Laundryheap Blog – Laundry & Dry Cleaning

Same-day collection. Free delivery in 24 hours.

Tag Archives: visitireland


by Leave a comment

Best places to visit in Dublin

With lockdown restrictions being eased across the world we can begin thinking about places to visit once we are free to travel. If you happen to be venturing to Dublin, these are the best places to go. 

  • Grafton Street
  • The Jameson Distillery 
  • The Guinness Storehouse 
  • Phoenix Park 
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral
  • National Museum of Ireland 
  • Croke Park

Grafton Street 

If you’re looking for a quirky shopping experience than Grafton Street is the perfect place for you. The street is buzzing 24/7 with buskers playing everything from tin whistles to acoustic guitars- in fact, U2 front man Bono returns every year to play a set. Boutiques, jewellers, and department stores line both sides of the street, but the highlight is Bewley’s, Dublin’s oldest cafe. At the bottom of this eclectic street is a statue of Molly Malone, the fictional character from Dublin’s famous ballad of the same name. Grafton Street is perfect for a lazy wander, drifting in and out of shops and enjoying the live entertainment. 

Image by William Murphy

The Jameson Distillery 

Since it was founded in 1780, Jameson has been the best selling Irish whiskey on the planet. Despite the original Dublin distillery no longer producing whiskey, the Jameson Distillery tour is not one to be missed. Explore the history of the famous whiskey and it’s founding fathers on a 40-minute tour, ending with a sample of the whiskey in JJ’s bar. In addition to the tour, whiskey tasting, cocktail making classes and whiskey blending classes can be bought. 

Image by http://klarititemplateshop.com/

The Guinness Storehouse

If whiskey isn’t your drink of choice, why not take 1 of the 3 guided tours on offer at the world-famous, Guinness Storehouse. If you are a particularly big lover of Guinness, you can take the ultimate 3-hour Guinness Brewery tour. Completely immerse yourself in the history of Guinness by exploring the Roast House, Brew House, and underground passenger tunnels. After your tour, indulge yourself in an exclusive beer sampling session, trying limited-edition Guinness brews. 

If the 3-hour guided tour isn’t for you, why not take the 1-hour tour of the brewing and advertising floors. After your 1-hour excursion, you’ll experience a tutored tasting session of a range of Guinness brews. Or why not enjoy the Connoisseur experience, where you can sit back and relax with a private tasting experience. Whatever package you decide, it wouldn’t be right to visit the home of Guinness without exploring its storehouse. 

Phoenix Park 

Stretching over 2.7 square miles, Phoenix Park is the largest Urban park in any European capital city. Enjoy a sunny day lying in the grass, or go on a long bike ride around the park, taking in your serene surroundings. If you’re looking for something to do other than lazing in the park, you can take a guided tour of the President of Ireland’s home. Additionally, why not make a visit to Dublin Zoo. Established in 1831, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world and is host to exotic animals from across the world. It’s the perfect day out for all the family. 

Image by Tambako The Jaguar

St Patrick’s Cathedral

Legend has it that St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, baptised people into Christianity at St Patrick’s Cathedral 1500 years ago. Since then, countless people have been baptised at the Cathedral, and still are. Take in the religious grounds of St Patrick’s Cathedral and bask in its spirituality. Note that famous Gulliver’s Travels author Johnathon Swift is buried there with a collection of his early work. Whether you are religious or not, this beautiful 11th Century Cathedral is a wonder that should not be missed.

Image by William Murphy

National Museum of Ireland 

The National Museum of Ireland is compromised of 4 different museums, 3 of which can be enjoyed in Dublin. Free to enter, take in the Museum of Archeology, Museum of Decorative Art and History, and the Museum of Natural History. Amongst the wealth of historical artefacts, is an exquisite collection of Irish metalwork that is a true sight to behold. In addition, the Museum of Natural History has charmingly been dubbed the Dead Zoo due to its extensive collection of taxidermy animals. The National Museum of Ireland is a historic discovery that is equal parts educational as it is fun to explore.

