The 50 Things That Keep Me Living In Dublin

When this site started a few years ago, it was to discover the new food, bars and events in the city. 

The stuff right under my nose that I was constantly missing but was staring me right in the face. 

Fast forward five years and we now have a small (but mighty) team of us finding all those great things and sharing them with you. 

Sometimes though, it can be good to reflect. 

I've been away from Dublin for two weeks now on holidays and it got me thinking about what makes the city we call home so great. 

What are the reasons why we love it?

They'll differ completely for you all, which is why I wanted to start an open thread in the comments below where you all share your own so we can all discover even more. 

What a wonderful place to call home...

1. Donabate Beach

I've always said that it is the best beach in Dublin and I often have it to myself early mornings.

2. Grafton Street On Christmas Eve

Bono. Glen Hansard. The lights and all the festive sprit. Can't beat it.

3. The Burgers In Bunsen

The key here is the consistency. First one I ever had is still as good as the one I'll have this week. 

4. Going To Croke Park

Nothing makes me feel more patriotic, excited or puts more of a pep in my step.

5. Ticknock

An amazing place to have on our very doorstep and hard to believe that it's only about 20 minutes from the city centre.

6. A pint of Guinness in The Palace Bar 

You could choose many spots around town. Head in here the day after an All Ireland Final and you'll meet all sorts.

7. A properly hot sunny day

Because we have so many bad rainy ones, a good one feels so much better. Nowhere in the world beats Dublin on a sunny day in the mid 20s.

8. Wandering around food shopping in Lotts & Co

I obviously love cooking and I find the very best ingredients in the city are in here. Not cheap but an absolute dream shop. 

9. The buzz in town for a home Irish Rugby international

All sporting events bring a great atmosphere to the city but with the foreign fans, everybody heading to the pub and town hopping, this is one of the best.

10. Buying books in Hodges & Figgis

I could walk around this shop all day long. The only problem I have is that there are so many good books I end up buying way more than I can read.

11. The Iveagh Gardens

Everybody knows where it is but it still feels like a hidden gem. You can often have the whole place to yourself.

12. Brunch In Dillingers

Many have tried to do brunch. Nowhere does it better than here.. 

13. The view from Samuel Beckett Bridge

I walk down and across it every day of the week and every day, it looks different and beautiful in a new way.

14. Flying into or out of Dublin on a clear day

Nothing better than getting that window seat and seeing Howth Head as you come in and the entire bay on the way out. 

15. Climbing the Sugarloaf, followed by lunch in Avoca

A good challenge without being super hard, with the reward of an amazing lunch in the original Avoca. 

16. Taking a walk along the great South Wall

Probably the best walk in Dublin for seeing the entire city.

17. The coffee In 3Fe

As good as any I've had in the world. Simple as that.

18. Looking at the deer In Phoenix Park

We sometimes take the huge open spaces in this amazing park for granted. The deer are just stunning.

19. Wandering around Glasthule village

An absolute paradise for foodies, a short walk to the seaside and a wonderful local feeling.

20. The crazy amount of golf courses

There something to keep every level of golfer happy, with courses of all shapes and sizes - from pitch and putt right through to world class courses. 

21. Capel Street

One of the most underrated streets in the city. Always changing and always full of life. 

22. Tuna Tostados in 777 

With Guacamole, Tortilla Chips And A Mexican Beer. Perfection.

23. Toastie and a pint sitting outside Grogan's

Need I say more?

24. Gazing out at Dublin Bay on the DART

People who commute on the DART everyday will probably not agree but as a once off, looking out into Dublin Bay is a gorgeous journey. 

25. Trinity College

I love wandering around here and it's hard to believe that it's slap bang in the middle of the city. 

26. Fumbally Cafe

Chilled out vibes. Great food and wonderful place to hang out, meet people or work.

27. George’s Street

Tons of amazing restaurants. I love looking up at the roof tops and the unusual architecture. Always bustling day or night. 

28. O'Donoghue's Pub On Baggot Steet

So much history and not lost it's charm since expanding. 

29. Malahide Village

So many different restaurants to pick from after a walk on any of the local beaches. Gibney's is a must for a pint. 

30. Weekends in rural Ireland

You are only a couple of hours from pretty much anywhere. Beaches, hotels, activities etc.

31. The people

I've traveled all over the world and no group of people compare to Dubliners in terms of being helpful and great craic. 

32. Working in the lobby of The Dean Hotel

I spend a lot of time out and about and this is my favourite spot for it. Good tunes and super lunches.

33. A fancy drink in The Shelbourne Bar

You wouldn't be in here every day of the week but when the occasion demands a nice drink in classy surroundings, it's hard to beat. 

34. Trad music sessions in The Cobblestone

If you are lucky, you might even get a bit of Irish dancing. One of Dublin's great traditional pubs. 

35. Yogism

I've such a soft spot for it because I treat it as super healthy in my head, even though I load it with Smarties. 

36. Skerries

It may be well outside the city of Dublin itself but I'm still claiming it. It has absolutely everything.

37. Sandymount Beach

When the tide is out, this is the spot for either running, walking dogs or just enjoying the view. It's so close to the city as well. 

38. Ardgillan Castle on a Summer day

I fell in love with this place a couple of years ago. Perfect place for a picnic.

39. Dublin Pizza Company

Had the best meal I've ever reviewed eating here. Could have one every day of the week. 

40. Walking along the canals

Any of them. So much to see and changing with the seasons. Such a part of the city.

41. Bouncebackability

People are saying that we're returning to the Boom times, and we very well could be. The way I look at it, we were on our knees and broke before Dublin led the bounce back. It has happened many times and will happen many more.

42. The cherry blossom at this time of year

A tiny thing and not unique to Dublin but always makes me smile. 

43. Sunday roast in The Old Spot

A proper gastro pub where they do either a chicken or beef roast to be shared. Amazing food and a wonderful Sunday atmosphere. 

44. Shite talk from taxi drivers

I know it probably annoys many but I don't mind most of them. A seriously entertaining bunch at times. Ask any tourist and they'll tell you how helpful they are. 

45. The Insanely Long Summer Evenings

You can finish work at 6pm and still have five hours of daylight to get stuff done. 

46. A good carvery and the Sunday papers

It is a bit of a dying art in Dublin, the poor old carvery. There are still a couple of dozen places though where I love going for all the trimmings.

47. Chinatown around Parnell Street

It is spreading by the day and the amazing food, shops and change of culture is adding so much to our city. Eating dim sum down here is not something that could have been imagined 20 years ago. 

48. Everything Stoneybatter

One of the coolest parts of town with amazing bars, restaurants and a chilled-out vibe - yet so close for those working in town. 

49. Live gigs

From the monster gigs in Croke Park and the Aviva to music in the BGET, right down to Whelan's and the 100s of other live music venues.

50. The Barge when the sun shines

Probably the best thing about the city in fairness. 

These are my 50 reasons. Please contribute your own below. The more people share, the more we'll all learn about new places...

Header image: @79jeanette 

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