Seaside walks, reading books and afternoon tea: the perfect weekend in Dublin

If you had to sum up a perfect Irish weekend, how would it go? A beach walk? Wandering through rows of books? Afternoon tea? Listening to discussions and learning something new about your city? Lucky for you, we’ve got all of it in this weekend’s What’s On guide. Happy weekend from IMAGE!

From Saturday: Get fancy at Festive Afternoon Tea at the Shelbourne

If you’re looking for a real luxury treat this weekend, The iconic Shelbourne has updated their Afternoon Tea menu for the festive season, which you can enjoy from Saturday until New Year’s Day. Including house-smoked salmon on Guinness bread, warm homemade gingerbread and a Christmas Eton Mess, the kitchen elves have been busy this year, and we can’t wait to head in and sample it, especially in the beautiful settings of the Lord Mayor’s Lounge. Classic Festive Afternoon Tea is €59 per person and Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea is €75.

All weekend: Be inspired at the Dublin Art Book Fair

Supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and the Art Council of Ireland, this year’s theme for the fair is Art and Architecture, which will look at the rich history of the libraries around the city. The fair itself will feature a massive collected of curated books to browse through, but there’s also a schedule of free events, including performances, readings and walking tours. For all the bibliophiles out there, this is not to be missed.

All weekend: Celebrate and listen at the Dublin Human Rights Festival

With Ireland making huge progress in advancing human rights for minority groups, there is still a long way to go, and an even longer way in many countries abroad. This weekend’s Dublin Human Rights Festival will feature films, workshops, discussions and more to highlight the work that human rights fighters do, and what more can and should be done. Taking place mostly in Smock Alley Theatre.

On Sunday: Relax at Seaside Sundays at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

Inchydoney Lodge & Spa is a much-loved favourite of weekend getaway-lovers here in the office — I mean, have you seen that view? And with their Seaside Sundays as such a perfect way to round off the weekend, we think we might have to head down there again. This Sunday, Cork musician and performer John Spillane will be performing in the hotel’s Dunes Bar, where you can listen to some brilliant music while enjoying their famous fish & chips. Yes please. Costs from €99 per person sharing, including overnight accommodation in a deluxe room, a West Cork breakfast, Fish & Chips with a pint of Murphy’s or glass of wine in Dunes Bar, with access to the spa.