As the biggest park in Europe, it’s just 3km outside the city and has a walled circumference of 16km that contains large grassy plains and tree lined avenues. The name is gotten from the Irish translation for clear water which is ‘fionn uisce’.  It’s open every day of the year, every hour of the day. So, what’s to do….. Hire a bike and jump on. It’s easily accessible from our Celtic Group hostels in Dublin.

Ten to take in – in the Park
1. Aras an Uachtaráin – the residence of our newly elected Irish president, Michael D Higgins, it’s open for visitors on weekends.

2. Ashtown Castle and Phoenix Park Visitor Centre – a medieval tower house and an informative display on the Phoenix Park’s history. You’ll find out so much about this brilliant public facility.

3. Dublin Zoo – an iconic site in the park, the zoo has been a vital part of Dublin life for nearly 200 years and host to all creatures great and small, from apes to zebras.

4. Farmleigh House – dubbed by locals as “the most expensive B&B in Ireland”, this is the official guesthouse of the Republic.

5. Magazine Fort – this imposing military installation is where the first Dublin-based action of the Easter Rising took place in 1916.

6. Papal Cross – in what has become famous meeting point, this massive steel cross was erected to mark Pope John Paul II celebrating mass to millions in 1979.

7. Peoples Garden – a landscaped pleasure garden, the people’s garden is loved by all visitors.

8. Phoenix Park Sports grounds have nurtured emerging talent in many sports in the city for generations. They remain a colourful and lively aspect of life in the park.

9. After that, add in the Phoenix Monument, and the Wellington Monument.

10. Don’t forget the deer – generations of Dubliners have been taken there around Christmastime to see the ‘reindeers’ getting ready for Santa.

And remember, as part of the trip planning service for groups booking our hostels in Dublin with us, we can organise discounted prices for bike hire in the Phoenix Park and entrance to Dublin Zoo. Let us take the hassle away for your group and organise it for you.

What makes Dublin different is the fact that everything is in walking distance. As a compact city, much of old Dublin is ideally laid out for the visitor who prefers to make their way on foot. We’ve had a think about the best route for you and below, we take you through a selection of Dublin’s most famous churches and cathedrals. It’s Dublin sightseeing at its most beautiful.

It’s no surprise to find out we’re starting in the famous Christchurch Cathedral which is just ten minutes walk from Trinity College. It’s Dublin’s oldest building and dates back to the 11th century. Just a few hundred metres away is another iconic Dublin religious landmark in St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is famed for its appreciation of the role of music and was the location for the debut of the beautiful Handel’s messiah back in 1752. The music does not stop there.

The ringing of the bells in both places is a time-honoured tradition and a wonderful insight into the heritage and ritual of life for the religious in times gone by. We can organise tours for groups involving this and full tours of religious Dublin in general.

Lesser known churches are no less beautiful and are scattered right across the city. Other interesting options include the Carmelite church on Whitefriars st. It is said that this is where the remains of St. Valentine are laid to rest. Other beautiful churches can be found on St Stephens Green and Marlborough st in Dublin 1.

Whether you just want to find out where the nearest service is on or would like a comprehensive tour organised, we can help. As part of the trip planning service for groups booking our hostels in Dublin with us, we can organise discounted prices for visits of our famous Churches and cathedrals.

Just to make sure we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet – (sorry!)

Chocolate workshops are run for both adults and children alike and it’s not all about stuffing your face. You’ll get to find out about the origins of chocolate from the time of the Aztecs and how cocoa beans became one of the world’ s most sought after commodities. You’ll also get your very own Willie Wonka moment as you’ll find out how chocolate is made. But don’t stand too close to the screen because we all remember what happened to greedy Agustus in the famous film…

You then get to see a real chocolate demonstration in full flow. Here, the experienced staff at the Chocolate Warehouse Dublin will explain how Easter eggs are made. Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! If you’re looking for fun things to do in Dublin, this must be near the top of your list.

The hands-on session is one of the most popular and grown men and women have been known to rediscover the child inside as they enrobe, decorate and package chocolate to bring home. Just remember to take some home and not eat it all on the bus!

The folk at the Chocolate Warehouse have designed specific educational workshops and have worked hard at ensuring every workshop is suited to the age of the group.

