The fun city less than two hours from England with famous bars, live bands and trendy hotels
I PICK up my pint, studying the thin layer of white foam balanced atop the dark elixir, before taking a swig.
This is my first ever experience of Guinness and it seems only right I’m trying it in the drink’s birth-place of Dublin.
You won’t be hard pushed to find the famous stout at any drinking hole in the Irish capital.
But The Temple Bar Pub, near the river, is ideal for those who like their pints served up with a live band.
After barely any time in the city, it’s clear the locals believe drinking and music go hand in hand.
Another venue that understands this well is the vibrant Hard Rock Hotel Dublin, just along the river from Temple Bar Pub and a stone’s throw from Dublin Castle.
Located in the beating heart of the city, the hotel is a pleasant assault on the senses, with a bright, modern interior, rock ’n’ roll mem-orabilia arranged throughout and music piped out of every speaker.
And it really is a haven for rock fans. Ever fancied playing a Fender guitar? Just ask and one will be delivered to your room along with an amp.
Want to listen to your favourite artist on vinyl?
A Crosley record player and carefully curated selection of albums are in your room waiting for you.
My room is spacious and full of magical musical touches, such as a trumpet lamp and funky wall prints of two Irish greats — the late Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott and U2 star The Edge.
There are also Bring Your Own Vinyl sessions every Thursday at Zampas, the hotel’s lively in-house bar and restaurant.
Having not packed any records for my stay, I take a short walk to local retro shop Spindizzy Records, specialising in all genres of vinyl.
Still being a Nineties raver at heart, I pick out Basement Jaxx dance album Remedy.
But if you haven’t brought along your own vinyl and don’t want to buy some, you’re welcome to choose from Hard Rock’s in-house collection.
Make sure you treat yourself to a signature cocktail or two while you jam — the Pink Potion No.79 is to be highly recommended — pear-flavoured vodka mixed with rasp-berry liquor, apple juice and citrus.
Yoga at end of bed
After spinning a few discs, I feasted on delicious chicken in a Peruvian marinade.
Just as mouthwatering was the chocolate-plate dessert, comprising milk-chocolate mousse, a dark-choc delice and white-choc sorbet.
Bliss in a dish.
More good news is that you need not worry about overindulging on the food front because Hard Rock’s exclusive yoga programme Rock Om can be enjoyed from your room on the huge revolving TV screen at the end of the bed.
Just make sure to grab a yoga mat from reception first, then it is the perfect way to burn off those calories.
The serenity of the yoga was mixed perfectly with some great tunes as I attempted to recreate the poses demonstrated on screen by the experts.
But being in such a prime spot in Dublin, it’s worth getting out to explore the city.
If you’re new in town and want to grasp your bearings, take a Big Bus Tour.
Our driver and guide Niall, who really should pursue a career in comedy, points out sights including Christ Church Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse attraction — telling the story of the beer — and The Spire monument, known locally as The Rod To God.
Back at the Temple Bar Pub for one final Guinness, a cover band is giving a phenomenal performance of a U2 hit.
A visit to Dublin doesn’t rock more than this.
GO: Dublin
STAYING THERE: One night’s B&B in a Superior Queen Room at Hard Rock Hotel Dublin is from €244 (about £210).