An Insider’s Guide to Dublin
With roots in the past and an eye to the future, there are few cities more exciting than Dublin to visit at the moment.
The Irish capital has so much to do and some seriously spectacular food to try.
Christine Orford, a proud Dubliner, takes us on a tour of her favourite corners of the Fair City…
Irish icons close-up
When the sun is shining in Dublin, get out and enjoy it. Head to the Great South Wall and you’ll pass the Poolbeg Stacks, the unofficial icons of the city. Then walk the 3km path jutting out into the middle of Dublin Bay and enjoy incredible panoramic views from Howth to Killiney. This is definitely one of the most Instagrammable walks in the city!
South Great Wall, Dublin
Artists in residence
Of course, good weather is never guaranteed in Ireland. If it does start to pour, duck in to one of Dublin’s incredible museums or galleries.
One of the city’s lesser-known gems is the Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery just off Stephen’s Green. It has five galleries full of curated exhibitions, including everything from bold sculptures to delicate paintings.
And for an even more relaxing appreciation of the arts, head to The Merrion for an afternoon tea inspired by the famous Irish masterpieces.
Silver screen stars
For film fans, Dublin doesn’t disappoint. Head to the Savoy to see the latest blockbusters in the city’s oldest cinema or check out the Light House for arthouse and cult flicks.
If you’re in the mood for old-school glamour, kick back at the Stella. Enjoy waiter service as you settle into plush velvet chairs for your film. And make sure to head to the luxe cocktail bar afterwards for an expertly mixed tipple.
An aural feast
The food scene in the capital is more vibrant than it’s ever been. Foodie podcast With Relish beautifully captures the city’s ever-changing relationship with food.
Brilliant brunches and unmissable snacks
There’s an ever-growing list of must-eat brunches in the city. The millennial meal of choice has caught on in Dublin in a big way. If you’re on the northside, the gorgeous Blas Cafe is an ideal place to start your day. Meanwhile on the south side, Two Pups has a mouth-watering brunch menu and is the perfect spot for people watching.
If you get a hunger pang during the afternoon, grab a rice roll or Vietnamese sandwich in Pang. And if you have a sweet tooth, the vegan fudge in Camerino is not to be missed. Trust us.
Fine dining in the Forest
For a real treat, book a table in Forest Avenue. The six-course tasting menu is full of exciting modern dishes served up by enthusiastic waiters and the wine pairing tips it over the edge into perfection.
Raise a glass
Pubs are part of Dublin’s DNA. From the traditional ones frequented by locals to trendy spots where the fashion set head for raucous nights out, there’s a Dublin pub out there for everyone.
Just opposite Christchurch, the Lord Edward retains an authentic charm in the heart of Dublin’s tourist trail. Fires roar upstairs on cold days and the Guinness is always good.
If you’re into craft beers, there are lots of different establishments to try. The Black Sheep comes complete with board games and an extensive menu of world beers, while Urban Brewing makes its own beers on-site. You can even sign up to do a tour to learn more about how it’s done.
For cocktail lovers, the Smoky Old Fashioned at The Exchequer has to be sampled during your stay. But it’s so delicious that it might be hard to stop at just one.
Where to get your 40 winks
Choosing where to stay can make or break your holiday. Luckily Dublin has loads of excellent places where you can get an authentic Irish welcome and a great night’s sleep. Mulligan Grocer is famous for its excellent beers and out-of-this-world pub grub, but not many people know that you can sleep too. There are two bedrooms and the fridge comes stocked with craft beers. What more could you want?
L Mulligan Grocer Stoneybatter, Dublin
For a little luxury, The Alex is the newly revamped hotel everyone is talking about. Its sleek, mid-century aesthetic is everywhere from reception to the bedrooms.
