Dublin

Friday, midday

Check into the stately Powerscourt Hotel (doubles from £187, www. powerscourthotel.com), to Dublin’s south.

1pm

The much maligned Temple Bar by day can be a charming oasis of riverfront pubs and flowing craic so enjoy a pint of the black stuff with an Irish stew in a lively pub.

3pm

A more sobering experience awaits along the banks of lifeblood Liffey at the dynamic new EPIC Irish Emigration Museum (https://epicchq. com), which tackles many of the issues behind the Irish Diaspora.

5pm

Head to the relaxed suburb of Howth and enjoy an aperitif of Guinness to wash down half a dozen oysters at one of the harbourside seafood joints.

7pm

Call ahead to make sure they have a fresh lobster at Aqua (https://aqua.ie/) down by the water’s edge in Howth. Make sure to book a window seat at arguably Dublin’s best seafood restaurant.

Saturday, 9am

A short drive from the hotel lies the car park for Ireland’s Sugarloaf Mountain. This iconic conical hill may only be 501m high, but it affords epic views of Dublin’s surrounds.

Midday

Dine at Bib Gourmandrated Richmond (www. richmondrestaurant.ie/) which offers top quality and great value cooking under head chef David O’byrne.

2pm

Head back early to explore the historic Powerscourt House (https:// powerscourt.com) right by the hotel.

4pm

Powerscourt Estate boasts one of the world’s most renowned gardens, with all sorts of greenery including an elegant Japanese garden.

7pm

Back at Powerscourt Hotel Sika tempts with Irish smoked salmon to start and local beef strip loin to follow.

Sunday, 9am

Powerscourt’s ESPA spa is one of Ireland’s most famous with a range of treatments, including their signature two hour long ‘ritual’. Take a dip in the black marble 20m swimming pool. ■

Robin Mckelvie

Aer Lingus (www.aerlingus.com) fly to Dublin from Edinburgh with return fares starting from £83.98. Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos. com) can arrange car hire; for more information, visit www.ireland.com