48 Hours in Dublin: There has never been a better time to discover the capital

Whether it’s a break with the kids (or a break from them) a friends’ reunion or a night of romance, with eight Clayton Hotels in great locations across Dublin city and county, you’re spoiled for choice. Each hotel is a treat that comes with its own personality and special flourishes, but all offer relaxed, casual dining and quiet, super-comfy rooms.

Fall in love, in Dublin

For romance and luxury, check into Clayton Hotel Charlemont on the banks of the Grand Canal. Filled with character and charm, its Date Night in Dublin package includes a glass of bubbles and a three-course meal, now from €185.

Or escape to the leafy surrounds of Dublin 4 at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge. Start with a romantic stroll around nearby Herbert Park or wander into town to enjoy the Iveagh Gardens, St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square, where you might just catch an outdoor performance from Walkabout Theatre.

Then hop on a Dart to explore seaside towns such as Dún Laoghaire and Bray, stopping for coffee and celeb-spotting in Dalkey. Bring your togs for a dip at iconic swimming spots such as the Forty Foot and Sandycove. Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge’s Rediscover Dublin City package starts from €125 per night, including breakfast and evening meal.

Girls’ getaway

Gathering the girls for a getaway? Catch up over afternoon tea at Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge – with glass of bubbly – before exploring the city together, with luxury overnight accommodation and breakfast from just €149, and a seriously late check out of 2pm, perfect for last minute shopping.

Or stay at the iconic Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, famous for match days and the perfect location from which to explore big-ticket tourist attractions. See for yourself why the Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland’s top overseas visitor spots and enjoy Trinity College and the Book of Kells without the crowds.

Don’t miss newer attractions as well, such as the Georgian house at 14 Henrietta Street, a nominee for European Museum of the Year in 2020.

Fun for families

Families love Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane, in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant docklands quarter. Make the most of the coast with a boat trip from Dublin Bay Cruises or get even closer to the water with a kayaking session from City Kayaking.

The hotel is based beside the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, another must-see, whose famine museum exhibition can be combined with a visit to EPIC, Ireland’s museum of emigration.

With Clayton Hotels, your break starts the second you arrive. And at Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane you can keep the fun going at its indoor swimming pool, one of the largest in the city. It has a range of packages that combine great value with memorable experiences, such as a three-night break in a spacious family room, with a kiddies’ surprise on arrival and a family pass to Dublin Zoo, from just €399 for two adults and two kids aged under 12.

At Clayton Hotel Liffey Valley you’re even closer to the zoo as well as the National Stud, which recently launched the brand new Irish Racehorse Experience.

Clayton Liffey Valley has a two-night Summer Family B&B package that includes a two-course dinner on the night of your choice and complimentary pool access, plus all-day entry to Tayto Park on the day of your choice, from €578.

From the mountains to the sea

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport is a great base for exploring the wonderful beaches of North Dublin, including Portmarnock’s 8km Velvet Strand.

Take a tour of Malahide Castle and rent a bike to explore its 250-acre grounds. Check out the catch of the day at Howth, still very much a fishing village, before hiking up Howth Head or stretching your legs at Bull Island Nature Reserve.

To explore the south of the county, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown is the ideal gateway to the Dublin mountains and beyond. Hire a bike at Three Rock Mountain to take on the Ticknock Mountain Bike Trail, 13kms of fun.

Like all Clayton Hotels, Leopardstown offers fun both indoors and out, such as its Family Pizza and Parking package – a family room, two family sized pizzas, plus ice cream for the kids, from €120 a night.

It’s also the ideal base from which to explore Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland. Check out the Wicklow Way Picnic package, the perfect way to enjoy Marley Park and Powerscourt Waterfall and Gardens, with overnights from €129, including a children’s breakfast menu, welcome pack and a packed lunch.

Date night

Dublin’s über-cool Gibson Hotel is also part of the Clayton collection. Situated beside the 3Arena and famously the venue for TV show First Dates, it’s the perfect place for couples looking to fall back in love with Dublin.

The Gibson’s Love is in the Air package combines a complimentary two-day Dublin Pass for two, a sightseeing package that bags you free entry to 30 top attractions, as well as a free 24-hour hop on, hop off bus tour. It costs €149 per person sharing, including breakfast and snack pack.

Families with older kids love the Gibson as well. Its Teenage Kicks package costs from just €375 for a two-night stay for four, staying in a double with a twin interconnecting room, including a one-day pass on the Luas for four, plus two 12-inch margarita pizzas for nibbles at night.

Music heads will love the chance to visit the nearby world-famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios, where both U2 and Hozier have recorded.

For great fun, exceptional value and wonderful experiences both inside and out, wherever you go in Dublin – and whoever you bring – there’s a hotel right next door.

[ Check out www.claytonhotels.com for outstanding value offers and save an extra €10 off every night when you book directly with Click on Clayton ]