This month Days Hotels Ireland partner hotel the Days Inn Talbot Street has posted two fantastic reviews of Dublin Restaurants on their blog.
Our colleagues have been working hard trying new city centre places to eat (at least they call it work!) and if you’re looking for cheap restaurants in Dublin you can’t go wrong with their expert guide.
With international acts including Leona Lewis, Cirque Du Soleil, Lady Gaga and Michael Flatley all due to play this summer there is something for everyone at the O2 Arena Dublin. If you’re lucky enough to be going to one of the amazing O2 Dublin concerts the Days Inn Talbot St have drawn up a special restaurant post to help you find the perfect Docklands dinner venue. The extensive review covers all the best restaurants near the O2 Dublin is well worth a gander if you are heading out that way and includes suggestions for a quick snack, pre-theatre dinners and special treats.We look forward to introducing you to more of the great posts on Ireland
I look forward to introducing you to more of the great events and discoveries to help you make the most of your holiday in Ireland.
If you’re wondering what’s on in Ireland over the next couple of months then look no further – we’ve compiled our list of some of the upcoming highlights.
Classical guitarist XueFei Yang will be touring Ireland this spring. She has dates confirmed across the country and you can catch her in Dublin on Tuesday 20th April at Dublin Castle coach house.
As reported in our post earlier this week XueFei Yang will be gracing Kilkenny Castle on Sunday 25th April. Both venues are stunning backdrops and we’re looking forward to seeing her magical performance again.
Staying in Kilkenny we’re very excited about the Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival over the bank holiday weekend. Kicking off on Friday 30th April we’d highly recommend Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, the festival runs all the way through to Monday 3rd May. There are hundreds of gigs at venues around the city (many of which are free) and it promises to be another fantastic celebration of all the styles of Americana music.
Coming to Dublin theatre is Robert Farquhar’s “God’s Official.” If you haven’t already seen this award winning play it’s a hysterical comedy following two football fans who’s team is relegated due to the referee disallowing a legitimate goal and decide to take matters into their own hands. Best summed up as “to some people football is a matter of life and death, to others it is far more important than that …” God’s Offical won the Spirit of the Fringe Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 2000 and this performance stars Mick Lally and George McMahon (Mondo in Fair City). It will be on at the Civic Theatre Dublin 7th – 10th April but if you can’t make it to Dublin they’re touring the country and will later perform at the Watergate Theatre Kilkenny on April 28th.
Finally we would like to introduce the range of stunning items on display at the National Craft Gallery. My colleague Kat has already had a chance to visit the Irish Craft Portfolio exhibition in Kilkenny city and recommends it for the incredible workmanship, love and attention put into each item. If you’re looking for modern classics this is the place to go, the exhibition runs through till May 22nd.
We hope to see you at some of these fantastic events. Don’t forget to check back regularly (or follow our feed) for more of recommendations of the very best of things to see and do on in Ireland.
After spending many years eating out and sampling the restaurants of Dublin (purely in the name of research of course), we’re delighted to bring you our picks of the nest value cheap restaurants in Dublin.
Chapter One lies on Parnell Street, just around the corner from our North Dublin Hotel. The award winning restaurant focuses on local, seasonal produce to create modern dishes with robust flavours. Head chef Ross Lewis and his brigade have won numerous awards including a Michelin Star since 2007 and Restaurant Association of Ireland’s Best Restaurant in 2003, 200, 2007 and 2009. Dinner main courses are around €33, or two-course lunch is excellent value at €30 per person.
For Asian style cuisine you can’t beat Yamamori Noodles. Both the South Great Georges Street and Lower Ormonde Quay are in the city centre and are the most respected Japanese restaurants in Dublin. We always find service quick, friendly and efficient. The menus offer a fantastic range of Japanese favourites from Teppanyaki to Tempura to Sushi to Sashimi.
Subtley flavoured food, authentic ambience and excellent service makes Jaipur of favourite India restaurant in Dublin. Their wine list is one of the best we’ve found in any Indian restaurant, as you’d expect it contains some great Shiraz wines, last time I was persuaded to try a Brunello di Montalcino which is a lovely alternative, working especially well with the Lamb Chilli Fry.
Both Jaipur and Yamamori Noodles on Georges Street are centrally located so also in short walking distance from our partner Dublin serviced apartments off St Stephens Green.
If you are attending a Dublin Conference in our Park West hotel we’d highly recommend jumping in a taxi to Enoteca Torino Italian restaurant, just a short drive away in Inchicore. Serving a great range of Italian classics in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and main courses are only around €10 – €15.
If you’re looking for restaurants near Dublin airport and would like to explore a little of the area take a short taxi journey to the seaside village of Malahide. With pretty harbour and winding streets its a wonderful place to explore and famous for its fish restaurants. The family run Seabank Bistro is our top recommendation. The menu changes daily depending on the catch landed by the fleet that morning at nearby Howth & Clogherhead. Main courses are usually around €20 or take advantage of the weekday early bird till 7pm.
We hope you enjoy dining in these great restaurants as much as we have. If you have any suggestions you’d like to share please leave us a comment below.
Explore Ireland for free with Golden Trekker
Sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful views and explore Ireland by train.
The Golden Trekker allows anyone aged 66 or over to enjoy free rail travel on holiday in the Republic of Ireland.
