From top: Wicklow Mountains National |
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Park; the bar at The Shelbourne |
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images: awl images; Barry Murphy Photography. Illustration: Lis Watkins |
EXCURSIONS
The Dublin Mountains, south of the city, quickly blend into Wicklow Mountains National Park. The 80-mile Wicklow Way is an iconic hiking route, but there are plenty of shorter rambles— to the hulking old ruin of the Hell Fire Club on Montpellier Hill, for example. Legend has it the devil once played cards at this 18thcentury shooting lodge.
Continuing through Wicklow, a popular driving tour takes in Glendalough, where a sixth-century monastic site seems to sit in soft focus in a glacial valley. There are easy ambles through the ruins and along the lakeshore, but a tougher, six-mile hike on the Spinc and Glenealo Valley route offers views over the entire site and passes an abandoned mining village. Wicklow is known as Ireland’ s garden county— Powerscourt Estate and the National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh are just two to visit.
Heading north, Ireland’ s Boyne Valley is a rich tapestry of historical sites including the Hill of Tara, Bective Abbey and Brú na Bóinne( also known as the Boyne Valley tombs). The highlight of the latter is a tour of Newgrange, where visitors are taken deep into the structure, past stones cut with ancient symbols, to a chamber that’ s illuminated by a shaft of sunlight during the winter solstice. Those on tour get to see a simulation, but it’ s still magical to think the experience pre-dates Egypt’ s Great Pyramids.
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HOTELS
Dublin is a small capital by international standards, but its selection of classic, contemporary and boutique stays is a cosmopolitan one. The Shelbourne, overlooking St. Stephen’ s Green, is its grand dame. Celebrating 200 years, this is at once a heritage five-star putting guests within walking distance of the main sights and shops, and a beloved special-occasion stop for locals. Afternoon tea in its Lord Mayor’ s Lounge, or cocktails in its 1824 Bar, are worth getting dressed up for.
The Dylan Hotel is squirreled away from the buzz off Baggot Street, but with a vibrant, clubby feel thanks to its contemporary art, design and Dublin focus( an in-room map and audio guide leads guests on a neighborhood trail). Make time for a cocktail in its Ruby Room bar or dinner in The Eddison restaurant.
The Fitzwilliam is another elegant, central stay, with an art deco-inspired lounge and recently refurbished rooms( options overlooking St. Stephen’ s Green from terraces are like looking out from a luxury ocean liner). The icing on the cake is chef Andy McFadden’ s Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant.
Just over a mile from the city center is Anantara The Marker, an iconic, Aires Mateus-designed building on Grand Canal Square. Local chef Gareth Mullins is developing a destination restaurant here in Forbes Street, creating dishes that feature seasonal and local produce.
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go: Shoulder months like May, June and September see pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, but travelers should pack a light raincoat, whatever the weather forecast. St. Patrick’ s Festival, set around Ireland’ s March 17 national holiday, is a multi-day celebration packed with events and parades. Currency: Euro Language: English and Irish Getting around: The DART commuter rail line runs along the coast from Howth to Dun Laoghaire and Co. Wicklow to the south. Two tram( Luas) lines and buses also serve the city. FreeNow and Uber are the main taxi apps.
BOOK IT NOW
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Continue your exploration of the Irish coast on a seven-night Wonders of the Celtic Shores sailing with Ponant Cruises. Discover the treasures of these ancestral lands and enjoy a $ 100 Shipboard Credit per person as a gift from our agency. Board Le Lapérouse in Dublin, Ireland, on April 21, 2026.
your trip.
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Contact our agency to book
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summer 2025 • 85 |