Handbag, Heels and Passport: City Break in Dublin
Video Playing Now: Handbags, Heels & Passport: Where to stay in Dublin
Autumn city breaks are a fun way to see new places and our travel diarist Lisa Francesca Nand packed her bags and headed off to Dublin, to find out what there is to see and do.
By Lisa Francesca Nand
Sometimes when places are so close and easy to get to, they can be almost sidelined in favour of further climes but it always surprises me how many people say they haven’t been to Dublin. My shameful travel confession is that although I’ve travelled the world, I’ve never been to Scotland. Must rectify that soon.
However Dublin I’ve been to many times and it truly is a great city packed with night-life, cultural sites and some amazing places to visit. My previous Dublin experiences have all involved way too much drink and fried food. So ingrained is the craic that I’ve always felt like I needed a holiday to get over a trip to this lively city.
But Dublin also has a seriously upmarket side, with the boom years of the Celtic Tiger leading to some very swish hotels, restaurants and high end shops. But instead of falling out of pubs at 4am and falling in to Abrakebabra (a late-night institution if there ever was one) I’m staying at one of Ireland’s poshest hotels which is suitably located in acres and acres of grounds and golf courses about 20 minutes from the city centre. Kicking off the day with a walk around the grounds, followed by a treatment (scrub, massage and facial in the cocoon-like and candle lit spa).
Lisa at the K Club
The K Club has played host to the Ryder Cup in the past so golfing is obviously a key attraction but as I haven’t yet taken up the sport that ruins a good walk I’m on a more girly shopping package which includes a trip to Harvey Nicks.
Like at the hotel we are greeted by the HN’s personal shopper with a tray of Irish scones, cream, jam and tea. It’s my second cream tea of the weekend! Burning some calories off on the shop-floor my newfound personal shopper picks out outfits for me to try on before my complimentary make-over. I chose Dianne Brill’s new make-up range, one time muse to Jean Paul Gaultier, which includes snake venom! Apparently it’s good for the skin. Face made up (and not in anyway needing any emergency antidote) I settle down to a glass of wine over lunch before legging it back to the airport and home. No hangover, no kebab and fully restored.
Lisa and her personal shopper at Harvey Nichols
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Our Travel Diarists report their own stories as they travel the world. Compelling, funny and always enlightening, their words (and videos) are written for you.
Our Travel Diarists report their own stories as they travel the world. Compelling, funny and always enlightening, their words (and videos) are written for you.
Getting There:
The Ultimate Shopping Experience at The K Club is a proper bargain at just £200 for one night and £285 per person* for two nights, including accommodation in a superior room, full Irish breakfast and either dinner in the River Room restaurant, a one-hour spa treatment, or a round of golf, as well as return transfers to Harvey Nichols, champagne on arrival at the Personal Shopping suite, a make-up consultation and a luxury gift bag. *Based on rate of exchange at date of issue
→ Learn more about Dublin in Sky Travel's Dublin guide
Lisa's Links:
→ Lisa flew to Dublin courtesy of Aerlingus.com
→ An evening in the city: Try Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill, celebrity chef Richard Corrigan’s newest venture for great cocktails and a lovely brasserie style menu.
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