On the Road: Dublin
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls on the go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a weeklong conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Dublin, Ireland
Where to Stay
Expense Account: The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons has become the hotel of choice for the wealthy weddings and fab fund-raisers of Dublin’s economic elite. That said, the rooms are so luxurious that you’ll think you’re in a private chalet even when the ballrooms are swinging. Twenty-four-hour business services, handy secretarial and translation services, and high-speed Internet access mean that you can work as well as play. Room rates start from around €300/$390 in the winter season. (Simmonscourt Road, Dublin 4; 01.665.4000; www.fourseasons.com/dublin)
Romantic Weekend: The Merrion Hotel
Virtually a given on Travel and Leisure magazine’s “Top 500 Hotels in the World” list, the Merrion is nothing short of a time machine back to elegant Georgian Dublin. Sip afternoon tea in front of the roaring fire in the Drawing Rooms and enjoy a massage in the Tethra Spa, or order the Aphrodite Experience, complete with champagne and a full Irish breakfast of eggs, sausages, rashers, and puddings delivered to your door. You’ll be glad you did. Rooms start at €450/$585 per night, though special offers and Internet rates often apply. (Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2; 01.603.0600; www.merrionhotel.com)
On the Cheap: The Kilronan House
Originally constructed in 1834, the Kilronan House offers guests elegance and history, not to mention cheerful hospitality, clean bedrooms, comfortable sitting rooms, and a hearty breakfast of eggs, salmon, oatmeal, and more at bargain prices. Parking and Internet access are also available. Rooms start from €55 per person sharing, with discounts applied for booking online. (70 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2; 01.475.5266; www.dublinn.com)
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: Shanahan’s on the Green
Vegetarians beware: Shanahan’s is an old-school steakhouse that makes no bones about its love affair with beef. The generous portion sizes and attentive service don’t come cheap, but that’s why you’ve got the company credit card. Just make sure to share the frizzled onions with the whole table, and don’t forget to check out John F. Kennedy’s rocking chair from Air Force One in the Oval Office bar downstairs. (119 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2; 01.407.0939; www.shanahans.ie)
Hot Spot: Bang Café
Apparently “The Bang” is so hot that you must wear sunglasses indoors. Astonishingly, neither the staff nor the prices reflect the overtly see-and-be-seen attitude that many diners bring with them, making it a brilliant spot for both business and pleasure. Gold River Farm supplies all of the organic vegetables, and the sausages from Hick’s butchers are truly to die for. Top off any meal with the Scandinavian Iced Berries dessert bowl and you’ll remember your visit for years to come. (11 Merrion Row, Dublin 2; 01.676.0898; www.bangrestaurant.com)
Eating Alone: The Bistro
Tucked away behind bustling Grafton Street, the Bistro is the perfect place to collect your thoughts and people-watch. Smokers should angle for one of the heated terrace seats (no smoking inside). The menu isn’t vast, but it’s diverse and likely to please any palate. Start with the fried brie or crab cakes, order the steak sandwich if it’s on special, and finish with the Chocolate Oblivion. Pure bliss. (4/5 Castle Market, Dublin 2; 01.671.5430; www.thebistro.ie)
Coffee Klatch: Cake Café
Internet is lacking at the Cake Café, but the shabby-chic vibe more than makes up for it. Bring your favorite book, your journal, or your latest sales report if you must and settle in for a gorgeous afternoon. Hidden behind the Daintree Paper store, not everyone knows about the Cake Café, making it a true diamond in the rough. Enjoy the mismatched china and fresh fairy cakes (think mini cupcakes), or if you’re not heading back to work, indulge in a sangria or glass of Prosecco. (62 Pleasants Place, Dublin 2; 01.478.9394)
Where to Shop
