Christmas in Dublin

[mawi]

We are thinking about spending Christmas in Dublin this year. Has anyone any recommendations for hotels, restaurants, accommodation etc. I know I want to spend Christmas eve just wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere if the weather permits but I have no idea of whether to book a hotel and do the whole hotel package thing or rent an apartment and just winging it for the few days. Santa is not a problem as my youngest is now 11 so don't have to worry about that side of things and my eldest has moved to Dublin this year so would like to go spend it with him if he can't get off work.

mawi
My hotel recommendations were mostly in the Ballsbridge area.
The China Sichuan restaurant is sponsored by or has some links to the Chinese government.
Well it did have, years ago, when based in Kilmacud.
A walk on Dun Laoghaire pier is a great idea.
You could get the Dart from Ballsbridge.
Have a wonderful time and let us know on this thread how you get on.

I enjoy!

Bear in mind the dart isn't running Christmas or st Stephens day.

And make sure you book you Christmas Eve lunch this week

The Haddington hotel in Dun Laoghaire is a lovely boutique hotel and beside it is The Royal Marine, a throwback to DL Victorian heyday, which is very popular. Both are on the seafront looking over Dublin Bay and the lovely pier.

On Christmas morning you could stroll over to the 40 ft which is a famous bathing spot. It's a tradition to go for a dip on Christmas morning.

If @beanaseireann restaurant is open in Stillorgan that's a 15 min taxi away.

On Boxing Day, you could catch the sales in town and then head to Sandymount close by for the Wren Boys procession which is great fun.

It was BlackAmericanoNoSugar who suggested the China Sichuan restaurant initially.

Sorry BlackAmericanoNoSugar 😊

It is a funny time of year and things you expect to be open aren't and then you get the odd surprise. Some of it depends on the way Christmas falls. All the restaurants are so busy in the run up to Christmas that they usually close for a number of days - partly for a break and partly because their staff have all gone home :-)

Public transport is another one to watch. IIRC everything finishes at 9pm on Christmas Eve and you'll have Sunday service running on some of the days (bank holidays). No idea what happens on Christmas day as I never go further than to walk the dog in the local park

Yeah, ideally you’re going for a seaside walk, definitely recommend the 40ft for a bit of festive cheer. Not that I would jump in!