Dublin Skylon Hotel

This is a fairly good spot to base yourself if you want to explore the city centre but you'll still get to experience life in a Dublin suburb. The Dublin Skylon Hotel is on Upper Drumcondra Road and although this road is fairly busy with traffic (it's the main road out to Dublin Airport) the Dublin Skylon is set back off the street.

It is a really nice part of Dublin actually and there are loads of small shops, pubs and restaurants along this street so you can check out the local haunts.

Train - Dublin's main train stations are called Heuston and Connolly Train Stations, so all Intercity services run into here. After you arrive into either station, you're best bet is to catch a bus into O'Connell Street.

Bus - The handiest bus to use is Dublin Bus no. 16A, which runs all the way from Dublin Airport into O'Connell Street in the centre of Dublin. This stops outside the Dublin Skylon Hotel (at the Spar shop) along with loads of other city centre services so you're nicely placed along the bus routes.

LUAS Tram - The LUAS tram doesn't operate in this part of the city - you're closest tram stop is probably on Abbey Street, just off O'Connell Street.

Because it's on the main road from Dublin Airport it's really easy to the Dublin Skylon Hotel:

The cheapest and probably the quickest option is to catch Dublin Bus no. 16A from just outside the arrivals hall - as you leave arrivals, turn to your left and you'll see the bus stops for 16A. This bus stops right outside the hotel.

You could also catch the Aircoach from Dublin Airport (again, from outside the arrivals hall) and this bus runs along Upper Drumcondra Road so just tell the driver that you want to get off at the Dublin Skylon Hotel.

But if you've loads of luggage or you just don't fancy using public transport you can easily catch a taxi. As you leave the arrivals hall, turn right and walk down towards the taxi rank - it should cost around EUR15.00 but this can vary depending on traffic.

A trip into Dublin's O'Connell Street (see public transport links above) from the Dublin Skylon Hotel will basically take you to within easy walking distance of the city's top visitor attractions.

Along with the historic GPO, site of the 1916 rising (you can still see some of the bullet holes!), O'Connell Street is also home to The Spire, Dublin's newest landmark, and there's also no end of tour buses running from here. We recommend the Dublin Bus Hop On Hop Off Tour - a great way to get around the top sights.

If you walk on down past the O'Connell Monument and then across O'Connell Bridge to Westmoreland Street you'll find yourself approaching the famous Trinity College on College Green. Within Trinity College, the breathtaking Book Of Kells is a must-see while you should also check out 'The Dublin Experience' to discover more about this capital city.

From the entrance of Trinity College, if you cross the street and bear left and keep walking along College Green and you'll come to Dame Street. Basically, all streets off to your right are classed as the lively Temple Bar area. There are loads of pubs, clubs and restaurants in this part of the city but also some cultural gems such as the Irish Film Centre, Project Arts Theatre and Meeting House Square where there are public performances on a regular basis.

Walk further along Dame Street and onto Lord Edward Street, off to your left you'll come across the imposing Dublin Castle and set within the castle grounds is the fascinating Chester Beatty Library.

And at the top of Lord Edward Street, you won't be able to miss the stunning architecture of the medieval Christchurch Cathedral. If you've worked up a thirst by this stage then head for the Guinness Storehouse - walk from Christchurch Cathedral down to Cornmarket and onto Thomas Street, take a left to Crane Street followed by a right onto Market Street. Don't worry; it'll be worth the walk as there'll be a pint of 'the black stuff' waiting for you in The Gravity Bar (it's got superb views over Dublin).

There's no end of shopping available in Dublin's city centre with O'Connell Street a good starting point as both Henry Street and Earl North Street are also pedestrianised shopping areas - also, take a walk down Moore Street to check out the traditional street traders, an experience in itself!

Across O'Connell Bridge is Grafton Street (walk to the end of Westmoreland Street and it's straight ahead) where the top retail outlets of Dublin can be found. There are loads of side streets off Grafton Street that are really good for shopping and at the end of Grafton Street you'll find the impressive St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre.