Thursday, September 26, 2013

Family Friendly Dublin Attractions

When staying in Dublin there are so many visitor attractions that you can go see. We have put together our top 6 family friendly spots  that we think are ones for the list when visiting the capital city.

1. Dublinia
Right in the heart of Medieval Dublin, next to Christ Church Cathedral, there are 3 exhibitions to be experienced in Dublinia. Both “Viking Dublin” & “Medieval Dublin” will bring you back in time to how life was in Dublin in those historic days – walk down a Viking street and visit a Viking house  as well as seeing what life on board a Viking ship would have been like. “Historic Hunters” is the third exhibition which brings you into the world of Archaeology. See excavation sites and a lab which will give you an insight into Dublin City and allow you to see it in a whole new light.

(Inside Dublinia)


2. Viking Splash Tour
A favourite amongst many visitors, both young and old, the Viking Splash Tour allows you to see the city from land and water in the reconditioned World War II military vehicles known as “Ducks”. The tour will bring you around the city to the many attractions it has to offer while also teaching you about the history of the city; from the Vikings who settled here over a 1,000 years ago right through to the Dublin becoming a cosmopolitan European city.

(View Dublin by land and water with the Viking Splash Tour)


3. National Wax Museum
The Wax Museum – a firm favourite for the list of attractions to visit on any city break. Everyone enjoys a good Wax Museum! At the National Wax Museum not only can you view the wax version of many well-known faces and get your picture taken with them but you can also visit the fully functioning recording studio and green screen video room, take a journey through Ireland cultural heritage and check out the tribute to Ireland’s top scientific inventors.

(The National Wax Museum Entrance)


4. GAA Museum
Interested in the history of the country’s National games? Well then go behind the scene of Gaelic Football and Hurling with this interactive touch-screen technology and test your own skills in the interactive zone. Test your passing skills and how quick you can react along with the many other skills required for these two fantastic national games. You can also do the Croke Park Stadium Tour while you are there.  Take the opportunity to walk through the players tunnel and visit their lounge as well as the corporate boxes with the best seats in the house and then top it all off with a birds eye views of this 82,300 capacity iconic stadium.

(GAA Museum Croke Park)


5. Science Gallery
Located at Trinity College, this public gallery has various exhibitions, lectures and workshops. There are no permanent collections but instead a series of 4-6 temporary exhibitions each year so there is always something new to see for those who wish to visit on a number of occasions.

(The Science Gallery at Trinity College)


6. Dublin Zoo
Dublin Zoo, located in Pheonix Park (one of the largest city parks in Europe), is one of Dublin's biggest attractions. It is home to over 400 animals and has been open since 1830. There is so much to see at Dublin Zoo. There are lions, tigers, hippos, seals, elephants, gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, red pandas and penguins to name just a few of the many fascinating animals that can be seen at Dublin Zoo.  

(Gorillas at Dublin Zoo)



Book your stay at Grand Canal Hotel by calling 01-6461000 or visit our website.

Get details on our Theatre Package deals. 

Friday, September 13, 2013


The Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta with Plurabelle Paddlers
Saturday & Sunday, 14th & 15thSeptember 2013

Plurabelle Paddlers - A breast cancer suppoert group with a difference

This weekend, The Dublin Dragon Boat Regatta will take place at Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 4. It is in association with Plurabelle Paddlers which is a dragon boat team with members who have one thing in common - they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The dragon boat team which is based in Grand Canal Dock was set up in order for the team memebrs to:
- get fit
- enjoy the mutual support of team mates
- raise awareness of breast cancer.

When the team was set up all of the team members were new to the sport and their inspiration had come from the 150 or so breast cancer dragon boat teams that have been set up all over the world.


All of the crew spaces have already been filled however you can still get a ticket for the Regatta Party Saturday Night at Ely Gastro & tickets for a raffle for flights to Ho Chi Ming City thanks to Etihad.  Purchase your ticket directly from the Plurabelle Paddlerswebsite…………and don’t forget to go down and cheers all of the teams on!!

We are delighted to have two of the teams staying with us here in the Grand Canal Hotel this weekend and we wish everyone taking part the best of luck.  What a great cause! Visit the Plurabelle Paddlers website to get more information, view pictures and videos or make a donation. 




 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

War Horse

War Horse @ The Bord Gais Energy Theatre
26th March 2014 - 26th April 2014


We went to see a War Horse preview in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre yesterday afternoon and I must say it was fantastic. We are very excited to see the full show when it arrives here in Dublin in March.

The play, based on the celebrated novel by Michael Morpurgo, centres around the love of a boy for his horse against the background of World War I. The main feature in the play is the handmade, life-size horse puppet, Joey which is operated by three puppeteers. The puppetry in the show is amazing. You completely forget that the animal is not real and get lost in the story and the characters of this great play. "Truly magnificent creations by the Handspring Puppet Company." The Daily Telepgraph.









The first stage production of War Horse was in London in 2007 and it has been a roaring success since day one. This fantastic play comes to Ireland for the first time ever in March 2014.




Having seen the short snippet of what to expect in March, we are really looking forward to seeing the play in full.



We have War Horse Theatre Packages available for you to avail of. Why not make a night of it and stay over night in the Grand Canal Hotel (8 minute walk from the Theatre), have a Pre-Theatre Meal the night of the show and a Full Irish Breakfast the next morning............and we have Free Car Parking!



View other theatre packages currently available. 



00353(0)16461000



Thursday, September 5, 2013

Weight Watchers - Lunchtime Classes



Feeling like you may have overdone it over the summer? Need to lose some weight or just get back to a health lifestyle? Well then, WeightWatchers hold a lunchtime classes every Tuesday at the Grand Canal Hotel Ballsbridge. Pop in on your lunch break so that you don't have to lose any time from your evenings.   

What better time to get back on track than September - “We're making a fresh start. If you’re suffering from Summer food overload, now is the time to make a start to a slimmer you”





If you have been a member before and are looking to rejoin then now is the time “When you join or rejoin any Weight Watchers class by September 28th AND stay for the new member 5 minute session after the class talk, you'll receive a gift card that's valid until December 21st.Because we know things don't always go to plan, if you miss a week or more you can use this Gift Card to return to class for the weekly fee.”





Take a look at some of WeightWatchers' healthy recipes:


WeightWatchers’ aim is:
• To promote Health of Body and Mind
• To pass on knowledge gained from past personal experience
• And to encourage Members to become part of this constant learning process


If you want more information check them out on Facebook or go to  their website.



Book your conference room with Grand Canal Hotel or arrange a viewing by contacting Linda 01-6461000. 

01-6461000