Things to do in Dublin
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Harcourt St Food Market
Organic vegies, cheeses, olives and meats made into dishes from all over the world.
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HMV
This giant entertainment retailer's main Dublin branch stocks CDs, vinyl, DVDs, games and even books across its three floors. It's exactly what you'd expect from a huge music store.
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Hogan's
The basement of this popular bar is where you'll hear some of Dublin's best DJs spin to a sweaty, appreciative floor – the music policy is not overly precious, but you won't hear anything charty. On Fridays, Mr Moto and Nelly Romano play Latin-fused house.
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Improvised Music Company
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Lemon
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Lennox Cafe Bistro
Tucked away in the warren of handsome streets that make up Portobello, Huibrecht and Sally Ann Luykx's relatively new restaurant has garnered loyal customers for its fine Irish cuisine (try the smoked haddock with creamed potatoes) and its leisurely atmosphere – perfect for a long, wine-fuelled lunch. There were plans to open up the 2nd floor, which would be most welcome as it can get a little cramped.
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Liffey River Cruises
Cruise up and down the Liffey in a comfy air-conditioned, all-weather vessel that accommodates up to 48 passengers. Gen up on Dublin’s history as seen from the river, from the Viking raids to the recent dockland development.
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Long Stone
Don't be fooled by the 'Old Man Pub' feel of this place – the flagstone floors, earthenware jugs and lace curtains are merely the dressing for what is the traditional pub equivalent of an uberbar. The difference here is that unlike so many obviously trendy places, this place is just about a good night out – so grab a table, get some drinks and settle in for the night.
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MCD
Ireland's biggest promoter provides a comprehensive list of upcoming gigs.
reviewed
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Meeting House Square Market
From sushi to salsa, this is the city's best open-air food market, a compact stroll through gourmet lane where you can pick, prod and poke your way through the organic foods of the world. There are tastes of everywhere, from cured Spanish chorizos and paellas to Irish farmhouses cheeses, via handmade chocolates and freshly made crêpes, homemade jams and freshly squeezed juices.
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Mercantile
A big, sprawling bar spread across three floors, the Mercantile's stock-in-trade has been tourists, mostly of the stag-and-hen type, who fill the place at weekends and lend it a party atmosphere which then attracts local lads and lasses looking for a bit of 'fun'. The music is as loud as the atmosphere is boisterous – you know what to expect!
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Milk & Honey
Arguably the best coffee in town is the work of 2009 Irish Latte Art champion Fan Zhang, who mans his station like a smiling magician, carefully creating while engaging in friendly banter with his customers. The decor is a little suspect – too much 1970s going on – but the coffee is perfect.
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Nialler9
Fabulous listings website for gigs compiled by one of the most trustworthy reviewers of the Dublin musical scene.
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North Coast & Castle
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Nova Car Hire
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Old Library
To the south of the square is the Old Library, built in a rather severe style by Thomas Burgh between 1712 and 1732. Despite Ireland’s independence, the Library Act of 1801 still entitles Trinity College Library, along with four libraries in Britain, to a free copy of every book published in the UK. Housing this bounty requires nearly another 1km of shelving every year and the collection amounts to around 4.5 million books. Of course, these cannot all be kept at the college library, so there are now additional library storage facilities dotted around Dublin.
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Pod
Dublin's once-legendary dance club has been resized to fit owner John Reynold's vision of three entertainment venues in one complex, with the now smaller PoD still hosting some excellent club nights, including Friday night's Trainwreck – all techno, house and electro.
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Powerscourt Townhouse Shopping Centre
This elegant Richard Cassels–designed townhouse was built between 1771 and 1774, and boasts some fine plasterwork by Michael Stapleton among its features. These days it struts its stuff as Dublin's most stylish shopping centre as well as one of the more pleasant spots to get a bite of lunch.
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Pygmalion
Currently one of the busiest bars in town, the 'Pyg' caters to a largely student crowd with its €10 pitchers, pounding music and labyrinthine nooks and crannies (perfect for a naughty hideaway). The owner thought it best to line the wall with carpet – perhaps they're worried that the action on the dance floor might get a little too crazy?
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Sea Safaris
If you fancy seeing a bit of Dublin from the sea, Sea Safaris runs speedboats from the edge of the South Wall into Dublin Bay as far south as Dalkey and back.
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South Coast & Gardens Tour
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Spy/Wax
Part of the magnificent 18th-century Powerscourt complex, at Spy/Wax you get two clubs for the price of one: upstairs, spread across three levels and a host of rooms, is handsome Spy, where the music is eclectic and the crowd beautifully self-aware. In the basement is Wax, a hardcore dance sweatbox where you can really let loose.
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Tea Garden
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