8 minute read
CITY GUIDE
IRISH CHIC THE WILD GOOSE GRILL 3 “This classic restaurant sits above a pub – it has friendly service and very good Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. It’s also a chance to enjoy the wide range of local ingredients and to see how keen Irish chefs are to present their region at its best. The wonderful wine list is one more reason to go. ”
NEAPOLITAN FARE MANIFESTO 5 “We love this pizzeria for the ambiance and generous portions. Chef Lucio Paduano is a native of southern Italy and is very picky about the quality of his ingredients. And plenty of folks appreciate the gluten-free menu.”
DRAUGHTY DELIGHTS GROGANS 4 “This place still has all the charm of a traditional pub and a clientele that’s a mix of locals, hipsters and passers-by. Grogans is an institution for Irish artists and authors. Check out the paintings on the walls. And the patio is a great place to lounge when the weather’s good.”
STAGECRAFT GATE THEATRE 6 THE OLYMPIA THEATRE 7 “Dublin has a thriving cultural scene. At the Gate Theatre, the works by Irish and American playwrights are always excellent. At the Olympia, we have great memories of concerts by Björk, Radiohead and The Pixies.”
The couple explores Dublin in search of best restaurants and artisans.
DAVE, SPORTS AGENT, MEMBER SINCE 2011
WHEN YOU’RE WITH DAVE,THE PACE IS RELENTLESS. This early bird starts his days at 6:30 a.m. before downing his first ARPEGGIO at 8:00. On this Sunday morning, he agrees goodnaturedly to be interviewed, but soon takes his leave to participate in a mountain-biking competition in the hills above Dublin. For this native of Wicklow, a region that his compatriots call “the Garden of Ireland”, sports are much more than a passion – they’re a way of life. “I might live in the city, but my heart’s in the country,” he says with a half-smile. This father of two loves setting off for the wild landscapes near the capital to go mountain biking, play field hockey, or indulge in boxing, surfing and sailing. Before becoming a sportsmarketing agent, Dave was the manager of the Leinster rugby team (representing one of Ireland’s four provinces) and a member of the Irish Olympic sailing team. When not travelling for his job, which he loves, he strolls the streets of Dublin, his home port: “This city is amazing –it’s overflowing with things to do, with different nationalities and cultures to discover!” He guides readers to his favourite haunts.
IN THE SCRUM THE BRIDGE 1859 qs “Not far from Aviva Stadium is this pub opened by professional rugby players, a place where you’ll really feel the zeal of the fans on game nights. Though beer flows most freely here, be sure to check out the menu, a delicious ‘gastropub’-style selection served in generous portions.”
BELLE OF THE BALL AVIVA STADIUM qq “This is my second office; I go there for work. I really love it, because it’s where Ireland’s football and rugby teams play. It replaced the original stadium, Lansdowne Road, where I went to a legendary U2 concert!”
SHOPPING FOR HISTORY AVOCA MALAHIDE STORE qh “This café is set inside one of the stores of the Avoca chain, which sells high-quality Irish handicrafts and fine food specialities. Another point of interest: this shopping complex and restaurant are in Malahide Castle, a 12th-century edifice surrounded by lovely grounds. This is one of my favourite outings. ”
BISTRO BREAK PICHET qg “A popular, modern bistro located right downtown. I get together with my friends there to enjoy Frenchinspired dishes made with Irish ingredients. The soft lighting makes it very cosy inside, and the service is brisk and efficient.”
STREET SHOW THE BAILEY qj “Order a drink or a pint, sit on the patio and take in the splendid spectacle of the streets of Dublin. They serve tasty, quality bar snacks, too, with ample servings.”
MUSIC AT HEART VICAR STREET qk “This concert hall hosts both international stars and Irish musicians, and they modify the floor layout depending on the size of the act. I like listening to local artists, sitting at one of the small round tables in a cosy atmosphere, while having a drink with friends. The Irish have an incredible love of music, you know!”
Every morning, Julie travels to Dublin along the north coast.
Nasreddin never tires of the boisterous bustle of Grafton Street’s stores.
SIZABLE SHOPPING BROWN THOMAS sg “If you go shopping, be sure to visit this traditional department store in the pedestrian zone of Grafton Street. It carries all the big brand names, including Nespresso, and I’d recommend a trip to the dedicated menswear floor. And the rooftop terrace, when you’re ready for a break.”
FEELING AT HOME NESPRESSO BOUTIQUE “There’s no two ways about it: this Boutique is part of my life! The staff are so friendly; there’s warm hospitality. It’s spacious and spans two floors, with ingenious interior design and a pleasant ambiance. I’ve purchased more than fifty machines in my life – for my employees, my family, my friends.”
HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW THE GRAFTON BARBER sh “True gentlemen visit my barber! Just sit in one of the vintage chairs and enjoy a relaxing moment of pampering. I’ve been going there for so long that I no longer even need to talk! And you might just see an Irish or international celebrity.”
SATISFYING STROLLS SAINT ANNE’S PARK sj “Among the city’s many parks, I recommend visiting Saint Anne’s Park, north of Dublin, across from Bull Island. It has some surprising architectural highlights and a river that runs right down the middle, making for beautiful, interesting walks.”
EXPLORING GENIUS DUBLIN CITY GALLERY –THE HUGH LANE CHARLEMONT HOUSE dp “You have to visit this museum, both for the French Impressionists and for Francis Bacon’s studio. They have faithfully reproduced the workspace of this Dublin-born English painter, and the studio’s chaotic character echoes his tortured art.”
ARTY TEA PARTY THE MERRION HOTEL sl “I think this is the most magnificent hotel in Dublin. It’s a five-star, with the Georgian architecture so characteristic of the late 18th century and works of art in every guest room and common area. My advice: go enjoy an “Art Tea Afternoon ” there, when the pastries are fashioned to resemble the painting collection.”
ICONIC PINT THE STAGS HEAD sk “This is the place I recommend to my foreign friends visiting Dublin. It has everything you’d expect in a traditional pub: warm ambiance, authentic decor, quality service. What more could you ask for?”
HONOURABLE MENTION TRINITY COLLEGE dq “Trinity College is the beating heart of Dublin. Any tour of the city should start with a trip around its grounds. Not to mention the massive library, with more than six million books, and the galleries, which are open to visitors. But, if you’re a student, don’t walk under the Campanile when the bell tolls, otherwise you’ll fail your exams!”
FASHIONABLY IRISH SCOUT ds “I often check out this shop’s collections. They have a selection of wellmade clothing and vintage accessories and the best of Irish fashion design. It’s my one and only reason for going into the very touristy Temple Bar district!”
NATASHA, JEWELLERY DESIGNER, MEMBER SINCE 2009
THIS YOUNG WOMAN WAS BORN IN THE IRISH CAPITAL, but grew up in the Netherlands. She returned to her homeland to study business and economics at Trinity College before moving to New York. It was in The City That Never Sleeps that Natasha, having become a fashion and beauty journalist, took a new career path and earned her gemologist degree. But it was in Dublin that she opened her fine jewellery design studio and started her company. In her customary swift, precise speech, she explains how she works with pearls and precious stones. A cup of ROSABAYA DE COLOMBIA in hand, with the pale pink metallic capsule she so admires, Natasha shows us one of her ingenious jewellery creations, worn around her neck. In one easy motion, it turns into a necklace and bracelet set. The former globetrotter and future bride (our meeting was two weeks before the Big Day) never even considered settling anywhere but Dublin. “From here, I can easily travel to America or Europe. Dublin is a creative melting pot. It’s uniquely dynamic, but still has a very relaxed lifestyle.”
