Dublin’s culinary genius
suppliers, this French-inspired store has a rather fabulous “chandelier” made entirely from whisks.
The Swan Bar (theswanbar. com) is seemingly untouched by time and steeped in both Irish history and rugby tales. Dating back to 1661, it still has the original cash booth in the middle of the bar and the bell used by ladies for service. Come for stout.
Fire Restaurant and Lounge (676 7200/firerestaurant.ie) sits in the Old Mansion House and is consistently voted one of the best paces to eat in Dublin. It’s been the official residence of The Lord Mayor since 1715. Today’s Lord Mayor, Mícheál Mac Donncha can often be found dining in The Supper Room, enjoying award-winning Irish steaks, prawns and a glass of Irish whiskey.
STAY
The Westbury in Balfe Street sits just off the main shopping strip of Grafton Street. A modern classic in design, the rooms are large and bright and decorated in tranquil beiges and whites.
Don’t miss afternoon tea in the beautiful art deco dining room, with a glass of bubbly served from a Champagne trolley. Even if you are not not staying, dining at the hotel Wilde At The Westbury is a treat. The 1930s-inspired dining room has an abundance of greenery, making it feel as though you’re dining al fresco. Try Irish lamb cutlets and Carlingford Lough rock oysters.
CULTURAL DUBLIN
The Little Museum of Dublin (littlemuseum.ie) is situated in a stunning Georgian townhouse overlooking St Civil Rights Museum in Atlanta where you can tread the Civil Rights Walk of Fame and visit the house he was born in.
In Montgomery visit the Rosa Parks Museum. In Birmingham see the Civil Rights Institute and the Baptist Church, scene of a bombing and the gathering point for the start of the subsequent demonstration.
Fourteen nights from £1,606, room only. Price includes flights from Heathrow to Atlanta, returning from Nashville. Stephens Green. Owners Trevor White and Simon O’Connor have compiled the entire collection, which was donated by the people of Dublin. There are toys, photos, letters and old food packaging.
The guided tours are entertaining (ask for an Irish ditty to be sung...) and all the
GO THE DISTANCE
At the start of any new year, many of us make resolutions to get fit. Here’s the only workout buddy you’ll need.
This Garmin Forerunner 235 can track distance, heart rate and pace. It will help you monitor your calorie intake and sleep patterns.
Maps and graphics will help you to be specific and track your movements. Available from Runners Need (08453 exhibits are there to be touched.
It has a room solely dedicated to the band U2, and regularly holds exhibitions. meanwhile just opened is Irish Fashion Radicals, which salutes the designers whose talents helped to brighten up 1950s Dublin. If you like delving into
THE KNOWLEDGE
The Westbury (00 353 1 679 1122/doylecollection.com) offers doubles from £228, B&B. Aer Lingus (0333 004 5000/ aerlingus.com) offers return flights from London Heathrow to Dublin from £86. Ireland tourism: Ireland.com