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.