Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Meath

"Take some time out of your day in Dublin to discover the Dublin Castle, and you’ll find yourself falling for the unique combination of fortified architecture and culture. Steeped in history that includes both Viking and medieval times, the Dublin Castle was the seat of English power until 1922. Today, the space itself is constantly put to use as an immersive teaching tool, to inform locals and visitors alike about the region’s history and continued importance."

"Best described as a wild medley of styles, Dublin Castle is far from your typical castle. It has grown almost organically over the centuries and, due to its sprawling, yet hemmed-in city center location can only be properly viewed from the air. So it's parts of Dublin Castle that have achieved iconic status as Dublin landmarks."

"Dublin Castle can be read as a “living building” which has been adapting for over 1000 years. The center of state ceremony for hundreds of years, the building has hosted Ireland’s presidency of the European Commission, state visits, and the inauguration of Irish presidents."

"Kilmainham Gaol (fee) is a former 18th century prison which is today run as a museum by Ireland’s Office of Public Works. Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 and closed in 1924. During this period it housed convicts convicted of crimes ranging from stealing food to murder. In the early 19th century, about 4,000 prisoners were transported to Australia."

"When you are in Dublin and want to take photos, you should definitely go to Kilmainham Gaol. This is a former prison that is now a museum. The prison played a role in the history of the country, especially at the beginning of the 20th century."

"The Little Museum of Dublin is the newest addition to the museum scene, opening its doors in October 2011. Occupying a Georgian townhouse and dedicating itself to remembering the 20th century, the Little Museum has over 400 artefacts that have been generously donated by many Dubliners to give a well-rounded reflection of Dublin's progress over the last century. The collection contains art, photography, advertising, letters and ephemera that give a fabulous insight into the city and its people."

"The Little Museum of Dublin, recently described as “Dublin’s best museum experience” by The Irish Times, tells the amazing story of the Irish capital and is a hidden gem. There are worksheets available for kids of all ages to help get more out of the visit and tour guides in the museum at all times who can give your family some special attention. There are some great interactive artefacts in the museum for kids to explore."

"Described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’, the Chester Beatty Library is one of the best free things to do in Dublin this weekend. The museum is packed with the collection of Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (a successful American mining engineer, collector, and philanthropist) – one of the greatest collectors of the 12th century. Visitors can appreciate a vast number of world cultures through manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia."

"Lonely Planet has described this free museum as the best in Europe, and it is easy to see why. Located on the grounds of Dublin Castle, this popular museum houses an amazing collection of 20,000 manuscripts, rare books, miniature paintings, clay tablets, costumes, and other historical and aesthetically important artifacts. The Sacred Traditions gallery at the Chester Beatty."

"Maybe the most family friendly museum of the whole of Dublin, Imma has wonderful landscaped gardens and a fabulous cafe with toys and free play area. The exhibitions themselves are not usually for kids but the grounds are so pleasant and beautiful, a visit here is easily one of the besyt things to do in Dublin with toddlers. Address: Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Military Rd, Kilmainham, Dublin 8"

"There are a number of great free museums in Dublin which include the National Museum of Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Hall, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Also keep an eye out for discount cards, coupons, and special deals to save money on tickets, tours, and meals."

"It’s officially the time of year to sit out in the sun with great company and even better Cocktails!. Start the summer right by shaking it up with our wide range of cocktails. While our Press up venues are still waiting to welcome you all back inside, we have decided to bring the cocktails, pints and wine out to you."

"Ring an unassuming doorbell to discover one of Dublin's coolest cocktail joints. From focusing on the ice, spraying all sorts of fancy over the drinks and generally being awesome this is one of those places you HAVE to experience at least once in Dublin. The intimate setting makes it ideal for date night."

"Vintage Cocktail Club's rooftop bar area is one of Dublin's finest. Make your way through their menu of illicit vintage-inspired sips while cosying up under heaters or topping up the tan (weather depending, obvs) and soaking up the always-bustling atmosphere of this quirky bar."

