Best weekend break: Dublin

Dublin might have a reputation for stag and hen nights, but it doesn't have to be debauched. It's a vibrant city with a strong European atmosphere, boasting cafes, galleries and shops galore. With a relatively short flying time, it beats Amsterdam and Berlin if you fancy a short hop abroad for the weekend.

Geography: The city is located at the midriff of Ireland's beautiful east coast, and has been a hub of activity since medieval times. Dublin is one of Europe's fastest growing cities and is Ireland's cultural centre.  

The basics

Currency: Euros

Map

Getting there/getting around

• You can fly to Dublin from most UK airports and it's well served by British and European airlines.
• If time is not an issue, or you're planning on bringing your car, you can catch a ferry from Liverpool.
• Once you've arrived, you'll find the city well served by buses and trains. If you don't plan to leave the centre, you can do it all on foot. Should you go further afield, into the countryside, consider hiring a car.

Accommodation

Dublin is a sophisticated city, catering for every budget. From hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts or self-catering accommodation, you'll find a wide range of places to stay.

Sightseeing & activities

Many UK travellers will return from Dublin having seen little more than the inside of several pubs and bars. The atmosphere inside the Irish capital's drinking dens is second to none and a good time is guaranteed. Unless you're a smoker, that is, as recent laws have banned tobacco smoking from all enclosed public spaces.

Just be aware that drinking from dusk to dawn would mean missing out on many other aspects of Dublin life. Simply walking around the city centre is often enough to fulfil your sightseeing needs, as can a lie down in the sunshine at St Stephen's Green. This is a deeply laid back urban park, as celebrated in James Joyce's hymn to the city - Ulysses.

Entertainment & nightlife

On arrival, pick up a free copy of Dublin's Event Guide. This lists what's on during your stay and is available from many shops, pubs and hotels. If you'd prefer to plan ahead, here's a rundown of the very best club nights on offer.

Food & drink

Ask any Dubliner to nominate their favourite food, and many will go for Guinness. A pint of the black stuff may not look like your ordinary meat and potatoes, and indeed it's no substitute. Even so, it can be as filling as it is potent, so be switched on about your intake, and line your stomach before you order that first round.

Restaurants can be pricey, but you'll get value for money from Dublin's many curry houses. Sara, 22, recommends the Khyber Tandoori on South William Street. "My boyfriend is from Dublin, and so we visit the city regularly. As far as I'm concerned, the curry is better than the Guinness, but only just."

The final word

"Dublin's great for night life - there's always something on," says Tom, 21. "It's fantastic for a piss-up weekend, but it can be expensive for booze and stuff once you're there. Luckily, flights are cheap with Ryanair and Air Lingus and if you hunt well for accommodation you'll get that cheap too."