The Grand Canal Hotel is located in the south centre of Dublin city within a short walking distance of the Aviva Stadium, Trinity College, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, The 3Arena, Convention Centre Dublin and the RDS.
There are many ways to get from the
airport to our hotel and to get around the city during your stay here in
Dublin. We have put together a small list and details on the different forms of
transport so that you can decide what suits you best.
Dublin Bus
Dublin Bus has buses commuting all over
Dublin and into parts of Wicklow & Kildare. No matter where you need to go
you can get a bus either direct or with a change over along the way. They also have express buses (marked with an X
after the bus number), Airlink buses to and from the airport, Sightseeing buses
and Nitelink buses which run from 00.00 – 4.00.
Most buses have realtime information at
them so that you can see when the next bus is due but there is also a Dublin
Bus App available for your phone which will give you all the information you need
including bus times, routes and price.
When on Dublin Bus only coins can be accepted
for payments and no cash change is given so have the exact fare at the ready
when getting Dublin bus. Alternatively you can buy one of the many Dublin Bus
cards. They have a card for everything from one hour travel right up to a year
or you can get a leap card which is a prepay card that can be topped up and can
also be used on other forms of transport around Dublin (Train & Luas).
To
get a bus from Dublin Airport to Grand Canal Hotel – Get a 16 or 41 bus to the
city centre. Then from O’Connell Street you can get a 4, 7, 27x or a 120 to
mount street (just after Love Lane).
To get a direct bus from the airport you
can book the airport shuttle bus which will leave you at the door of the Hotel
and is just €4 per person. Book your seat on the Paddywagon shuttle bus with us
here on 01-6461000.
Train
Our hotel is located just across from
Grand Canal Dock Dart Station. From here you can get the train to any of the
stations in Dublin or anywhere around Ireland should you wish to go further and
explore what is on offer around the country.
To get to the hotel by train from the airport,
you need to get a bus/taxi to the city centre and then get a train from Connolly
Station to Grand Canal Dock Station (3 Stops).
Luas
The Luas does not go by the Hotel
directly but is only about 10/15 minutes walking distance to the nearest stop. It
can be a very usual form of transport depending on where you want to go in Dublin.
There are two Luas lines – The Green line and The Red Line (both walking distance
to the hotel).
The red line would have the most tourist
attractions on its route, going by National Museum of Ireland - Decorative
Arts & History, The Jameson Distillery and nearby the Guinness Store House
and KIlmainham Gaol. http://www.luas.ie/dublin-on-luas-red.html
There are many taxis around Dublin. They can be
hailed at the side of the road or you can go to a taxi rank. We are also happy
to order a taxi for you from the front desk if you wish.
To get a taxi from Dublin Airport to
Grand Canal Hotel will cost you around €20/€25.
Car Rental
If you will be doing a lot of travelling
on your break or if you are visiting more other counties around Ireland as well
as Dublin during your trip then car rental may be an option for you.
We have free car parking for all guests
at the hotel so you can park your car on arrival and without worrying about high
city centre parking fees.
If you are considering renting a car
check out Sixt
So, it’s December already. This year has just flown in.
Time to start making plans for Christmas meet ups and family days out. Dublin
has so many Christmas events taking place around the city this month so why not
take in the Christmas atmosphere and see just why it’s the most wonderful time
of the year.
A Christmas day out
with the Family
Santa's Playland
Santa’s Playland is a fantastic fun-filled experience
for the kids which allows them to enter into a magical Christmas wonderland of
playtime. It is filled with Christmas
treats, bouncy castles, slides and Christmas displays.
To top it all off the children are visited by Santa and get the chance
to sit down with him to let him know what they are hoping for when he comes to
visit on the 25th. They will also receive a gift from Santa on their
visit.
Ambassador Theatre.
Monday to Friday - Doors open 12.00pm, last entrance 7.00pm
Saturday and Sunday
- Doors open 10.00am, last entrance at 7.00pmTickets €10 Monday
to Friday, Tickets €12 Saturdays and Sundays.
ADULTS ARE FREE!
Christmas
Wonderland
The one that all kids are waiting for, Christmas Wonderland, returns to the
RDS on 6th December 2013. With Ice-Skating, Funderland and a Circus,
there is something for everyone at Christmas Wonderland.
ISkate:
Ice-skating is a Christmas favourite for many. I-Skate is Ireland’s
largest ice rink and with its penguin balancing aids and double-bladed skates
it’s suitable for everyone aged 3 and upwards. There are special off-peak,
group and family rates available.
Funderland:
This year Funderland celebrates its 40th anniversary
and so it is no surprise that for many people around the country it is tradition
that goes back many years at this stage. Even as an adult though you still get
the same excitement that you did when you were brought there as a child. With
all the different fast rides, the music, the games the arcade and the
atmosphere around the place it is not hard to see why it is a family favourite.
Opt to go with a pay-as-you go method or avail of the wristbands which give you
3 consecutive hours of unlimited rides (subject to the height & weight
restrictions). Buy your wrist band online before you go and get an extra hour
free.
Santa’s Christmas Circus:
Why not try something new this Christmas with the Magical
World of Circus. Presented by the
world famous Fossett family, Santa's Christmas Circus includes jugglers, acrobats, aerial daredevils and
Circus Illusionists as well as Otto the clowns as he tries to help Santa make
his way back to the North Pole. Marion
Fossett will also lead the circus artists and audience in a seasonal
sing-a-long. Expect to be amazed and entertained.
