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.