DK Travel : Dublin

One of the most popular capitals in Europe, Dublin is a city steeped in history. Huddled together within a small vicinity you’ll find Viking remains, medieval cathedrals and churches, Georgian squares and excellent museums. But it’s not just about buildings – music, theatre, literature and pubs play just as strong a part in Dublin’s atmosphere. These highlights are the must-sees for any visitor who wants to truly capture the variety and vibrancy of the city.

Packies

The hallmark of Maura Foley’s cooking is simplicity and purity of ingredients. Relaxed and informal setting.
Paddy Burke’s

The best time to visit this traditional pub is during Clarin-bridge’s September oyster festival. As well as shellfish from the famed local beds, it offers a choice of good meat and fish dishes.
Panem

This tiny eaterie is a great place to take gorgeous filled foccacias and croissants out on to the boardwalk in the summer – the interior is so chic, however, you may just want to stay inside.
Parke’s Castle

Built by a Captain Robert Parke in 1609, and overlooking Lough Gill, this fortified manor house was erected on the site of an earlier tower house. The foundations and moat of this earlier structure are incorporated into the castle but otherwise it is a fine example of a plantation house. You can visit the castle by road or by boat on the Lough Gill cruise.
Parnell Square

The credit for this lovely Georgian square goes to Sir Benjamin Mosse, who founded the Rotunda Hospital here. It was considered one of Dublin’s smartest addresses in the 1760s, then its fortunes declined, but it remains home to some fine literary museums and art galleries.
Passage East

A small, enjoyable ferry runs to-and-fro across Waterford Harbour from this unassuming waterside village. Its peaceful, scenic setting and handful of painted cottages make a pleasant break while waiting for the boat. It was at this spot that the Normans arrived in Ireland in 1170 and their sturdy stone tower still stands guard over the harbour.
Pasta Fresca

Glass-fronted Italian with fresh pasta, pizzas and other dishes.
Patrick Guilbaud

Guilbaud’s philosophy is “modern classic cuisine using Irish produce in season”, but he does more than just dress up potatoes. He uses Ireland’s bountiful fresh fish, meat and game to create savoury Gallic dishes. The restaurant is set in one of the brick townhouses that make up the Merrion Hotel (see The Merrion). Furnished in 18th-century style, it makes a great setting for this timeless cuisine.
Patrick Kavanagh

Kavanagh (1904–67), born in Monaghan, went to London in 1939 and began a career as a poet and journalist. His reputation was established with a long and bitter poem of rural life, The Great Hunger (1942).
Patrick Pearse

Pearse (1879–1916) was executed for delivering the Proclamation of Independence in 1916.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €25
- €25–€35
- €35–€55
- €55–€70
- over €70