Olympics 2012

The Countdown Has Begun

All eyes will be on London as the countdown has begun with the final preparations being put in place. From archery to wrestling there are 54 Irish athletes that have managed to represent their country at the highest level. A total of 15,000 athletes from 204 countries have entered the elite club of becoming Olympic participant. 

For many of these athletes it has been years of dedication and sacrifice to achieve their lifelong dream of winning a gold medal and carrying the flag for their country, an estimated 4 billion people will watch the games over the 3 weeks.Thousands of Irish supporters along with Chef de Mission Sonia O’Sullivan will flying over the pond to soak up a once in a lifetime opportunity of experiencing the Olympic atmosphere.

The Opening Ceremony will kick off at 9pm on Friday 27th July to the sound of the largest harmonically bell in Europe. Then all 15,000 athletes will parade around the stadium flying their nations flag, athletes will enter in alphabetical order except for Greece who will enter first. Once all countries have entered the stadium the Olympic flag will be raised and the Olympic touch lit to represent the official opening of the Olympic Games.

The very best to the Irish Team and lets hope there will be a few gold medals coming home with you!!

Bruce Springteen

Yes, the BOSS is back in Dublin!!! 

Bruce Springsteen is back to play the RDS this 17th & 18th July for two unforgettable shows. He arrives in Dublin after the end of his 49th European show of his “Wrecking Ball” world tour, then it’s back home to finish off his 68th show in New Jersey in September.

 Bruce Springsteen has certainly developed strong loyal fans from his first concert 27 years ago in Slane Castle and playing numerous concerts in Dublin since then and selling over 120 million albums worldwide. I doubt fans will be disappointed if it is anything like his Madrid concert on 17th June 2012 were he sang for near 4 hours straight singing some of is classics “ dancing in the dark” and “the rising” while also singing some of the songs from his latest album. 

Why not grab a bite to eat from one of our most popular specials “Burger Night” and then take a leisurely stroll up to the concert. 

"Burger Night"

8oz Beef or Chicken Fillet Burger 

with spicy coleslaw crispy bacon & Fries

 Plus a Glass of Wine or Pint of Beer 

€12.95 

Call us on : 01 6142000 / info@sandymounthotel.ie 

Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2012

We are delighted to have been awarded a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence again for 2012. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to give us their feedback!

• Sandymount Hotel

Sweny's Pharmacy & Bloomsday 2012

 
Our intern visited the charming Sweny's Pharmacy recently and found out what they will be doing for Bloomsday 2012.

James Joyce fan or not, Sweny’s is a must for everyone visiting or living in the Dublin. Without trying to sound too cliché, walking into this historic pharmacy is truly stepping into the past. From the moment I pushed open the old, wooden door I instantly fell in love with this tiny place that you literally sometimes have to step sideways to fit in. James Joyce wrote about Sweny’s in Ulysses after he himself paid the pharmacy a visit. Mr. Bloom, Joyce’s main character, visits Sweny’s in search of cream for his wife but he leaves with only one thing: a bar of lemon soap.

“Mr. Bloom raised a cake to his nostrils. Sweet lemony wax. - I’ll take this one, he said”
                                    Ulysses, J.Joyce (1922)

Since then, Sweny’s has not changed a bit. Old prescription bottles and packages abandoned by their almost owners remain lining the walls of the store. Bits and pieces of times past which have been donated by various supporters are on sale. I for one fell in love with an old wooden jewelry box that I was sure was full of wonderful stories. If it weren’t for my having no room in either of my suitcases I would have bought it before anyone else could lay their eyes on it. Instead I opted for a €5 second-hand book.

Glass jars with enticing, homemade boiled sweets have made their way among the books and you can even get a bar of the famous lemon soap for just €3.50; a perfect gift for those literature lovers at home.

Sweny’s is completely run by dedicated volunteers but go in on any day and you’ll find at least one of them dressed to perfection as a chemist; coat, bow tie and all. I was lucky to speak with a volunteer and what a wonderful encounter it was. He shared with me a wealth of knowledge about Sweny’s and Joyce and there wasn’t a question I asked that he could not answer. I was told that this year for Bloomsday the shop will be renting out old time costumes for those truly dedicated to the time and works of Joyce, or for those who just want to have a bit of fun! The volunteers will dress for the occasion as well.

