Easy weekend in Dublin

As a weekend destination for couples, a girlie break with friends or an easy trip for the whole family, Dublin is pretty much perfect.

With a flying time of under an hour from the UK, plenty of flights on offer from all major airports, no language barrier, legendary hospitality – oh yeah, and the renowned Irish 'craic' – Dublin really does have it all. There's plenty to entertain the kids if you have them in tow; top quality spas throughout the city if you are just after a bit of pampering – and if himself doesn't fancy an aromatherapy massage followed by a spot of retail therapy, there are several golf courses within easy reach of the city - you can meet up for a pre-dinner cocktail later.

Where to stay
If your time in the city is limited you would be well advised to opt for city centre accommodation, with the luxury of everything the city has to offer on your doorstep. The Shelbourne Hotel on St Stephen’s Green is just the place. Built in 1824, it’s recently experienced a magnificent restoration whilst keeping its historic charm and has rapidly become the place to stay for the softest beds and most delicious food. Not to mention the amazing Horseshoe bar that is simply packed every weekend. With views of the leafy green across the road, and bustling Grafton St, the city's premier shopping district, just around the corner, you’re perfectly situated to experience the best Dublin has to offer. Another option is the five star Fitzwilliam hotel, also on St Stephen’s Green (01 478 7000).

Where to shop
All of the familiar UK high-street outlets have now spread across the Irish Sea and you'll find most of them in this upmarket shopping district. But you'll also find lots of options that offer something more individual – Pia Bang stocks Irish and international designers, while around the corner on South Anne St the Pia Bang homewares shop has a basement of nursery delights – the hand painted furniture might be a squash in the suitcase but the toy soldiers will slip easily into your handbag.

Nearby, the Irish Design Centre in the Powerscourt Centre is a treasure trove of finds in a beautiful 18th century townhouse, and the quirky Rococo in the Westbury Shopping Mall is perfect for occasion wear with an artistic flair. Plus - if you've left the children behind for the weekend - here's your chance to stave off the guilt by picking up some beautifully crafted wooden toys in Pinocchio's in the mall.

Which brings you to the stylish Westbury Hotel, a haven of elegant calm in the middle of the hustle and bustle – enjoy afternoon tea in the sumptuous upstairs lounge with its views over Grafton St.

Time to relax
If you can't face any more shopping, you'll be delighted to know that Dublin is fast becoming a spa city – gone are the days when a dark snug in a city bar was the only place to revive your spirits (though it's obviously still very much an option!)

The Mandalay spa (01 671 7099) in La Stampa hotel is almost a cliché of what a truly relaxing spa should be – slap bang in the middle of the city on Dawson St, but an oasis of quiet behind the deceptively small townhouse façade. The Hawaiian massage is based on the rhythms of traditional dance and was just the ticket after a busy bout of shopping.

Entertainment
If you’re looking for a fun day out for all then your first stop should be the Guinness Storehouse, the home of the world famous Guinness beer, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction. Located in the heart of the St James’s Gate Brewery it’s been producing the gorgeous black stuff since 1759. Take a fantastic trip through the brewery, where you can see the history of the brewery, learn to pull the perfect pint and receive a certificate to say as much. As well as that, you can enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness or a soft drink for the little ones, in the Gravity Bar, Dublin’s highest bar, offering breathtaking views of the city. It really is a great experience not to be missed.

And – Dublin being Dublin - there's no shortage of entertainment in the evening, from a rousing traditional Irish music session – best spots are the Palace Bar (Temple Bar), Ha'penny Bridge Inn (on the quays) and the Cobblestones (Smithfield, take a cab from the centre) – to a sociable pint in some famous Dublin watering holes – try Kehoe's (South Anne St), Stag's Head (Dame Court) and the Long Hall (South Great George's St).

Hang out with Dublin's chic set in the beautiful Octagon bar in the Clarence Hotel (Temple Bar), owned by U2 and the place to catch any visiting celebs, or escape the tourist traps to drink with those in the know at the Ely Wine Bar on Ely Place off Merrion Square.

It can be difficult getting a table at one of the city's top restaurants without a reservation on a Saturday evening, but if you're lucky The Trocadero (3 Andrews St) might squeeze you in to one of its eclectic dining rooms, where you can dine under the gaze of the theatre stars lining the wall – this well-loved Dublin institution is still a favourite hang out of Irish and international actors and local thesps.

Theatre figures large in Dublin life – the Abbey (01 878 7222) and Gate (01 874 4045) are world famous; it's worth checking out what's on while you're in town.

Chill-out Sunday
If you feel like venturing further afield on Sunday, the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin are the perfect spot for a family trip, with beautiful 19th-century glasshouses full of exotic blooms; if you're feeling even more energetic the Phoenix Park on the city's north side is the largest city park in Europe and home to the Dublin Zoo. Either venue finds you well placed for your return journey to the airport and back home in time for tea.

 
More information
Aer Lingus , British Midland and Ryanair all offer flights from UK to Dublin; for more information visit www.discoverireland.com, phone 0800 039 7000, and www.visitdublin.com.