Anyone who thinks there isn't much to Dublin cannot be more wrong. Come on, given its tumultuous history over centuries, Dublin can't be just about Temple Bar and Dublin Castle!
Hidden in both its prominent and less-known streets, lie iconic spots one shouldn't miss if they want to get a taste of the real Dublin. These places are all not of the same kind, so find something that suits you!
Hidden in both its prominent and less-known streets, lie iconic spots one shouldn't miss if they want to get a taste of the real Dublin. These places are all not of the same kind, so find something that suits you!
1. Backstage tour of the Abbey Theatre
The Abbey is one of Dublin's oldest theatres. Started by Lady Gregory and William Butler Yeats himself, the theatre aspired to shatter stereotypes imposed on the Irish people during the colonial rule and give local artistes freedom of expression. Lots of wonderful, mindblowing and touching tales shroud the past of the Abbey Theatre. While getting yourself a ticket to a show at the Abbey is a lovely idea, why not sign up for a backstage tour of the Abbey, to get all the inside information? The Abbey Theatre offers affordable tickets and a friendly guide who will walk you through the backstage areas of this iconic theatre and explain its poignant history. An amazing incentive is that you get a chance to stand on one of the stages of the Abbey! For theatre and history lovers, this is a must-do! I would totally recommend it.
2. Dalkey and Killiney
Okay, so maybe born and bred Dubliners will know this place. But for many newcomers to the city, the hills of Dalkey and Killiney are unheard of, often overshadowed by the more popular Howth Head and Bray to Greystones cliff walks. Dalkey and Killiney are two adjacent hills you can reach from Dalkey DART station (10-15 min walk from Dalkey DART station), and climbing to the summit of both gives you a magnificent view of the Dublin Bay. On a clear day, you might even be able to see the mountains of Wales! The climb doesn't take to long and is relatively easy. Steps are built throughout the way. You can climb only Dalkey, or only Killiney, or both.
3. Liberty Market
The Liberty Market is an indoor market in the Liberties neighbourhood of Dublin. At the edge of Dublin city centre, this neighbourhood has an important place in Dublin's history. Many aspects of this neighbourhood still bear elements of semblance to their yesteryear days, with rows of family-run shops and traditional markets. Whilst on the topic, the Antiques Quarter of Dublin (street full of shops selling antiques of all sorts) also has its place within this region of the city. The Liberty Market, Bulls Ring Market and Iveagh Market are the prominent historic markets in the area, selling clothes, shoes, gifts, and so on. You get many items for cheap. Here I will talk about Liberty Market, on Meath Street, amidst stalls of fruit and vegetable vendors. The market opens only on Friday's, Saturday's and Sunday's.
I went on a Friday morning by myself so it was pretty awkward because there were mostly senior citizens around, but otherwise you should be able to get various cool items for a steal if you explore the shops closely. If you're just window shopping, you should be in and out in 10 minutes.
I went on a Friday morning by myself so it was pretty awkward because there were mostly senior citizens around, but otherwise you should be able to get various cool items for a steal if you explore the shops closely. If you're just window shopping, you should be in and out in 10 minutes.
Photo credits: https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/travel/2017/1010/911173-dublins-the-liberties-travel-ireland/
4. Portmarnock coastal walk
If you're more of a beach person, this makes a great afternoon walk. Rather underrated (except for those living nearby), this coastal walk will bring you along Portmarnock beach till Malahide. I actually didn't do much research about getting there and had to walk for ages from Portmarnock DART station. Instead, taking bus 32B or 42 from the city centre will bring you directly to the beach. On a sunny day, views of the ocean will be stunning.
5. St. Valentine's shrine
The resting place of the patron saint of love is right at the heart of Dublin - on Aungier Street! There is a shrine dedicated to St. Valentine in the gorgeous Whitefriar St. Carmelite Church. The moment you step into the church, all the buzz of busy Aungier Street fades and you begin marvelling the shiny pews and stained glass windows. You can walk around the church and freely explore when mass isn't happening (mass happens 3-4 times daily, see board outside the church for timings). There are shrines of various different saints too. To the right of the church, you will see that of St. Valentine. Here, one can pray, light a candle and sign the guestbook. It is no surprise that many lost in love come to his shrine from far and wide to offer their prayers and ask their deepest wishes at his altar.
January 2019