[dropcap]T[/dropcap]here is an abundance of things to do in Dublin at the weekend, Ellen Fitzpatrick gives us the key to the city’s best activities.
A wide range of exotic restaurants, pubs galore and places to visit that are so unique. No matter where you are in Dublin, you’ll always find something to do to keep you busy in the city.
The first and most obvious place that is a must-see is the Guinness Storehouse. Although it’s profoundly known to be the biggest tourist attraction in Dublin, there’s no denying that the place is some amount of craic. They go through the history of the brewery from how they extract the barley to the delivery of it to pubs all over the world, while also showing the iconic ads we all know and love from over the years. The end is the best part as they show you how to pull the perfect pint, which apparently takes 119.5 seconds. You can then enjoy your pint while looking out over the entire city from the Gravity Bar.
A student ticket here is €18.50 and worth the money for this attraction. The Tea Garden on Lower Ormond Quay is a more mellow and relaxed place to visit in Dublin, but one of the best places to experience in the city. Filled with cushions, calm music and mood lighting, Tea Garden offers a variety of soothing teas and shishas, all with different flavours and health boosting teas to choose from. If you’ve had a long week of lectures and assignments, this is the perfect way to unwind and relax with a group of friends. This inexpensive hideout is ideal for
the times you need a break from everyday life.
If you’re looking for somewhere more historical in Dublin, you’re in luck because Kilmainham Gaol and Glasnevin Cemetery are two of the most interesting and worthwhile historical sites in the city. Both of these sites bring you through the history of the 1916 Rising and the fight for Irish independence, with Kilmainham being the place of execution for Irish rebels and Glasnevin being the burial site for the majority of Irish historical figures. Both walk you through significant moments in Irish history which are chilling at times but essential for our society to know. Student tickets for Kilmainham are only €4 but sell out fast. Glasnevin is a more local spot for DCU students, with
student tickets costing €10.
The Viking Splash is another historical adventure in Dublin but this one has a twist. The tour brings you around the city, showing all the historical sites Dublin has to offer except its all done from a Viking-like boat on wheels while you’re made wear a Viking helmet. It’s the most thrilling tour of Dublin you’ll ever go on and for a student ticket it costs €22, which may seem like a lot but is completely worth it for a trip that you won’t forget.
History isn’t for everyone, and that’s fine because there are plenty of other things to keep you on your toes in town. Dublin has recently seen the arrival of alternative hang out spots and restaurants in the last few years. The Hideout and Token are two new enough places that are nothing like anywhere else in the city. The Hideout on South William Street is a BYOB pool hall that allows you to hang out with friends while playing pool and listening to good tunes, what more could you want? Its €10 per pool table per hour, or €15 all day on Fridays and Saturdays and you bring all your own drink which will save a lot of money. Across the Liffey in Smithfield, Token has a similar take on the alternative hang out spot as this is a trendy restaurant and bar with old-school arcade machines. From Pacman to Mario Kart, Token has so much more to offer than merely a quick bite to eat. You could easily sit there for hours of fun and nostalgia.
Staying on the topic of food, burrito bars have been popping up all over the city. Boojum seems to be the students favourite but there are so many others to choose from. Burritos and Blues, Tolteca and Mama’s Revenge all offer a tasty Mexican food experience. K Chido, however, is a new take on these burrito hotspots. K Chido sells traditional Mexican cuisine from an old renovated Citroën van, painted in vibrant colours in a Chancery Street warehouse. You’re spoiled for choice here which has a wild take on the city’s beloved burrito bars.
The best pint in Dublin is one of the biggest arguments you will have with a Dubliner, other than the Northside/Southside debate. Arguably, Mulligans on Poolbeg Street is the best one there is. In an authentic and traditional Dublin pub right in the city centre, you’ll be served the most perfect looking and tasting Guinness in the city. Not to mention that the staff are the biggest Dubs you’ll ever come across. What more could you want on a good night out?
Escape rooms are always going to be good fun no matter where you are in the world, it’s almost a
guarantee. Lucky for us, there are a good few escape rooms to choose from in the city. Adventure Rooms on Little Britain Street is Trip Advisor’s most highly rated escape room, with Incognito Escape Rooms on Bridgefoot Street following. Both offer a series of different scenarios you have to figure your way out of in a certain time frame. These cost around €20 per person, depending on the room you choose and the number of people with you. Like with everything in Dublin, there’s a twist. Escape Boats on Grand Canal Quay offers the traditional escape room only on a boat. Instead of a themed room, you’re made to escape from a ship in 60 minutes or less. It’s slightly more expensive, but something unusual to do here in the city.
Give any of these a try this weekend
Ellen Fitzpatrick
Image Credit: Sonja Tutty