WHY? One of Europe's finest destinations and just train ride away!

Read on to whet your appetite for a girlie shopping trip to Dublin.

EAT: For the ultimate in Irish cuisine, hotfoot it from Connolly train station to Ely Chq. Dedicated to luscious local organic fare, the freshest Kilkee oysters and a wine list to kill for. If you fancy a dining experience with a twist opt for their subterranean basement-vault, or the glass-roofed terrace for a spot of stargazing with your entrees.

For the more traditional, grab something quick and easy on the go, at the Kilkenny café overlooking the magnificent Trinity College. Slap bang in the heart of the shopping action, the café serves heart-warming chowders and the quintessential Irish stew, all accompanied by homemade breads, hot from the kiln.

SHOP: The world famous Brown Thomas is the beating heart of Grafton Street www.brownthomas.com. Their designer names pull in a haul of local celebs on the hunt for this seasons must-haves. You'll be lost for words and possibly blow your savings on a visit to this inspiring establishment. Mind you, with all the cash you'll save taking the Enterprise, instead of forking out for petrol & parking, the ‘treats' pay for themselves. So you really do gain by train! Grafton street's magnetic pull rewards you with a gasp worthy number of high street shopping delights, mixing effortlessly with historical café bars. All this, just moments from the magical expanse of St Stephens Green, where the young and hip take their lunch in Dublin's very own Central Park. 

DRINK: Famed for its impromptu traditional music sessions, by night...or by day, The Temple Bar is a must. Located on the corner of two ‘ye olde worldy' cobbled streets, this place really packs a punch; rammed with Guinness paraphernalia and Dublin locals making merry with their weekend -or lazing away in the beer garden, come rain or shine.

For the more discerning, feast your eyes on the art nouveau masterpiece that is Café en Seine (pictured left). Adorned from ceiling to floor with ornate artworks and even a tropical atrium with 40 ft palms, this place truly dazzles. Widely appreciated for its lively jazz and host to Dublin's glitterati, you'll dance the night away...and possibly the morning.

For those in search of hot-after-hours action, you simply won't find a more prestigious venue than Lillies Bordello.Get your groove-on on the dance floor to club classics and body movin' funk and you might just find yourself in the arms of Bono and the like. (check it out at www.lilliesbordello.ie )

SLEEP: Luxury lovers will swoon over Clontarf Castle (pictured left), just a stones throw from the city centre, but stemming back some 800 years. Opulence falls freely from every nook and cranny here, from irresistibly huge four-poster beds to gourmet meals and champagne on ice awaiting your arrival...in your boudoir!
For those who plan to do more schmoozing than snoozing, the Harcourt is just the ticket. Once home to George Bernard Shaw and just minutes from the party zone that is Temple Bar.  Getting to Dublin's a cinch with the Enterprise running daily services. So get yourself into first class and really kick-start the indulgence! Well, who wouldn't want top notch travel comforts and a dedicated waiter service to fulfil your every whim?! (see what's on offer at www.translink.co.uk/enterpriseservices.asp )

SIGHTS: From the moment you hop off the train you'll be gob-smacked by all the sights and sounds coming your way.

Trinity College doesn't just house a mass of ‘knowledge' hungry students; this fine establishment hosts the celtic wonder of old: The Book of Kells, Ireland's finest national treasure (Learn more at www.tcd.ie/about/trinity/bookofkells/) .

Or if you like your history big and bold then simply take your pick - From the Irish Museum of Modern Art to the organised chaos of Francis Bacon's studio, resident at The Hugh Lane gallery; and the National Museum of Ireland (there's 3 of them!).

So you can do your highbrow arty thing and quench your own thirst for knowledge with ease. Alternatively, the quenching can be done at the Guinness Storehouse...not sure that's technically a ‘museum' but it is legendary...and a drink of the black stuff in the super stylish Gravity bar (with the best view of the city) is a rite of passage for anyone seeking to experience the true Dublin - so we say tuck in!