U2 band members own the Clarence Hotel in the centre of Dublin and this week have won their legal battle to redevelop it into a new modern landmark.
Bono and guitarist The Edge drew up a €150 million (£118.5 million) plan to redesign the Clarence Hotel by British architect Lord Norman Foster.
The hotel will be the venue for many luxury holidays in Dublin - it will hav 166 rooms and several futuristic features such as a floodlit glass atrium.
Heritage campaigners found the plans rather controversial saying the development contradicted the conservative planning laws of Ireland, adversely affecting the Temple Bar area’s visual appeal.
However, Ireland’s planning authority, An Bord Pleanala, seemed to disagree with their objections and the proposals were given the go ahead.
In a statement from the Clarence Hotel, the U2 stars said:
“We believe it’s great news for Dublin and for Temple Bar in particular, where we’ve been working for over 20 years and where a hotel has been trading on the Clarence site for 177 years.”
Bono and The Edge bought Clarence Hotel in 1992, making it into a five star establishment. Famous guests have included former US President Bill Clinton and several international rock stars.
flights to Dublin are available from many major UK airports.
In September, the fifth annual Bulmers International Comedy Festival will be in Dublin, from the 1st to the 21st September. Various events will be hosted in different locations all over the Irish capital.
The festival is reputed to be one of the world’s top five comedy festivals and has played host to various comedians in the past including Matt Lucas, Dave Walliams, Lee Evans, Ricky Gervais and Bill Bailey.
This year’s festival is made even more special by the debut of Chris Rock, who is performing two shows at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on the 4th September. The Police Academy sound effects cop, Michael Winslow, will also be appearing at the Tivoli Theatre from the 2nd to 4th September.
Other special guests this year include Jimmy Carr, the Mighty Boosh, Rich Hall, Paddy McGuinness and Ricky Tomlinson.
flights to Dublin can be particularly cheap and there are plenty of guesthouses and hotels close to the city centre.
Authentic Ireland Travel, a tour operator in County Kerry has described County Kerry as a “scenically beautiful” region for holidaymakers to visit.
County Kerry is in the south west of Ireland and is fast becoming a popular area for Brits looking for a peaceful place to take luxury holidays and relax from everyday life’s hustle and bustle.
Marketing Director of Authentic Ireland Travel, Ivan Lynch, said that other popular areas, slightly lesser known but ideal for a quiet weekend break, are Connemara, Clare and the west of Cork.
Mr Lynch said that these areas were not “quite as overrun with tourists” as County Kerry “but are equally beautiful”.
However, he didn’t recommend camping in the area because of unreliable weather and advised that those seeking a self catering camping holiday would be better sleeping in a camper van.
The Central Statistics Office Ireland said that in 2007, around 8.01 million tourists visited Ireland. Comapre this with just 6.3 million in 2000 and you can see how Ireland’s nation is growing in popularity with travellers.
About ten miles from Dublin city centre, Marlay Park will soon be the venue for some great musical entertainment.
Throughout August, the park will host a month of concerts such as Muse, Metallica and the Killers, and the Lovebox Dublin Weekender will take place on the 23rd August.
Its better known London counterpart is scheduled for the 19th and 20th July, and will feature some amazing artists like Maximo Park, Paulo Nutini, Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
Other attractions will include an organic farmers market, a funfair and a childrens play area.
Lovebox is presenting a number of events this year as well as the London and Dublin festivals, including the Eden nightclub in Ibiza every Friday in September until the 19th.
flights to Ibiza and Dublin are really cheap, so if you’re looking for a bargain holiday, this could be great for music lovers.
Take a luxury holiday to this most popular European destination. Dublin caters to people with varied tastes.
Dublin castle is well worth a visit, you can take in the throne room, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Siochana Museum and the Bermingham tower room. But Dublin is not only about towers and museums; you can enjoy the vibrant Temple Bar area with it copious bars, pubs and galleries. This place is abuzz till the wee hours of the morning.
Stepping back in time
The city of Dublin is full of literary milestones and has served as an alma mater of many great writers. The Trinity College houses the famous ornate ‘The Book of Kells’, an illuminated edition of the gospel in the old library. This is considered to be one of the most famous books of the world.
Shoppers’ haven
The well endowed stores and elegantly draped windows will draw in any shopper. It is considered to be the famous shopping destination that attracts celebrities from world over, including film stars and models.
Zooming around the city
The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transport system) is an efficient and a safe way to travel. Renting a bike for sightseeing is a fabulous idea and will be an easier option to travel. In Dublin magazine or the Dublin Event guide will give you an update of events taking place. So, enjoy a cheap family holiday and have a great time in Dublin.
