MUSEUMS

The Little Museum of Dublin

New, small, and setting Dublin’s museum scene alight over the past few years, The Little Museum of Dublin sits in a Georgian terrace on St Stephen’s Green and goes about being a museum in a slightly different way. This accompanied-tour-only spot, which features just a handful of rooms scattered with exhibits (and the occasional more formal exhibition downstairs), tells the history of the city in comfortably under an hour. It does it well, too, by referencing soccer World Cups and long-defunct TV shows, as well as independence, tenement houses, poverty, and the fight to bring contraception to Ireland. A true cultural insight.

The Chester Beatty Library

The name is a misnomer (it’s definitely not a library) – the free-to-enter Chester Beatty Library hosts a revolving selection of exhibitions that often relate loosely to Dublin at best. That shouldn’t put you off: Lonely Planet has called this one of the best museums in Europe, and its revolving door of attractions sourced from around the world, from Japanese Samurai culture to Middle Eastern art, is compelling. The roof garden’s a great little Dublin secret too.

The Museum of History and Archaeology

Located right outside Ireland’s parliament (the Dail), this state-run, free-entry museum looks primarily at Irish history that’s centuries old. It explores Vikings and the powerful local warrior Brian Boru, displays the remains of contorted ancient ‘bog’ bodies pulled from Ireland’s marshland, and delves into the church and its influence, for example. Look out for the old urn of butter rescued from hundreds of years underwater too and the men’s high-heeled shoes designed to walk atop the streets’ ancient grime. This museum is one in which you can kill a few hours.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art

An unusual modern art museum hosted in a former hospital a little out of the heart of Dublin, IMMA is a worthy aside for those of a more leftfield, contemporary artistic bent, and for those with children in tow, as it offers the chance to explore the art alongside mazes, extensive gardens, and interactive sculpture. Exhibitions regularly rotate, and some of the art here is notably weird, especially in its oblique glances at Irish culture from a colourful sideline. Charming, effortlessly so.

The National Gallery of Ireland

Currently, the National Gallery of Ireland is home to an exhibit of more than half the Vermeer paintings still of this earth; however, it is also the home of Irish art, at least in its less contemporary sense. There are centuries worth of works to explore here, including some lesser-known pieces by more internationally renowned painters such as Monet and Picasso. It’s probably the likes of local star Jack B Yeats that will give the best sense of the city’s art world, though. For example, check out his depiction of the mad annual sporting contest the Liffey Swim.

Kilmainham Gaol

Another one outside of the heart of the city, and very much a case of history superbly placed in context, Kilmainham Gaol will be of interest to any Irish history buff, as arguably the point of origin of the state itself. After an unpopular 1916 uprising was suppressed by British forces, the execution of its leaders was deemed an overreaction locally and turned the tides of public opinion that eventually led to Irish independence. The site is a rough, slightly claustrophobic former prison that’s pretty memorable in its own right, being utterly laden with dark history.

PARKS

St Anne’s Park

Dublin’s second largest park, St Anne’s, can be found on the northern side of the city, between the leafy suburbs of Raheny and Clontarf. Inherited by the famous Guinness family in 1868, it was sold to local authorities in the early part of the 20th century, and has since become a very popular spot for sports and other recreational activities. There are 35 playing pitches, 18 hard-surfaced tennis courts and a golf course all open for use by the public. There is also a very impressive walled garden within the park which can be visited free of charge. A good place to see some traditional Gaelic games.

Phoenix Park

The stone walls of this enormous urban park enclose 707 hectares of land, making it one of the largest parks in Europe. As you take a stroll through the lush greenery, there is a good chance you will see wild deer roaming freely across the vast open fields. The park also contains Dublin Zoo, the largest zoo in the country, and an extensive visitor centre where you can learn about the history of the park while enjoying a delicious lunch out in the open air.

St Stephen’s Green

Situated in the very heart of Dublin’s thriving city centre, this historic park provides an avenue for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city beyond. Referenced numerous times by the internationally revered Irish writer James Joyce, the park is popular with joggers, dog walkers and local business people who stop by during their lunch break. St Stephen’s Green also features 15 statues and memorials to various historical figures and events, including a bronze bust of the Irish revolutionary heroine Countess Markievicz, the first woman elected to the British House of Commons, and a large commemorative arch dedicated to those who fought and died in the Second Boer War (1899-1902).

