Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
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Dive into Dublin’s best spots and hidden gems from your epic basecamp
Ideally located in the heart of Dublin city centre, it all starts at Maldron Hotel Parnell Square. An area known for historical spots as well as the finest dining experiences, Parnell Street is drenched in hidden gems, old haunts and trendy bars.
From Dublin’s oldest surviving 20th-century public art gallery, The Hugh Lane Gallery, to the most intact collection of early to mid-18th-century houses in Ireland, Henrietta Street, the area has it all.
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Everything right on your doorstep
O’Connell Street is located 350 metres and just 3 minutes’ walk from the hotel. The capital’s main street is home to the ‘Spire’, a 120m high striking and innovative monument in the middle of the street just across from the historic GPO. O’Connell Street is at the heart of Dublin city and is walking distance of attractions such as Trinity College, Temple Bar and Dublin’s main retail high streets, Grafton Street and Henry Street.
Temple Bar is just a short walk across the Liffey and is one of the main cultural quarters in the city. It is very popular for eating, socialising and having a great night out. This social quarter is situated within a 10-minute stroll from Maldron Hotel Parnell Square. The famous Irish pubs, many of which have been open since the eighteenth century, are known to serve the best pints of Guinness in the world. There are several theories about the origin of the Temple Bar name, but one of the most commonly believed ones it that it comes from a Temple family, who lived there in the mid 1600s. Another theory is that the quarter is named after the Temple region in London.
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square is very close to all the main shopping areas including Henry Street, Grafton Street and Temple Bar and is an ideal hotel for a break away with family or friends.
Croke Park is Europe’s third-biggest stadium and is the centre of Gaelic games in Ireland. A visit to the stadium allows you to see the magnificent exhibition hall, the changing areas, VIP zone and the stadium itself. For the especially fearless, there is the Ericsson Skyline visit that takes you 17 stories up to a stage suspended over the arena, which provides incredible views of the city. Croke Park is just a short taxi drive from Maldron Parnell Square.
Discover Our Local Area
Ideally located in the heart of Dublin city centre and one of the most centrally located hotels in the city, Maldron Hotel Parnell Square is the perfect base for exploring Dublin city and the surrounding county.
Grafton Street
A couples holiday would never be complete without an afternoon spent browsing the most famous stores. From Grafton Street to Henry Street, Dublin city centre is home to some impressive shopping.
Henry Street
A couples holiday would never be complete without an afternoon spent browsing the most famous stores. From Grafton Street to Henry Street, Dublin city centre is home to some impressive shopping.
Brown Thomas
St. Stephan's Green Shopping Centre
Experience Gaelic Games
Immerse in Irish culture by playing traditional games with your friends. Experience Gaelic Games allows you to be an athlete for a day! Learn the rules and play Gaelic football, handball, and hurling! And don’t worry — these games will be relaxed and easy-going, in true Gaelic style!
AquaZone
The country’s favourite water park is perfect for a family day out. This indoor facility has eight rides, slides, and experiences!
Located inside the Sport Ireland National Aquatic Centre, it’s open every weekend and national holidays.
The Great South Wall Walk
The Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk is also known as the Great South Wall Walk, built-in 1768. Back then it was three miles long and the world’s longest sea wall. Now, it’s a 6.7-mile loop trail that gives you a gorgeous coastal scenic view.
The Oscar Wilde Tour and Merrion Park
One of the famous walking tours around Dublin is retracing the steps of one of its greatest writers, Oscar Wilde. You can start from his house at Merrion Street and drop by the park in front of his house where young Oscar used to play. There’s also a statue of him there, a famous tourist spot, and some installations with quotes from his well-known books.
Natonal Botanic Gardens
Known as Ireland’s Premier Scientific Institution for Botany, within the living collections at the National Botanic Gardens are over 300 endangered species from around the world, and six species already extinct in the wild. Of course, the views inside are also picture perfect so it’s a great place to have your next family portrait!
Dublin Castle
Situated in the Viking quarters of the city, Dublin Castle was built in the 13th Century. Now, it’s a government complex and a tourist attraction. There’s usually an event, exhibition or fair every weekend, including a winter wonderland during the Christmas season.
Dublin Castle is open everyday, from 9:45 to 17:45 (last admission at 17:15).
Book of Kells Tour
The Book of Kells is known as one of Ireland’s greatest cultural treasures. This library tour at Trinity College will have you exploring not just this 9th-century manuscript, but also The Long Room, home to 250,000 of Ireland’s ancient texts! It’s also been a working library since 1732!
Howth Cliff Walk
One of the popular walks in Dublin, the Howth Cliff Walk takes you to the scenic views of Dublin Bay, Lambay Island, Ireland’s Eye, and the Baily Lighthouse. There are many routes you can take, with varying difficulty levels. The paths around the cliff are marked with directions about each trail so don’t go bringing your nan to the longest route if you think she can’t handle it!
Dun Laoghaire Harbour
A walk along the pier on a fresh morning or afternoon is just the ticket if a romantic stroll is what you’re after. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and take in the stunning views as you walk; stop off at Teddy’s for an ice cream cone to take on your stroll, and don’t forget to tip the end of the pier with your foot when you get there – it’s a Dublin tradition!
