Seattle Gay News
Issue 11, Volume 41, March 15, 2013
Spring travel and arts
by Albert Rodriguez SGN Travel Writer
GETTING TO DUBLIN From Seattle, you’ll have to take at least two flights to reach Dublin. I flew through Atlanta on Delta, although a simpler and quicker route would be through Paris (also on Delta) or through London (British Airways). Upon arrival, purchase a Dublin Bus “Airlink” pass (6 euros, one way) at the currency exchange counter by baggage claim. Then follow the “Bus”
fireplace and tucked-away library provide hushed areas to glance over the morning newspaper or edit that work report. My “deluxe premium” room on the top floor (5th) overlooked St. Stephen’s Green and nearby rooftops, thanks to a spacious terrace with patio table and chairs. The room itself was equipped with a firm fourworld all details
Dublin might appear to be a typical European city at first glance – brick buildings, old cathedrals, cobblestone streets. But when you explore its quiet neighborhoods, famed pubs, lush parks, laid-back pace, and persistent quirkiness, you’ll find it possesses an individual charm and character that leaves a huge imprint long after you leave. With just 550,000 residents, the Irish capital is smaller than Seattle and incredibly easy to navigate by public transportation or on foot. The climate is similar to the Pacific Northwest, yet slightly colder in the winter months with brutal wind chills. Dublin is fairly open-minded, making it a comfortable destination for Gay visitors, although the locals seemed more reserved and harder to approach than I anticipated. Everything was reasonably affordable, from food to entertainment to cab rides, and it felt safe walking around late at night, even into the early morning hours. If you’re contemplating a trip to Dublin, or anywhere in the country, visit www.ireland.com for further assistance. Here’s what I recommend doing there.
signage to the street-level platform outside the terminal. Be sure to stand underneath the “Airlink 747” sign and wait for the double-decker bus that will take you into central Dublin in about 20 minutes. Compare your hotel address with the Airlink zone map before boarding the bus to know where to get off.
Christ Church Cathedral
ACCOMMODATIONS Anchor your stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel (www.fitzwilliamhotel.com), a five-star property bordering St. Stephen’s Green, a miniscule Central Park of sorts. Its location allows convenient access by foot to Trinity College, Temple Bar, The Gaiety Theatre, Ha’penny Bridge, and dozens upon dozens of restaurants, pubs, retail stores, coffee shops, and Gay nightlife. A tastefully decorated lobby with
poster bed, work desk, flatscreen TV, CD player with mp3 connection, bathtub and rainfall shower head, quality teas, highend soaps and lotions, take-home slippers, and complimentary chilled water. If I owned a studio flat in Dublin, this is what I’d want it to look like. Continental and full breakfasts are served at Citron, a mezzanine-level restaurant that attracts a steady lunch and
dinner crowd. Inn on the Green is a chic lounge nestled at the far end of the main floor, where guests can sip cocktails and wine with some seclusion. Service is polite and professional. DINING & DRINKING Traditional Irish fare such as lamb stew with soda bread, fish ’n’ chips, and blood sausage (for breakfast) is everywhere. Any pub or cafe will likely serve these dishes. I enjoyed wonderful meals in more contemporary settings, including a hearty bowl of celery root soup and pumpkin risotto for lunch at Coppinger Row (www. coppingerrow.com), a five-minute walk from the Fitzwilliam. A painted brick interior and perched counter seating with views of the kitchen and wine bottlestocked shelves gave this Mediterraneaninfluenced bistro a rather rustic, cozy feel. A suggested dinner spot is 37 Dawson Street (www.37dawsonstreet.ie), a sought-after restaurant by young, primly dressed Gay and straight couples. The mood is elegant and romantic with crystal chandeliers and silk drapes, the energy is vibrant, and the dining space is split into two intimate halves with a small, curved bar on one side. 37 Dawson Street’s dinner-theater theme is noticeably reflected on the menu, whose categories include “Curtain Call,” “Opening Acts,” and “Main Acts.” I was quite satisfied with my perfectly cooked 8-oz. kettle filet of beef served with creamed potatoes, buttermilk onion rings, and pepper sauce. Eating Mexican food in Ireland might see dublin page 18