Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Ashbourne

"You don’t have to go far to see a castle, as the Dublin Castle is in the heart of Dublin. It played a massive role in Ireland’s history, as it was the seat of England from 1204 until 1922. While no one lives there now, you can walk inside to see the how the staterooms used to be. There are over 11 acres to explore, including multiple museums and gardens."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"Before it's closure in 1924, Dublin's Kilmainham Gaol housed some of the most famous political and military leaders in Irish history. The prison is considered a must-see in Dublin and offers a panoramic insight into some of the most profound, disturbing and inspirational themes of modern Irish history. Pre-booking online is essential."

"Many Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were imprisoned and executed in this prison by the British."

"Hailed as “Dublin’s best museum experience” by the Irish Times, the Little Museum of Dublin is one of the most popular attractions in the Irish capital. Open 7 days a week, top class tour guides tell the story of Ireland, from independence right up to U2. Tour prices start from just €8 and you can find out what tours are happening on their website."

"This award-winning museum tells the story of Dublin over the last century via memorabilia, photographs and artefacts donated by the general public. The impressive collection, spread over the rooms of a handsome... Top ChoiceMuseum in North of the Liffey"

"Lonely Planet has described The Chester Beatty Library as the best in Europe, and it is easy to see why. Located on the grounds of Dublin Castle, this popular museum houses an amazing collection of 20,000 manuscripts, rare books, miniature paintings, clay tablets, costumes, and other historical and aesthetically-important artifacts. The Sacred Traditions gallery at the Chester Beatty."

"Within the Dublin Castle complex are also the Garda Museum (Irish Police museum) and the Chester Beatty Library museum. Both of these are free and worth visiting, especially the library museum, if you have time."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art is fortunate to be housed in one of the finest 17th-century buildings in Ireland, the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which was open as a retirement home and infirmary for nearly 250 years for generations of military veterans who lived and died here. The IMMA boasts over 400,000 visitors a year and a mixture of both permanent exhibitions and temporary collections from many prominent contemporary artists. It includes ancient burial grounds, early Christian monuments, a Viking settlement and a medieval."

"This is one of the most visited museums in Dublin with more than 400,000 visitors in one year. Here you can also take part in some permanent exhibitions as well as temporary collections. It takes in early Christian monuments, ancient burial grounds and many more."

"The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art by both Irish and international artists."

"Just a few steps across the street from L'Gueuleton is an unassuming bar called Idlewild that feels like someone's cosy sitting room inside. Brought to us by the same folks behind The Market Bar and The Chelsea Drugstore, Idlewild derives its name from a drinking hole that was once housed in JFK airport, which was a renowned den of powerful mobsters and politicians. It's a neighbourhood bar designed to suit all tastes with its long comfy couches, dim lighting, stacks of books and massive fireplace."

"Saba is one of the go to places in Dublin for Thai food and I was delighted when I discovered they do cater for little ones too. Their kids menu has quite an extensive choice of Asian inspired kids favourite (rice, stir fry, chicken wings etc) and has the extra bonus of coming with gluten free and vegetarian options. This is a great family friendly restaurant in Dublin if you are after and Asian fix in nice surroundings."

"Saba's Saba-To-Go range means you can order your favourite restaurant quality dishes straight to your door. Order your takeaway for collection on their website – Rathmines, Deansgrange, and Windy Arbour"

"Nestled among the Georgian terraces of Dublin city, the Belvedere Hotel has a long and storied history dating back to the 1700s. The property has been lovingly restored to it’s former glory with original period features intact, coupled with contemporary furnishings and styling. This creates a sophisticated but relaxed setting where the old world meets new in a modern contemporary style."

"We’ve attended the Traditional Irish Night show at Dublin’s Belvedere Hotel and you can read about our experience. We also heard good things about Taylor’s Irish Night, although this is located a little south of the city center. Other options include the Irish House Party dinner and show, a dinner cruise on a canal barge, or an evening pub crawl with traditional Irish music."