Pop in for daily readings of Joyce which take place Monday-Saturday all year round but be sure to get there early because there are very few seats and even fewer places to stand! Sweny’s is by far the most charming place I have been to in Dublin and after visiting I felt a true connection to the city’s past.

Flora Women's Mini Marathon Dublin

The Flora Women's Mini Marathon is less than a month away and we hope that all participants are getting on well with their training and looking forward to the event.

We are just 2 quick DART stops from the start line, and our Special Offer includes an overnight stay in one of our stylish rooms with breakfast the next morning and complimentary parking for the full day of the event from just €49.50 per person sharing. Call us on 01 614 2000 or email info@sandymounthotel.ie for more details.

After reaching the finish line, relax at our Tritonville Bar & Terrace or in our gardens and treat yourself to one of our specially created (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) celebration cocktails!

Dublin Hop On, Hop Off Tour

Read about our intern's trip around Dublin on the Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tour.

Exploring all there is to see in a new city can sometimes seem daunting, especially if you’re visiting for just a short period of time, but in Dublin it’s not a problem at all with the City Sightseeing Dublin Hop On – Hop Off Bus Tour. This affordable tour (2 kids under 14 free with every fare paying adult!) allows you two days of sightseeing to Dublin’s biggest attractions! The tour is guided by the driver who provides helpful information, tips and laughs. The greatest part of it all is that as soon as you come across something you would like to explore you can get off at your leisure, do what you want and catch the next tour bus coming by. With a new bus every fifteen minutes it’s a breeze! Imagine, “front door service” to Trinity College, Grafton Street, Christ Church, Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin Zoo, the Jameson Distillery and more! No paying for taxis or figuring out what buses to take. Hop on the tour at any of its 24 stops at any time that suits you. It is completely at your convenience! And to top it off your tour ticket will also get you discounts at certain attractions.

For my tour I chose a seat in the lower level of the bus since it was early and still a little cold. However, any warmer and I would have been in the open-air top level basking in the sun. The driver was exceptionally kind and helpful (even at 9:30am!) and during the tour I was particularly intrigued by the deer we spotted in Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo (also in Phoenix Park) and Kilmainham Gaol, all amazing ways to spend a day or two in Dublin. Overall the Dublin Hop On-Hop Off tour offers you the biggest bang for your buck and is the best and only way to see all that Dublin City has to offer.

Tickets for the tour can be purchased at Sandymount Hotel's Reception, where we can also give you advice on tourist sights to visit and things to do during your stay.

Viking Splash Tour

Our intern has been out and about seeing the sights of Dublin again, this time with Viking Splash Tours.

Learn To Roar Like A Viking!

Having been on a few walking tours of Dublin I found the Viking Splash Tour to be a refreshing take on touring the city. I climbed aboard the big yellow boat on wheels and was sure to put on a signature Viking helmet, horns and all! A group of children celebrating a tenth birthday anxiously awaited the start of the tour, the parents accompanying them just as happy and excited to be there. Our tour guide, dressed in his Viking costume, immediately started in with plenty of humour and kept it coming throughout the entire tour. For the full hour and fifteen minutes I did not stop laughing and the best part was that I walked away with new knowledge too! For instance, did you know that the Dawson Lounge is the smallest pub in Dublin and it can only hold 36 people? Or that the “urban forest” in front of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre cost 8 million dollars to complete? Plenty more bits of information about the city were shared throughout the journey but you’ll have to take the tour yourself to find out!

The absolute best part of the tour was roaring at people on the streets. Before departing, your tour guide is sure to teach you the best and loudest way to do it. The goal is to get the most unsuspecting travellers. Only until you do so will you understand the real fun of it! The length of the tour (one hour and fifteen minutes) was perfect, not too long, not too short and worth every cent! And yes, the boat on wheels does actually go into the water. After the boat is transformed by yellow floats and you make a quick switch into life jackets it’s time for the switch from land to water. Explore the Docklands and even see U2’s recording studio! Circle the water and make the climb back on land for the trip back. The humour, sights and sounds make this adventure enjoyable for adults and children alike.

