VISITING IRELAND
If you are travelling to Ireland via Dublin, why not spend some time in the capital city, famous for its craic agus ceol (fun and music!). With a wide range of cultural activities and historic landmarks, there is plenty to see and do in Dublin’s fair city before you make your way west to Dromoland Castle.
For those of you who wish to unwind and explore after the wedding before returning home, we recommend that you explore the beautiful coastline on the West of Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way offers over 2,500 kilometres of coastline, music, food, and culture for you to enjoy with easy access from Dromoland Castle.
See below for some of our recommendations for places to visit, sleep, eat and drink!
PLACES TO VISIT IN DUBLIN
​
Guinness is synonymous with Ireland and no visit to Dublin is complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse – the Home of Guinness. Located in the heart of the legendary St. James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, this production site has been home to the Guinness Brewery since 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed a lease for 9,000 years. It was once the fermentation plant of the brewery and is now a seven-story visitor experience dedicated to the history of the making of this world-famous beer.
​
Trinity College Dublin Library
​
Dublin’s Trinity College Library has 5 million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps and music reflecting more than 400 years of academic development. The most famous of its manuscripts, the Book of Kells and the Book of Durrow, were presented by Henry Jones, Bishop of Meath and former vice-chancellor of the university, in the 1660s.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
St. Stephen's Green was re-opened by Lord Ardilaun in 1880 for the citizens of Dublin. This nine hectare, in Dublin City Centre, has been maintained in the original Victorian layout with extensive perimeter tree and shrub planting and Victorian bedding. There are over 3.5km of pathways as well as sculptures, a waterfall, Pulham rock work on the western side of the green and an ornamental lake which provides a home for waterfowl.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
HOTELS IN DUBLIN
The Merrion Hotel - Old world opulence in the heart of Dublin City Centre. It is the capital’s most luxurious five-star hotel.
The Shelbourne Hotel - Overlooking St. Stephens Green, The Shelbourne has old world charm intertwined with elegance. In 1922, the Constitution of the Irish Free State was drafted in room 112, now known as The Constitution Room
The Westbury - A Beautiful hotel with a central location right off Grafton Street, Dublin’s main shopping street.
The Dean Hotel - Boutique hotel with a modern twist, three minutes’ walk to St. Stephens Green.
The Morrison - Located by the River Liffey in the heart of Dublin, modern and comfortable in design.
The Clarence Hotel – Owned by U2's Bono and The Edge, The Clarence is a boutique hotel offering stylish accommodation in Temple Bar, the heart of the city centre.
The Wilder Townhouse – Located in one of Dublin’s most affluent neighbourhoods on the tree-lined Adelaide Road, The Wilder is a residents-only boutique townhouse, a city hideaway close to St. Stephens Green and the main city attractions.
RESTAURANTS IN DUBLIN
Chapter One – Fine dining Michelin Star restaurant located in Parnell Street.
Shanahan’s on the Green – Antique-filled Georgian townhouse setting for elegant local beef and seafood dishes or cocktails located on St. Stephens Green.
WILDE Restaurant – Located in The Westbury Hotel, WILDE’s menus celebrate the finest Irish produce, combining much-loved local dishes with classic cuisine from around the world.
​
Ryleigh’s Rooftop Steakhouse – Rooftop Grill and craft cocktails, located on the sixth floor of The Mayson Hotel with sweeping city & river views.
Fade Street Social - Great food, great tapas and great cocktails located on Fade Street.
Sophie’s - The Dean Hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, great atmosphere and fantastic views of Dublin.
Peploe's - Wine bistro on St. Stephens Green, great food from the best of Irish suppliers.
Balfe’s - All day casual elegant Parisian brasserie at The Westbury Hotel.
BARS IN DUBLIN
O’Donoghue’s Pub – Traditional Irish bar with great atmosphere and great Guinness. Located off St. Stephens Green.
Oliver St. John Gogarty – Situated in the centre of Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, Temple Bar, Gogarty’s is literally bursting with fun every day of the week with the very best of live traditional music
The Palace Bar – Victorian bar with good live Irish music. Located in the tourist hub of Temple Bar.
Peruke & Periwig - Perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail. Located on Dawson Street.
Farrier & Draper - Beautiful interior with fantastic bites. Located on South William Street.
House Dublin – Stylist bar and club on Leeson Street with three floors of music and great outdoor space.
37 Dawson Street – Opulent and quirky cocktail bar and club in the heart of Dublin whether you are looking for a quick lunch, bites and cocktails or a luxurious Sunday brunch. Whiskey tastings also available!
Café en Seine – Restaurant during the day turn bar at night on Dawson Street.
