27 Things Nobody Tells You About In Dublin

A Dublin bucket list you say? Let's go!

1. Supper at The Blind Pig

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A Prohibition-style Speakeasy, this restaurant's location is kept secret. You need a password to get in, and you must email to find out where it actually is. Plus when you do get there, the food and cocktails are fabulous.

2. Drinks at Panti Bar

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She's a national treasure, so why not have a cocktail in her city centre establishment? And on the way take in the marvels of Capel Street, where the popular gay bar resides. We doubt you'll ever see as many sex shops and tool shops (not an innuendo) in the one place.

3. Lotto at The Grotto

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The Meath Street Parish in Dublin 8 is renowned for its Grotto Lotto. It's literally a grotto behind St Catherine's Church in the Liberties with a statue of Mary, and a little shop that sells tickets for a weekly lottery. Only in Dublin.

4. The Caves at Bagot's Hutton

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Mediterranean food and sumptuous wines served in a spectacular setting – what's not to love about the South William Street gem? The road's best kept secret.

5. Beers at The Pav

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Trinity College Dublin's student bar also allows non-students (provided you're with someone who can show their student card if asked for it), so rock on up on a sunny day and buy a six pack to sip. Oh, and on the way check out the actual college itself – maybe even queue to see the Book of Kells?

6. Oscar Wilde, Merrion Square Park

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Nestled in the North West corner of Merrion Square Park, you'll find a statue of the famous Irish author and playwright near the house he was raised in. Excellent selfie opportunity, we won't lie.

7. Afternoon Tea at the Shelbourne Hotel

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The daddy of afternoon teas in Dublin, the Shelbourne has a class that's difficult to emulate. Couple this with a drink in the Horseshoe bar to see the more affluent side of the city.

8. Ireland's Eye

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15 minutes from Howth's east pier, you can get a little boat to take you across and spend as long as you like taking in the scenery on and from this tiny island. A bird sanctuary, it hosts lots of different species of sea birds, and is the perfect spot for a summer picnic.

9. Dance at Copper's

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It would be a sin to kick the bucket without having set foot in Copper Face Jacks, a national institution on Harcourt Street where you can dance like nobody's watching (because they're all probably doing shots and getting off with each other).

10. Sound Cellar

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A haven for musos, this record shop specialises in rock, metal, country and blues, and also sells tickets to Dublin gigs. Find it on Nassau St beside Trinity.

11. Trad Session at The Cobblestone

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One of those pubs that from outside, looks a tad dodgy, but inside is an absolute gem. There are normally people playing Irish music most nights, a great smoking area and a variety of beers on tap.

12. Take in the view at Sophie's

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A new addition to Dublin's nightlife, the view of south Dublin is unrivalled from the glass panelled restaurant and late bar. Go early for dinner, stay late for drinks.

13. Moore Street

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You haven't truly visited Dublin if you haven't walked down this north side street that's a heady mix of fruit and veg vendors, old skool shops (like FX Buckley's Butchers) and international grocery shops and hairdressers.

14. Walk up Killiney Hill

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The views of the south bay are unrivalled, and it's the perfect spot for quiet reflection.

15. Glasnevin Cemetery

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Not just the resting place of a million Dubliners, but also a museum, and the subject of a rather moving documentary.

16. The Brazen Head

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The oldest pub in Dublin, it dates all the way back to 1198. Traditional music, Irish food and an eclectic decor means it's a hotspot for tourists and locals alike, conveniently nestled on the banks of the River Liffey. Miley Cyrus hung out there the last time she visited.

17. Brunch at San Lorenzo's

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A recent enough addition to the city, this weekend institution has risen to top of the must-eat charts in Dublin. Go for the massive portions, great tunes and delicious drinks, stay for dessert – the Nutella baked New York cheesecake is a thing of great beauty. Insider tip – book in advance.

18. Patrick Kavanagh by the canal

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Situated on the north bank of the Grand Canal between Baggot Street Bridge and the Eustace Bridge, sit beside Patrick and watch the world go by. Not many know though, that the bench he originally sat on is actually on the South Bank at the Lock Gates close to Baggot Street Bridge.

19. Whelan's

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Pronounced Wheel-ans, not Whaylans like in the movie version of PS I Love You, this Dublin venue has seen many of the greats tread its boards. It's been around for 25 years and is a hotspot for up and coming future superstars – plus it's also a great late pub.

20. Swim The Forty Foot

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Immortalised by Joyce in Ulysses, this is the most famous swimming spot in Dublin. Brave people traditionally take a dip at the Sandycove institution every Christmas morning, but you can do so any time. The name refers to the depth of the water.

21. Dinner at Chapter One

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This Michelin starred restaurant is endlessly popular, and definitely a bucket list kind of place for a special occasion. However it doesn't have to break the bank – the three course pre-theatre menu is €37.50, while the 8 course tasting menu is €85pp.

22. Tropical Popical

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A nail bar with a difference, this South William St enclave is colourful, bright and filled with the best darn nail technicians in town. They offer Bounty Bars and Lilt, intricate nail art and a toilet wallpapered with pictures of David Gandy – it's impossible to leave this technicolour paradise unhappy.

23. The Little Museum

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An ode to 20th century Dublin, this unique collection is on display in a Georgian townhouse and has over 5,000 artefacts to date (plus it's always looking for more).

24. The UN Memorial Garden, Stoneybatter

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A real hidden gem behind Arbour Hill Church in Dublin 7, it's a garden dedicated to Irish veterans and a beautiful oasis minutes from the city. The flowers are stunning, and it's such a peaceful place.

25. Sweny's

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Another place made famous by James Joyce, the pharmacy that features in Ulysses has been preserved to remain the same as it was in the time of Leopold Bloom – only now it's a registered charity where you can pick up a second hand book or some of the famous lemon-scented soap.

26. Stroll through The Botanic Gardens

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It's free in, it's unbearably pretty and houses over 300 endangered species of plants – plus it's been in Glasnevin since 1795.

27. The Secret Bar

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We finish as we began, with a secretive watering hole. Also known to locals as the Snail Bar, The Bar With No Name and er, that place above L'Gueleton, it's like a bar in your front room, only much cooler and filled with hotties. Ideal.

May. 21, 2015, at 09:40 AM

The photo for St Catherine's Church has been replaced.