Guinness Storehouse

For a glimpse into what's on offer at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, read this Guest Post from our Marketing Intern on her recent visit to the Guinness Storehouse:

Ahh Guinness, the black stuff, the drink of the Irish. Ok maybe not the drink of all Irish but it sure is popular and certainly a symbol of Ireland to outsiders such as myself. Being Ireland’s number one tourist destination it is nearly impossible to visit Dublin without paying a visit to the Guinness Storehouse. I was lucky enough to do so over Paddy's weekend.

For anyone expecting to simply walk around reading signs and looking at photos you will certainly be in for a treat. Upon entering the factory there is immediately plenty to see, touch, smell and do. For one thing, you realize you are standing inside the world’s largest pint glass which rises up through the seven round floors of the factory. Then you will come to the giant pit of barley, one of the four main ingredients in Guinness (barley, water, hops, yeast) which you can dip your hand into and feel the small grains running through your fingers. Take a photo by the glowing waterfall which brings in fresh water from the Wicklow Mountains and then view the original contract and thank Arthur Guinness for signing the 9,000 year lease on the brewery! As you continue up the seven story building you take a look at real hops, watch entertaining and interactive videos about the old and modern brewing processes and see the intricate machinery that is used. Take in the Guinness print advertisements throughout the years and even sit in a large (and quite relaxing) television room to watch various Guinness TV advertisements. Enjoy the Guinness taste experience and even learn to pour your own pint from a Guinness Ambassador! If you’re feeling a bit hungry during your tour you have plenty of options whether it’s a café snack or a sit down meal at Brewers Dining Hall or Arthur’s Bar. Experience the magic of cooking with Guinness and you will even walk away with a few recipes for home. Finally on the 7th floor enjoy a pint (included with entry ticket) in the Gravity Bar which offers 360 degree views of Dublin and the rolling green hills surrounding it. On your way out remember to stop by the extensive gift shop for some exclusive Guinness gear to make your friends at home jealous.

All in all the Guinness Storehouse is a fantastic place, deserving of a full day’s time and a must see on your Dublin “to do list.”

Easter Mid-Term Break in Dublin

Bring the family to Sandymount Hotel this Easter mid-term break and take advantage of our fantastic special offer. Stay in one of our stylish family rooms and enjoy a full Irish breakfast in our Cordyline Restaurant, overlooking our gardens,from just €99 for a family of four*. You'll be out of the hustle and bustle in exclusive Dublin 4, yet just minutes from Dublin city centre and all it has to offer!

Call us on +353 1 614 2000 or email info@sandymounthotel.ie for more details.

*Offer valid for up to 2 adults and 2 children aged 12 or under. Subject to Availability. Terms & Conditions Apply.

St Patrick's Festival 2012

Dublin is the place to be this weekend from March 16th-19th where residents and visitors alike will come together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Festival. Once a one day celebration, the festival is now four straight days of fun and excitement that are sure to keep the city bustling, especially with the expected audience of one million people. The parade and city-wide treasure hunt are inspired by science, mainly the "How? What? & Why?" of it all. For those who may not take to the world of science immediately, have no fear, festivities for all ages, nationalities and interests are a guarantee!

Be prepared for the city to look its very best with the "Green The City" initiative in which various businesses and city buildings will light up green and fly the Irish flag. Throughout the parade, pageant companies will act out children’s science questions in a remarkable and entertaining way. Experience the Irish culture activities sponsored by the "I Love My City" initiative on the 16th and 17th including traditional Irish dancing. The "Festival Big Day Out" will take place on Sunday March 18th with a day of free fun perfect for families. On Monday the 19th take part in the "'Discovering Science' Treasure Hunt" throughout the city in which popular buildings of Dublin are connected to science. Most of all, remember that St. Patrick’s Festival is a national holiday to be celebrated and enjoyed by all! And keep in mind that most of it is free!

