Whether it is your first or thirty-first time visiting Dublin, the landscape is always changing. With new bars, cafes and attractions popping up in Dublin every week, there is always something new and exciting to look forward to. Make the most of the St Bridget’s Day bank holiday this year and spend the weekend exploring what’s new in Dublin. Book great value accommodation in one of Ireland’s newest four-star hotels Aspect Hotel Park West to enjoy comfort and luxury, a short distance from the city centre.
A Taste of Ireland
We’re known around the world as writers, poets, artists, performers and, of course, lovers of fine beer and spirits. The last decade has seen a lot of new local breweries and distilleries popping up, ideal for visitors to learn more about these colourful neighbourhoods or the delicious drinks they produce. The Gin School in Pearse Lyons distillery in The Liberties is a new offering where visitors can create a bespoke bottle of gin to take home and enjoy. You pick the botanicals that flavour the gin and create a personalised label. They’ll even give you some recipes and pairings so you can create the perfect cocktail at home.
Did you know the Irish for Whiskey ‘uisce beatha’ translates literally to the Water of Life? If you want to live the life of royalty, you can visit the new whiskey-tasting experience at Malahide Castle. Start with a fascinating tour of the castle, learning more about its 800-year history before heading to the sample room to enjoy some seriously tasty whiskeys. It’s truly an evening to remember and an experience you and a group of friends or family will talk about for a long time to come.
Custom House Visitor Centre
If you love learning more about Dublin, there is a brand-new visitor attraction that you have to add to your Dublin bucket list. The Custom House Visitor Centre is an ideal day out for anyone looking to brush up on their knowledge of Irish history. Custom House has long been an important part of the Dublin skyline and houses the departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage but it’s rare to be allowed inside this piece of Dublin heritage.
The exhibitions on show as part of the visitor experience take you on a journey through times from the 1700s to the modern day, covering the history of the Custom House, including its building, burning and restoration. It will leave you with a bigger appreciation of this architectural icon and its past.
Football Walking Tour of Dublin
You’ve heard of pub crawls, literary tours, foodie tours and more in Dublin but have you ever taken a football walking tour of Dublin? The Little Museum of Dublin, which is not new but worth a mention as a formidable part of Dublin’s museum scene, now hosts a football walking tour, giving visitors a taste of the beautiful game.
Join Après Match star Gary Cooke and TD Aodhán Ó Riordáin for a 90-minute (plus extra-time) football walking tour of Dublin, something we never knew we were missing! This seemingly odd couple are passionate about the sport and are excellent storytellers taking you on a journey through football history and time. The tour begins and ends at the Little Museum of Dublin talking you through events such as 1916 to The Ban, Patrick O’Connell to Jack Charlton, with fascinating facts, local knowledge and some gossip thrown in for good measure.
Beyond the Trees Avondale
While it’s not in Dublin (it’s an hour away in neighbouring Wicklow) Avondale’s treetop attraction has caused a stir on ‘things to do’ lists since it opened last year. Beyond the Trees is a highlight of the beautiful Avondale Forest Park, a fantastic place to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic with friends or family. The tree canopy walk is the icing on the cake. This 1.3-km walk is fully accessible and includes a 12-story wooden viewing tower where visitors can get fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. If the idea of walking down doesn’t thrill you, the slide from top to bottom is sure to! It’s an hour’s scenic drive from our Dublin hotel and worth the trip.
Spend the first St Bridget’s Day bank holiday in Ireland getting to know Dublin a little better. Book Aspect Hotel Dublin’s best available rates using our website or by speaking to one of our team.
