There is nothing better than coming home from work on a Friday and knowing that you have all weekend to relax. In these busy times a full workweek can tire even the most enthusiastic and energetic of workers. Escaping from the stresses and demands of the workplace is harder now than it has ever been, and an occasional weekend break is absolutely necessary to keep workers productive and happy.

While everybody has different ideas of what constitutes a perfect weekend getaway, several cities have been proven to be perennial favorites. Here are ten of the best weekend getaways worldwide:

1. Chicago – Chicago truly has something for everyone. The beach is a haven for relaxation and contemplation, while the bustling city shops are perfect for retail therapy. The variety of activities on offer is immense – from natural exploration of the Great Lakes to sightseeing and exploring the architectural marvels of the city, there’s always something new to see and do. And when you stay at the Raffaello Hotel Chicago you’ll enjoy a luxurious setting in a prime location.

2. Dublin – Dublin is great for a weekend getaway because it really is the heart of Ireland. You’ll find that

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and is located on the island’s East coast. Yet despite being the biggest city in Ireland, Dublin is relatively compact and can easily be seen on foot. This charming city is renowned for its Irish tradition and the friendly atmosphere, as you’ll quickly discover during your stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin.

More than a thousand years ago Dublin was a trading post for slaves and silver which was controlled by the Viking military. Years later in 1169, the city was taken over by the Normans after they invaded neighboring England. And after that the city was ruled by Great Britain until the Easter Rising of 1916. This skirmish was a critical turning point of the city and marked the end of the UK’s influence. From this point onwards the city was run by the Anglo Irish Treaty that eventually formed the Republic of Ireland.

Given this long and fascinating past, it’s no wonder that Dublin has plenty of historic features for tourists to explore. The Christchurch Cathedral is a medieval focal point located in the center of the city. Dublin Castle and the Irish Parliament are both nearby and well worth a visit. And don’t miss the Joyce Museum, Dublin Writers Museum and the National Museum which offer a wonderful introduction to Dublin’s unique artistic and cultural heritage.

If shopping is your thing then you won’t want to miss

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

With a population of almost half a million, Dublin is the both the capital and largest city on the island of Ireland. It was first founded in 488AD as a shipping port to transport goods across the Irish Sea to England, Europe and Scandinavia, and has progressively grown into a modern day city over the years.

Today Dublin is a charming mixture of the old and new which merge nicely from the downtown area out into the suburbs.

And the city is now home to a sizable number of immigrants, coming from Great Britain, the US, Australia, New Zealand, and continental Europe. More recently, Nigerian, Indian, and Eastern European populations have also migrated into the city, largely attracted by Ireland’s booming economic success since the mid-1990′s.

As a result, old run-down streets have rapidly been rehabilitated to become busy ‘ethnic districts’, such as Moore Street’s transformation into ‘Little Africa’ and Parnell Street East which has become the city’s de-facto ‘Chinatown’ and ‘Asian Village’. These cultural enclaves are a great way

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

Dublin is one of the most popular capital cities in Europe, and when you stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin you’ll quickly discover that this great city has a wide range of attractions to suit any tastes. Catch the latest music when you spend an evening at the city’s many modern bars and clubs. Or learn more about Ireland’s turbulent past at historic Dublin castle.

The castle, under British rule for around seven hundred years, became the property of the Irish free state in 1922.

If you like museums, The National Museum Of Ireland is certainly worth a visit. This museum includes 3 different sections spread over 3 different locations. The three areas covered are:

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

Ireland has always been a great travel destination, and during your stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin you’ll quickly find out why. Today, long-term vacationers and those who just want a quick get-a way for a weekend or so, come to Ireland to experience a unique combination of old town charm mixed with the excitement of big-city conveniences. Whatever your age or interests, you’ll find that Ireland has something to catch your eye, and keep you coming back for more.

Dublin itself is a great place to start since it is the capital of Ireland. But don’t forget to visit Belfast, which is the capital of Northern Ireland. Both of these cities began as shipping ports and their historical charm and distinctive character is still very much in evidence if you take a moment to look behind the hustle and bustle of modern life.

If you’d like to take things a slower pace, there are many cultural villages scattered across the countryside that include museums, theaters, sporting events and great food, all just a short trip from the Brehon Hotel in Killarney. Of course, if you want to go out to a trendy restaurant for dinner and then dance until dawn, there is plenty of nightlife available too – just ask the natives where to look.

