Barbara's Guidebook
Irish history
Kilmainham Gaol Museum
Inchicore RoadThis former military barracks has two diverse collections. Decorative arts encompasses silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery and coins while the military history collection tells of Ireland's military and revolutionary past. Admission is free.
14 locals recommend
Collins Barracks
Benburb StreetThis former military barracks has two diverse collections. Decorative arts encompasses silver, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing, jewellery and coins while the military history collection tells of Ireland's military and revolutionary past. Admission is free.
Beautiful gardens
Free to visit, 20 hectares of gardens. Best times to visit is naturally during the summer months when everything is in full bloom. Don’t feed the grey squirrels!
There are tours at 11:30 am most Sundays. You need to book them through eventbrite and they’re €10 per person. There is a nice coffee shop on site too.
79 locals recommend
National Botanic Gardens
There are tours at 11:30 am most Sundays. You need to book them through eventbrite and they’re €10 per person. There is a nice coffee shop on site too.
There is a lovely walk around Malahide Castle as well as great food on site with Avoca handweavers.
187 locals recommend
Malahide Castle & Gardens
Back RoadThere is a lovely walk around Malahide Castle as well as great food on site with Avoca handweavers.
This is the largest urban park in any European city. It’s safe to walk around and is open 24/7.
The Park is also home to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Áras an Uachtaráin (where our president lives) Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh House, Phoenix Café and Tea Rooms.
Phoenix Park is home to herds of wild Irish deer – take a walk or a bike and explore the park to catch a glimpse of the deer grazing or prancing about - but please don’t feed them!
1242 locals recommend
Phoenix Park
This is the largest urban park in any European city. It’s safe to walk around and is open 24/7.
The Park is also home to the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Áras an Uachtaráin (where our president lives) Dublin Zoo, Farmleigh House, Phoenix Café and Tea Rooms.
Phoenix Park is home to herds of wild Irish deer – take a walk or a bike and explore the park to catch a glimpse of the deer grazing or prancing about - but please don’t feed them!
Beaches
There’s a coastal walk from Portrane to Donabate. It’s an out and back walk and takes approximately an hour. There is a great little food truck at the end of the walk and I recommend their coffee and toasted cheese and ham sandwich!
11 locals recommend
Donabate Beach
Donabate VillageThere’s a coastal walk from Portrane to Donabate. It’s an out and back walk and takes approximately an hour. There is a great little food truck at the end of the walk and I recommend their coffee and toasted cheese and ham sandwich!
Portmarnock Beach
This is a lovely place for a dip when the tide is in. It’s on the south side of the city but is accessible by Dart. You can catch the Dart from Clontarf or from the city centre. You can also take the #4 bus from Mobhi Road which is about a 15 minute walk from the house.
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14 locals recommend
Seapoint Beach
Seapoint CourtThis is a lovely place for a dip when the tide is in. It’s on the south side of the city but is accessible by Dart. You can catch the Dart from Clontarf or from the city centre. You can also take the #4 bus from Mobhi Road which is about a 15 minute walk from the house.
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Food scene
John Kavanagh The Gravediggers
1 Prospect SquareThe Bernard Shaw
Andersons Food Hall & Cafe
3 The Rise
Bua Coffee
Saint Mobhi Road
McMahon's of Botanic Avenue
212 Botanic AveCamile Thai Phibsborough
143a Phibsborough RdThe Back Page
199 Phibsborough RdRua Woodfired Pizza
140 Phibsborough RdLovely little coffee shop and eatery. Healthy food options and there’s a good buzz here. Can be difficult to get into for brunch on Sundays but worth the wait.
60 locals recommend
TWO BOYS BREW
375 N Circular RdLovely little coffee shop and eatery. Healthy food options and there’s a good buzz here. Can be difficult to get into for brunch on Sundays but worth the wait.
Rua Woodfired Pizza
140 Phibsborough Rd
The Tram Cafe Griffith Park
Music
Decent Guinness in here as well as traditional Irish music most nights. An authentic Irish pub.
296 locals recommend
The Cobblestone
77 King St NDecent Guinness in here as well as traditional Irish music most nights. An authentic Irish pub.
You never know you might be playing at Whelan’s. Good vibes even during the week.
209 locals recommend
Whelan's
25 Wexford StYou never know you might be playing at Whelan’s. Good vibes even during the week.
Hip live music venue for DJs, house and techno acts, with a cool cafe/bar turning out cocktails.
49 locals recommend
Wigwam
54 Middle Abbey StHip live music venue for DJs, house and techno acts, with a cool cafe/bar turning out cocktails.
Pubs
Great Guinness, eclectic art on the walls, carpet on the floor. It’s a musty (but also must see) pub. Great outdoor seating for people watching and soaking up the sun (if it makes an appearance)!
150 locals recommend
Grogan's Castle Lounge
15 William St SGreat Guinness, eclectic art on the walls, carpet on the floor. It’s a musty (but also must see) pub. Great outdoor seating for people watching and soaking up the sun (if it makes an appearance)!
Toners Pub
139 Baggot Street LowerGreat beer garden.
Famous for Irish music sessions. Some of the best Irish traditional musicians have played here (including the Dubliners) and there’s trad music here nightly. It also has great Guinness.
133 locals recommend
O'Donoghues Bar
15 Merrion RowFamous for Irish music sessions. Some of the best Irish traditional musicians have played here (including the Dubliners) and there’s trad music here nightly. It also has great Guinness.
Café en Seine
40 Dawson St