"Bad in the very best way, Bob is about to woo you on your hen weekend in Dublin. Covering all bases, this lively haunt not only rustles up cracking American and Irish food, but has live music to rival the very best in the area and premium drinks to match. The award winning maze of a restaurant-bar-nightclub hybrid (just try to find the exit after a few drinks) is jam-packed with vintage ephemera and has live DJs and musicians showcasing their work throughout the day and night."

"You'll find this Temple Bar venue offering a schedule of live music in the evenings and DJ sets till the early hours. The party spirit takes hold of floors one and two, with the upper level VIP suites and rooftop terraces on cue if you need a slight breather from that dancefloor mayhem."

"A five-floor venue with a vibrant feel, Bad Bobs is a one-stop shop for drinking, eating and partying in Dublin. Venture to the top floor of the Victorian townhouse and you'll find a plush VIP area and a large terrace to chill out on 'til the early hours."

"Why: You have to be careful when wandering the streets of Temple Bar because otherwise you can end up paying a lot of money for some bang average food. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found if you know where to look and Al Vesuvio is one of them. Located in Meeting House Square, its vast menu covers everything from fresh pasta and pizzas, to more hearty classic main courses such as veal Milanese."

"Right on Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, this place makes a great starting point for a night out. Al Vesuvio is a cosy spot serving top-notch Italian food seven days a week. We especially love the huge selection of pizzas with (rosse) and without (bianche) cheese."

"If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need. Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"In a prime location opposite Bull Island, an idiosyncratic beach in north Dublin, St Anne’s was the former home of the – yes, the – Guinness family in the 19th century. Spread over some 240 acres, it’s now crammed with fascinating public follies. You’ll find a classical Chinese garden (a gift from China when Dublin twinned with Beijing in 2011), a Herculanean Temple and clock tower, and a physic garden with a range of medicinal herbs."

"The second-largest of the many parks in Dublin, you’ll find St. Anne’s Park between the suburbs of Raheny and Clontarf on the northside of Dublin. And to throw a bit of local celebrity stardust on the site, it was originally part of an estate assembled by members of the Guinness family – namely the descendants of Sir Arthur Guinness himself!. There’s a ton of stuff going on at St. Anne’s and you could spend all day if you so wished."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"The LAB Gallery supports emerging art practices and focuses on fresh ways to develop engaged audiences for visual arts. The LAB is open Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00 and Saturday 10:00-17:00 and admission is free."

"Established in 1992 by fashion designer Ib Jorgensen, this is a great little Dublin treasure specialising in Irish, English and European art. Even if you can’t afford anything, there are some beautiful pieces here you’ll find worth investigating; the Jorgensen Gallery represents quite a wide variety of artists, paintings and antiques and therefore has a broad appeal. 35 Molesworth Street"

"One of Ireland’s leading art galleries, the Jorgensen Gallery, located in central Dublin, shows a broad range of contemporary art, with paintings and bronze sculpture from Irish and international artists."

"Dalkey Castle & Heritage Centre is situated in the 14th Century Castle/Town House just less than 5 minutes from train (DART) and bus stations. All year actors from Deilg Inis Living History Theatre Company are on site to enlighten, entertain and engage you in a Live Performance every half hour in ‘The Tudors are Back...’.Depending on the season you can encounter the Ghost, The Merchant and Rupert the Archer."

"When it comes to visitor engagement, none of the other castles on this list can top Dalkey Castle. They take their guided tours to the next level with costumed actors who pretend to be archers, cooks, and coin minters. There is even a barber/ surgeon!"

"Dalkey Castle, dating from 1390, is located in South County Dublin in the lovely heritage town of Dalkey. The Castle has living history actors ready to welcome visitors and bring history to life. All tours must be booked online."

"A walk around Dublin War Memorial Gardens is a must for anyone planning to visit the Phoenix Park. The gardens are dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who lost their lives during the first world war.The gardens are home to ‘rose gardens, herbaceous borders and extensive tree-planting’ and are a great place to go for a stroll, relax and reflect."

"These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"A little park with a wonderful view of Dalkey and Killiney villages. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but it’s well worth it. Once you’re up, it’s one of Dublin’s most tranquil spots to relax in."