As restrictions ease and Dublin reopens, it’s a great time to make a day of it with a trip to the city. With so much to see and do in Dublin’s creative quarter, you’ve got to get out and enjoy it!
Photo taken summer 2020, prior to mandatory face coverings
The Little Museum of Dublin
Dublin’s smallest yet most character-filled museum, the Little Museum of Dublin is located in a Georgian building on Stephen’s Green and spans three floors. With 5,000 artefacts donated or loaned directly from the people of Dublin, it paints an intricate picture of the city through the decades. Founded by Trevor White and opened in 2011, the museum has both permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage and social history of Ireland’s capital.
Guided tours are reduced for the time being due to COVID-19 restrictions, but members of the museum’s knowledgeable staff are stationed on each floor to answer any questions you may have. Floor manager Fiona Brennan pointed out her favourite artefact – gold-encrusted Monster Munch crisps, which are a tribute to the Celtic Tiger era! You’ll find those on the second floor. With so much to see, it’s no wonder that the Little Museum gets so many great reviews on Tripadvisor.
With things as they are, there’s a one-way system in place, and contact details are collected. Your temperature is taken on entry, and face coverings are required. The museum is open every day from 10 am–5 pm. Tickets cost €10, but students and senior citizens pay €8. Entry for all frontline workers is free! When you’re done, pop into Hatch & Sons café in the basement, and present your ticket to get a 10% discount.
Powerscourt Centre
Located on South William Street, this expansive Georgian townhouse is home to over 40 shops and restaurants. From food, bars, arts and tours to beauty, fashion jewellery and antiques, Powerscourt is an essential stop.
It’s open from 10 am–6 pm Monday–Saturday and 12 pm–6 pm on Sundays. Social distancing measures in place and hand sanitisation stations are dotted around the centre. The Pepper Pot Café has also installed protective screens at each of its tables to ensure a safe dining experience.
Photo taken prior to mandatory face coverings
Article @ Powerscourt
Article is a unique homewares shopping experience. Opened in 2010, Article is located in Lord Powerscourt’s former dressing room with its spectacular original plasterwork ceiling dating from 1780. It’s the perfect backdrop to showcase the beautifully edited selection of items for the home.
Their collection includes everything from the practical to the whimsical, Irish woolen throws to handmade candles, coloured glass to Ostrich feather dusters, mid-century armchairs to colourful stationery.
It’s a great place to browse and pick up something nice for your humble abode. They have so many gift options that are perfect for celebrating a special occasion too.
San Lorenzo’s
Situated amongst the hustle and bustle of George’s Street, San Lorenzo’s is a modern Italian restaurant with a New York twist. Most renowned for their all-day brunch offerings (coco pop French toast, anyone?), they’re now offering a new 3-course dinner menu priced at €44.95 per person. We went for lots of seafood during our visit, which is something San Lorenzo’s do well. We sampled Scallops Al Forno, Scampi Alla Busara, a fantastic Halibut main, and their signature Zabaglione dessert. Don’t forget to wash your meal down with a refreshing cocktail (the margaritas are to die for), or a glass of vino or prosecco! It’s a perfectly atmospheric, intimate setting for a dinner in the city centre, either for a date night or with a group of mates.
Want more?
Head to Kildare Street to continue your culture fix by visiting the permanent WB Yeats exhibition at the National Library of Ireland, and then enjoy the National Museum of Archaeology next door! The National Gallery of Ireland is nearby too, along with the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
If Powerscourt isn’t enough for you, the adjacent Grafton Street quarter has some of the best shopping streets in the city! Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Wicklow Street, Grafton Street and South Anne Street are all great places to browse, along with George’s Street Arcade.
Need a sweet treat? Head for Three Twenty Ice Cream Lab on Drury Street. If you’re seeking a casual dinner spot, try the newly opened Little Dumpling on Stephen Street for bullet-roasted Cantonese meat platters that are to die for – perfect for sharing with a group! Why not grab all-day brunch in Metro Café on South William Street, or grab some tacos for lunch at Masa? There are so many options in the area, check out the guides by All The Food and DublinTown for extra recommendations!