So there you have it – Dublin’s very own Willie Wonka experience. Just don’t expect to see any oompa loompas !!  So if you think this is what you want to do in Dublin let us know. As part of the trip planning service for groups booking our hostels in Dublin with us, we can organise discounted prices for Dublin’s chocolate warehouse. Eh take away the hassle of booking……..   just eating and playing with chocolate  – sounds good to us…..
HAPPY EASTER

At Celtic Group Hostels, we just love genuine traditional music and try and seek out the best acts and atmospheres for our guests. Finding a truly Irish experience and sharing it with people from all over the world is what we work hard at doing every day.

In a beautiful Georgian townhouse just a quick walk away from our Dublin hostels, the Irish House Party takes place in 48-49 wellington quay right in the city centre. It’s a great experience and it’s not just another Irish music and dancing show –  it encourages everyone to get involved.

You’ll get live traditional music performed by all-Ireland winning musicians and see world class Irish dancers strut their stuff in a close and intimate venue. The guys over at the Irish House Party are wonderful storytellers and you’ll get a real taste for this, perhaps our most unique national trait. With banter and colour, they’ll give you a rundown of all you want to know about music, dancing, instruments and song.

They’ll regale you with tales of Dublin’s famous characters and you’ll see firsthand, the incredible art of Sean Nos dancing. And it’s not all about them. You are welcome to perform or even try your hand at the various instruments and you may even pick up a few dancing tips.

What you’ll really marvel at is the passion for music and the knowledge of traditional song and dance that is hard to find anywhere else in the country. For these guys, it’s all about the music and the wonderful shared experience only music can provide. If you are part of a band, orchestra or other musical group, this is ideal for you. As part of the trip planning service for groups booking our hostels in Dublin with us we can organise discounted prices for The Irish House Party. We’ll look after everything – you just show up with a musical ear …or two.

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin with your family, study group or even sporting team, a tour of literary Dublin is a must. One of only 4 cities in the world which has been designated a UNESCO city of literature, our tradition goes back thousands of years. Just think about some of the famous writers born here…James Joyce and the Nobel prize-winning trio of Yeats, Shaw and Beckett. Not to mention modern day greats like Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy and Joseph O’Connor.

In Dublin, everyone has a view on the arts and literary landmarks ‘litter’ the city. So where do you start? That’s a good question but we’ve found over the years that there are a few things that just must be seen.

Why not book-end your whole day with the ultimate Dubliner, James Joyce? Not far from us here in Celtic Group Hostels is the James Joyce centre at 33 North Great Georges street devoted to giving everyone a better understanding of his writings and the man himself. Then, why not amble north of O’Connell street and visit the Dublin writers’ museum on 18 Parnell square. You’ll find a beautifully restored Georgian building which will give you a whistle stop tour of the 300 years of writing in our fair city.

Then, just a ten minute ramble over the river Liffey to Trinity college, home of the book of Kells. It’s not all about Nobel prizes and bestseller lists! The original book of Kells is kept in Trinity Library. It’s written on vellum and contains all four gospels written in Latin. It’s right at home in one of Ireland’s most prestigious universities and we guarantee you’ll feel a lot smarter as you head out to your next stop – Marsh’s library is in Dublin 8 and holds thousands of books from the last 300 years and is Ireland’s first Public library. After that, just a short train ride away to Sandymount, you’ll find the home of Joyce himself.

And that’s skimming the surface. Our trip planning service has been helping folk from all over the world get the most of literary Dublin and we can give you either very basic pointers or plan out your trip. While there are many hostels in Dublin in which you can stay, not many want to make sure you get the best out of our city. Use us as much or as little as you’d like. Just turn up on time with your group and we’ll have the rest organised.

Ok – just days to go…..you think you’re ready….but are you really? If you’re coming to Dublin for St Patrick’s Festival, you are assured of a great time but a little bit more preparation is always a good thing. Stamina is a must have but keep in mind the points below and have the best Paddy’s day ever.

1. Decide your plan of action for the parade. You might like to retire to a lively pub to watch it or you may even consider lining out along the parade route. We advise you to just get out there and see it live.  All our hostels in Dublin are located within easy walking distance of the parade route. Download the route from the website and if you have a Smartphone, there’s a shiny new app to get you going.