"Bad in the very best way, Bob is about to woo you on your hen weekend in Dublin. Covering all bases, this lively haunt not only rustles up cracking American and Irish food, but has live music to rival the very best in the area and premium drinks to match. The award winning maze of a restaurant-bar-nightclub hybrid (just try to find the exit after a few drinks) is jam-packed with vintage ephemera and has live DJs and musicians showcasing their work throughout the day and night."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user William Murphy used under CC BY-SA 2.0. This newly renovated nightclub in the heart of beautiful Dublin. It showcases a stunning and modern pub setting with rustic interior designs and a relaxing laidback ambiance."

"Enjoy a specialty cocktail , or maybe you want to live dangerously and eat their delicious hot wings in the sun."

"If time allows before your flight you should try to visit Croke Park and Glasnevin Cemetry, both of which are in the direction of the airport from the city center. Croke Park – Ireland’s national games, Gaelic Football and Hurling, are played here with the finals of both sports occurring in September every year. Croke Park is the 3rd largest stadium in Europe in terms of capacity with room for 82,300 people. This is even more remarkable when you consider the players are completely amateur yet have more supporters cheering them on than most professional teams in the world."

"There are few more iconic Irish sites than the hallowed turf of historic Croke Park – and no more Irish a pastime than watching 30 people indulge in the frantic, fantastic and often painful sports of Gaelic football and hurling, the latter being arguably the fastest field sport in the world. Get a friendly local (FYI, the locals are all friendly) to explain the basics, then grab a pint of Guinness and take in one of the most exciting sporting spectacles you’ll ever witness, in one of the world’s finest stadiums. A Dublin must-see for sport fans."

"Home of the GAA, Gaelic Athletic Association, this stadium has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. With a capacity of over 82,000 it is the third largest sporting stadium in Europe, having been rebuilt in 2004. It is primarily used for the Gaelic football and hurling finals which draw huge crowds to the city."

"Maldron Hotel and Leisure Centre Tallaght is the perfect base for business or leisure visits to Ireland's capital city. Offering the finest accommodation Tallaght has to offer, all of our 119 guest rooms are furnished in a contemporary style with complimentary Wi-Fi access as standard. Maldron Hotel Tallaght's doors open onto Tallaght Business Park, Square Shopping Centre & Tallaght Hospital."

"Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt."

"If time allows before your flight you should try to visit Croke Park and Glasnevin Cemetry, both of which are in the direction of the airport from the city center. Croke Park – Ireland’s national games, Gaelic Football and Hurling, are played here with the finals of both sports occurring in September every year. Croke Park is the 3rd largest stadium in Europe in terms of capacity with room for 82,300 people. This is even more remarkable when you consider the players are completely amateur yet have more supporters cheering them on than most professional teams in the world."

"There are few more iconic Irish sites than the hallowed turf of historic Croke Park – and no more Irish a pastime than watching 30 people indulge in the frantic, fantastic and often painful sports of Gaelic football and hurling, the latter being arguably the fastest field sport in the world. Get a friendly local (FYI, the locals are all friendly) to explain the basics, then grab a pint of Guinness and take in one of the most exciting sporting spectacles you’ll ever witness, in one of the world’s finest stadiums. A Dublin must-see for sport fans."

"Home of the GAA, Gaelic Athletic Association, this stadium has been at the heart of Irish sporting life for over 100 years. With a capacity of over 82,000 it is the third largest sporting stadium in Europe, having been rebuilt in 2004. It is primarily used for the Gaelic football and hurling finals which draw huge crowds to the city."

"The Malahide Castle and Gardens recently underwent restoration to preserve the natural history and architecture of the world famous tourist attraction. Situated along the north coast of Dublin, the castle was home to the Talbot family for centuries before the land was donated to the country for public use. The traditional stone structure and drafty rooms are reminiscent of ancient times, while the beautiful courtyards and gardens offer visitors a chance to stop and enjoy the scenery."

"Recently renovated, the playground at Malahide Castle and Gardens consists of swings, slides, climbing frames and other items of interest to suit kids of all ages. It is split into two sections with an area suited to toddlers and another more suited to older children. There are picnic benches for parents to relax at while keeping an eye on their children - perfect for when the kids get hungry after all that playing!"

"King Henry II of England built Malahide castle for his friend Sir Richard Talbot in 1185. Rumour has it it's still haunted by its jester, the Puck of Malahide. The story goes that the Puck had fallen in love with a prisoner, Lady Elenora Fitzgerald."