Got a weekend off?

Why not spend it in Dublin, a buzzing city day and night with an abundance of different cultures and the charm of the local people all mixed together. So the staple diet of cabin crew when out and about is shopping and generally checking out the barspubsclubs.

Well if thats your bag you wont be disappointed in Dublin.So shopping well where to start perhaps the most famous place to shop til you drop is Grafton Street where youll find all the top designer shops including Tommy Hilfiger Armarni and the Harrods of Dublin Brown Thomas department store believe you me there isnt a designer who isnt represented in this vast store.
Around Grafton Street are various cobbled streets with shopsbeauty salonsbars enough to keep you very busy and plenty of opportunity to splash the cash.

So ok Ive mentioned Bars and shops more on the bars later but Dublin has much more on offer if you want to see it so before you put your feet up with a pint of Guinness why not pull on your Ugg boots and get walking for those of you that find that thought maybe a little too much you can hire bikes all over the city for a small fee and even return them to a different location check out www.dublinbikes.ieTrinity college is a must if youve ever seen he flim Educating Rita staring Julie Walters well youll recognize the college as much of the film was set on location here.

Another must is the Guinness storehouse the home of Guinness. Explore this vast building in the shape of a giant pint glass and see the history behind the famous Irish drink you even get a complimentary glass of Guinness when you reach the gravity bar at the top-well worth it thenDublin castledont expect an actual castleIts more a government HQ than a castle but for those who like a bit of history its all here take a guided tour around the impressive ballroom and throne room which houses a throne made fro king George IV. Today the the castle is used for EU delegations and other prestigious functions.

And after all that sightseeing you’ll need to take the weight off your feet and sample the delights of Temple bar…..whatever your taste in food you’ll find it here, with a vast selection of restaurants including Chinese, curries, burgers, Italian etc etc.

If you want good food and good service then check out the Elephant and Castle restaurant (chicken wings a must) and Bruno’s restaurant both in Temple bar.
Then go and treat yourself to a drink too many in all the bars/pubs along Temple bar.
And if you have one too many don’t worry, just stay on the cobbles and you won’t be lost, once you leave the cobbles your not in Temple bar anymore!!

Out in the sticks you can find the famous Johnnie foxes pub, the highest pub in Ireland, a traditional pub since 1798, warm and welcoming and a must of you can get up there.(www.jfp.ie)
If you’re looking for luxury (what crew member isn’t) then why not treat yourself to a stay at The Clarence hotel, conveniently situated over looking the river Liffey from the front and as you leave the back of the hotel you are virtually in Temple Bar. One of the nicest hotels I have stayed in, beautiful rooms and welcoming staff, looking for a pleasant stay then you’ll definitely get one here.

Finally to get to the centre of Dublin from the airport takes around 15 minutes. The best way (and most reasonable) is to take the Aircoach, approx 12 euros return ticket, regular services and reliable (www.aircoach.ie)

So what are you waiting for, enjoy your next weekend off and get over to Dublin.