At City Language School English Language School Dublin we like to let our students know what we think are the best things to see and do around the city in their free time. After a busy week on an English course in Dublin, we know it is important to wind down and relax. So here are our Three on a Thursday – three recommendations for this weekend. This week we are heading a fair whack out of the city. You will need to jump on the DART and bring your walking shoes because we are going to Dalkey.
Visit of the Weekend – Bono Vox\’s House
It is unlikely that you will be invited in for a cup of tea unless you are the President of a country and even then you might have to join the queue. However, one of the benefits of going to see Bono\’s house (and you will only see the gates) is that the walk to get there is pretty spectacular. In order to see those famous gates you will need to trek along the wonderful Vico Road. It\’s no surprise that some of Ireland\’s wealthiest people live here. When you walk it you will see why. The views out over the bay and down towards the coastline to Bray are spectacular and it is a great place to visit just to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Keep your wits about you though as the road does get narrow in places.
Walk of the Weekend – The Obelisk, Killiney Hill
To be honest, the walk to the U2 singer\’s house might well be sufficient for one day but if you do feel like going a little further you can reach Killiney Hill from a small gate just up the road from his house. The views right around Dublin Bay go all the way over to Howth and on a good clear day it is possible to see the mountains of Wales. In summertime Killiney Hill is covered in gorse and though it is treacherous to touch it looks and smells fantastic.
Pub of the Weekend – Finnegan\’s Dalkey
Dalkey Village itself is well worth a visit. Of the many villages scattered across Dublin, it is probably the quaintest and it is very well maintained. There are quite a few pubs to choose from but the local favourite is probably Finnegan\’s. It is a traditional old man\’s pub and may not suit everybody\’s taste but it is a very pleasant place to sit down and discuss the day after trekking the local coasts and traipsing across the mountainsides. In summertime it is bliss but bring money.