City Kayaking
Not all watersports require a trip to the sea – in fact, you can kayak up Dublin’s own River Liffey! Take in Georgian buildings and iconic bridges from the water. City Kayaking run a number of trips catering for all levels of experience and setting off from the central IFSC area. Definitely an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
The Vico Baths
Sea swimming is a tradition in Dublin, and the city’s coastline is home to a few stunning bathing spots. The Vico Baths in Dalkey is not only perfect for a dip, with its purpose-built stone steps leading straight into the Irish Sea, but its dreamy sea views are also perfect for inspiring a little romance, too.
Head down in the evening so you can sit on the cliffs and watch the sunset with your significant other and a tasty picnic. The Vico Baths are easily accessible from the Maldron Hotel Pearse Street: just hop on a DART at Pearse Station and enjoy the scenic coastal train ride!
St. Stephen's Green
This city-centre gem is just off Dublin’s main shopping street, and the perfect place to take a romantic stroll on a sunny day. Filled with winding paths, rolling greens and benches situated by scenic ponds, St. Stephen’s Green is an emerald oasis that will make you both forget you’re in the heart of a city for a moment and leave you with fond memories of your romantic weekend getaway.
Jameson Distillery Tour
What’s a day out in Dublin without some whiskey tasting? It’s not the likeliest of candidates, but the Jameson Distillery in Dublin’s Smithfield is a great spot for a date. After taking in the tour, you can try some of Jameson’s finest whiskies together!
Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk
Although it’s not technically in Dublin, the Bray to Greystones cliff walk is easily accessible by train from the city centre, and it’s absolutely worth the trip. One of the best hikes near Dublin in terms of scenery, it’s also one of the easiest outdoor walks for beginners thanks to the safe, defined trail between both locations.
Hop on DART to Bray, follow the signs for the trail and get going: don’t forget to stop off for a celebratory drink when you arrive in Greystones!
Pedal Tours
The best way to explore the city, with all its nooks and crannies, is with a bike. And if you’re on a “group bike” with your friends? Even better. A popular choice of groups on holidays are party bikes. With Dublin Pedal Tours, the more you pedal together, the more sights you see! You can plan your own itinerary or choose from the standard sightseeing or pub crawl.
Free Walking Tours
One of the best ways to discover the city centre is on foot! And Dublin has Free Walking Tours by Yellow Umbrella Tours. Choose from different routes such as the South Side Walk, North Side Walk, a Traditional Pub Tour, a Music Tour, a Food Tour, a Literary Tour, and more!
Bull Island
Bull Island was proclaimed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981 and it’s also the country’s first official bird sanctuary in the ’30s. This low-lying, dune-covered sand spit in Dublin Bay is also host to some water sports, a fun activity you and your friends can try!
The Forty Foot
Dublin may not have your typical, tropical beaches but no trip is complete without testing its waters! A popular choice is Forty Foot, which also has a nearby sauna that can warm you up after soaking in the cold waters.
GPO Witness History Museum
Located at the General Post Office building along O’Connell Street, this historic building has been the silent witness to the city’s colorful history. Aside from being a fully functional post office, it also has a highly immersive and engaging exhibition! The focus of this exhibition is the Easter Rising, which took place in GPO in 1916, a pivotal moment in the Irish revolution for independence.
The Little Museum of Dublin
Do you have kids who get fussy easily? Here’s a quickfire way to learn about Dublin and its history! The Little Museum of Dublin gives you a quick history lesson in under 30 minutes! You’ve got everything you need to learn under one roof and parents can also enjoy a pint after the enjoyable lecture is over!
The Natural History Museum
Affectionately nicknamed the ‘Dead Zoo’ by Dubliners, the Natural History Museum is a bit of a surprise entry for a romantic day out in Dublin, but the lofty halls steeped in history are just that. From ancient Irish creatures to Safari animals, we recommend taking in the building as much as the taxidermy. The rich wooden floorboards and wrought iron railings will transport right back to the Dublin of old!
The Natural Gallery
From visiting exhibitions to the permanent collection, the National Gallery is a guaranteed good day out in Dublin for couples. Wander the impressive halls taking in everything from classical portraits to impressionist masterpieces. Don’t miss the architecturally stunning Millenium Wing, and don’t forget to pick up a few gems in the gift shop!
Marsh's Library
A hidden gem in Dublin City, Marsh’s Library dates opened in 1707 and has been perfectly preserved since. Take in some of their fascinating exhibits and peruse the towering wooden shelves packed with every kind of book you could imagine. The classical romance of it all makes for the ideal couples day out in Dublin.
Irish Museum of Modern Art
With rotating collections of modern art from around the globe, housed in the impressive 17th Century halls of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, the Irish Museum of Modern Art is the perfect way to spend an afternoon together with your other half; even if you don’t actually go into the museum, the surrounding gardens are the perfect spot for a romantic afternoon stroll!
Light House Cinema
The most classic date around gets an upgrade at the Light House Cinema. This multi-screen complex not only plays host to movies from around the globe, it has two bars packed with drinks and snacks so you grab a glass of wine each before cuddling down and watching your movie. Keep an eye out for their special screenings which are guaranteed fun.
Silent Disco Adventures
The Irish may have the gift of the gab, but this silent disco tour also proves that you can still have fun… in silence. Yup, you read that right! The Silent Disco Adventures group takes you on a tour like no other! You can book this tour for hen & stag parties, birthday parties, or corporate events.
Escape Boats
Have you ever tried an escape room? Have you ever played on a boat? Escape Boats is the first-ever live escape room on a boat, good for 2 to 10 players. You can choose from two games: SOS or Convicts. Solve puzzles, crack codes, and uncover mysteries as you enjoy the view of River Liffey!