With the introduction of brand new intercity trains over last couple of years and upgrade to much of the track, Irish rail travel has never been more comfortable or more convenient. Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) have begun introducing free Wi-Fi on selected Cork to Dublin services so you surf, check your email or checkout our great value Dublin hotel deals whilst on the move.
Passes are valid for 4 day periods (if you plan to travel for longer periods you can apply for multiple passes), click hereto download the Irish Rail route map. If you’re travelling into Northern Ireland, the last station is Dundalk and you will need pay relevant fare to Newry or beyond.
To obtain your pass simply email Tourism Ireland on goldentrekker@tourismireland.com at least 3 days prior to arriving in Ireland with your:
- First name and surname
- Date of birth
- Passport Number or National Identity Card Number
- Date(s) you’d like you Golden Trekker pass to start
- Country of residence
- Email address or postal address
- Station you wish to start your first rail journey from
Tourism Ireland will process your application and send your Golden Trekker confirmation to you. When you arrive at your starting station, simply present the confirmation at the Irish Rail ticket office along with your Passport or National Identity Card.
Many of our city centre hotels are very accessible for their rail station. In Dublin the Days Inn Talbot Street is 5 minutes walk from Connelly Station, Days Hotel Kilkenny is just over 1 mile and Days Hotel Waterford is on the opposite (city centre) bank of the river Suir, straight across the bridge.
Additional information can be found at the Discover Ireland website.
Classical guitarist Xuefei Yang performing the Concierto de Aranjuez (image by Joaquín Rodrigo)
The incredible classical guitar will be touring Ireland this spring with dates confirmed across the country. Having performed sell out concerts at some of the worlds most prestigious venues including Royal Festival Hall in London, Philharmonie Berlin, Lincoln Centre in New York and the Beijing Concert Hall we’re looking forward to seeing her live at Kilkenny Castle on April 25th.
If you haven’t yet seen XueFei Yang perform this link will take you to one of her YouTube videos.
I was lucky enough to spend the Easter weekend in Kilkenny and with the great weather it was a perfect opportunity to visit some of the incredible medieval sites.
About 15 minutes drive south of the city is Kells Priory, which I’d agree is one of Ireland’s most impressive monuments. Situated on the banks of King’s River the tower houses are visible as you approach and with the curtain wall create an imposing sight looking more like a castle than an Augustine priory. The walls encircle a space about 1.2 hectares with an inner monastic precinct adjacent to the river.
Founded in 1193 by Geoffrey FitzRobert (brother-in-law to legendary Strongbow) on the site of an earlier church, the priory had a turbulent early history being sacked and burned on three occasions which explains the walls and fortifications.
Medieval History of Kilkenny, Jerpoint Abbey
Only a few kilometres away is Jerpoint Abbey. The excellent visitors centre gives a great overview of the sites history. Exploring the extensive ruins took us a couple of hours so exploration of the site continued into the tea rooms.
Founded by King Donogh O’Donoghoe after he moved the Cistercian monks from a distant part of his kingdom (Ossory) in 1180
to the present site. Largely dating from the medieval period the square embattled tower of the Romanesque Church is typical of the late 12th century. Continually developed and improved throughout its working history the carvings in the 13th century transept chapels and 15th century cloistered arcade are some of the finest I’ve ever seen.
One recommendation from Kat at the Days Hotel Kilkenny I didn’t get a chance to visit was the Callan Augustinian Friary and Well – next time!
If you have any other recommendations I’d love to hear them.
To help you discover all that Ireland has to offer we here at Days Hotels Ireland decided to launch this Blog. We’ll be letting you know about all the fantastic concerts, shows, events and special attractions that take place across the country and give you some of our favourite recommendations.
Days is one of the most popular hotel groups in Ireland with locations throughout the country. Whichever hotel you stay in you can be sure of a very comfortable stay, great food and the friendliest teams.
Our philosophy is to provide the “Best Value Under the Sun” and we’ll keep you updated with all our Ireland hotels special offers right here on this Blog.
With a choice of three fantastic locations, Days Ireland’s Dublin Hotels can be and found at the airport, Talbot Street in the very heart of the city centre and Park West business campus – ideal for conferences.
Close to Kilkenny castle and historic city centre, the Days Hotel Kilkenny is ideal for exploring this fascinating city and beautiful county. The medieval city is the perfect choice for a weekend break, few nights exploring the countryside or family holiday together.
All our hotels are located in areas with plenty to keep you entertained whatever your interests and we’ll be letting you know whats going on across a range of great events including the Dublin night clubs, theatres, concerts, sporting events, festivals including Cats Laugh in Kilkenny and Oxegen at Punchestown (near the Days Hotel Park West) and so much more.
If you’re jetting off on early flight stay at our superbly located Days Hotel Dublin Airport, just a stones throw from both the airport and city centre. Start your holiday refreshed with a good pre-flight sleep and wake up with just a short ride on our complimentary shuttle bus direct to the terminal.
The most popular base for exploring Dublins attractions and events is Days Hotels Dublin City Centre on Talbot Street. Located just off O’Connell street so the Spire, GPO and Henry Street shopping district are on the doorstep giving you so much to see as soon as you arrive.
With easy access to the M50, in the quite business campus is the Days Hotel Park West. Whether you’re working nearby or visiting the city centre, the hotel is one of Dublins most easily accessible. The newly opened Park West station gives fast frequent connections direct to Heuston and at weekends also offers a complimentary shuttle bus service.
We look forward to bringing you all the latest news and welcoming to our hotels very soon.