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Here are our Top Day Trips Recommendations in Dublin, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

Day 1 :

The Irish National Stud in Tully is not only an institution in County Kildare, but also a must visit for all horse industry enthusiasts. The only stud farm opened to the public in Ireland, you will admire some of the most beautiful and prestigious horses in the world. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II spent time in this farm to see where family’s best horses were produced.

The nearby Japanese Gardens give you the opportunity to fully relax by walking through this unique park. The Gardens symbolise the meeting between Eastern and Western cultures. This is really a tour worth doing for family with children.

After your visit to the Irish National Stud and walking in the Japanese Gardens, it’s time to expand your own closet in Kildare Village.  Kildare Village located around 59 Km far from Dublin, is known as Ireland’s most elegant outlet shopping centre, with up to 60 % off.   This is a great opportunity to wear fashion and luxury brands from Calvin Klein to Hackett or Hugo Boss.  Plus they offer Tax Back shopping to non EU residents.  Even for the lunch, you can enjoy cultural different cuisine, from a French Creperie, l’Officina to an Italian restaurant, l’Officina.   The best way to discover all those chic, adorable but affordable brands is to take a look on your own.  “Your visit, your style” as they say in Kildare Village.

Newbridge Silver Museum of Style Icons in Kildare, Ireland, allows you to turn back time and admire collections and artefacts of the greatest cinema’s figures like Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Diana, Audrey Hepburn and others icons.

Day 2 :

The Marble city of Kilkenny is only 90 minutes south of the capital. Founded in the 6th century, a monastery and over the years it attracted Ireland's various religious figures. In the 12th century, one Lord decided to built an sumptuous castle in the heart of the city. Kilkenny is also famous for its beers "Smithwhicks" and "Kilkenny", which have been brewed in the oldest brewery in Ireland, the St. Francis Abbey since 1710. It is possible to visit the brewery today. Our favourite store in the city is The Little Green Grocer - a fantastic store which stocks lots of unique Irish gifts. Our favourite restaurant is Campagne - a tour de force of French style gastronomy which was awarded a Michelin star in 2013 ; their lunch menu (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) offers fantastic value for money.  The Cathedral Church of St Canice boasts a round tower (one of only two in Ireland which one can climb - weather permitting) is a gothic gem.  Kilkenny Castle is one of the most popular attractions in the city; visitors will learn about the past owners the Butler family and their remarkable history, explore the elegant gardens and stroll through the city woodlands on the estate.  Jerpoint Abbey, a Cistercian abbey, is located in Thomastown Co Kilkenny and is home to some notable stone carvings and sculptured tombs and its visitor centre is also recommended.

Near Athy in Co. Kildare, Burtown House is a Georgian villa surrounded by flowers, woodland gardens and a park.   This house is the home of the well known Photographer James Fennell and here you can admire a surprising gallery space and lifestyle tore.   The brand new Green Barn Restaurant, inside a rustic décor, looking out on the vegetable gardens, affords you the opportunity to fully enjoy your relaxing time in Burtown.  Their Olive Oils are infused with kitchen garden herbs and for their salts they use a combination of Celtic sea salt and pink himalayan salt. Having had a rocky opening period where they found it difficult to overcome some teething problems, they appear to have found their feet; they now offer a gourmet cafe style menu, well-executed and professionally served.  

Waterford is the oldest city of Ireland. Established in 914 AD, the Vikings invaded the region and they created a seaport to facilitate commercial exchange on the island of Ireland. Waterford's international reputation grew when very high quality crystal manufacturing began in 1783. Their work is particularly appreciated by the British royal family and you will find pieces in all the major stately homes in the world including the White House which receives a crystal bowl of Shamrock each St Patricks Day. In Waterford you will also discover Reginald’s Tower, an old defensive tower and the world's oldest mint which now houses the Waterford Museum Of Treasures which tracks the story of vikings. Be careful of swords while you admire all jewellery and ceramics from ancient Ireland!

Day 3 :

Wicklow Mountains National Park is the largest in the country. The landscape is unique and you will find lots of natural beauty spots to make this trip unforgettable. The pink heathers and yellow gorse flowers are stunning in the summer - catch the scent of the gorse flowers and close your eyes; you'll be surprised to find the scent is very similar to that of coconut - in fact, many experimental Irish chefs extract the essence from this prickly flower to create what has become known as "Irish coconut".

Glendalough (the glenn of the two lakes) is one of the most important monastic sites in the country, where many of St Kevin's buildings still survive despite the attacks over the years namely from the Vikings. It’s a real opportunity to understand better Ireland's Ancient East but on a calm and still day be sure to bring some bug spray with you as the midges (or "No-See-Ems") are plentiful owing to the lakeside setting. Even the Secret Service weren't able to contend with this challenge on a recent visit there by the Obama family.  With some excellent hiking trails you could easily spend an entire day here and finish with a visit to The Wicklow Heather restaurant for a hearty meal. 