Spend some time with us at Sandymount Hotel on the 17th when we'll be celebrating St Patrick's Day with live music, Ireland v England on our big screens in our Tritonville Bar & Terrace and reception lounge, delicious traditional Irish food, and €4 pints of Guinness.

Ireland v Scotland at Aviva Stadium

Ireland will be playing Scotland tomorrow in their last home match of this year's RBS 6 Nations. 98FM will be facepainting and giving out goodies at Sandymount Hotel again and we'll have all our usual ingredients for a great atmosphere including music, a fast pour bar and pig on a spit in our front grounds, the days matches on our big screens in our Tritonville Bar & Terrace and reception lounge, and a range of delicious food indoors for hungry fans pre and post-match.

Here's a preview of tomorrow's match from our guest rugby bloggers Oisin Loughran and Neil Murphy:

Ireland are due to welcome Scotland to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday for their fourth game in this year’s Six Nations Tournament. Ireland has been less than impressive this season without the leadership of legendary captain Brian O’ Driscoll. Vice-Captain Paul O’ Connell is also set to miss the remainder of the season.

With almost no hope of Ireland winning the tournament, and the triple crown already decided, I think Declan Kidney should start allowing his youth players some much needed experience in international rugby. Simon Zebo, Peter O’ Mahoney and Dominic Ryan all deserve a chance to prove themselves at a higher level. Also Ian Madigan deserves a mention. As the out half with the most tries in Europe this season, he must surely be applying pressure to the 35 year old O’ Gara. He has been a fine player for his country but it is time to look to the future.

Scotland have been losing bravely this season and last. They have very few players that seem to be able to inspire confidence in their fellow teammates. However, David Denton is one to look out for. He has tremendous strength and he is more than capable of carrying the ball. He picked up man of the match in the opening game of the season against England. He has also been inspirational for Edinburgh this year in both the RABODirect and the Heineken cup.

Although neither team inspire me with confidence I would still place my money on Ireland to win by 10. Ireland will be lacking serious guidance on the pitch but their home advantage should see off the threat of Scotland.

Mother's Day in Dublin

Looking for somewhere to treat your mum this Mother's Day? Come along to Sandymount Hotel and enjoy a delicious 3 course lunch in our Cordyline Restaurant for just €22 per person with children's menu just €12. Our restaurant overlooks and opens out onto our private gardens - ideal if the weather is good! We'll also have live music on during the day to keep you entertained.

Call us on 01 614 2000 or email us at info@sandymounthotel.ie for more details.

Ireland v Italy at Aviva Stadium

We're looking forward to another great match day at Sandymount Hotel when Ireland play Italy at Aviva Stadium tomorrow.

Join us for a hearty pre-match brunch in our Tritonville Bar & Terrace, or a tasty bite to eat and a pint in our front grounds, where you can enjoy a view of the stadium. Food will be served after the match right up until 9.30pm for hungry fans.

98FM's Thunder Crew will also be along doing face painting and their BIG RED will be broadcasting live from outside the hotel.

And don't forget to get a picture with our "Sandymount Line-Out" sculpture when you're here!

Grand Canal Theatre Packages

Our Grand Canal Theatre packages at Sandymount Hotel include a pre-theatre 2 course dinner in our Tritonville Bar & Terrace, tickets to the show, an overnight stay in one of our stylish rooms, and full Irish breakfast the next morning.

Grand Canal Theatre is just minutes away from Sandymount Hotel by DART or taxi, or you could take a leisurely stroll to this fantastic venue.

Dirty Dancing has received standing ovations since it opened and is almost sold out but there's a few seats left and still time to catch this show at Grand Canal Theatre, which runs until 25th February.

Calendar Girls, based on an inspiring true story of ordinary women doing extraordinary things is coming back to Grand Canal Theatre for the very last time on 27th February.

The award-winning all singing, all dancing romantic comedy Legally Blonde the Musical takes to the stage from 10th to 21st April.