Business Critical: Brown Thomas. Whether you need a power suit, emergency heels, or a new lipstick to finish off your look, BTs has got it. Designer concessions include Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, though DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Diesel, and more are available too. Still nothing? Visit the personal shopping service or in-house tailor for something totally unique, and take advantage of “late” opening on Thursdays (until 9 p.m.) for some post-work retail therapy. (88-95 Grafton Street, Dublin 2; 01.605.6666; www.brownthomas.com)
Date Night: The Westbury Mall
The Westbury Mall houses Chica, Rococo, Dolls, and Fran & Jane—all independent boutiques that offer funky fashions. If you’re in need of a complete look, build from the bottom up starting with Susan Hunter Lingerie and get thee to the nail bar for a quick mani or pedi. (The Westbury Mall, off Grafton Street, Dublin 2)
Techie: 3G
3G is the home of digital technology in Dublin, and the friendly staff are capable of dealing with most minor technological emergencies. Adaptors, extra headphones, cell-phone chargers, laptop cases, and more can be found at 3G stores, and Mac users will be delighted to find these outlets able to cope with their “special” needs. (Unit 15a, St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2; 01.400.5882; www.3g.ie)
Where to Play and Primp
Best Yoga Studio: Yoga Dublin Studios
Now with two downtown locations, Yoga Dublin offers Ashtanga, Hatha, Mysore, Kundalini, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Prenatal, and Mother and Baby yoga at a variety of experience levels, as well as multiple Pilates classes each week. The old “I forgot my mat” excuse won’t cut it here, as sticky mats and more are available through the shop. (Yoga Dublin Studio, Dartmouth Place, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, 01.498.2284;
Yoga Dublin Studio, 17 Dame Court, 2nd Floor, Dublin 2, 01.675.9860;
www.yogadublin.com)
Best Day Spa: The Beauty Suite
Cozy and intimate, the Beauty Suite strives to offer superior service at affordable prices. Evening appointments are at a premium, so book in advance if you know you’ll need a treatment and be ready to quote your credit card to secure your appointment if you’ll be spending more than €50. Multi-treatment packages are available, as are Danne Medi Pedis, which use alkaline solutions to wash away the hard skin built up while pounding the pavement (40 minutes/€60, 70 minutes/€85). A must for tired tootsies. (60 South William Street, 2nd Floor, Dublin 2; 01.671.8129; www.thebeautysuite.ie)
Best Blow-Dry: Whetstone
A true oasis, Whetstone is an Aveda concept salon that is so relaxing you’ll forget that you are in the heart of the city. The staff is well trained and polite, delays are minimal, and makeup retouching is complimentary after cuts. “Blow outs” start at €40/$52. (24 South Anne’s Street, Dublin 2; 01.672.4727; www.whetstone.ie)
How to Get Around
Preferred Airport: Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport is situated in North County Dublin and is conveniently served by the Aircoach chain of buses, which run every 15 minutes to various points in the city. Service is also available to Cork and Belfast. (www.aircoach.ie)
Hit the Road: Dubliners themselves grumble about spotty public transportation in the city, but the Dublin Bus operates a daily fleet of over 950 buses, the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport) runs trains along the coast, and two separate LUAS (tram) lines serve both the northern and western areas of the city as well as the southern suburbs. Taxis are also plentiful. (www.dublinbus.ie, www.irishrail.ie/home, www.luas.ie)
Where to Do Business
Host a Meeting: Croke Park Conference Centre
Croke Park, the historic stadium in which all major Gaelic Games matches take place, also houses 87 meeting rooms and eight conference suites. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) museum is on site as well, and conference guests are always welcome. Air-conditioning is standard in most rooms—not always a given in Ireland—meaning attendees will remain comfortable whatever the weather. (Croke Park Stadium, Dublin 3; 01.819.2300; www.crokepark.ie)
Best Place for Printing and Copies: Reads Print, Design & Photocopying Bureau
Reads is the place for photocopying in the city, as evidenced by the long lines of students waiting for machines. Thankfully it is well stocked and well run, so waiting times are minimal and the finished products are professional. Laminating, binding, trimming, and a variety of design services are also available. (Setanta Centre, Nassau Street, Dublin 2; 01.679.9117; www.reads.ie)