2. Every stitch of green clothing you own or can borrow or steal…. get it in the wash. You’ve enough time to have them washed dried and even ironed (some people iron things apparently….) for the big day.

3. Decide where you’re going after. We recommend booking tickets for the Guinness storehouse where you can be sure the craic will be mighty. Go on – get organised.

4. If you’re planning on having a few pints of Guinness and feel there is a risk you may overdo it, stock up on headache tablets. They could be in big demand the day after. Last year, legend has it that a single box of headache tablets was sold for €100 on the streets of Dublin on the 18th March….no, really it was…

5. For the day itself, get stuck into a hearty Irish breakfast in O’Sheas on Talbot street. It will keep you on the go for hours and hours. Yet another great spot just a quick stroll from at least one of our hostels in Dublin.

6. And the shoes!!! Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes. You may envy the girl in beautiful heels at 10 am on St Patrick’s morning but you can be sure, she has a pair of flats in her bag. You need a pair too !

If you need more help planning, talk to us. As Dublin’s trip planning specialist, all our hostels in Dublin guests are well clued in and keyed up for what happens in Dublin and you’ll find plenty of things to do for St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin

And if you want to know exactly what’s going on or you need a helping hand – that’s us. If there’s a party on the go in this city, we’ll know all about it. So exactly what are the things to do for St Patrick’s festival and what makes this so much different than any other party in Ireland? Glad you asked that….

The festival was established to give the locals a voice. What once was just a parade is now a creative opportunity for people all over Ireland to contribute to the music, song, dance, sport and so much more.  The St Patrick’s Festival kicks off with a ceili held in St Stephens green on the 16th of March. A couple of hours dancing around the streets of Dublin and you’re one step closer to Riverdance!

The parade still forms an integral part of proceedings and meanders through Dublin on the big day itself. Bands, acts and culture from all over the world turn a little green for the day and join in this traditional and fun-filled procession through our city. This year’s theme will explore the wonder and curiosity of science. A selection of science-related questions that children may ask have been explored by Ireland’s leading pageant companies who each will present their imaginative, colourful and thought provoking creations on the day itself. Questions like ‘why do our senses work?’ will be answered in style by some of Ireland’s most creative brains.

Other events in Dublin include treasure hunts, band & street performances, beer festivals, funfares and much more. And with every pub and restaurant full of revellers, the atmosphere in the city on these days is incredible!

All festival events are in easy walking distance of our hostels in Dublin, the only place to stay is with Celtic Group Hostels  - HURRY get booking now for 2013 – space fills up really fast…… Book Now

With the Italians and the Scots to come on 25 Feb and the 10 March, we’re sure the next two home rugby weekends will be brilliant and as usual, through our hostels in Dublin, we’ll be lining up plenty of things to do on a rugby weekend in Dublin for our guests and their groups. In fact this year, with Ireland’s last game falling on St Patricks day (even though it is on in London) – we’ll argue any day that a Dublin pub is the best place in the world to watch Ireland play England in any sport!

Things to do on a rugby weekend in Dublin? Where to start? If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for the Italian or Scottish game, the new Aviva stadium is indeed a sight. Even though we are all still attached to the old Lansdowne rd, the new version brings a sense of expectation and excitement on big match days. In the heart of Dublin 4, it’s only a pleasant walk from  our Dublin hostels. The atmosphere around town is amazing and we’ve outlined a basic plan for you and your crew in Dublin for the rugby.

After booking into your hostel in central Dublin, call into your new local. If you’re in  Jacobs Inn hostel; Isaacs hostel or Abraham House hostel, drop into O’Sheas on Talbot Street and tell Trish we sent you or call into the Robert Read. For guests at Abigail’s & Ashfield, we recommend The Long stone, the Arlington hotel or whatever catches your eye. In fact, you may even feel like a quick pint before checking in. You’re on holiday after all!

If the ticket you were promised never showed up (it happens!), you need to find a great Dublin pub to watch the 6 nations in and settle in for kick off. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

For the day after or indeed before, why not consider the famous Dublin Hop On Hop Off bus tour or even call to Guinness Brewery for Guinness that you’d never get back home. If you’re a bit too delicate for that, a fresh walk in the Phoenix Park or Stephen’s green will wake you up. Come on Ireland!!!

