{"id":96919,"date":"2015-08-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/discover-dublin-free-stuff\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:55","slug":"discover-dublin-free-stuff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/discover-dublin-free-stuff\/","title":{"rendered":"Hike, Drink Guinness And Discover The Best Of Dublin"},"content":{"rendered":"

There’s more to Ireland than potatoes and beer. The clink of Guinness glasses as you stare into a friendly face and declare “sl\u00e1inte”<\/em> becomes a happy sound that alerts your taste buds to the liquid satisfaction imminent. Rolling green hills drop into dramatic cliffs, plunging into the endless ocean as you catch your breath and snap a pic. Here’s more on what to do, where and how.<\/p>\n

Follow Tabitha’s tales in 2 dimension here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Feeling Jolly In Dublin<\/dyh2>
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One of the many trendy cafes nestled in the warm brick walls that line the streets of Dublin, Ireland<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

At any given point there is some form of art, culture or music happening in vibrant Dublin. See the Dublin Event Guide<\/a> for daily free events like theatre in the park, live music and educational talks.
\nSome events include:<\/strong>
\n\u25aa Free Walking Tours with Emily Gallagher.<\/p>\n

They take place every Tuesday from 11am to 1pm, Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm and Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm. Contact Emily to book\u00a0here<\/a>.
\n\u25aa Free Yoga<\/a> every Saturday on Stephen’s Green this summer.<\/p>\n

It’s donation based with all proceeds going to charity. 11am on Saturdays beside the bandstand in Stephen’s Green in between the Harcourt Street and Leeson Street entrance.<\/p>\n

\u25aa Art talks and screenings at The National Gallery<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shop, Drink, Play<\/h2>\n

The George Street Arcade in the city centre opens daily, and you can shop away with everything from pocket watches to jewellery, photography and Belgian waffles! My personal favourite is a little stall run by a film photographer who sells prints that he’s collected over the years, frames and sells for \u20ac5 a piece or 3 for \u20ac12. He’s got a story for most of them too!<\/p>\n

Weekend Markets<\/h2>\n

\u25aa Ha’Penny Flea Market for vintage clothing, books, crafts, photography and more at The Grand Social located at\u00a035 Lower Liffey Street, Dublin 1. The Grand Social also boasts frequent music events so check their website for updates.
\n\u25aa The Temple Bar Market for food and design although be wary of spending too much time in Temple Bar as it is an area full of tourist trap bars and restaurants. You may want to have just one beer and a walkabout then move on to other areas to play.\u00a012 East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2.
\n\u25aa See the Dublin Event Guide<\/a> published every week for more free events – there’s loads!<\/p>\n

Drink Guinness<\/h2>\n

“Maybe it’s the mineral flavour of the water used to make Guinness, that tastes as if it’s run directly off the mountain into your glass. “<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Seriously. It tastes the best in Ireland, and locals get very serious about the craft… to the extent that they will switch to something else if the pints poured at a certain bar are not up to scratch. This could be because the pipes haven’t been cleaned properly, the beer has been sitting for too long, or the pourer simply lacks the skills. Either way, the Irish do not drink bad Guinness. So basically you are almost guaranteed a perfect pint every time, with a delicious frothy head and full flavoured body that isn’t sweet nor bitter, making for a hearty mouthful of flavour that doesn’t linger for too long. Maybe it’s the mineral flavour of the water used to make Guinness, that tastes as if it’s run directly off the mountain into your glass. It could be the air, crisp and tinkling with laughter floating out of the cafes and mingling with the gentle rattling of the sailboat masts in the wind. Or perhaps it’s the nostalgic sight of the quaint cobbled streets hugged by their big-stone buildings, as if in an attempt to retain the heat emanating off the bodies all clad in edgy outfits and thrilled after-work-drinks faces. Whatever the reason, hands down, the Guinness is most delicious when drunk in Ireland.<\/p>\n

