“Dublin city, where the streets are narrow
but the opportunities are broad, the
craic (Irish for fun) is in abundance
and the people have a heart of gold.
Whether you’re following your Celtic
roots or looking for that pot of gold
at the end of a rainbow, here are the
hidden gems found around the capital.
From an Irish perspective of course.”
Touch down in Dublin.
What’s the first thing any visitor should do?
Once rested up, pop out to Dublin’s iconic Grafton Street. Located
in the heart of the city, it’s a hub of shops and cafés. Wander
aimlessly and meander through the labyrinth of cobbled streets,
taking in the sweet sights and sounds.
What are the little known treasures only locals know about?
Georges Street Arcade is located on the ground floor of one of
Dublin’s most historic buildings. Take a walk through the boutiques
and afterwards, pop across to the Powerscourt Centre for more
curious shops and handmade jewellers.
Take a 40 minute walk along the River Liffey. This stroll will
take you from one end of the city to the other. And the route will
not disappoint. Along the boardwalk you’ll take in such sights
as the Ha’penny Bridge, The Spire, Dublin’s IFSC, The High
Courts, Custom House, Samuel Beckett Bridge, The Tall Ships
and Docklands.
What’s the best way to get out and about?
If you fancy a cycle, rent a bike from one of the city’s many bike
stations. Pedal to the famous Phoenix Park where you might even
see wild deer. Here you will also find the spectacular home of the
Irish President, Michael D. Higgins at Àras an Uachtaráin, as well
as the Papal Cross which was erected in 1979 for Pope John Paul II.
Dublin is very bike friendly and a great way to cover a lot of
ground. For a picturesque view, cycle to the Grand Canal Dock.
Here you can rest that bum up and take in the sights while enjoy-
ing a quick bite to eat.
Where’s best to go on a warm sunny day?
Step outside of the city and head to Howth Head. Located along
Dublin’s magnificent coastline, Howth is a picture-perfect location.
Catch the train from Dublin’s Tara Street station, then rent a car
and drive along the coastline. Here you can hike up the Howth
cliff and then savour one of Dublin’s most famous fish and chips
at Beshoffs The Market. After perusing the food stalls, lock lips
with golden fried fish. Tastes just like NZ, except here it’s mostly
Atlantic Cod and Irish Haddock. Afterwards, you can get some
amazing pictures of the lighthouse.
What about getting up, out and active?
If you’re full of energy and love to keep active while on holiday,
here are a few calorie burning activities to dig your heels into:
• H I K E A RO U N D G L E N DA LO U G H . Located 20 minutes outside
of Dublin in beautiful Co. Wicklow, this spectacular 6th century
monastic settlement is flanked by a lake and looks great on the
social media feed.
• T H E N AT I O N A L AQ UAT I C C E N T R E . Located about 15 minutes
from Dublin city centre in Blanchardstown, the Aquatic Centre
is one for the kids (and where the adults can also channel their
inner child).
• C I T Y K AYA K I N G . See the city from a different perspective - by
water. City kayaking will bring you down Dublin’s most famous
river, the Liffey, and no doubt you’ll earn a good feed after.
• Z I P I T F O R E S T A DV E N T U R E S . Becoming more and more popu-
lar, this adventure centre promises to be a great day out for all.
What is there to do on a sleepy Sunday morning?
Shattered on a Sunday morning? Why not wind down with a trip
to the National Leprechaun Museum. This unique experience is
the only one you’ll find in Dublin.
If it’s a dry Sunday morning, Powerscourt Estate is a must.
These beautiful grounds were voted number three garden in the
world by National Geographic. Located just 20 minutes outside of
Dublin, the residence will take your breath away, with waterfalls,
perfectly groomed lawns, bespoke shopping and mouth-watering
food served at the renowned Avoca café.
Where are the best budget restaurants?
• T H E E XC H E Q U E R . Traditional wholesome Irish grub.
• T H E G R A N D C E N T R A L . Diverse menu with central city views.
• T R I B E C A R E S TA U R A N T & W I N E B A R . Voted Dublin’s best
chicken wings.
And if we’re after a blow-out dining venue?
• T H E F I R E R E S TA U R A N T. Simple, signature dishes. Vaulted
ceilings and stained glass.
• T H E S A D D L E R O O M - T H E S H E L B O U R N E H OT E L .
Distinguished steak and seafood, with a lavish oyster bar.
• R E S TA U R A N T PAT R I C K G U I L B A U D . Ireland's two star
Michelin restaurant.
What should visitors drink and where should they drink it?
Ireland is world renowned for its stiff spirits and the almighty
pint of Guinness, so when in Rome, or in this case Dublin, sample
the finest pour the capital has to offer. Visit Bruxelles on 7 Harry
Street. This pub omits a mixed vibe of cosmopolitan meets tradi-
tional rustic pub. Bruxelles encompasses what a true Irish bar has
to offer: music, amazing pub grub and friendly people all under its
Victorian style architecture. A fan of Thin Lizzy? Why not snap a
selfie with Phil Lynott’s famous sculpture just outside.
What are the unmissable tourist spots every visitor should see?
It goes without saying, when in Dublin, you’ve got to see the
Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery, the GPO on O’Connell
Street and the famous Temple Bar. If you’re a fan of poetry, be
sure to check out The Oscar Wilde House at 1 Merrion Square.
Any departing last tips?
Walk everywhere and surrender yourself to everything this friendly
city has to offer. Afraid of getting lost? Don’t be. Irish folk love
nothing more than helping bewildered tourists find their bearings.
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