There is something for everyone in Ireland’s capital city Dublin with a host of fantastic restaurants and authentic Irish bars to choose from, an amazing selection of shops including everything from high street shopping, high end brands, vintage stores and designer boutiques, stunning architecture and much more. But beyond the typical tourist traps lie some of Dublin’s best hidden gems.
Looking for an adventure to a beautiful uninhabited island off the coast of Dublin? For €5.00 a local fisherman will take you across to Dalkey Island where you can immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, go fishing, swimming, kayaking or just lay back and take it all in.
This treasure is just off Collimore Harbour in Dalkey, which is only 30 mins away from Leonardo Hotel Custom House.
This hidden gem is exactly what it says on the tin - a wall showcasing a collection of portraits depicting Ireland’s most famous exports. The Wall of Fame includes Irish musicians of note from a very young photo of U2 and Sinead O’Connor to Luke Kelly, Christy Moore, the Undertones and many more.
Located in the heart of Dublin’s culture scene, and a short stroll from Leonardo Hotel Dublin Christchurch, Temple Bar is also home to many of Ireland’s aspiring artists and musicians, which can be heard on the streets and in pubs.
Take a trip back to the 19th century and stop into a pub which time has left behind. The Gravedigger’s pub in Glasnevin is named for its proximity to the famous Glasnevin graveyard, where the gravediggers used to knock on the back wall of the pub to ask for a pint. This spot is darker, grittier and more haunting than most of the polished pubs you’ll find on Dublin main streets.
Kavanagh’s pub has been run by the same family since 1833 and is only a short drive from our Leonardo Hotel in Parnell Street.
Many Dubliners haven’t even heard of this one! Nothing is what it seems at Marino Casino, a restored 18th century house full of optical illusions, from its decorative roof urns that are actually chimneypots, to its massive hollow columns.
James Caulfield, the first Earl of Charlemont, instructed an architect to draw up the plans for a Casino, or 'little house' in Italian. The building was never inhabited; it served as an impressive way to entertain the Earl's friends. Servants would bring up food supplies and wine from the Earl's main house through a tunnel, completely out of view of the guests.
Located on Dublin’s Northside, the Casino is just a short bus journey from the city centre.
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With so many hidden gems just waiting to be found, Dublin is the perfect spot for a weekend trip. There are three Leonardo Hotel Dublin Parnell all ideally located for the perfect starting point to your off the beaten track adventure!
Learn more about booking a city break in Dublin.
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