Itineraries
“A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.”
- Oscar Wilde
Irish, or Gaelic (gale-ick) is the official language of Ireland, along with English. For centuries, it was the only language spoken but due to the English invasion, it slowly died out and is now only spoken as a first language in certain parts of the country. However, all Irish people learn Gaelic in school from a young age. There are certain Gaelic words that are essential during your self catering Sunlight Properties holiday in Dublin. Below is a list of terms to get you by!
7 Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Discover Dublin
Spend the day in and around Dublin city, getting your bearings. Make your way from your holiday rental apartment to Trinity College on College Green to see one of our most treasured artefacts – the Book of Kells. After that, head towards the National Gallery on Kildare Street before having a glimpse of Leinster House, the Irish houses of Parliament.
Meander around the art galleries on Kildare Street, Molesworth Street and Dawson Street and pick up a lunchtime salad or a sandwich to enjoy in St. Stephen’s Green. On the way there, keep an eye out for the Mansion House on the left hand side of Dawson Street.
After lunch, stroll back down Grafton Street and enjoy the street entertainment and perhaps a spot of shopping. Lose yourself in the warren of streets and alleyways off Grafton Street. Discover Irish designers and artists in tucked away boutiques and galleries. By early evening, wander down the narrow, cobblestone streets around Temple Bar to experience the vibrant, early evening atmosphere. After a long day out, treat yourself to a cocktail at the Vintage Cocktail Club before dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. Enjoy a well deserved rest back at your Sunlight Properties luxury holiday rental property.
Day 2 – Country and City Combined
Enjoy a country day out in the city today and jump on the Luas (tram) to Heuston train station (10 minutes from Abbey Street). Amble up to Phoenix Park and rent a bike from Paul at Phoenix Park Bike Hire, located at the entrance of the park. Enjoy the beauty of the park, veering left along the bike paths, to see the beautiful stags and female deer that live in the park year round. Make your way to historic Farmleigh House and enjoy a coffee and a slice of delicious cake at the cafe on the lake. After a relaxing break, explore the beautiful gardens next door at the Farmleigh gardens. Be sure to check out what's on during your self catering vacation in Dublin, as there are often exhibitions and sporting events at the park. On the way back to the main entrance, you will pass by Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland. You can explore the house for free on a guided tour on Saturday mornings to enjoy a glimpse of Irish presidential life.
After returning your bike, stroll down Parkgate Street, following the Luas line to the National Museum of Ireland – Military & Decorative Arts, to learn more about Ireland's military past. After this, make your way back into the city centre, stopping for lunch perhaps at Wuff or discover the little village of Stoneybatter along the way.
After lunch, hop on a bus to Glasnevin Cemetary and the National Botanic Gardens. Make your way back to the city and pick up some fresh, local ingredients for a relaxing dinner back at your Sunlight Properties self catering holiday home.
Day 3 – Medieval Dublin & Sports History
Discover the exciting history of medieval Dublin. Start your day with a wander through the cobbled streets of Temple bar to Christchurch Cathedral. Continue on to St. Patrick's Cathedral before you make your way to St. Stephen's Green to join the Viking Splash tour. Discover the city from a different perspective on this exciting tour.
After lunch in the city centre, perhaps around the South William St area, make your way to Drumcondra for a fascinating afternoon learning about Gaelic Games at the Croke Park Museum. If you think you're up to the challenge why not experience Gaelic Games for yourself at the nearby Na Fianna GAA Club?
On your return to the city centre, perk up with a coffee at one of the many cafes around the city. This evening, join in the Literary Tour and learn about Dublin through the eyes of the many literary greats who once called Dublin home. After a well deserved late dinner, make your way back to enjoy the luxury and comfort of your very own “home away from home” at your rented holiday apartment.
Day 4 – Adrenaline Rush
If you've being indulging too much during your holiday in Dublin, why not take a day to burn off some calories?! Choose from the wide range of activities on offer all over Dublin and get your heart pumping (visit the Health and Wellbeing section for more details). Alternatively, if you'd rather someone else did the hard work, why not organise a day at the races – take your pick from horses or dogs (click here for the Sports page). Tonight, take advantage of the adrenaline rush and continue on by partying the night away at Johnnie Fox's pub. Enjoy a specially organised “hooley” in the hills at this very popular and famous bar.
Day 5 – Markets and Pampering
Experience Dublin market culture and take a trip to some of the fine markets around the city (click here for Green Dublin page). Stock up on organic produce to enjoy during the rest of your self catering holiday in Dublin and perhaps treat yourself to some Irish made crafts.
Enjoy lunch at one of the stalls and afterwards, why not indulge in some pampering, perhaps a massage at Anahata, a hair treatment at Brown Sugar, or a hot towel shave at The Grooming Rooms? After all, you are on holiday! Tonight, take the new you out to enjoy some culture at one of the many theatres dotted around the city (click here to see the Theatre, Cinema & Live Shows page).
Day 6 – Monasteries and Breweries
This morning, after breakfast in your luxury holiday apartment, take a trip to one of the monastic sites just outside of Dublin. Prepare a picnic with the ingredients from your market day yesterday to bring along and enjoy on the way. Rent a car and discover the dozens of historic sites dotted around the countryside. Choose from Glendalough or Kells and experience the incredible remains of these early Christian sites.
On your return to Dublin, come back to present day life with an exciting tour through either the Jameson Distillery or the Guinness Storehouse. This evening could be the perfect opportunity to watch some live comedy at either The International Pub or The Laughter Lounge. Wind down your evening with a night stroll through the city, back to your centrally located Sunlight Properties rented holiday home.
Day 7 – Coastal Towns
On your last day in Dublin, it would be a sin to miss the rugged beauty of the Irish coastline. Enjoy your last breakfast at your rented holiday apartment before hopping on the Dart to Howth. You can get the Dart from any of the city centre train stations and make sure you’re wearing your walking shoes! Discover Howth Summit in your own time, there are a number of different routes to take, each as stunning as the next.
On your return, mosey down to the quay for some freshly caught seafood at one of the many delicious restaurants. If you're lucky, you'll even spot some seals in the water. The train will bring you back to Dublin city centre for your last night at your Sunlight Properties vacation home. Why not splash out and enjoy some of the best food on offer at a Michelin star restaurant. Afterwards, let your hair down, put on your dancing shoes and enjoy a night of entertainment at one of the many city's bars, live venues or clubs (visit the Music & Dance section for more detail)! Enjoy your last night of luxury at your comfortable holiday apartment.
