STAYCATION – TOURIST AT HOME IN DUBLIN

Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland H'Apenny Bridge

Dublin wasn’t always my home, but over the past 20 years it’s become obvious to me that there’s no where else in the world I’d rather be. So why not have a staycation and be a tourist at home in Dublin? When I think about holidaying in Ireland, I have some of the best memories, like this weekend in Dingle. But this time, I wanted to stay closer to home and show off our dirty ol’ town.Dublin Staycation Tourist at Home Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Temple Bar PubsOf course we started in Temple Bar. This is about seeing the city through a tourist’s eyes, not living like a local. Although, bar the high price of pints, I’m not sure why more Dubliners don’t spend any time in Temple Bar’s pubs. Live Irish music and craic seven days a week and it’s really, really good live music too. The hen parties might be a bit annoying, but they do provide a bit of entertainment too, there’s nothing like a good people watching session. Try (Oliver St. John) Gogarty’s and The Temple Bar, they’re both open late as well!Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Temple Bar PubsStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Temple Bar Pubs James JoyceStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Temple Bar PubsAn accurate representation of how all Irish vending machines are filled

Walk across town to check out some more Dublin 2 pubs; take a wander down Dame Lane where there’s usually a bit of banter and head to P. Mac’s which is the younger sister of Cassidy’s on Westmoreland St. Craft beers, board games and slightly fancier G&Ts here with free crisps and sweets, what more could you want?
Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin IrelandDublin Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to doStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin IrelandInstead of taxiing it back to the hotel, take the scenic route. The city is beautiful during golden hour. A couple of sights to tick off your list; Trinity College, the Ha’penny Bridge (which you used to have to pay a ha’penny to cross, it’s official name is the Liffey Bridge) and of course the Spire.Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Trinity CollegeStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland SpireStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland SpireStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland H'Apenny BridgeHandily located opposite Connolly Train Station, newly opened The Address at Dublin 1 fit all our accommodation needs for the weekend. The boutique hotel is Dublin’s newest luxury offering having just undergone a €15 million revamp (it’s on the site of the North Star Hotel) with new additions such as The Parlour (café) and the roof terrace at the Club Lounge. A nice quiet respite from the city where guests can pop up for complimentary coffee and papers throughout the day. The welcome was generous (and tasty) and the rooms are seriously high tech, these features will be the ones to beat on the Dublin hotel market! Dublin Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland The Address D1 HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland The Address D1 HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland The Address D1 HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland The Address D1 HotelWe ate in McGettigan’s Cookhouse which is unrecognisable from the old bar, gorgeous exposed brick and lush interiors, I definitely forgot I was on Amien’s St! The food is top notch too, especially the tiger prawns pil-pil and champ mashed potato.Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland The Address D1 Hotel Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland McGettigans Bar and Grill Restaurant The Address D1 HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland McGettigans Bar and Grill Restaurant The Address D1 HotelBack to things to do in Dublin, we’d walked the city streets and now it was time to see it from a different perspective. Dublin Bay Cruises runs six daily cruises (they actually have a September sale on at the moment before they shut up shop for winter), between Howth, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin City Centre. We jumped on at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, just in front of The Ferryman pub and set off out into Dublin Bay for the two hour tour.

Dublin Staycation Tourist at Home lighthouseStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthThere’s no better way to see Ireland’s Eye, Lambay Island, Dalkey Island, Joyce’s Martello Tower and the Baily Lighthouse than from the water. When we arrived at Dun Laoghaire, there was a bit of free time to jump off the boat and take a walk down the pier – perfect opportunity to grab a famous Teddy’s ice cream if the queues aren’t too long!Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthDublin Staycation Tourist at Home Dun LaoghaireStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthBack on the boat, the bar has hot tea and coffee or if you feeling fancy, a bottle of prosecco is only €20! Captain Tony (and his parrot) don’t always pose for photos, but when they do, he’ll make sure to get his best side in.Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Dublin Bay Cruises Dun Laoghaire HowthBack on dry land and it was time for a late lunch come dinner in the way of Le Drunch at The Marker Hotel. Every Sunday from 2-5pm, The Brasserie restaurant hosts the laid back affair, complete with in-house DJ on the decks (chill out vibes only).Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelI really wish I could get into Bloody Marys, but it’s not like I wasn’t spoiled for choice with the cocktail and wine list. In fact, I got to try a sparkling Albariño, which I didn’t even realise existed! Gorgeous glassware too, I’m a sucker for that.Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelDublin staycation le drunch at the markerFor starters we shared the tiger prawns with garlic, chilli and shallot and crushed avocado with sweetcorn, chilli and coriander salsa served with warm tortillas. Now, I’m no engineer, but those two were made to be married and a little construction work later and we’d made a new baby – the most perfect, balanced, deliciously fresh prawn tacos. You’re welcome!Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelStaycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelMain course was Ballinwillin Wild Boar Poutine to share, eggs benedict for Helen and the Nutri burger from the Equilibrium (slightly healthier options) menu for me. Followed by a make-your-own-mojito sesh (I went for passion fruit and ginger, which as you can see had me rather excited).Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker Hotel Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker HotelFinish off the evening with a glass of bubbles or an espresso martini at the Marker’s roof top bar with a cosy blanket and views over the city you’ve just (re)discovered.Staycation Tourist at Home Nadia El Ferdaoussi Things to do in Dublin Ireland Le Drunch Marker Hotel

There’s still so much more of Dublin to see, leave a comment with your absolute must sees and dos!

What about playing the tourist in your own country? I travelled west to Dingle, Co.Kerry for a weekend on the Wild Atlantic Way, read the full guide here.

 

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2 Comments

  1. 25 September 2017 / 16:04

    Great piece about Dublin Nadia, when you live here, you can forget what a beautiful city it is!

    Thanks for reminding us! 🙂

  2. Niamh
    27 September 2017 / 10:30

    Look like a wonderful staycation!

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