enclosed recreational spaces and there are several ways to explore it.

The park itself has no admission fee so you can stroll the whole thing for no cost at all but if you don’t fancy walking, there are bicycles available to rent at the entrance on Parkgate Street. There’s also 14km of official cycle trails, which makes cycling an enjoyable and safe way to see the sights.

When you need a break, visit the charming Phoenix Park Tea Rooms for some refreshments and maybe grab a cone from the local ice cream van as it passes.

5. Temple Bar Food Markets

If you enjoy tasting fresh food, you should visit the Temple Bar Food Market. It takes place every Saturday from 10.30am – 4.00pm in Meeting House Square and its home to Dublin’s tastiest dishes.

For the romantics, you’ll find The Temple Oyster Bar there every week, with oysters that are renowned for being extremely fresh and delicious.

The market is on all year and you can check out their Facebook page in advance to learn about what stalls are there each week, with a handy map to help you navigate your taste buds.

6. The Guinness Brewery

The Guinness Brewery is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions and has stood in the same place since 1670. Since opening its visitor centre, known as The Storehouse, over 4 million visitors have flocked through the famous gates.

The Storehouse building was remodeled to look like a pint glass and standing at seven stories, it’s one of Dublin’s tallest buildings, offering wonderful panoramic city views from its Gravity Bar.

On the tour, you’ll get to see how Guinness is made, as well as getting to sample some in the tasting laboratory.

7. The Little Museum of Dublin

While Dublin has a lot of museums to offer, The Little Museum of Dublin is the one that will capture the hearts and minds of everyone. Looking back 100 years, the museum has a large collection of small artefacts that had a big impact on the city’s history from both political and cultural aspects. It has everything from a first edition of Ulysses to a very interesting statue of U2 front man Bono.

There are also specialised seasonal exhibits on offer and a tour that focuses specifically on women’s history in Ireland takes place every Thursday.

Four Star Hotel in Dublin City Centre

Just a few minutes’ walk from most of the attractions on this list is the four-star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge. With a range of offers on various stay packages, delicious in-house dining experiences and an incredible city location, you’re sure to have a wonderful stay at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge.

The post 7 Dublin Attractions for Couples appeared first on Dublin Ballsbridge.