​
​
THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Not only is The Wild Atlantic Way the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, it is one of the most incredible features in a country famous for its scenery. Offering a diverse and spectacular way to enjoy well over 2,500 kilometres of coastline, music, food and culture found in the towns and villages along the way, it’s inspiring, renewing, relaxing and invigorating.
Best of all, Dromoland Castle is perfectly located close to the southwest coast, allowing for numerous daytrips along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline including:
Co. Galway – The Aran Islands, Connemara, Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee
Co. Clare – Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Kilkee Beach and Village, Loop Head Lighthouse, Lahinch
Co. Limerick – Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum
Co. Kerry – Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, Killarney, Kenmare
Co. Cork – Bantry, Skibbereen, the fishing village of Kinsale
Click here for more information. (https://www.wildatlanticway.com/home)
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
HOTELS IN THE WEST OF IRELAND
County Mayo:
Ashford Castle – Exceptional in every sense, Ireland’s first Forbes five-star and former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is the ultimate luxurious retreat.
​
County Galway:
Glenlo Abbey – This 138 acre estate offers 5 star luxury accommodation in County Galway and features the famous ‘Pullman Restaurant’, two former carriages that once served on the Orient Express.
The g Hotel, Galway City – Meticulously designed by world-renowned milliner Phillip Treacy, the g Hotel & Spa is an ultra-glamorous five-star destination.
Ballynahinch Castle – Nestled in the foothills of the beautiful 12 Bens mountain range, local attractions include Killary Harbour, Inishbofin, Sky Road and Roundstone village.
County Clare:
The Armada Hotel - Spanish Point, Co. Clare – With a spectacular setting overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the award-winning Armada Hotel showcases the sights, sounds and tastes of West Clare.
​
County Kerry:
The Europe Hotel & Resort – Regarded as one of the most opulent hotels in Killarney, the five star hotel in Killarney is beautifully located overlooking the world famous Lakes of Killarney.
Park Hotel, Kenmare – Heritage and luxury are combined in this historic hotel which dates to 1897.
The Killarney Park – Perfectly located in the heart of Killarney town centre, set on its own mature grounds beside Killarney National Park, The Killarney Park is the epitome of old world elegance.
County Cork:
Hayfield Manor, Cork City – Tucked away in a leafy corner of mature private gardens only 15 minutes’ walk from Cork's city centre, Hayfield Manor is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book.
Perryville House, Kinsale – An elegant and distinctive period townhouse overlooking Kinsale Harbour. Kinsale Golf Club and Old Head Golf Links are located nearby.
Bantry House, Bantry – Dating back to the 17th century, Bantry House is an historic private estate situated just outside Bantry, a picturesque fishing and market town on the Atlantic coast.
​
RETAURANTS IN THE WEST OF IRELAND
County Limerick:
1826 Adare – Modern Irish cooking served in a relaxed style. Based in a rustic, old world cottage in the heart of Adare, Co. Limerick.
​
The Mustard Seed, Adare – Just 10 minutes from Adare village, and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book, The Mustard Seed is renowned for its superb food and warm hospitality.
Oak & Apple, Adare – the newest addition to Adare’s dining options. Small plates bursting with flavour and colour, focusing on the best of local produce.
The Cornstore Restaurant, Limerick City – Specialises in great steaks, quality locally sourced seafood and award-winning infused cocktails.
The French Table, Limerick City – A mix of classic and seasonal French dishes, the restaurant works with a number of artisan suppliers to ensure their food is of the utmost quality.
​
County Galway:
Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcolgan – World famous seafood restaurant with a traditional thatched cottage that dates back over 250 years.
Aniar - Michelin starred contemporary Irish Dining Inspired by the west of Ireland. Dominick Street, Galway City
Kai Restaurant – Award-winning café and restaurant in Galway's West End.
County Clare:
The Wild Honey Inn - The first pub in Ireland to be awarded a Michelin star. Located in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Durty Nelly’s, Bunratty – Close to Dromoland Castle and nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Bunratty Castle and the adjoining Folk Park, Durty Nelly’s is one of Ireland's oldest and most famous pubs.
​
County Cork:
Greenes Restaurant – Located in a former bonded warehouse in Cork’s historic Victorian Quarter in the centre of the city, Greenes food is modern and extremely innovative.
Paradiso – Located on Lancaster Quay in Cork city, Paradiso places huge emphasis on rich, complex flavours with a focus on seasonal and organic ingredients.
Fishy Fishy, Kinsale – Top quality seafood located on the shorefront of Kinsale harbour.
Bastion Restaurant, Kinsale – Holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2016, Bastion offers a relaxed and informal entry into the world of haute cuisine.
