We’ve got a pretty special city right here, y’know.
From the people to the places, from the food to the drinks, and from the cafés to the parks, we’re bursting with uniqueness and hope and promise that needs to be shared with the world.
Here’s why.
1. The vernacular
We have a peculiar way of expressing ourselves here in Dublin – you can acquaint yourself by reading this guide.
Spending some time absorbing this strange language will leave you with an enhanced and, um, colourful vocab.
2. It’s a VERY special place when the sun shines
Some places get sun all the time, and that’s great.
Here in Dublin, we don’t – but the upside of that is we really appreciate the sunny days. And the effect that this has on the mood and atmosphere within the city is palpable. What’s rare is wonderful.
3. Jobs, jobs and more jobs
Facebook, Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, Airbnb, Dropbox, Etsy… the list of multinationals that have set up shop here is absolutely endless.
Ireland is just emerging from a fairly rough recession, one that’s still being felt in certain parts of the country – but nevertheless, prospects in Dublin right now are good. Very good.
4. You can walk EVERYWHERE
Dublin, despite being low-rise, is a very compact city. This means that, unless you’re heading into the suburbs, you can get around primarily on foot.
This might sound like a negative point to some people, but trust us – the independence it gives you is just fantastic.
5. Match days in Croker
If you’ve not yet been introduced to our national sports – Gaelic football and hurling/camogie – then these in themselves will prove a wonderful treat for you. Head along to a match in the company of 80,000 passionate supporters, and the experience is a truly unique one.
6. We throw a serious party
St Patrick’s Day may be celebrated all over the world – but nowhere does it quite like Dublin.
7. Guinness, obv
You may have tasted it abroad; you may have liked it and you may have hated it. In Dublin, however, it’s a different ball game altogether – and it’s wonderful to have it quite literally on tap wherever you go.
8. Paddy Kavanagh
This fella took the leafy streets of Dublin and turned them into art. Not with a paintbrush, but with a pen.
Listen to this rendition of his poem On Raglan Road – performed by Luke Kelly of the Dubliners – and we defy you not to book your tickets immediately.
9. Toners
Not just any pub. A special, special pub.
You won’t know why until you walk in its doors.
10. You’ve got the best ‘guide book’ in the world
Kav wasn’t the only literary great to emerge from Dublin – in fact, the city is known for producing a disproportionate number of wordsmiths.
Key amongst them was James Joyce, who not only wrote Ulysses – which documents a day in the life of Dublin man Leopold Bloom as he traverses the city – but also Dubliners, a collection of short stories that truly brings the place to life.
It may not contain a to-do list, or a map. But you’d be hard pressed to find a better guide book to any city, anywhere in the world.
11. Coppers
Oh lord. How do we explain this one? Copper Face Jacks – or ‘Coppers’ – is a nightclub where the normal rules of life, time, space and physics do not apply; where inhibitions go to die, and where romance springs to life.
It’s pretty special, let’s just say that.
12. And cool cops
What you probably thought we were referring to in the above point – but the Irish police force, An Garda Siochána, are known for their friendly demeanour and unique humour.
13. Brunch
Every city does it; but few do it better.
This city, despite its size, boasts more places to try than you could fit in on any trip. So you’re just going to have to move here.
14. Breakfast at Gerry’s
Brunch is great and all, but it’s a rather modern phenomenon.
The Irish brekkie remains king – and while our rural cousins might argue that they can do it better than us here in the capital, they don’t have the institution that is Gerry’s.
15. And coffee to follow
3FE, Kaph, Clement and Pekoe, Brother Hubbard.
These names might mean nothing to you right now – but this city is one with a very proud coffee culture, and they would quickly enter your vernacular if you were to move here.
16. The Camden Mile
The last time we counted, there were 27 pubs on this stretch – but even since we published this article ranking them all, that’s expanded greatly.
Despite being one single stretch of road, it encompasses George’s Street, Aungier Street, Wexford Street, Camden Street, Richmond Street and Portobello – somewhat confusingly, as this American writer pointed out – but it’s a hive of activity, and a cracking place to be.
17. Iveagh Gardens
Speaking of gems in the city, this is a park that’s widely known to locals but completely hidden away from the majority of tourists.
Formerly the gardens to a stately home, it’s an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of the urban centre – and it’s there to be enjoyed for all those lucky enough to live here.
Oh, and it even comes with its own waterfall.
18. And the other parks too
From St Stephen’s Green, which lies right in the heart of the city with somewhat more prominence than the Iveagh Gardens, to Phoenix Park, which is the largest enclosed city park in all of Europe, and one of the biggest in the world…
Let’s just say Ireland’s reputation for being ‘green’ isn’t limited to the rural parts of the country.
19. The River Liffey
I mean, just imagine having this on your doorstep – or as a part of your commute – every single day.
20. The Cobblestone
Another drinking establishment, this time based on the north of the city centre – and very, very traditional, right down to the impromptu musical sessions that regularly break out there.
21. Layers upon layers of amazing history
From major events – such as the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence – to the more hidden details, this city has more stories than the inside of JK Rowling’s head.
22. Easy access to the most beautiful country in the world
Dublin is fantastic – but the rest of the country isn’t too shabby either.
I mean, just check out these pictures if you weren’t already convinced.
23. The Harbour Bar
Technically located outside Dublin – albeit by a matter of metres, as it’s located in Bray, which sits on the county border with Wicklow.
Lonely Planet called it the best pub in the world back in 2010, and it’s really not hard to see why.
24. It’s a happy, healthy place
Yoga studios, health food cafés, gyms, tag rugby, outdoor boot camps – Dublin is in the midst of a health revolution.
There are still great places to indulge and eat and drink and be merry, but the city is also a great place to discover your best self.
25. It’s full of some the most wonderful people you’ll ever encounter
The reputation of the Irish people for friendliness is not misplaced. This city is populated by friendly, helpful and welcoming citizens – for the most part – who relish the idea of a more metropolitan and multicultural future for Dublin.
26. And while it’s not perfect…
Rents are increasing, it’s hard to buy a house, prices are creeping back up and we’re currently without a government in Ireland due to a very tight election result – and that’s to say nothing of the homelessness that casts a dark shadow over the city.
So let’s not kid ourselves into saying that the place is perfect, if such a concept even exists.
27. … something VERY special is happening here right now
Jobs, a health revolution, a startup boom, and an air of excitement that Dubliners missed so much during the bleak years of the recession.
We’re back to our best, and the atmosphere in the city is one of anticipation, hope and happiness as we approach the 100th anniversary of the Irish Republic.
It really is something quite special to be a part of. And you’d be doing well to join us.
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