WHERE: Dublin, Ireland
WHY: Ireland’s capital and east coast city is widely known for it’s many acclaimed literary figures, revolutionary past, and perfected pints of that black stuff.
I have visited Ireland every year since I was born, typically staying in Dublin for no longer than four days at a time. Its small size was something I was familiar with, but it never felt that palpable to me as I was always had a full schedule of specific family plans.
My perception of Dublin altered when I moved here in September. With a few months past I have fully processed its small-scale, not only from being immersed within the landscape and comparing it to New York, but having people reiterate this notion to me in a jaded tone.
Yes, Dublin is a small and damp city, but those aspects certainly do not have to carry negative connotations. It can be easy to overlook the many gems within any place as a native or a well-seasoned resident.
Attending niche events has been one of my favorite aspects of Dublin. As a 35mm photographer I have found the community here so accessible and inviting in comparison to other cities, where I find it a bit more difficult to become so easily involved in such a network and its resources simply due to size.
Take a look into some of the prime spots that have captivated me and will hopefully reinforce that idea to appreciate a location no matter how adjusted a person has become.
FOOD: Blazing Salads
I will be honest, if I were to encounter another potato or form of beef I would probably recoil. I do deeply enjoy them both, but excess of anything will do no favors to a person and their tastebuds. Blazing Salads, a wholefood vegetarian deli located on Drury Street, rescued me.
After consuming my Green Beard’s juice and cacao protein ball I felt so pure, so fit, simply the pinnacle of health. The essence of vigor honestly.
All ingredients and products carefully sourced, no artificial sugars in anything, the most flavorful salad bar options (both hot and cold) to fulfill your wildest concoction desires, frozen goods (did someone say dairy free ice cream? Yes, Blazing Salads did), plus everything and more.
Satisfy hunger here while reaping the benefits of tasty nutrition!
ARTS: The Library Project
It is highly unlikely any local willingly goes through Temple Bar, the notorious tourist trap. Yet within its many overpriced bars and restaurants is a store called The Library Project.
Run by PhotoIreland, this place offers unique printed matter; DIY zines, independent publications, photobooks, and framed art. They also host and organize relevant events in support of photography and publishing, including the print fair Halftone.
I purchased a copy of issue #11 of 2ha; a Dublin based magazine interested in the suburbs.
Its overarching theme is a critical analysis of suburbia: providing discourse on its history, meaning, attitudes, and pop culture representations. Each issue takes on a particular theme (i.e. Suburbia + Modernism, Suburbia + Sport, etc.) where content on such matters are engaged with by architects, artists, and academics.
Add to your book collection and gain some creative knowledge with their profound selection.
RELAX: National Botanic Gardens
Vast enclosed green acreage located in Glasnevin, the National Botanic Gardens is the ideal spot to escape the concrete jungle.
The glasshouses, constructed in the late 19th century, are an integral feature as their build is so magnificent. Once inside, they provide a warm climate (a nice alternative to our wet windy weather) with endless aromatically and visually pleasing plants.
Outside the glasshouses, saunter about tall trees, placid ponds, and gorgeous gardens. Green spaces such as the National Botanic Gardens provide lungs for the city and the restorative benefits of nature for humans.
Entry here is free! Come to this oasis to experience nature any day of the week before 4:15pm.
DRINK: P. Mac’s
Step into this watering hole on located on Stephen Street Lower and you are bound to hear Bikini Kill, Nine Inch Nails, or Pearl Jam.
Sip on craft beer while sitting on and amongst vintage mismatched furniture while massive brass candlesticks are dripping with oxblood wax.
P. Mac’s offers complete access to a stack of board games including Jenga, Scrabble, and Guess Who, while moody lighting accentuates the cozy atmosphere.
If you are afraid of clowns I suggest not turning right once you past the bar on your way in. There may or may not be an unusual mural of said circus character.
Playing the dating game? This is your spot to take your next catch because if things get awkward you can just deeply focus on a board game!