The M50 motorway circles Dublin in a C-shaped ring around and runs from the North of the city near Howth all the way around Dublin heading South down to Wicklow. There are many great ways to explore Dublin from the M50 near the Dublin Skylon Hotel. Here are a few of our top suggestions.
Leave the Dublin Skylon Hotel and hop onto the M50 within 5-10 minutes.
Ikea
Travelling South on the M50 from the Dublin Skylon Hotel take the first exit you come to (Junction 4 towards Ballymun)
The Swedish giant that we have been pronouncing incorrectly for the last 20 years (we have been saying I – key-ah – now we discover its Ick-ee-ah!) is located only about 10 minutes from the Dublin Skylon Hotel. Do your research before going using our FREE Wi-Fi in the hotel – pick out what you want and see where and what shelves the stuff you want is on and whether it’s in stock – this will make your shopping in Ikea a fun day out for all the family. Marvel at the cleverly designed bedrooms and miniature houses planned out for you as you stroll around the furniture and storage giant and imagine what your house could look like if you copied them!
Dublin Zoo
To avoid going through town to get to Dublin Zoo from the Dublin Skylon Hotel, just take the M50 and exit at Junction 6. Follow the Directions to Castleknock/Pheonix Park and you will be at Dublin Zoo in a matter of minutes!
Located only 15 minutes from the Dublin Skylon Hotel, Dublin Zoo is much more than a fun-filled, stimulating day out for all the family... it’s a place to learn about wild animals, especially those which are endangered. The Zoo is a registered charity – your visit will help maintain Dublin Zoo to a high standard, improve the Zoo and contribute to conservation programmes.
Situated in the Phoenix Park in the heart of Dublin city, Dublin Zoo is Ireland’s most popular family attraction, and welcomed over one million visitors last year.
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
For those interested in doing a spot of shopping near the M50, Blanchardstown is the first shopping centre to will come to as you travel southward on the M50 coming from the Dublin Skylon Hotel. Exit at Junction 6 and follow the signs to Blanchardstown.
Blanchardstown Centre offers a unique shopping & leisure experience. Home to over 180 stores, 3 Retail Parks and 25 Restaurants, it is located just outside Dublin City on the N3, (M50 exit 6) linked to all major motorways making it Ireland’s most accessible and largest destination shopping centre. Parking is completely free.
For a full list of stores please click here.
Kilmainham Gaol
Follow M50 to Chapelizod Bypass/R148 in South Dublin. Take exit 7 from M50
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe, covering some of the most heroic and tragic events in Ireland's emergence as a modern nation from 1780s to the 1920s. Attractions include a major exhibition detailing the political and penal history of the prison and its restoration. The tour of the prison includes an audio-visual show.
When Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796, it was one of the most modern prisons in Ireland. The rectangular west wing of the Gaol dates from this period. In the early years, debtors comprised over half the prison population. Others were detained for begging, stealing, assault, prostitution and drunkenness. Conditions were harsh. For the first fifty years the building had no glass in the windows and no lighting. Prisoners were allowed one small candle every two weeks. Bread, milk, oatmeal and soup were among the food listed on diet sheets.
On 28th February 1910, the prison was closed but was later used to house political prisoners during the period from 1916 to 1924.
Liffey Valley
Take exit 7 on the M50 and keep right following the signs to Lucan/Liffey Valley
Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is another one of Ireland's largest shopping and leisure destinations, with shops, restaurants, cinemas and free car parking.
They have some of the largest stores in Ireland and the retailers carry their full ranges, not just a selection. The personal stylist at Liffey Valley is here to help fashionistas who are serious about their style!
Located in The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre on Fonthill Rd, Vue Dublin is a 14 screen cinema with approximately 3,804 seats.The Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has ample parking spaces and is surrounded by various restaurants and shopping facilities making for a great day out. A large motor park with all the top car brands are here if you want to pick up a new car on the way homw from the Dublin Skylon Hotel!
Dundrum Town Centre
Dundrum is Ireland's largest shopping centre with over 169 tenants, more than 120,000 square metres of floor space and over 3,400 car parking spaces. It is located just south of the town centre of Dundrum.
Dundrum lists over 169 tenants ranging from high fashion to restaurants to a cinema. Some of the larger retail tenants include Tesco Ireland, Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser, HMV, H&M, Next, Harvey Nichols, Gap, Hollister Co., Penney's, Hamleys, Eddie Rocket's, Ashfield College and WOW HD.
With cinemas, fashion and a host of restaurants, Dundrum romises a fun day out for all ages!
