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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. It is situated on the east coast of Ireland, where the river Liffey enters the Irish Sea. Although one third of the country's population lives in the Greater Dublin area, the city still retains the charm and intimacy of the small town that was the birthplace of Wilde, Yeats and Beckett. The low-rise landscape features distinctive Georgian public buildings, streetscapes and parks. The city offers visitors wonderful shopping, vibrant theatre and entertainment options and, of course, the traditional pubs that are famous the world over.

Time zone

GMT

Language(s) spoken

Ireland is officially a bilingual country. Although English is the most widely spoken language, Gaelic Irish is taught in all schools and is seen in public signs, road directions and place names.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm

Working hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

10 minutes/4 kilometres/2.5 miles

Time and distance to shopping

• Grafton Street: 10 minutes/4 kilometres/2.5 miles
• Temple Bar: 10 minutes/4.5 kilometres/2.7 miles
• O'Connell Street: 10 minutes/4.5 kilometres/2.7 miles

Time and distance to financial district

IFSC: 20 minutes/3 kilometres/2 miles

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

March

• St. Patrick's Festival: Featuring the much-loved Festival Parade and the dazzling fireworks display of Skyfest, the Festival also plays host to a river lantern procession, a daytime street carnival and a Brazilian Afoxe Parade.

May

• Wicklow Mountains Walking Festival: The festival offers a choice of picturesque walks in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Each walk is led by experienced guides. The Festival takes place in May and October.

June

• Flora Women's Mini Marathon: The biggest all-woman event of its kind in the world, this 10-kilometre (6-mile) race is now in its 25th year. Approximately 40,000 women from around the world participate, raising money for the charity of their choice.

• Taste of Dublin Festival: A four-day celebration of Dublin's finest food and drink. Twenty-five of the city's most prestigious restaurants and chefs come together in Iveagh Gardens to prepare and serve a stunning selection of sample-sized signature dishes. Live musical, dance, comedy and theatre performances round out the event.

August

• The Dublin Horse Show: Now in its 128th year, this show is one of the world's top international equestrian events and is an important marketplace for Irish sport horse breeders. The Dublin Horse Show offers the finest display of competitive international show jumping. In addition to the Nation's Cup, there are 10 other international competitions during the five-day event. With seating for over 20,000 spectators the main arena comes alive as competition begins...

September–October

• Dublin Theatre Festival: For a period of three weeks, Dublin comes alive with the very best of Irish and international theatre during this lively event. Now in its 50th year, it is the oldest dedicated theatre festival in Europe and is considered to be Ireland's premier cultural event.