Here are our Top 4 star Hotel Recommendations in Dublin.

O’Callaghan Stephen’s Green Hotel

Located close to St Stephen’s Green, not far from Temple Bar and at few meters from Grafton Street, the Stephen’s Green Hotel is in a fabulous location. The 99 rooms are solid, a good size and comfortable without being sumptuous; more typical of a business style hotel. Popular with large tour groups it's advisable to time your arrival and departure at less busy times.

Brooks Hotel

Located in the Dublin’s cultural quarter, two minutes walk from Grafton Street, you will appreciate the warm and cosy Brooks Hotel. With a stock over 130 types of Whiskey from all over the world, the hotel will be able to offer you a unique tasting experience in the Jasmine Bar. The hotel also hires a private cinema for the comfort of its guests; but don't expect to share your popcorn with Colin Farrell!

The Gibson Hotel

The Gibson is a 4-star trendy hotel near the center of Dublin. The hotel attracts attention because of its architecural glass. Rooms are very modern and bright. The Luas tramway is right next the establishment. Taking a stroll to and from here is an enjoyable way to see the city.

The Clarence

The Clarence 4 star hotel ideally located on the River Liffey, in the Temple bar neighbourhood offers you spacious and comfortable rooms. For the record, U2 lead singer Bono and The Edge bought this luxury hotel in the 1990s and it has since become the place for movie stars and musicians to stay in when they visit the capital. American actor Danny de Vito famously tweets pictures of his feet from his balcony when staying here! The Octagon Bar is a great place to start your evening on the town.

Here are our Top Restaurant Recommendations in Dublin, as prepared by intern Mathieu.

Restaurants 

- Greenhouse :

The Greenhouse Michelin Star restaurant on Dublin’s Dawson Street offers you a refined cuisine in the heart of the capital. Mikael Viljanen, formerly of Gregans Castle in the Burren, was recently judged Ireland’s top chef at Irish Restaurant Awards for 2015. His inventive cuisine includes elements of molecular gastronomy while the dining room is contemporary and sumptuous. Their wine list is superb and their Sommelier Julie Dupouy is also award winning.

- Rustic Stone :

Chef Dylan McGrath welcomes you to The Rustic Stone to discover a new food experience only with local produce. The Rustic Stone’s chef creates a nutritious and tasty food experience for everyone, he himself takes great care to source the best seasonal ingredients. Their bar offers some fabulous cocktails among which is our favourite, The Riddler. The bar also stocks an Elderflower Cordial made in small batches by Hotwell House - you'll find this on some of our tours such as our Croatia Bike & Sail trip. Dylan McGrath is also the celebrity chef on the most popular cooking tv show in Ireland, Masterchef.

- L’Gueuleton :

L’Gueuleton, located on trendy Fade Street in Dublin offers a fusion of exquisite French bistro food, wine and high quality Irish produce in a relaxed and casual setting. You should try the caramel cream, the most popular dessert of the bistro. A recent guest of Fresh Eire Adventures compared the experience here to the very best French food outside of France.

- Amuse :

Chef Conor Dempsey allows you to enjoy a meticulous French & Japanese Cuisine. Located near St Stephen Green, Amuse is a small but unique, warm and cosy fine dining restaurant with a casual flair. Why not start your evening by having a cocktail across the street in Peruke & Periwig?

- Heron & Grey :

Recently awarded a Michelin Star in 2016, one of the smallest restaurants to be awarded such an accolade, Heron & Grey is the new gastronomic attraction in Blackrock, a suburb of Dublin. This is the new darling of the Dublin dining scene. We advise you to book in advance in order to avoid disappointment - while cancellations are always possible there is currently a 6 month waiting list.

Dublin has an abundance of well-known attractions for visitors, but why not take a step away from the 'must-sees' and look for your own unique mix of memories.  The city's streets are like a maze of art, design and just plain quirkiness, so turn of your GPS and just wander freely around the city.  While everyone knows the craic to be had in Temple Bar, skip the pubs (for now) and stroll up to The Music Centre's Wall of Fame to view the iconic photos of Ireland's best loved rockers from Phil Lynott and Rory Gallagher to Luke Kelly and Bob Geldof.  

While there, pop around the corner to one of the city's most endearing vintage shops, Lucy's Lounge.  A mix of upcycled and vintage goods fill the basement, and staff love the chance to recommend styles or sizes.

From Temple Bar take a stroll onto George's Street where there now stands a colourful dedication to the seven signatories of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic with the proclamation printed underneath in five different languages.

Across the road from here stands arguably Dublin's most well-known pub, The George.  It's regarded as the lynch-pin of the Dublin gay scene having been in operation for nearly 30 years. 