Dublin
Castle is giving you the chance every Saturday & Sunday in December to
enter the magical world of the Nutcracker. This on definitely be a magical day
out for the family. The State Apartments of Dublin Castle will be decorated in
the Nutcracker theme as well as having Characters from the fairytale. There
will be Drosselmeyer’s children’s magic show each Saturday (12pm – 3pm) and
Children’s Storytelling with Clara every Sunday (12pm – 3pm). There will also
be plenty of surprises for the little ones along the way including
meeting Santa and posting their letter. On
top of all of this there will also be ballet performances in the ballroom and tasty treats
from Christmas vendors.
Price:Adult €4.50, Children €2.00, Senior Citizens/
Students €3.50
Christmas Pantos is a firm favourite in many households around the
country and is always huge hit with the kids. With different Pantos in a number
of Theatres you will have your choice shows……..or you can go see more that
one. This year the Christmas Pantos are;
·The Gaitey Theatre Panto: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs
Date: - December 4th 2013 –
12th January 2014. - Previews
commence December 1st
·The
Olympia Theatre Panto: Beauty and the Beast starring Jedward
Date:- 18 December
- 5 January
·The
Tivoli Theatre: Cherios Jack and the
Beanstalk
Date:- 11 December
2013 - 12 January 2014
The Snowman Christmas Special
Who doesn’t
love the story of The Snowman? Such a beautiful film that has been watched at
home Christmas after Christmas for years. Now following on from its on-going sell-out successes all over the world,
The Snowman Movie makes its premiere this December in The O2 Dublin. This is
your chance to watch it on an enormous 60 foot screen while Shay Byrne
of RTÉ Radio tells the much loved story of James and the flying Snowman accompanied by the Irish Philharmonic
Orchestra.
This really special
event is on for one day only – December 8th. The 3pm show has sold
out already but you still have a chance to get your tickets for the 6pm showing
(limited seats available).
Christmas markets to get something a little extra special.....
Airtricity Dockland’s Christmas Festival
Now on its 9th Year and promising
to be the best one yet, The Docklands Christmas Festival returns to fantastic surroundings of George’s Dock
from December 12th–
23rd. With
an entertainment area, The Victorian Carnival, the fantastic artisan food and
craft market and of course Santa's grotto, it will be impossible not to get that
Christmas feeling when you are there. Opening hours:
- Monday - Friday 12.00pm-10.00pm
- Saturday - Sunday 10.00am - 10.00pm
Dublin Castle's Festive Market
If you are thinking of attending the The Magic
of The Nutcracker at Dublin Castle in December and also considering a visit to a
Christmas Market well then you’re in luck. You don’t even have to have to worry
about trekking from one side of the city to the other trying to fit it all in.
Make a day of it without even having to change venue. Each Saturday and Sunday in December Dublin Castle’s
upper courtyard will be transformed into a traditional Christmas market.
Take in the fabulous surrounding of Dublin Castle & listen to the choir
performing under the tree from 1.30pm – 3.30pm while enjoying some treats from
the Christmas vendors including mulled wine, hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies
and traditional chimney cake.
On Sunday 15th December the craft fair will take place inside
the Bedford Hall. Some of Ireland's best craftsmen, artists and designers will
be displaying and selling their work, from pottery to hand knitted scarves and
beautiful ceramics to Irish chocolates.
Dame District
Christmas Market
With
over 24 stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, toys, gormet food and drink,
plus entertainment from top Irish music and comedy acts, it is one that will fill you with Christmas cheer and excitment. Each night a free
concert takes place on the Christmas Stage as well as live Christmas
entertainment on two other stages.You can visit this ever growing popular market at Dame Lane from December 13th – 22nd.
Grand Canal Hotel is located just 10 minutes walk from Grafton street and is next to Grand Canal Dart station as well as being serviced by numerous buses making it a great location wherever you need to go. We have a great Retail Therapy Package available from the December 15th - January 31st so whether you want to shop for Christmas gifts or get a bargain in the January sales, we have you covered! Book your say with Grand Canal Hotel. Looking for an extra spcial gift for you friends or loved ones? Why not treat them to lovely getaway with Grand Canal Hotel or Theatre Package Voucher.
Don’t miss
your chance to see Wicked on stage at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. This
critically acclaimed production is a must-see, filled with colour, magnetism
and brilliant songs that you’ll still be singing days after the show.
Make the
most of your evening and avail of our Dinner & Show Package:
•2-Course Pre-Theatre
Meal; Starter & Main Course, Tea & Coffee
•Ticket to
the Show in Upper Circle
Just €79
per person. (Paid in full at time of
booking and is non-refundable)
Yes its coming up to that time of year again................Halloween. Need to come up with some costume ideas for the kids? Here are a few really cool ones that we found and just had to share with you.
1. Gnome
2. Farmer and Tractor
3. Cupcake
4. Free Puppies
Who doesn't love babies and puppies......and free ones at that
5. Pinnocchio
6. Cabbage Patch Kid
This one is perfect for the little kiddies that need to stay in their buggy for trick-or-treating.
7. Beetle Juice
This is a great costume on its own but you can also get the whole family involved if you wanted to go all out on it!!
8. Audrey Hepburn
So many little girls would love getting dressed up like this......you could even do a Mummy and Daughter matching costumes for this one.
8. Colonel Sanders
Image giving out free pieces of chicken too!!!.........Everyone would pick you as their favourite costume :)
9. Popcorn
Perfect for carrying the really little ones around.
10. Star Wars
These ones are adorable.....look at the little Ewok!!
11. Up
There are no words for this one............just look at how cute he is......aaawwwwhhhhhh!!!!
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.
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!
