Dublin can be heaven…if you know where to go! No better person to advise than a proper local. Take some tips from local culture head and proper Dub, Emily O’Callaghan
After Hours
For a lovely creamy pint in a proper old Irish pub where the locals go to: Kehoes, South Anne Street, Grogan’s, South William Street or the Long Hall on George Street. Anytime
Your central LGBT+ bar and dancing: Panti on Capel Street, somewhat of an institution, The George, Georges Street, for drag bingo, karaoke and loads of dancing.
The latest and greatest from Irelands stand up comedy scene: Comedy Gold at The Button Factory, upstairs, Friday 9pm.
Late night messing in a pub/club: The Workmans on the quays. Let yourself go and enjoy the craic.
Looking to meet someone and see some live music: You will love Whelans.
Hangover cure: Another pint of Guinness at lunchtime and/or Murphy’s ice cream, Wicklow Street.
Good coffee and friendly staff: Kaph, Drury Street, Network, Aungier Street, Shoe Lane, Tara Street
Treat yo’self: Coppinger Row for a lunch or dinner that you won’t forget. It’s where Beyonce and Jay Z dined when they were in town
Yummy food in a nearby suburb: Walk to Rathmines from the city centre and feast away at the excellent Hey Donnas, afterwards you can pop into The Bernard Shaw (Portobello area) on your way back into the city if you’re into beer gardens. There is also the Eatyard attached to the pub which is thriving and a lovely spot for food and a drink if the sun’s out.
Pizza: queues have recently started forming outside Pi on Georges Street and people rave about the Dublin Pizza Company (take away only) on Aungier Street. Coke Lane is fantastic if you get as far as Smithfield. It’s attached to the awesome Frank Ryans pub.
Fish and Chips: Leo Burdocks, go to the original one near Christchurch.
Exploration
Culture time: The Little Museum of Dublin on Stephens Green for proper Irish memorabilia, Hugh Lane to see Francis Bacon’s studio, National Archeology Museum to see Bog Bodies
A little walk to get some nature into you:: St Stephens Green Park to see the Pigeon man, Phoenix Park to see the deer, Iveagh Gardens for a secret garden experience
True history preserved: Henrietta Street, have a stroll up to see it and feel those centuries of life in one street. Pop into number 14 for a tour of one of the houses.
Escape the city: jump on a DART train to the seaside either direction – you’ll be there in less than an hour. Give yourself around 3 hours to explores and grab a bite to eat. In Howth your place is Octopussy Seafood Tapas, in Greystones, it’s Happy Pear
Really escape the city (if arriving in Dublin a day or two before SaaStock or staying on for the weekend): Take the train or bus to Westport, Mayo and experience proper Irish hospitality and nearby countryside views and ocean.
Enjoy Dublin responsibly and email Emily emilycleodie@gmail.com with any queries you have or if you want a local friend to hang out with!
