From the city’s stunning Georgian architecture to its world-class literary heritage, the unlimited Guinness to that unmistakable Irish charm, Dublin has earned its rank as a popular travel destination. But what makes it the perfect time to travel to Dublin you ask? These days, you can add chic hotels, innovative culinary options and trendy restaurants to the list of reasons why now is ideal to visit Ireland’s capital.
The River Liffey, flowing west to east, divides the city of Dublin in half. Visitors flock to the popular shopping destination that is Grafton Street, Trinity College to see the Book of Kells and St. Stephen’s Green, a public park in the city’s center which is located south of the river. While the City Center is still the most sought after part of Dublin, full of important sights and excellent shops and restaurants, other neighborhoods are slowly gaining ground. The Docklands has become one of the buzziest parts of town, making a stay in this area a must.
The Docklands has over recent years been regenerated as an extension of the modern Dublin business hub. Facebook recently doubled its office size here and the opening of The Marker Hotel three years ago has bred a whole new life into this area.
If Dublin was missing something, it was a truly contemporary hotel. The Marker hotel is a design-driven property and as the latest addition to Dublin’s tourism scene, it is easily the most cutting-edge one. Rooms are spacious in size for a city hotel. Heated bathroom floors and samples of Malin + Goetz products round out the generous in-room amenities offered by the hotel. Guests can also enjoy full access to the spa at the hotel which boasts a 23-meter infinity pool and eucalyptus-infused steam room.
The property’s restaurant, Brasserie, is a happening dining option on the ground floor, serving locally sourced modern cuisine with international flavor and flair. The hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge is quite the popular spot (especially during sunset and after hours) and you can often find the millennial techies that work in this hip neighborhood enjoying an after-work drink.
Other notable meals in Dublin should include a visit to The Cliff Townhouse for a classic and refined dinner and The Pig’s Ear for lunch after a visit to Trinity College. Winding Stair, across from the Ha'penny Bridge, is an in-the-know spot for locals and serves a delightful weekend brunch. Rustic Stone, Fade Street Social and Forest Avenue are other up and coming restaurants and are worth checking out. No trip should be complete without a stop at Queen of Tarts (either of their locations, which are around the block from one another), where you can enjoy an afternoon coffee or tea and a delicious baked treat (the strawberry cheesecake tart was the best I’ve ever had).
The Marker Hotel is 15 walking minutes away from the cutting-edge Aviva Stadium, another impressive modern architectural standout in Dublin. This sports stadium has a capacity for 51,700 seated spectators and is a great place to take in a rugby game during your time in town. Additionally, the Bord Gais Energy Theater is right across from the Marker Hotel, where you can enjoy various musicals, ballets and concerts during your trip.
The Docklands neighborhood is home to various Christmas-timed happenings and events such as the Irish Craft Beer and Food Market in March, making it a perfect time to book a last-minute trip to Dublin. A visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a stay in this buzzing enclave. Flights from major cities run daily on all major air carriers and Dublin is perfect getaway for a long holiday weekend.
