It’s often said there’s no place like Dublin on a summers day. Agreed. The crowds of people bustling along to the street performers on Grafton Street, the historic Ha'penny Bridge, the modern Samuel Beckett Bridge…. Christ Church, the Guinness Storehouse and the Phoenix Park.
The list is endless and rightly so - these are all fantastic things to see and do in Dublin. But what about the things you won’t find on the map.
Here at Dublin, Differently we’ve endeavoured to bring you five lesser known, but equally impressive, destinations with a difference.
1. Traditional Fish & Chips
The list is endless and rightly so - these are all fantastic things to see and do in Dublin. But what about the things you won’t find on the map.
Here at Dublin, Differently we’ve endeavoured to bring you five lesser known, but equally impressive, destinations with a difference.
1. Traditional Fish & Chips
A must for visitors to the city looking for an authentic taste. You’ll find many fish and chip shops in the city, but one stands out above the rest, Leo Burdock up by Christ Church.
Established in 1913, its doors have graced many Dubliners and visitors alike. Customers include U2, Russell Crowe, Charlize Theron, Colin Farrell, Bruce Springsteen and Daniel Day Lewis to name but a few. The queue is often long in the evening time - a testament to its quality. Wait it out, it’ll be worth it.
After you’ve gotten your fish and chips, we recommend a quick walk back to Dublin Castle; grab a bench and watch the city go by as you enjoy your food.
2. Film & Television
Dublin is full of movie and television references. Take your pick… Kilmainham Gaol is steeped in history and was also the setting for In The Name of The Father, starring Daniel Day Lewis.
Much of The Tudors was filmed in Christ Church Cathedral. Impressive enough in its own right, it also has an exhibition of clothing from the show in the Crypt. Dublin’s main street, O’Connell Street, was used as the set for Michael Collins, starring Liam Neeson, depicting one of Ireland’s greatest historical figures.
The Oscar winning Once was also filmed on the streets of Dublin - most notably on Grafton Street and St. George’s Arcade, well worth a visit.
Did You Know? The prestigious 'Oscar' statuette used at the Academy Awards was designed by MGM's art director Cedric Gibbons, who was born in Dublin in 1823.
3. The Gravediggers
Quite literally. The Gravediggers (John Kavanagh’s) is a pub situated right behind Glasnevin Cemetery. It had a secret serving hatch at the back, so that cemetery workers could drink on the job, hence it’s name.
The cemetery itself is impressive and well worth a visit. We recommend combing the cemetery and the pub in one visit - but be sure you visit the cemetery first. The Gravediggers was recently featured in the Lonely Planet list of 50 Secret Spots of Europe.
The pub featured in a Guinness advert a few years back and is known to serve one of the best pints in the city.
4. Powerscourt Shopping Centre
4. Powerscourt Shopping Centre
Located in the heart of the city, the Powerscourt Shopping Centre is set in an Georgian House. Combining food, fashion and atmosphere, the centre is truly a unique space. It’s located in one of the most lively parts of the city - to the back of the centre is Dublin’s main shopping street, Grafton Street, while the entrance faces South William Street, a busy street with
restaurants and great pubs.
On a sunny day, there’s no better place in the city. As a converted 18th Century Mansion, the centre is worth a visit for the setting alone.
5. Fitzwilliam Square
5. Fitzwilliam Square
Fitzwilliam Square is a Georgian era garden square in the south of the city dating back to 1792. For those with an interest in this era of Dublin history it is a must. It’s a comfortable walk from the main city streets, and yet it is far removed from the crowds and noise of the city. It is also a great way to see more of Dublin as literally every route to and from the Square passes other places of interest along the way. Shootings took place in the Square during Bloody Sunday in1920. The Square is also the setting for the famous U2 music video, The Sweetest Thing.
We recommend you watch the video before you visit to truly appreciate it - it was all shot in one take!
For more interesting tours and facts about Dublin history and culture visit dublindifferently.com
For more interesting tours and facts about Dublin history and culture visit dublindifferently.com