It’s not worth doing too much planning before a trip to Dublin - you’ll probably find your best times come from the serendipity of meeting new people. But to start with try www.visitdublin.com (where you can book accommodation online) or look in at the Dublin Tourism Centre in the former St Andrew’s Church in Suffolk Street when you arrive.
Half a dozen airlines fly from the rest of Britain - it’s worth remembering that those advertising themselves as “low-cost” can be more expensive that the traditional carriers - and two ferry companies serve those who want to go greener. See www.discoverireland.com (0800 039 7000) for details. You might want to buy a Dublin Pass (from 31 euros, about pound;22, www.dublinpass.com), which will give you a free airport transfer and entry to more than 30 attractions, such at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dalkey and Dublin castles and the Dublin Writers Museum.
Or combine two of the activities for which Dublin is famous by taking a Literary Pub Crawl (12 euros, about pound;8.50, 00 353 1 670 5602, www.dublinpubcrawl.com) and hearing the words of the best declaimed by their countrymen. This Thursday, watch out for the annual Samhain 2007 Halloween Parade from Parnell Square to Temple Bar, starting at about 7pm and finishing with fireworks.
If you’re prepared to wait for a discount on the joys of the fair city, the four-star Morgan Hotel (www.hotelconnect.co.uk), a modern design boutique hotel near Grafton Street, is offering four nights’ BB for the price of three, based on two sharing, from pound;164 per person from January 1, 2008
Readers recommend
Where to eat
Go to La Caverna (www.lacaverna.infoindex.html). I went with friends a couple of years ago and had one of the best meals of my life. It had a nice atmosphere and the staff were friendly. The bars are 30 seconds walk away too. - Lindsey, Glasgow
The Elephant and Castle in Temple Bar does amazing spicy chicken wings and the best handmade chips I have ever eaten. There’s a great atmosphere, the portions are massive and they let you take your leftovers home. - Amy, Leeds
Where to stay
We stayed at the Aston Hotel www.aston-hotel.com - nice and friendly and it cost 160 euros for three nights. Take plenty of money. I nearly cried when I bought a round of four drinks for 27 euros. - Phil, Belper
There’s a BB called The Gate Lodge (www.gatelodgeguest house.com) by the parkzoo. It’s walking distance from the centre, has great rooms and breakfast and lovely hosts. - Sarah, Huddersfield
Have you got a holiday tip you want to share with your fellow teachers? Send details in no more than 50 words to features@tes.co.uk.
Coming up: Marrakesh, Nice, Isle of Wight, Austria Tirol.
