Dublin is one of the smallest counties in Ireland, yet it is the one with the biggest city and the biggest population. Dublin city is surprisingly compact and there is still a lot of open space throughout the county.

The north of Dublin County is predominantly agricultural with most farmers growing cereals, vegetables or fruit. Once you get through Swords, just north of Dublin Airport, you are in the country, as the Dubs would say.

There are several coastal towns that are worth a visit. Malahide has lots of good restaurants and pubs and there are beautiful walks along the coastline towards Portmarnock, home of the famous Portmarnock links golf course. Howth is lovely fishing village with several excellent restaurants serving fresh seafood.  Further north is Skerries, another fishing village with good food and pubs.

The south of the county is more developed but there is still plenty of open space. If you visit Marlay Park near Rathfarnham you will be able to walk from there to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. The seaside villages of Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey and Killiney are all well worth visiting and there are many popular pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy excellent food.

You can book a Dublin hotel in the city and travel north or south by public transport. The DART (train service) operates along the coastline from north to South. Alternativley you can book hotels or guesthouses locally.

There are many excellent parks and country houses in County Dublin that are well worth a visit. Newbridge Demesne Regional Park just a few kilometres north of Dublin Airport is a 370 acres park with a Georgian house dating back to the mid 1700s. There are also a couple of 19th century greenhouses, walled gardens, childrens playground, restaurant and beautiful walks. There is also a traditional farm with machinery dating back to previous centuries and old breeds of farm animals.

Further north near Skerries is Ardgillan Castle which was built in 1738. It is in fact an old country estate house with castle style embellishments. The castle is situated in 194 acres of parkland, woodlands and gardens.

Any of the Dublin Hotels booked through this site will be glad to give you more information.