And it’s no secret that Ireland is known for its hospitality. While the dining rooms at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin are a great place to start if you want to sample some traditional Irish dishes, other restaurants and outdoor pubs can be found almost anywhere. So during your travels be sure to make time to

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

10 Fun Dublin Facts

Ireland’s capital city Dublin is one of the most visited city destinations in Europe. It seems these days that practically everyone has been there, done that, and seen it all in Dublin. But besides being home to Guinness, Trinity College, The Temple Bar and Grafton Street, there is far more to Dublin than initially meets the eye.

Here’s some fun Dublin trivia to keep in mind when you stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin:

1. Dublin is called Baile Atha Cliath in Gaelic and dates back to the 9th century. It was originally a Viking settlement.

2. At one time O’ Connell Street, Dublin’s main street was actually the widest street in Europe.

3. Dublin is also a county as well as a city.

Of course, even though it is a large city it is one of the smallest counties.
4. The head of the Irish government is called An Taoiseach, which is the Gaelic word for “leader”

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

If you are looking for great day-trips that don’t cost a fortune while you’re enjoying your stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin, you’ll find that Ireland offers many interesting places to visit, including Cork, Galway and Listowel.

If you want to learn more about Irish history and culture, Listowel is a perfect place for you. You can see the Garden of Europe with its beautiful array of flowers and plants. Nearby, the St John’s Art and Heritage Centre is filled with religious sites and some spectacular architectural buildings. And don’t miss the famous Listowel Castle. Other historical sites in Listowel are River Fort and Cladh Ruadh. Listowel makes a great day trip, but with so much to see and do you can easily spend several days in this charming city.

Galway Ireland can be just as exciting for a day trip destination as Dublin and Listowel. Frye Square in Galway has the cathedral, Galway Court House and the harbor. And Galway is well-known for its many festivals. From the Galway Art Festival to the Galway Oyster Festival there’s always something going on, so be sure to

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

Things you won’t want to miss during your stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin

The Harcourt Hotel Dublin is centrally located at St Stephen’s Green within easy reach of Dublin’s famous Grafton Street shopping area, also known as Sraid Grafton. Grafton Street runs from St. Stephen’s Green in the south to College Green in the north and was recently named one of the most expensive main shopping streets anywhere in the world. The street was originally named after Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton, who was the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England.

Grafton Street is now Dublin’s most fashionable shopping street, and houses everything from chain stores to select designer boutiques and exclusive jewelers. This street was pedestrianized in the 1970’s and is so short that you could stroll the entire length in less than 10 minutes – but you’ll probably spend a lot longer than that!

You’ll find some of Dublin’s most popular retailers here including Marks and Spencer’s, Brown Thomas, BT2, Vero Moda, Oasis, Next, River Island, Laura Ashley, Monsoon and Weirs Jewellers. If you’re looking for music, HMV is the place to go. And eager readers can find the latest editions at Hughes & Hughes and The Dublin Bookshop in the Stephens Green Centre.

And since this is Ireland, you’ll find many talented street performers that are as big an attraction as the shops. Buskers, including musicians, poets and mime artists frequently perform for the shopping crowds. Keep your eyes open for Roadmage’s comedy/magic show, and the guitar duo of Rodrigo y Gabriela. Among the famous performers who got their start on Grafton Street include Academy Award winner Glen Hansard, Damien Rice, John Nee, and Paddy Casey, so keep your eyes and ears open when you stay at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin and you may spot the next big thing!

Dining out near the Harcourt Hotel Dublin

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com

Why the Harcourt Hotel Dublin?

If you’re looking for a centrally-located hotel that offers the perfect blend of friendly comfort and lively entertainment, look no further than the Harcourt Hotel Dublin! This stylish hotel, once the home of celebrated playwright George Bernard Shaw, is a just short distance from Temple Bar, making it convenient to some of Dublin’s best pubs, clubs and stores, including St. Stephen’s Green and the famous Grafton Street shopping area.

The Harcourt Hotel Dublin includes eight historically-listed buildings in the elegant Georgian style. Guests can select from 104 comfortably refurbished bedrooms in either the main hotel or the “new wing” located just next door.

Apart from the standard twin and double rooms, the Harcourt Hotel Dublin offers numerous triple and quad rooms and even family rooms that can sleep up to 5 persons.  A range of suites are also available to suit the needs of every traveler. No matter which accommodation you choose, you’ll find your room comfortably furnished with direct dial telephone, television, hairdryer/trouser press and tea/coffee machines so you can relax with all the modern conveniences within easy reach.

Dining at the Harcourt Hotel Dublin

Audio Feed

Video Feed

Search provided by HarcourtHotelDublin.com