Travel: 48 Hours in Dublin

Friday, 5pm Check into the Grafton Capital Hotel - the ultimate shoppers' lodgings in the centre of this buzzing city centre (Lower Stephen Street, Dublin, www.graftoncapitalhotel.com) Rooms from E69.

6pm Make for the annual Docklands Christmas market (www.docklands.ie), where, despite the city's economic turmoil, you'll find Yuletide cheer with a German twist until 22 December. Kick off your weekend with a steaming glass of Gluhwein soaked up by a selection of continental treats.

9:30pm Head to The Temple Bar (www.thetemplebarpub.com). Here, in the city's cultural quarter, you'll discover the hub of Dublin's night-life.

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Saturday, 10am Pop into the famous Bewley's Cafe on Grafton Street (www.bewleys.com), located a few minutes away from your hotel. Mary Cakes, only available during the festive season, will provide a tasty morning treat.

Noon Hit Grafton Street for a day of shopping in Dublin's most prominent retail district. St Stephen's shopping centre (www.stephensgreen.com) is perfect for gift ideas.

7pm For a speedy noodle fix, try Wagamama on South King Street (www.wagamama.it).

Sunday, 11am For an active start to the day head along to the Royal Dublin Society's 7up Christmas on Ice featuring eco-friendly ice-rinks. Prices start at €E10 for 50 minutes (until 9 January, www.7upchristmasonice.ie/rds)

1pm You can't go to Dublin without visiting the Guinness Storehouse (www.guinness-storehouse.com), where you'll find out all about the history of this iconic beverage. After learning how to pull a pint, you'll visit the Gravity Bar on the seventh floor where you'll receive a free glass of Guinness. Adult admission is E13.50.

THE FACTS

Return flights to Dublin from Scotland start from 28, see Sky Scanner, www.skyscanner.net

This article was first published in The Scotsman on December 4, 2010

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