On The Ground

Insider tips for travellers to Dublin

Destination advice from passionate travellers – Cathay Pacific’s own people. This month, travel advice for Dublin

John Brownen

Head of Hong Kong operations, engineering

The Guinness fan

Pubs have historically been a cornerstone of the community, where friends gather, occasions are marked, stories are told and songs are sung. At O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row – also home to folk band The Dubliners – you can enjoy traditional Irish music from a range of musicians every night.

A different atmosphere prevails in Mulligan’s on Poolbeg Street, which dates from 1854. Mulligan’s prides itself on the art of conversation and ‘craic’ (Irish for banter or fun).

Both of these institutions take their Guinness seriously. For the perfect pour, the glass must be held at a 45 degree angle, and is left to settle on the counter for 119.53 seconds before serving. It’s worth the wait.

OTG-Traditional Irish Pubs
Lisa Wiltse/Corbis via Getty Images

Leanne McGarry

Manager on duty

The shopper

Dublin has plenty to offer shoppers of all tastes and budgets. At the top end, department store Brown Thomas is home to an array of designer fashion, beauty and homeware brands.

Just off Grafton Street, Powerscourt Centre is a speciality mall set in an 18th century mansion. You can browse through antiques, arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion and homeware.

A great hidden gem is Georges Street Arcade. This Victorian red-brick indoor market is packed with vendors selling music, collectibles, ornaments, books, artwork, niche foods and souvenirs.

The long-established Liberty Market, in the city centre, is great for bargain hunters. What it lacks in presentation it makes up for as a veritable Aladdin’s cave, with something for everyone.

OTG, George Street Arcade; Dublin; Ireland; Europe
Kevin George / Alamy Stock Photo / Argusphoto

Alan Rogers

Account manager

The road-tripper

Get out of the city and visit the beautiful villages along Dublin’s coast. Hop on a DART train to Dalkey, the posh suburb home to Bono and Enya. The surrounding trees and hills offer privacy and stunning views. Its windy streets are awash with restaurants, artisan shops, bakeries and fantastic pubs.

Northeast of Dublin, Howth is a charming seaside village with some of Ireland’s finest seafood. Walk to the pier and take a boat to Ireland’s Eye, a tiny island off the coast; or take a hike around Howth Head with the stunning Howth Cliff Loop.

Those with a real sense of adventure should visit the west of Ireland – its rugged coastline and moody skyline are wonderful at any time of the year.

OTG-Aerial Loop Head Peninsula in West Clare, Ireland. Kilkee Beach County Clare, Ireland.
iStockphoto / Getty Images

Cathay Pacific flies to Dublin from Hong Kong four times a week

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Discovery online brings together all the inspirational travel writing from our two inflight magazines, Discovery and Silkroad. Be sure to look out for the print editions when you next fly with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
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