The Phantom of the Opera has won over 60 major theatre awards over its 25 years and became the longest running show in Broadway History in January 2006. See he spectacular new production at Grand Canal Theatre this summer, on from 5th July to 4th August.

For more information on our Grand Canal Theatre packages for Dirty Dancing, Calendar Girls, Legally Blonde the Musical or The Phantom of the Opera call us on 01 614 2000, email us at info@sandymounthotel.ie or book online.

Madonna Playing Aviva Stadium Dublin This July

The Queen of Pop will be playing right next door to Sandymount Hotel at Aviva Stadium on July 24th!

Tickets will be on sale Friday 17th February.

RBS 6 Nations 2012 - Ireland v Wales at Aviva Stadium

The RBS 6 Nations 2012 kicks off this weekend! Ireland will be playing Wales in their first match of the tournament on Sunday at Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road and the excitement is already building at Sandymount Hotel. As the stadium's closest hotel, the match day atmosphere is sure to be unbeatable here. Come along and enjoy a pint and our tasty pig on a spit in our front grounds (with a view of the stadium!) or a bite to eat inside from our carvery before the match, and warm up afterwards with a hot whiskey in our Tritonville Bar & Terrace.

See more pics from last year's Ireland v England match on our Facebook page.

Book accommodation for the 6 Nations matches at Aviva Stadium online or by calling us on +353 1 6142000.

Valentine's Day in Dublin

Romantics looking to treat their special someone this Valentine's Day need look no further!

Celebrate at Sandymount Hotel, in exclusive Dublin 4, just minutes from the city centre, and choose from our fabulous Valentine's Break, which includes a whole list of treats, or book a table at our contemporary Cordyline Restaurant for an evening of fantastic food at our 6 Course Valentine's Dinner. Call us on +353 1 6142000 or email us at info@sandymounthotel.ie for more details.

Valentine's Break - €69 per person sharing

Enjoy a romantic break in exclusive Dublin 4, out of the hustle and bustle yet just minutes from the city centre. Our Valentine's Break includes:

- Overnight stay including complimentary upgrade*

- Chocolates and bubbly in your room

- 6 Course Valentine's Dinner (see the menu below)

- Full Irish breakfast

- 2pm Late Check Out

- Complimentary parking & WiFi

6 Course Valentine's Dinner - €29.95 per person

Enjoy an evening of fantastic food in our contemporary Cordyline Restaurant, overlooking our private gardens. Work up an appetite beforehand with a romantic stroll on Sandymount Strand, just a few minutes away from us!

Amuse Bouche
Wild Mushroom Ravioli finished with a Truffle Foam

Starters
A Warm Goats Cheese and Sundried Tomato Crostini
A Delicate Roasted Butternut Squash and Capsicum Soup served with a Rustic Bread Roll
Asian Duck Salad with a Ginger Soy Sauce Dressing
Scallop, Black Pudding and Pea Puree Salad

Mains
Medallions of Beef
Seared and married with a Madagascar Pepper Sauce
Slow Roasted Belly of Pork
with an Apple Compote
Paupiettes of Sole
Stuffed with a Prawn and Dill Mousse finished with a Lobster Bisque Sauce
Vegetable Pathivier
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables and Brie Cheese encased in a Puff Pastry Shell

Desserts
A Warm Chocolate and Orange Fondant with a Fresh Vanilla Cream
Heart Shaped Pavlova with Cointreau Glazed Strawberries
A White Chocolate Panacotta with a Passion Fruit Syrup
Apple, Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble with Custard

*******

Freshly Brewed Arabica Coffee and Selection of Teas

*******

Miniature Toffee Ice Cream Cone

And here's a lovely review from a Valentine's Day 2011 Diner:
"Myself and my wife had dinner in the Cordyline Restaurant on St Valentine's night. We had a wonderful experience enhanced by the staff who were very friendly, attentive and efficicent. the food was excellent, the amuse bouches particularly good and the atmosphere very congenial. We will definitely be back and we have recommended this restaurant to all our friends. Price by the way was very good for what we got. Well done."