Slice of the City

There are some things you just have to do when you go to Dublin. See the Book of Kells, go shopping on Grafton Street, walk around Stephen’s Green… there are so many options when it comes to being a tourist in Dublin. But what if you’re making your second trip to the city? Or you simply want to avoid the regular tourist trail, and see something a little different? Perhaps you know the city well (or even live there) and want to find something new? 

Well, we have some ideas for those looking to get a little off the beaten track…

If you’ve been to Trinity College, go to… Marsh’s Library

This beautiful little library is hidden just a short walk from the city centre, right by St Patrick’s Cathedral. Unchanged for over 300 years, the 18th century library is a marvel of carved oak, vaulted ceilings and a seriously impressive selection on the bookshelves. The books themselves are off limits (unless you’re a visiting student or researcher) but a selection is displayed in a rotating exhibition, giving you insight into ancient tomes that you would never ordinarily get to see.
See:   marshlibrary.ie

If you’ve been to Grafton Street, go to… The Powerscourt Centre

Grafton Street is a shopping mecca just steps from The Westbury. But not many people know that the beautiful Powerscourt Townhouse is just around the corner. Inside this Georgian townhouse you’ll find a broad selection of boutiques selling everything from antique jewellery to Irish designers. There are great places to grab lunch, too, and sometimes even live piano music in the grand atrium.
See:   powerscourtcentre.ie

If you’ve been to Dublin Zoo, go to… The “Dead Zoo”

Kids love to see the animals at Dublin Zoo, which is an exceptional space in the Phoenix Park. But they also love the Natural History Museum, which is colloquially known as the Dead Zoo. Here you’ll find stuffed animals from all over the globe, from lions to elephants, giraffes to polar bears. There are great educational resources too, and events held throughout the year.
See:   museum.ie/Natural-History

If you’ve been to Temple Bar, go to… Kehoe's

If there’s one thing Dublin isn’t short of, it’s excellent pubs. But while tourists love to flock to Temple Bar, it can be crowded, rowdy and overpriced. Far better, then, to explore one of the city’s old and trusted pubs, where you might even catch some trad music. One of the favourites is Kehoe's, just a short walk from The Westbury on South Anne Street. See if you can get into the Snug at the entrance – this private cubby has a hatch through to the bar, and is where politicians (and women) would historically drink in peace.

See:  kehoesdublin.ie

Written by Nicola Brady