Sometimes we need our vacations to take us back down to earth. Luxury becomes the chance to enjoy nature at our own pace, to appreciate a view that’s not been photographed by millions before us. We crave authentic experiences, and this is where Ireland comes in.
Dublin
If you were to look up Dublin an an encyclopedia, I think the description would go something like this: “Booming capital city of Ireland, home of outrageous history, unique architecture, talented musicians, an impressive food scene, locally-owned shops and cafés, lush parks, well-preserved heritage, and hotels to die for.”
As you enter Dublin from the airport, ask your driver to take you along the River Liffey. This gives you an instant vision of the city’s essence – relaxed like the river, but original and exciting like the mix of historic and modern buildings that line its banks.
We chose to make the Westbury Hotel our Dublin home. This gorgeous property sits right in the middle of “The Creative Quarter,” the city’s hippest neighbourhood.
It is bordered to the East by Grafton Street, the main pedestrian shopping drag, to the West by South Great George’s Street, Exchequer Street to the North and Lower Stephen’s Street to the South. Think contemporary design shops, proving that “Made In Ireland” no longer just means Aran sweaters (check out Designist, Article, and the Irish Design Shop); cafés and bakeries with deliriously good scones (Avoca, Industry and Co, Kaph); and excellent restaurants (Super Miss Sue, Jo Burger, Cornucopia).
Our top choice was a pop-up shop called Stable, created in collaboration with the Westbury Hotel. They bring Irish linens and woolen knits into the 21st century with fine scarves created by local craftspeople.
Of course, there are traditional tourist sites worth seeing as well.
A visit to Dublin is incomplete without stopping by the Harry Potter-esque Trinity College Library, and its exhibit on the Book of Kells. Another highlight is House Number 29, a beautifully-preserved Georgian townhouse that shows what life was like for upper middle class families between 1790 and 1820.
For a night out on the town, be sure to stop by O’Donoghue’s Pub for the best traditional music, or Pygmalion for great cocktails. Or simply take a stroll along Grafton Street to listen to the musicians playing every block or so – you might discover Ireland’s next most famous performer.
Virtu World Travel 