After more than seven months in Dublin, I see the city differently. Now that I can move around the city with ease, that I have my favorite little addresses, I decided to look a little further… Discovering these more or less surprising activities and places.
1. Squirrels at the National Botanic Gardens
To the northwest of Dublin is the National Botanic Gardens, a simple botanic garden, some would say. Yes and then… no. Like Phoenix Park with its fallow deer, this less touristy place is teeming with very fearless squirrels. Regulars even go there daily to feed these little beasts.
2. The mummies of Saint Michan’s Church
At first sight, the modest Church of Saint Michan, on Church Street, does not attract attention. However, on closer inspection, this place is full of rather gloomy things… For 3.50 euros, a guide takes visitors to the basement of this religious monument. Possessed by the history of the place, he then tells with a touch of humor the story of the different characters preserved in these crypts in the form of mummified remains. In several open coffins are then visible people over 800 years old.
3. Le restaurant The Church
Old 17th century churche century restored, The Church is now an upscale restaurant. Transformed from time to time into a nightclub, reception venue or even a performance hall with Irish shows, this unique place in the very center of Dublin is also open to those who only wish to have a drink. All in a fantastic setting.
4. The Brazen Head
A stone’s throw from the Liffey, the Brazen Head pub is a rather special place. Opened in 1198, it is officially the oldest pub in Ireland. On entering, several small rooms are open to you. One of them sometimes hosts Irish shows.
5. The discreet restaurant
Dublin is full of (almost) secret addresses. Perfect example with the restaurant The Blind Pig Speakeasy. To get there, it is advisable to book. In addition to securing a table, this also allows for more details on access, since a secret door leads to the restaurant.
6. Camouflaged cafe
In the same style, The Cake Café is a hidden place. From the main street, its access is via an extraordinary bookstore. Crossing the huge stacks of books, a door opens onto a small oasis: this is the Cake Café.
7. Horror Buses
As night falls, strange buses appear in the streets of Dublin. With their inscriptions “The Gravedigger ghost tour” or “Ghost Bus”, the goal is the same: to make visitors travel through the city while scaring them. Tale of the mysteries of haunted places in Dublin, the story of Dracula… Everything is told by disguised actors.
8. Dublin Pedal Tours
With this means of transport, nothing frightening, only fun. On the occasion of birthdays, bachelor parties or bachelor parties, many groups pedal through the streets of the capital in open minibuses. The concept ? Generally, eight people rent this kind of rosalie. Loud music and drinks placed in front of them, they just have to pedal to walk the streets.
9. Kayaking on the Liffey
With the Irish cold, this activity is certainly not to everyone’s taste, but it does exist! For 30 euros, it is possible to rent a kayak to discover the city from its river. With two hours of effort, Dublin and its buildings will then be revealed under a new face.
10. A luxurious cinema
Go to the cinema and to the restaurant in the same magical place: welcome to Stella Cinema. In this intimate place with old and elegant decor, it is possible to reserve a sofa, a divan or even a bed. Then just order your meal, it is brought to your place at the start of the film screening.
To be continued…