Coming to Ireland for the first time in June. My girlfriend and I going to be in Dublin alone for a couple of days before a whole slew of family arrives. Staying @ the Harcourt Hotel. Where would be some romantic spots to take her? I'm thinking of a nice place to eat...romantic walks..you get the idea. Thanks

If the weather's nice, take a picnic at lunchtime in St. Stephens Green or Merrion Square.

For a nice walk, take the DART to Dun Laoghaire (stopping for ice cream in Teddys on the way) and walk down the pier. Otherwise, if you like walking on beaches, take the DART a bit further to Killiney - there's a lovely beach there for long walks.

For a romantic dinner...in the expensive range go to the Unicorn on Baggot Street or Les Freres Jacques on Dame Street.

La Stampa is also supposed to be lovely (I've never been there myself).

You could also bring her on a pony & cart ride around the city - it goes through the nice Georgian areas of the city.

A picnic in St. Stephens Green would be lovely. IIRC, when I was there in late May/early June, they had different bands playing some evenings.

Phoenix Park is one of the loveliest areas in the greater Dublin. There are humdreds of acres to wander through and you can visit the zoo after your picnic.

Re restaurants, try L'Ecrivian on Baggot street or Jacob's Ladder on Nassau street. The best meal I have ever had in Dublin was at Thorton?s, Potabello Rd, one of only two Michelin star restaurants in Dublin. It is very expensive, but absolutely wonderful.

There is a nice, newish little wine bar/restuarant on the side of the Green near Grafton Street, just beyond Dawson street as you walk towards Baggot street, that I had lunch in in February

regards ... Ger

I was also going to suggest Jacob's Ladder for dinner. I would go back there every time I'm in Dublin!

Thanks for your quick replies. If we had a picnic at St. Stephens, where would be some places to grab a meal from? 25 days and counting.

If you mean sandwiches etc., Marks & Spencers on Grafton street would be a good place and there are several sandwich shops in that area.

Personally, I'd avoid Bewleys (overpriced, and believes its own marketing).

If you mean a meal AFTER Spephen's Green, L'Ecrivian and The Unicorn on Baggot street or Jacob's Ladder on Nassau street, Las Stampa on Dawson St., are walking distance (2-5 mins), as is that bistro who's name I can't remember.

OReilly - Thorntons moved from Portobello quite a while ago. It's now on Stephens Green - it's in the Fitzwilliam Hotel. I haven't been there since they moved, but I've heard mixed reports, which is why it wasn't on my list of recommendations!

For sandwiches for your picnic - Marks & Spencer is good (the food hall is downstairs). O'Briens sandwiches are also good - there's one on Grafton Street, one in the Stephens Green shopping centre and one at the corner of Dawson Street and Stephens Green. There are also plenty of other sandwich places around.

OReilly - I'm trying to think of the bistro you're talking about...it's not Brownes is it?

It sounds like peploes to me and I would reccommend this. Book well in advance or just go in for a glass of wine at lunch ion the bar area and they have light snacks. Very good food.

I would skip the crowds at St Stephens Green and Go to the Iveagh Gardens which is practically behind the hotel. Its a small park and very romantic. Take a picnic. You can get Cheeses at Sherison's Cheese mongers on south anne Street of Grafton Street. As well get all the goodies in Liston deli on Camden Street parallel to Harcourt. I discovered the Iveagh gardens from a neighbors little gitl. She called it the secret garden and I feel it is as well.

For a nice meal not at the highest end try peploes, Bang (great steaks), The cellear restaurant in the merrion hotel. Very plush and price are not any higher than a good restaurant. Upstairs is the wow michelan start Patrick Guilbauds.

Try the Fitzwilliam hotel for a cocktail in the evenings. It's on St Stephens Green.

I think taking the dart to Howth would be lovely to the harbour. There are several resturants to eat here and its beautiful on a nice day.