Many groups have already been in touch to organise accommodation for this brilliant event and take in the sights of Dublin while they’re at it. It’s running from  16 - 26 February and showcases 120 films from all over the world. Dublin is full of quality cinemas and screenings are on in Cineworld, The Savoy, Screen, Irish Film Institute and Light House Cinema and maybe even a few more. All of these venues are within easy walking distance of our hostels in Dublin. You’ll be right in the thick of the action near Temple bar so make sure and book your hostel now.

Most of the movies being shown are Irish premieres. Over the years, the event has established itself as an engaging forum where the public can connect with the film industry and get stuck into panel discussions, q & a sessions and more.

This year’s special guest is an unknown actor who has been quietly making movies for a few years….. Ok, Ok, it’s Al Pacino who has given us everything from ‘Scarface’ to ‘Carlito’s way’ and a hundred other spectacular leading performances in between. A movie giant indeed and it shows the profile the festival now has that it can draw one of the most gifted acting superstars in this era.

He’s here to discuss and promote Wilde Salome, his 2011 docu-drama which explores the play Salome, written by Oscar Wilde. It has become a personal journey for him and we look forward to hearing more from him in Dublin later this month.

Booking tickets is easy. Either go to www.jdiff.com; call the ticket office on 01 687 7974or call by in person to Filmbase in Temple Bar.   Check out the full festival programme here

What next? Call us and book into one our hostels in Dublin, see what else is going on in the city and stop eating popcorn right now! By the time you’ll leave Dublin, you’ll have had your fill.

September is one of our favourite months here at Celtic Groups Hostels – there are so many Events & Festivals taking place in Dublin – visitors (and us locals) are just spoiled for choice about what to do and see this month…… Where to begin? The following are some of our favourites to share with you

Dublin Contemporary – 6 Sept to 31 Oct

Dublin Contemporary is a new large-scale visual arts exhibition, running for 8 weeks. More than 90 Irish and international artists will participate through brand new commissions and mini solo exhibitions held both at the main exhibition venue on Earlsfort Terrace and at partnering venues around Dublin. (A must “do” for all art lovers)

ABSOLUT Fringe – 10 to 25 Sept

ABSOLUT Fringe is Ireland’s largest multi-disciplinary arts festival; it is a platform for the best new, emerging Irish arts companies and a showcase for the best contemporary theatre and dance shows touring internationally. (Music, comedy, theatre, dance and everything in between)

Arthurs Day – 22 Sept

Arthurs Day – is the celebration of the remarkable legacy of Guinness creator Arthur Guinness, an incredible line-up of Irish and international music stars raising a glass to Arthur in a series of intimate gigs in select venues and pubs across Ireland on a day of music and celebration. What a line up confirmed for this year – including : Scissor Sisters, Stereophonics, Calvin Harris, Aloe Blacc, Paloma Faith and Ryan Sheridan. (We know where we will be at 1759 on this day….)

Culture Night – 23 Sept

Culture Night – A night of entertainment, discovery and adventure, Arts and cultural organisations open their doors until late with hundreds of free events, tours, talks and performances. Culture Night not only takes place in Dublin but in 30 other venues across the island of Ireland as well. So be part of this nationwide celebration!! (Where will we be heading to first on this night….umh?)

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival – 29 Sept to 16 Oct

Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival is dedicated to presenting the very best of national and international theatre every Autumn; the festival is regarded as the oldest established specialist theatre festival in Europe. The Festival will showcase productions from 8 countries in 25 venues with over 500 performances around Dublin City.
(This year the festival will be celebrating its 54th birthday !!)

A quick snapshot of the other events & festivals taking place :

Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival – 1st to 11th of September
The Liffey Swim – 3rd of September
Dublin Festival of Fashion – 8th to 11th of September
Oktoberfest Dublin – 22nd September till 9th of October
Dublin Burlesque Festival – 23rd to 25th of September

QUICK – get planning your events now – you don’t want to miss out !
Best of all – these Festivals & Events are taking place within walking distance from your Celtic Group Hostels in Dublin and we can organise discounted group tickets for your group.