Lonely Planet urges ‘hockey on steroids’ as Dublin hangover cure

Lonely Planet has urged its millions of readers to take in a game of hurling as part of the perfect Irish hangover cure.

The travel bible, which sees 11 million visitors every month, recommends taking in the game described as “hockey on steroids” to help ease a sore head.

The Irish capital is world famous for its nightlife and pubs, prompting the travel site to issue the ultimate guide to Dublin On A Hangover.

One of the most offbeat items on the list is a trip to the home of Gaelic games to clear out the cobwebs. “Sports play a huge part in the cultural identity of the Irish. Take a tour of iconic Croke Park, the stadium home to Gaelic football and hurling (whose frantic action can feel like hockey on steroids).

“Better still, grab a ticket to one of the matches and see for yourself just what these games mean to Dubliners.”

For those looking for another invigorating cure, the guide advocates jumping into the freezing Irish Sea following a visit to the James Joyce museum in Sandycove.

“The hardy can take a reviving plunge into the icy sea water of the Forty Foot Pool situated just below the tower,” says Lonely Planet.

When it comes to culinary cures, it suggests a creamy Irish coffee in the Stage Door cafe in Temple Bar to “kick-start the day” and Mexican food in Pablo Picante, Clarendon Street, “as the perfect greasy hangover feast”.

The guide encourages visitors to head to Grafton Street to indulge in some retail therapy.

“Down this bustling, pedestrianised thoroughfare, you’ll find all the essential high street brands, while off the Main Street there are plenty of unique boutiques, bookshops and jewellers worth exploring”, said the Lonely Planet.

Visitors are also told to take in the Book of Kells in Trinity College as “calm spaces are a great respite for delicate head”.

Guinness Storehouse is described as “heartily commercialised” but its Gravity Bar overlooking the old factory is endorsed as a “real gem”.

Temple Bar is flagged to getting over the night before in the capital.

“Temple Bar is as lively at midday as it is at midnight. Set aside half a day to wander the cobbled streets: browse the galleries and vintage boutiques, find a bargain at a book stall or in one of the record shops and be sure to check out the eclectic array of weekend markets.”

Its final suggestion appears to be the hair of the dog coupled with a dose of Irish literary greats.

“A pub crawl might be the last thing on your mind. But the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl is a witty walkabout, and the guides really know their stuff, from Joyce to Wilde and Yeats to Heaney, bringing the city’s fascinating literary history to life.

“And when you’re tucked up in the cosy warmth of an Irish pub with a pint of Guinness in hand, swapping stories with new friends, you’ll think, ‘Hangover? What hangover?’”