Sean Lally has been head concierge at the renowned Merrion hotel in Dublin since 1997. Here, he opens his little black book and recommends things to see and do in the Irish capital.

Louise Kennedy

Louise Kennedy is Ireland 's premiere fashion designer, renowned for her elegant evening gowns and pared-down separates. Her atelier is housed in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, and she sells a range of artwork, fashion, home accessories and gifts, personally selected by Kennedy, who has impeccable taste.

www.louisekennedy.com

Ely

Ely is a lovely bar for a romantic evening out: it has a great atmosphere and boasts an extensive wine list. The flagship bar is close to the hotel, and there are two more outposts: Ely CHQ on Custom House Quay, which is in the financial district, and Ely HQ at Hanover Quay in Docklands, which I’d recommend for a quiet business drink.

www.elywinebar.ie

O’Donoghue’s

If you’re after an Irish spit-and-sawdust-type experience, replete with live music and a pint of Guinness or an Irish whiskey, head to O’Donoghue’s, which has been a Dublin landmark for over 200 years. It’s a favourite of many visitors to the city, including world-famous actors and musicians.

www.odonoghues.ie

Sam Sara

Sam Sara is a contemporary, trendy cocktail music bar, and a must-visit for stylish singletons or gregarious groups looking for a fun night out. It’s a destination to be seen in and attracts the in-crowd, as well as a scattering of celebrities.

www.lastampa.ie/samsara-cafebar

The K Club

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a trip to The K Club, home of the 2006 Ryder Cup, which is about 40 minutes from the city. I’ve always told guests this is a wonderful destination for golfers, and they’re never disappointed: once they’ve seen for themselves the two magnificent 18-hole championship courses, designed by Arnold Palmer, they’re hooked.

www.kclub.com

Brown Thomas

Brown Thomas, Dublin’s premiere department store, has a dedicated Louis Vuitton boutique, with a room-service menu that involves a consultant offering a personal shopping service for hotel guests in their room. Whether they’re looking for accessories, clothing or gifts, a bespoke appointment can be arranged.

www.brownthomas.com

Patrick Guilbaud

Patrick Guilbaud is a fabulously-elegant restaurant located inside the Merrion Hotel, and is Ireland’s only two-star Michelin establishment. With a combination of the best local ingredients and French gastronomy, it is perfect for a special occasion.

www.restaurantpatrickguilbaud.ie

Chapter One

Chapter One is another award-winning restaurant that I recommend to theatre-goers for their excellent pre-theatre menu. Located in a Georgian dwelling once lived in by James Joyce, it has an old-world charm with sophisticated food influenced by traditional Irish fare.

www.chapteronerestaurant.com

Wicklow mountains

While many visitors come to Dublin to enjoy the city’s history and culture, I urge them to take a trip to the Wicklow mountains where Ireland’s natural landscape is at its finest. You can organise private, bespoke limousine tours, taking in spectacular scenery including St Kevin’s monastic settlement in the Glendalough Valley and the pretty village of Avoca, where the BBC series Ballykissangel was filmed. You can visit Avoca Handweavers, reputed to be Ireland’s oldest weaving mill.

www.visitwicklow.ie

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