6 Hidden Gems Around Dublin City To Check Out This Weekend

Dublin City is a city steeped in culture and history, with a plethora of things to see and do. 

However, some of us may be guilty of rushing around this great city and not truly appreciating the beauty around us. So what would you find if you slowed down and looked around this weekend?

It is time to be a tourist in your own town. Given half a chance, this city could blow you away as if you were seeing it for the first time!

Indigo & Cloth – Essex Street

Located on Essex Street, Indigo & Cloth acts as a café, clothes shop, design agency, studio, hang out spot and basically anything else you can think of. The contemporary style and design of the space make it a relaxing and unusual place to relax and spend time with friends. Sit back and enjoy the creative atmosphere.

It is wonderful to see young businesses blazing ahead and making their own niche in the busy word of cafes in Dublin.

We suggest you try the cakes, at the very least! They also might tempt you in with their hilarious signs alone. 

Gutter Bookshop – Cow’s Lane

If you feel like getting back in to touch with your roots through Joyce, or you have never fully understood why Wilde thought it was so important to be earnest, you need to visit this bookshop. 

As it is an independent outlet, it offers something completely different than the large chain bookshops out there. 

Knowledgeable and incredibly helpful staff will help you find your next favourite read, be it new release or a classic. They even have some first edition signed copies of some of Ireland’s most revered classics. Walk in, browse around, ask for a recommendation – but most importantly, take it all in!

They also have regular events, for young and old alike.

Marsh’s Library – Saint Patrick’s Close

If you’re looking for a bit of history, why not check out Marsh’s Library? It dates from 1707 and was the first ever public library in the city. 

It has an incredibly well-preserved collection of late Renaissance and early Enlightenment pieces, and has a collection of over 25,000 books and 300 manuscripts.

Despite the fact that it is a place dripping with history, the curators at the library do know how to have some fun. Once you’re finished browsing history, you can head over to their Selfie Gallery, and dress up as some of your favourite historical characters, take some funny pictures and get them posted on the library’s website. The library also hosts regular events, readings and craft days for children.

Meeting House Square – Temple Bar 

The Meeting House Square is where the Gallery of Photography, The National Photographic Archive and the Ark all reside. However, there might be a side of this place that you weren’t aware of. It is also home to an outdoor stage and cinema screen, with amazing umbrellas that cover the length of the square. In this climate, they will probably be badly needed! 

Regular events also take place such as the Temple Bar Farmers Market, movie nights, music gigs, pop-up restaurants and much more throughout the year. 

The Bram Stoker Festival takes place next month with a screening of the classic film Dracula and the event is aptly named “Stoker on the Square”. We love this creepy film and it is perfect for this time of year.

The Secret Book and Record Store – Wicklow Street

I suppose the story is in the name with this one. This small place is well known amongst its clientele but it is rather easy to overlook, nestled away on Wicklow Street. 

Whether you’re looking for an out of print copy of your old favourite story, or a certain record that means a lot to you, you will find it here.

If you want to speak with someone who is passionate about their work, speak to the people in this store. Have a question about a small, little-known album from your youth? They will probably have the answer at the tip of their tongue. 

It is a great place to spend an hour or two, browsing through their collection and reliving your youth through long forgotten records and books. They sometimes have live bands too, keep an eye out! 

The Sackville Lounge – Sackville Place

One of the smallest pubs in Dublin, this 19th Century, one-roomed, wood panelled bar is situated just off O’Connell Street. But don’t let the location fool you, despite the huge footfall in and around O’Connell Street, this place is still a good pub for a quiet, solitary pint. 

It is popular with actors from the nearby Abbey and Peacock Theatres so there is always an interesting character present to add some more colour and atmosphere to the bar.

It’s also been claimed by some to have the best toasted sandwiches in Dublin, but we will let you judge that for yourself. 

When you first stick your head through the door, the intimacy of the space might be intimidating but don’t let that stop you. Whether you’re a regular or a first timer, The Sackville Lounge always has a welcome for you.