Marlay Park

First opened in 1975, this suburban park has gone on to become a popular performance venue for Irish and international musicians. As well as outdoor concerts, the park features a host of playing fields and a nine hole golf course. Marlay House, which the park was built around, is a splendid Georgian manor which has since entered public ownership and can consequently now be toured as part of a group. A small number of high quality craft workshops operate in the vicinity of the manor, offering services such as furniture restoration and glass cutting.

Iveagh Gardens

These splendid Victorian gardens can be found right next to the National Concert Hall of Ireland, and have been a staple of city life for over a century. Not as crowded as St Stephen’s Green, the park boasts a waterfall and a procession of beautiful flowers and trees that provide both shade and beauty. A great spot for a picnic, or just for a stroll, Iveagh Gardens may be the most underappreciated park in the city. Regular festivals and public events are also hosted here on a regular basis, especially during the summer months.

MARKETS

Dublin Flea Market

Held on the last Sunday of every month, the Dublin Flea is one of the city’s best-loved markets. Since 2008, it has been feeding market-goers’ appetites, both literally and figuratively, with an indoor dining area full of stands stocking delicious falafel, Greek food, fresh coffee and more alongside vendors selling clothing, art, bric-a-brac and pretty much anything else you could ever want or need. Housed inside the food co-op on Newmarket Square, this market also has an outdoor courtyard area that is extremely pleasant to hang out it in, weather permitting.

Ha’penny Vintage & Craft Market

A stone’s throw away from the iconic Ha’penny Bridge, The Grand Social bar and venue hosts a well-attended vintage and craft market every Saturday afternoon (12pm-6pm), offering designer and vintage clothes, antique furniture, vinyl records, books and a selection of artworks and crafts by local designers. This friendly indoor market has a relaxed atmosphere, and shoppers are invited to enjoy a pint while perusing the various stalls if so inclined. Several local vintage shops from the surrounding area also rent tables here.

Temple Bar Food Market

The Food Market in Temple Bar is often described as a foodie’s paradise. Held every Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm in Meeting House Square – a space that also accommodates cinema screenings, festivals and outdoor performances – here you will find local producers selling seasonal organic vegetables, truly free-range eggs, cured meats and baked goods, both healthy and less so. Sheridan’s Cheesemongers are also in regular attendance, selling some of the best cheese to be found anywhere in Ireland. A retractable canopy diligently protects both sellers and shoppers from rain.

The Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane

Also in Temple Bar, the Designer Mart at Cow’s Lane is an outdoor market that gives independent Irish and Ireland-based designers a platform to show their handmade work. Expect jewellery, clothing, drawings and prints and gift items galore. Located at the west end of the Cultural Quarter – in the area known as the Old City – this craft-filled market runs from 10am to 5pm every Saturday.

Temple Bar Night Market

Founded by The Temple Bar Company, Temple Bar Night Market is held every Wednesday evening throughout the summer. Filling the streets with the work of local artists and makers – such as organic soaps and hand lotions, home accessories and furniture, jewellery, pottery, incense, pop-up and illustrated cards, and much more – this unique evening market runs once a week from April through to the end of September.

The Bernard Shaw Flea Market

This weekly flea market takes place on Saturdays in The Bernard Shaw pub and its adjoining beer garden. Visitors can sample cocktails and craft beers while they soak up the market vibes and snag some bargains – and as an added bonus, brunch is available from participating places like Coffee to Get Her and The Big Blue Bus, which specialises in pizza. The amazing Dublin Doughnut Co doughnuts – quite possibly the best doughnuts in the country – can be purchased here too.

Smithfield Market Fair

A monthly event held in Smithfield’s Generator Hostel, the Smithfield Market Fair hosts over 50 traders from around Dublin and its environs. As well as the standard market items, this one also features live music and installations, as well as plenty of tasty food stalls from local businesses.