It is without any doubt, one of the greatest party cities in the world. Packed full of life, music, art, laughter and don't even get us started on the subject of men with Irish accents (yum!). But now the bride-to-be has found her man, it's time to get out to Dublin and give her a weekend to remember so here's our rundown of everything you need to know about one of our favourite cities.
Nightlife
Temple Bar
It's the most famous address in the city, the cultural and musical heart of a nation that loves to have a great night out. You'll find plenty of live music, you'll also find plenty of tourist prices so while Temple bar is great to see, it can be harder on the budget.
Location; City centre, south of the river, running parallel, largely pedestrianised.
Grafton Street
By day it's a shopper's paradise, but once the bargain hunters have cleared out the way there are some great bars to be found. Welcoming, (there's no such thing as an unfriendly Irish bar) and nicely upmarket, it's a nice spot to grab a cocktail.
Location; City centre, further south from Temple Bar, close to St Stephen's Green.
Wexford Street
Close to St Stephen's Green, Wexford Street is lined with more bars than you can shake a hen's handbag at. You'll find pubs of every variety, however you wish to wet your whistle. And yes, it's a hen weekend so it is cocktails o'clock.
Location; Southern part of the city centre and easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city centre.
North of the River
Yes, the way it's often termed does make it sound a long way away. But it's not, it's just a hop, skip and B*Witched flashback across the bridge. Here you'll find a more traditional version of the city and Ireland. This for many is the real Dublin. However, with one of the youngest populations in Europe many would argue that the real Dublin is now south of the river, drinking cocktails working for Google.
Location; North of the river (natch). Can be accessed easily via footbridges without feeling like you're venturing too far.
Baggot Street
Staring on Baggot Street you'll find one of the longest continuous stretches of pubs, bars and clubs in Ireland, possibly Europe! This is a city that has over 600 watering holes and some superb restaurants. Drinks here tend to be slightly cheaper.
Location; South of the River, not far from St Stephen's Green and close to Wexford and Grafton Streets.
Shopaholics
Grafton Street
When it's not wearing party pants, Grafton Street is the place to go to get your party pants and is the city's main shopping street. It was once considered the 5th most expensive shopping street in the world. You will see a few high street names you'll recognise.
George Street Arcade
A short walk from Grafton Street, the historic shopping arcade is now home to a great selection of independent stores, some specialising in vintage and retro clothing. Quirky and a little bit different.
Westbury Mall
If you're thinking of going upmarket and have a few pennies to spare the Westbury Mall has some lovely boutiques and jewellers. You'll also find delicious sweet treats and savouries if you're ready for a breather.
Jervis Shopping Mall
A large, modern mall in keeping with those you'll find back home. You'll see some familiar brand names as well as many not so familiar ones. Food, fashion, books gifts, music and more all under one roof.
Henry Street
North of the river, this shopping street is awash with so many shopping opportunities. It's also home to Arnott's department store.
Clery's & Arnott's
Two veritable institutions that are as interwoven into the Irish firmament as Guinness and ceilis. Clery's sits within a grand façade built in 1922, although the company actually started in 1853. Arnotts reaches back even further, starting out in 1843, today it is a sleek and funky home to many contemporary designs.
Hotels
See our handpicked hen hotels.
See our full selection of hotels and accommodation here.
Restaurants
While the city's 'cup doth runneth over', its plate is pretty darn full too! Dublin has an amazing array of great diners, cafes' artisan eateries and high end, Michelin starred restaurants. Whatever your tastes there is something for you here.
But don't leave it to chance and NEVER leave it until the night ("I know it's a busy Saturday but have you got a table for 23 free?"). Let GoHen do the hard bit for you so you can focus on having a good time. We'll arrange;
- GoHen recommended venues
- A reserved table
- Pre-ordered dishes
- Less waiting time
- Pre-paid dining
Transport
The Dublin Area Rapid Transport system (DART) provides a great network of trains which along with the buses and trams means no area of the city is inaccessible. The cheapest way to take advantage is with a prepaid LEAP Card which you can buy before you travel.
If you're feeling a bit more active you can grab a Dublin Bike which you'll find dotted all over the city.
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