Things to do in/around Dublin?

[nikkitodhunter]

Thinking of heading to Dublin this summer with the boyfriend for a much-needed holiday - did a smidge of googling last night, but the result were mostly for restaurants, SO, anyone got good suggestions for things to do there? (Not horsey activities, really - he doesn't ride much, though his family is very horsey so he's not averse to them )

We probably won't have a car with us, could maybe do it if it turns out we'd need one quite badly, but ideally things that can be reached without driving too far (public transport is fine by us.)

Things on a budget would also be appreciated, as I at least will be a pauper by that point in the year!!

(Also posted in Tack Room, but I figured I might find some local knowledge here!)

 

[paddi22]

if you get a quick journey on the train (dart) to howth you can have a lovely day out in a small pretty fishing village and do a walk up howth head to the pub at the top.
st michans church is interesting to visit http://www.stmichans.com/index.php/the-crypts/about
Chester Beatty Library is gorgeous and free
science museam usually has good stuff on, and its near the national art gallery


cheap food:
Paulies Pizza http://www.juniors.ie/paulies-pizza.php
http://www.herbstreet.ie/
http://musashidublin.com/
itzakaya on georges street

good pubs would be:
long hall
stags head
keoghs
hogans
central hotel upstairs
The Cobblestone has good trad bands on

haven't a clue about good nightclubs as im an auld one with no stamina anymore!

have a look at http://totallydublin.ie/ or grab a free copy of the printed version and it will let you know what's on while youre there. Theres usually festivals most weekends during the summer.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

I'm going to Laytown races, 11th September, want to stay on a stud if anyone knows a good B&B [with a pool if possible!].
I will want to visit the wild west coast, and have oysters and Guinness, that's as far as I have planned.
I will spend a day at the National Stud.
Do I need a passport, I am a UK citizen but my passport has expired.