After Belfast, we stopped very briefly at the Cliffs of Moher (we did a seven hour round trip in the car to see them – turned out to be a huge tourist spot so we left pretty quickly. If you do want to see the cliffs, plan on going for at least a night, and find a quiet view point) before heading to Dublin.
We’ve visited Dublin before and loved the city – it’s a bustling hub of happy, cosmopolitan people living and working in a city that is thriving – but sadly we only had one night there this time. However, we managed to enjoy a delicious dinner just outside the city at Roly’s before a wonderful evening at the Four Seasons Dublin – another dog friendly spot.
On arrival, we found Jake had his own bed and a bone (spoiled doggy) and the concierge had left DIY Irish coffees for Mr Man and me – delicious! But first we went for a run in the area (Ballsbridge) with Jake, spotting gorgeous ivy-covered homes and a pretty canal as we went, ending up running past Lansdowne Road stadium.
I was so grateful for the powerful hot shower when we finally returned to the Four Seasons, and it felt like we’d really earned our Irish coffees, which we enjoyed on the plush sofa. Later, we dashed out for dinner and dashed back to the hotel to enjoy our suite, the interior of which was a fusion of traditional pieces of furniture (think desks and chests) and soft, pastel armchairs and footstools. The balcony gave a lovely view of the hotel, a gorgeous red brick building, and the pink sunset beyond. The three of us enjoyed a very comfortable, deep sleep (Jake in his bed, us in ours) and the next morning went downstairs to enjoy breakfast.
The dining room was as you’d imagine a Four Seasons dining room to be: crisp, white linen. polished glasses, fine china, sumptuous fabrics, traditional seating. The epitome of elegant sophistication and my idea of heaven. The dining room was next door to the lounge, which was very Dior-esque with its dove grey paint, white woodwork and glass coffee tables, all brought together with beautiful floral displays. The lounge and dining rooms opened out to the courtyard, which boasted a pretty water feature, wooden furniture and plenty of greenery – it must be just divine during high summer, whether for breakfast or a chilled glass of Sauvignon Semillon.
I was sad to leave the Four Seasons and Dublin behind. It’s a fabulous hotel in a fabulous city and I’m already plotting my return visit to experience more of the hotel and enjoy another few days in what’s proving to be one of my favourite cities.
Looks absolutely lovely, lucky Jake too!