Croke Park 

Named after Archbishop Croke, Croke Park is the third-largest stadium in Ireland and the centre for Gaelic sport. A tour around Croke Park will offer you the chance to try your hand at Hurling and Gaelic Football, as well as tour the players changing room and the VIP area. If you’re feeling daring, why not take the Skyline Tour which takes you 17 stories up, to a platform suspended above the stadium. From the platform enjoy panoramic views of Croke Park and the rest of Dublin.  

Image by William Murphy

Despite lockdown restrictions slowly being eased, we still need to ensure that we are keeping ourselves and those around us safe. Book your hot wash service with us and we will deliver your laundry contactless and within 24 hours. Visit the Laundryheap website or download the Laundryheap app to make your booking.


by Leave a comment

Picturesque spots to walk during self-isolation in Ireland

As we continue to self-isolate, our limited time outside is becoming more important than ever. Being outside in the fresh air helps boost your energy and restore focus, whilst eliminating any cabin fever you may be feeling from being stuck inside all day. If you are residing in Ireland, here are 5 picturesque spots to walk and enjoy the fresh air. 

  • Mangan’s Loop, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
  • Portumna Forest Park – Rinmaher Walking Trail
  • Killeshandra loop
  • Lough Easkey
  • Raven’s Point Loop, Co. Wexford

Mangan’s Loop, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow

This 5 km looped trail will take you through quiet country lanes, forests, and mountains. Tinahely is a small village nestled in the Derry River Valley in the Southern reaches of Wicklow Mountains. From the trail head, you can choose 3 looped trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Before deciding to take on this 90-minute trek, be aware that parts of the trail will require mountaineering equipment. 

Portumna Forest Park – Rinmaher Walking Trail

If you love to explore nature in it’s natural habitat than the Rinmaher Walking Trail is perfect for you. This 10 km loop is for those looking for a slightly longer walk as it will take approximately 2 hours to complete. With views of Lough Derg and signs providing information about the local fauna and flora, this trail is perfect for a picturesque walk after work. 

Photo by  John M

Killeshandra loop

The Killeshandra loop offers a chance to walk through unspoiled Cavan countryside. Surrounded by dense forestry, broken up by streams, this trail offers 2 hours of complete serenity in nature. Surrounded by nothing by coniferous and broadleaf trees, this is the perfect trail to lose yourself in and forget about the stresses of coronavirus.

Photo by Liz McCabe

Lough Easkey

Travel the 6 km shores of Lough Easkey on this trail, taking in the peaceful and serene lakes, surrounded by beautiful forestry. On your route, you will come across the blanket bog, a special conservation area that boasts rare types of moss and threatened bird species. Be sure to wear appropriate hiking boots when taking on this walk as some areas can become soft and boggy. 

Photo by Oliver Dixon 

Raven’s Point Loop, Co. Wexford

Take in the sea breeze whilst exploring the forest at the Raven’s Point Loop. Observe the Raven sand dunes that have been forming since the 1600’s, whilst admiring the trees that were planted in the 1930’s to avoid coastal erosion. Wonder beyond the forest and to the adjoining fields where a population of wild geese roam. This trail provides a combination of beach and forest which is perfect for fully relaxing before heading back inside. 

Photo by Nigel Mykura 

After exploring the wonderful trails that Ireland has to offer, get your hiking clothes dry-cleaned using our services. Visit the Laundryheap website or download the Laundryheap app to book your slot. 


by Leave a comment

Top 5 Day Trips From Dublin City

Ireland’s capital city has a rich history of culture, arts and nightlife. Home to the famed River Liffey and The Temple Bar you would be forgiven for never wanting to leave Dublin. 

Luckily for you, you can travel to just about anywhere in the country from Dublin and back again in a day. 

So if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the fair city, here are some of our top recommendations.

