Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
are brilliantly long (6am sunrises and 10pm sunsets), the weather is
warmest, and every sightseeing attraction and B&B is open.
In winter you can get rock-bottom prices on airfare, especially if
you book a package through a good travel agent or Aer Lingus (see
“Getting There,” later in this chapter). Because your destination is
Dublin, the weather will not likely be a defining factor, since so
much of Dublin's lure dwells indoors.
All things considered, best of all are the hedge months—April,
May, and mid-September through October—when you're most
likely to get simultaneously lucky with weather, crowds, and prices.
HOLIDAYS
The Republic observes the following national holidays: New Year's
Day (Jan 1), St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17), Easter Monday (variable),
May Day (May 1), first Mondays in June and August (Summer
Bank Holidays), last Monday in October (Autumn Bank Holiday),
Christmas (Dec 25), and St. Stephen's Day (Dec 26). Good Friday
(the Fri before Easter) is mostly observed, but not statutory. Holi-
days that fall on weekends are celebrated the following Monday.
DUBLIN CALENDAR OF EVENTS
This sampling of events is drawn from 2004 schedules. Be sure to consult the
calendars available from the tourist board of Ireland for 2005; they're usually
released in January. The most up-to-date listings of events can be found at
www.eventguide.ie and www.visitdublin.com .
January
Funderland. Royal Dublin Society, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. An
annual indoor funfair, complete with white-knuckle rides, carni-
val stalls, and family entertainment ( & 061/419988; www.fun
fair.ie). December 26 to January 13.
January Sales. The best blowout sale in Ireland lasts all month
long, with deep savings of up to 70% at practically every depart-
ment store, shop, and boutique in Ireland.
February
Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge,
County Dublin. This annual international tourney features Ire-
land, England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. It's a brilliant
atmosphere, be it at Lansdowne Road or a neighborhood pub.
Contact Irish Rugby Football Union, 62 Lansdowne Rd., Dublin
4 ( & 01/668-4601; fax 01/660-5640). Alternate Saturdays, early
February to April.
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