dublin.

In case you didn't realise, I've been in super awesome Dublin for the past few days! Here are some of my favourite places that I discovered while I was there. 

I took a crazy amount of photos.. so to try and make it more manageable, I've broken it down into things to do, places to shop, places to eat and drink, and then some of my favourite photos I took while I was there.

THINGS TO DO:

• tourist buses - I'm a huge fan of riding around on one of those open-top buses. You get to see all the sights of the city, and if you're lucky you'll have live commentary which is way more entertaining. I used the Dublin Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus (the same company also run the Airlink buses and a Ghostbus!) which meant I could get on and off wherever I wanted. The tickets also last two days! 

• churches/cathedrals - I didn't go inside any, but there are LOADS around the city, as it's steeped in religious history. The two cathedrals are meant to be absolutely stunning inside. 

• Guinness storehouse/Jameson factory - I wanted to avoid the obvious tourist spots, and I'm not interested in either drink, so I didn't go to either of these... if you like your stout or whisky they're definitely a must-do! 

• museums - I visited the Little Museum and the Natural History Museum, both of which were so interesting. They had lots of little things to look at. The Natural History Museum is nicknamed the dead zoo, because it's basically full of taxidermy! Heaven.

• galleries - I went to the National Gallery, which had a really cute cafe & shop full of nice stationary, as well as a portait exhibition, and the Hugh Lane Gallery which had an installation of Francis Bacon's studio, which I loved. There are lots more museums & galleries if these ones don't take your fancy.

• book fair - this is over now, but apparently there's always little things like this going on! Keep your eyes peeled for arty fairs and festivals.

• the zoo - I love a good zoo, and this one was better than I expected. One of the oldest zoos in the world! I got to see some amazing big cats, and my favourite cheeky red panda! 

• the river - a walk along the river to see the many bridges is a must! The ha'penny bridge in particular is super pretty. 

PLACES TO SHOP:

• St George's Market Arcade for usual market vibes. 

• Irish Design Shop for cool prints & homeware. 

• Photo Ireland for amazing art books.

• Tower Records for.... you guessed it - records.

• Folkster for the most amazing collection of beautiful gowns (head to the back room!)

• Shotsy & Tola Vintage for reasonably priced, amazing vintage clothes! 

• 9 Crow Street for vintage - unfortunately was closed when I found it!

• Avoca for numerous floors of beautiful homewares, clothes and gifts.

PLACES TO EAT/DRINK:

• Wall & Keogh for delicious gluten free brownies and LOADS of different loose leaf teas.

• Acapulco for yummy Mexican & friendly staff.

• Tower Cafe (in Tower Records) for cheap and delicious breakfasts and lunches.

• Queen of Tarts for the best victoria sponge I've ever eaten.

• 37 Dawson Street for especially-made-for-you cocktails and sharing food.

• Busyfeet & Coco for a quick croissant and tea.

• Mary's Bar & Hardware for toasties & drinks in an unusual setting.

• Caffe en Seine for entertaining music while you drink.

Phew! I can't believe I've never really thought about visiting Dublin before, and I already want to go back! Three days wasn't enough to see all the awesome stuff it has to offer, that's for sure. 

If you're thinking of visiting, over the New Year period would be an amazing time to go as they have a three-day festival running from the 30th, which includes food, music, art and comedy, among other things! 

You can find out more about it here!

• travel, accomodation & spending money provided, however all views are my own •


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