George's Street also hosts the vibrant George's Street Arcade.  It is Ireland's first purpose built shopping centre and one of Europe's oldest.  The high interior ceiling beautifully complements the exquisite red brick Victorian exterior and this topped off by the unique offering of the shops inside.

If George's Street Arcade doesn't satisfy that inner hipster in you, then head south to Richmond Street to The Bernard Shaw pub.  Bordered by eclectic street art and leftover ruined walls of a once neighbouring building, The Bernard Shaw is hard to describe.  But it certainly is more than just a pub, it's an experience.

Dublin City's attractions go well beyond those listed on any tourist guide, the city is littered with unique street art and charms if you are just willing to explore.

Here are our Top Attraction Recommendations in Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

Opened at the end of the 18th century and closed 130 years afterwards (1796-1924), Kilmainham Gaol Museum has been one of the most famous European prisons. Now a museum, this old jail is an unusual and curious place to visit. The tour guides here are excellent and bring the whole experience to life. Here you will learn about the 1916 Rising, which brought about Ireland's independence and the associated tragedies and execution of the ringleaders and leaders of the Rising. Very highly recommended. It's a good idea to book your tickets in advance especially in high season.

The Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum has been awarded the coveted title of most popular museum by TripAdvisor visitors to the capital. This is a very highly recommended visit; its quirky layout and zany tour guides make for a memorable experience following your Fresh Eire Adventure trip in Ireland. The museum explains everything from the visit of Queen Victoria to the global success of U2 and almost everything in between.

National Museum of Ireland

The prestigious National Museum of Ireland is an enlightening place to observe Irish history. The Museum offers an interesting global view of the national archaeology, the decorative arts & history, country life and natural history. Perhaps the most fascinating exhibits are those of the bogs - you will be visiting bogs on your bike tour so here is a golden opportunity to see some of the fascinating finds.

Dublin Writers Museum

Located in Parnell Square, 5 minutes from the city centre, the Dublin Writers Museum is an unmissable classic of Irish literature. It opened in 1991 but is part of an 18th century house. It’s a really charming place where you can learn about Irish writers old and new; from Wilde to Yeats, Synge to Stoker. Writing workshops are frequently held here - advance booking is required. In the basement you'll find one of Dublin's top restaurants, the literary themed Chapter One - treat yourself to a fabulous lunch or perhaps even a pre-theater dinner before or after your visit. 

Guinness Brewery

Founded in 1759 and located at St James’s Gate on the river Liffey close to Hueston Station, the Guinness Brewery is probably the most ubiquitous attraction in the country. The Guinness storehouse, which extends over 7 floors, is a marvel of 21st century design. For a complete visit, spend an afternoon at the Brewery, and you will understand how the beer is made from the growth of the finest barley and hops, to the ideal roasting temperatures of the grains. At the end of your visit you will be offered a "dirty pint" of porter in the Gravity Bar from which you can admire the 360-degree view of Dublin. Even the Queen and her husband were tempted to try the Pint o'plain - but they managed to resist.

Science Gallery

The Science Gallery is a scientific museum that offers interactive, visual and exciting experiences. Opened in 2008, this global science gallery network was pioneered by Trinity College of Dublin. Contrary to the majority of science centres, this unusual Science Gallery doesn’t have a permanent collection but rather around five temporary exhibitions each year.

IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is housed in the Royal Hospital of Kilmainham, the finest 17th century monument in Ireland. IMMA offers an enjoyable experience of Irish contemporary art by altering its dynamic programme, and frequently including special temporary exhibitions from overseas artists. IMMA is considered as the house of the national collection of modern art.

Light House Cinema

Located in Smithfield Market Square, Dublin 7, the Light House Cinema is a perfect alternative to have a relaxing moment eating popcorn and savouring your drink during the time you will enjoy a new or old favourite movie. Spend the end of an afternoon to appreciate the original and new design atmosphere of the Cinema. All the seats are painted different colours, the décor is stunning and the general architecture is unusual. While their programme typically features independent and art house movies they frequently hold special events – check their programme.

Project Arts Centre

Based in Temple Bar in front of the River Liffey, the Project Arts Centre is (as indicated by its name) a prestigious multidisciplinary arts centre dedicated to support artists through all forms of performing and visual arts. Opened in 1967, the Project Arts Centre its now able to offer diverse programme including all contemporary art forms: theatre, dance, live art, video, film, traditional, jazz, electronic, classical and popular music, painting, sculpture, photography, multidisciplinary installations and performance pieces.

Gallery of Photography

Inaugurated in 1978, the Gallery has become one of the best Irish photography venues. Located in Temple Bar in Dublin 2, this non-profit making Gallery founded by the Arts Council and Dublin Corporation aims to offer a wonderful, touching and original experience. We suggest you to take a look in the Gallery’s boutique; you could be interested by one or two of the numerous great books – “Exit By The Gift Store” as Banksy might say.