Once you’re feeling fuzzy and ready to be swept up in the motions of Dublin\u2019s nightlife ocean… go play at places like Yamamori Izakaya for fine Japanese cuisine, cocktails (I love the Espresso Martini), and its upbeat vibe. 12\/13 South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, Dublin.<\/p>\n

Grab a bottle of Japanese Asahi in the quirky beer garden of sister restaurant Yamamori Tengu, across the river. 72 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2. Pick up the tempo at Pygmalion, a maze of arches and bars set against glass walls that look out onto the elegantly lit-up Powerscourt Centre. \u00a0Expect anything from Minimal Techno to funky New Disco, and once a month they host some big names. I got to watch Nightmares on Wax… seriously smooth!\u00a0Pygmalion is located at\u00a0Powerscourt Town Centre, South William Street, Dublin 2.<\/p>\n

Eat Some More<\/h2>\n

Not just famous for it’s beer and whiskey, there are some local delicacies you can’t leave without trying:
\n\u25aa Dairy. All of it. The thick yogurt that’s all natural ingredients and none of the gelatine-plumped stuff in SA, and far removed from the clotted milk found in Spain. The yummy goats cheeses… the vars melk… dis al lekker.
\n\u25aa White pudding. Yup, there go my veggie efforts… It’s a mixture of pork, onion and oats sold in a polony roll. Buy it at the local supermarket for \u20ac2, slice it thickly and fry it up with your brekkie. Mmmm…
\n\u25aa Fig rolls. I’m really not doing well on the health section but hey, at least it’s fruit! Rolled up in a biscuit blankie, they’re yummy with local black tea.<\/p>\n

For the Adventurers: Trekking<\/h2>\n

The island of Ireland is outlined and criss crossed with trails in a range of difficulties, all pretty mind-blowing. From Dublin, try:<\/p>\n

Howth<\/h2>\n

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The view where the shorter trails split from the pink trail (10km) in Howth, Ireland <\/span><\/p>\n

This small fishing village on a peninsula was once detached from the mainland until a sand bank formed making it accessible by car and Dart train from Dublin (it is considered an outer suburb of the capital). When you arrive navigation is simple, exit the train station left and follow the main road until you get to a wooden info booth on the left. Pick up a map showing most of the treks, which range from 3km – 10km. The 10km or pink trail covers loads of ground right up next to the ocean, as the path undulates gently over the cliffs. It’s an easy trek considering the top class picturesque rewards, and to motivate you further is the seafood chowder waiting for you at the end of your long journey. Word of mouth has it that the Brass Monkey serves up the champion of this creamy heaven, packed with bits of salmon, chunks of haddock and soft mussels that crumble and melt in your mouth in an avalanche of gooey goodness. Yup, it’s really that good… and for only \u20ac8. Add a couple extra dineros and they’ll throw in some shellfish and the title of ‘World’s best chowder’. I couldn’t resist the giant frothy cappuccino to top off a treat fit for champions, and I left the pleasant village feeling content with the day’s accomplishments.<\/p>\n

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Delicious seafood chowder from The Brass Monkey in Howth, Ireland<\/span><\/p>\n

The Dart train runs every 20 minutes and takes around half an hour journey from Dublin city centre <\/a>to Howth. The train connects all the way down South to Bray and is convenient for traversing the city too (rumour has it the bus system is less than commendable but as a Saffa I’m happy the option exists at all!) Singles at \u20ac3.50 and return \u20ac6.70, although swiping a Leap Card is cheaper. These can be purchased and topped up at any news stand, and used on the buses and Dart trains.<\/p>\n

The Brass Monkey: turn left out the train station and take your first left down the pier. It’s on the left hand side, and open every day from 12pm.
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Soup-bowl sized cappuccino for desert at The Brass Monkey in Howth, Ireland <\/span><\/p>\n

Eat some more… at the Howth Market, open on weekends and holidays. Think gluten free coconut and date balls among other scrummy crafty yums, cosy sheep’s wool beanies and beeeeer. Find it at\u00a03A Harbour Road, Howth.<\/p>\n

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