Where to get a good haircut...
If you're looking for the best place to get a hair-cut in Dublin take your unruly locks to South William Street where you'll find the who's who of Dublin's finest salons including Dylan Bradshaw, Style Club, Brown Sugar and Zeba ready to snip your mane into line. Have your Euro at the ready though - when it comes to a quality cut you get what you pay for! Look out for special offers on their individual websites, especially on quiet days such as Mondays. On average a good haircut can cost anything from 40 to 120 Euros. Prices vary wildly between city centre salons so it's worth shopping around if you're counting the pennies.

Best shoes...
A visit to the shoe department in Brown Thomas is a real payday treat, but other independent shoe shops including Fitzpatrick's on Grafton Street where they source leather shoes from their own suppliers in Italy are also worth a visit. If you're shopping with a conscience, check out the Natural Shoe Store on 25 Drury Street. This shoe shop sells flats and foot-shaped shoes which they say are far better for your feet than anything you'll pick up elsewhere. They're also famous for their selection of vegan-friendly shoes and boots and provide a mail-order service if you haven't bargained on paying for excess luggage.

Luxurious spa and massage...
Mandala Spa at La Stampa Hotel on Dawson Street is one of Dublin's best urban retreats. This upmarket spa is so spacious and tranquil that you'll easily forget that you're in the centre of a major capital city. Be sure to try the oriental teas as you flop in the plush "Arabian Nights" style chill-out area.

Yoga in Dublin...
The Samadhi Centre in Dublin offers classes for all abilities and its location in the centre of Temple Bar makes it the perfect place to relax and rewind if you're on a flying visit to the Irish capital. Lotus Yoga on Wicklow Street is another option, offering pay-as-you-go options from €10 per class.

Favourite boutiques...
Aside from all the major fashion chains there are lots of nice little boutiques in Dublin. Some of my favourites include Carousel on Exchequer Street, which sells vintage and vintage-inspired clothes.  I also like browsing the rails of the various designers inside department stores such as Arnotts - look out for Irish label Laundry Room for cute dresses. A-wear is an Irish chain selling a catwalk-worthy collection of bags, shoes, casual, party and work wear at affordable prices. Look out for stores on Grafton Street and Henry Street.

Best thing to do for free in Dublin...
Take a walk down Grafton Street and catch the "next big thing" busking in the open air before they get too famous.

What to avoid in Dublin...
On the weekends, Temple Bar after dark is the epicentre of Dublin's "touristy" nightlife.  Some may find the loud bars and jammed streets too much to handle. But if you're planning a wild night on the tiles, by all means be our guest!

Scenic journey we recommend...
A lazy scenic drive around the dramatic Dublin coastline lets you appreciate the beauty of the Irish capital from a whole new perspective. Choose between Howth and Malahide on the northside and Dalkey and Killiney on the southside of the city.

These coastal villages are the "Millionaires Row" of Dublin.  Famous Dalkey residents include Bono, as well as Enya and Van Morrison.

While you're here, don't miss your chance to sample Dublin Bay's finest seafood in restaurants such as King Sitric in Howth or Guinea Pig in Dalkey village.

There are a number of ways to travel around these scenic routes including Dublin car hire, Dublin Bus Coastal Tours and Irish Rail (check timetables and rates before you go).