Dublin isn’t all Guinness, beer drinking, Irish dancing, folk singing in pubs to inebriated punters, although of course if you’re looking for that you just follow your nose, you’ll find it in a jiffy.

There is a charming, historical, designer side to the city as well, so it’s easy to get a bit of each.

One thing to do in advance of any travel and preferably well in advance is to check out what is happening at the Gaiety Theatre, and just saying that brings on a bit of an Irish accent like.

Late September to mid-October is the Dublin Theatre Festival if that happens to be when you’re travelling. Go towards the end and you’ll experience the blaze of colour that is the autumn and glorious against a blue sky.

It doesn’t always rain just so you know, also said with an Irish accent.

Now where to stay?

I particularly love Number 31, it’s a real gem and perfect for the traveller who likes a bit of authenticity, but not ideal if you don’t tackle stairs. Don’t worry they will carry your luggage up, it’s more a case of will you be okay following six pints of Guinness?

It’s really like staying in the home of a wealthy in the know friend who understands interior design and comfort. Heavenly beds, linen and good strong showers.

You’ll arrive via the Mews House which is 70’s chic complete with a sunken living area with a log fire burning. Huge expensive coffee table books on architecture and fashion abound alongside an honesty bar where you can mix your own gin and tonic and sit back to watch the flames dance.

Where to dine is the question to which there are lots of answers, this a fave website for what is really hot and what is not in Dublin – Lovin Dublin.

That said, save room for the simply enormous and delectable breakfast at No. 31, it really is a sensation and something to be savoured.

For a bit of culture, pre-book to take a stroll around Trinity College and the Book of Kells. Essential to pre-book online to avoid standing in a queue…. who does that?

If you want a real cup of coffee and I mean a real cup, get yourself to Clement & Pekoe and take up a spot on the bench outside and people watch.