  1. Howth
  2. Wicklow Mountains 
  3. Cliffs of Moher
  4. Kilkenny Castle & City
  5. Connemara & Galway City. 

Howth

Easily the closest of all our destinations on this list. Howth is located just a short 25 minute journey from Dublin City centre. You can take the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) train to this picturesque little fishing village. City dwellers often make the short journey to the rocky peninsula to get a well-earned break from stresses of cosmopolitan life.

Howth offers the delights of fresh sea air to accompany you on your rural hike through this delightful part of the East Coast of Ireland. We recommend visiting Howth Cliff Walk, a family-friendly path with phenomenal panoramic views. There are also countless sights to see like Howth Castle & Gardens, The National Transport Museum and St Mary’s Abbey Medieval ruins to wander around.

A short walk from the train station and you will find delicious street food, handmade jewellery and traditional Irish crafts jumping out from there individual market stalls.

Wicklow Mountains

Spread out over 85 miles, the Wicklow Mountains are a natural wonderland of endless hills, boggy marshes, icy marshes and windswept heaths. The raw natural beauty of Wicklow Mountains is all the more impressive when considering how close this wonderful escape is from Dublin.

The area is sometimes known as Ireland’s Hollywood because many of the countries most famous stars own property in this untouched part of the country. Bono, Daniel Day-Lewis and Guinness family all have homes in and around the Wicklow Mountains.

These mountains host endless walking trails and medieval ruin sights, some of you may have even seen the landscape on films and TV like P.S. I Love You and Vikings. The most popular attraction in this part of Ireland would be the Monastic City at Glendalough.  Located in what is known as the valley of lakes, this early Christian monastery was founded in the sixth century by Saint Kevin. Adventurers can find the ruins of a cathedral and a majestic Irish round tower.

The Cliffs of Moher

At the westernmost edge of the Emerald Isle, the hardy Cliffs of Moher tower nearly 702 feet above the Atlantic ocean. No trip to Ireland is complete without stopping off at these breathtaking cliffs. So breathtaking in fact that they were used in the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Considered by many to be the top destination to visit in Ireland, this unique section of coastline stretches for five miles along the ocean. These striated limestone cliffs are constantly being beaten by the Atlantic winds and waves, resulting in remarkable views all year round. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far west as the Aran Islands, beyond the islands the next bit of land to the West would be the United States.

The cliffs are located on the western border of County Clare, less than an hours drive from Shannon Airport. Travellers from Dublin can take a train to Ennis, and from there take a public bus which makes trips to the cliffs Visitor Centre three times a day.

The Kilkenny Castle & City

Kilkenny is located just an hour away from Dublin so it makes for the perfect day trip from the capital! It is often frequented by Dubliners on weekend getaways or stag parties. The city boasts an electric nightlife. When you aren’t enjoying some of the many pubs and restaurants in the city, go and check out the famous Kilkenny Castle.

One of Ireland’s most visited heritage sites, the Kilkenny Castle was initially built for the powerful Butler family in the 12th century, though much of the present look dates from the Victorian times. From November to January visits are by guided tours only, with self-guided tours from February to October. One standout part of the tour is the Long Gallery which boasts a painted roof and carved marble fireplace.

Connemara & Galway City

Arguably Ireland’s most untouched regions, Connemara is a must-see. Located on the West Coast in County Galway this destination may seem far from Dublin City, but with the train running from Dublin to Galway every hour you can be there in 2 hours 30 minutes.

Thousands of people flock to Connemara every year to see the wild beauty it has to offer. This district really captures the true essence of the West of Ireland with its Connemara ponies, valleys, lakes, thatched cottages and the famous Clifden Castle. Make sure you give yourself enough time to visit Galway city whilst stopping through, this wonderfully quirky city is bustling with traditional Irish music and culture. Eyre Square, 16th Century Spanish Arch, Druid Lane Theatre and the Spanish Quarter are all worth visiting.

If you do decide to embark on any one of these marvellous day trips, why not get your laundry done whilst your away? Laundryheap is here to help with a same day laundry and dry cleaning service with free next day delivery in Dublin.