Dublin takes its name from the southwest of the city when, in prehistoric times, there was a dark pool (Dubb Linn ) at the confluence of the River Liffey and what was once the River Poddle. The area expanded during the 18th century, when the cobbled streets of Temple Bar became a centre for merchants and craftsmen – interestingly reverting to similar use in the 20th century. Prior to the founding of Trinity College in 1592, southeast Dublin was relatively undeveloped. St Stephen’s Green wasn’t enclosed until the 1660s and it remained for private use until 1877. But from the 1850s the area witnessed a boom that saw the construction of important public buildings such as City Hall. Today, the south is the hub of the fashionable scene, with designer stores and fine restaurants.
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Morning
Breakfast in style at Bewley’s Oriental Café then spend the first half of the morning exploring the shops on Grafton Street and in Powerscourt Townhouse and soaking up the atmosphere of the street entertainers. Once the crowds move in, continue down to College Green and walk under the arch into Trinity College to relax in the grounds. On leaving Trinity, head down Dame Street to Temple Bar and enjoy the many shops and galleries here.
For lunch, press on to Leo Burdock’s, the city’s oldest fish-and-chip shop (2 Werburgh St, €). It’s take-away only so make for Christ Church Cathedral and sit and admire its exterior while eating. Then wander inside to view the restored crypt and treasury.
Afternoon
After lunch, retrace your steps to Dublin Castle for a tour of the state apartments and a visit to the Chester Beatty Library. A cup of eastern-flavoured coffee and exotic cake in the café here will set you up for your final stretch of the day. Walk down Dame and Nassau streets to Clare Street and the newly opened Millennium Wing of the National Gallery .
Finally, to unwind (albeit on rather a hard chair), check out an evening concert at St Patrick’s Cathedral .
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For those who don’t have a chance to visit Avoca in Powerscourt, this shop is a satisfactory alternative, with its range of goods and clothes. Excellent food section, and a restaurant on the top floor.
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Dublin’s first Palladian-style building, built for the Irish Parliament in 1739, is beautifully floodlit at night.
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Right in the centre of Grafton Street, this is one of two branches of Bewley’s in the city. The building alone is worth the visit, with stained-glass windows and authentic atmosphere.
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Genuine Italian run by Italians. The simple menu has all the old favourites – a good, reasonably priced place for lunch or dinner.
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The smartest department store in town. A couple of floors of designer labels give the fashionistas plenty of scope, and there’s also a great glass and china department featuring top Irish designs.
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The Brasserie is an informal name for the smart restaurant attached to this townhouse hotel. Right on St Stephen’s Green and close to Grafton Street, it is convenient and the food excellent.
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Recently reopened after a complete revamp, this is a trendy place in a central location. It attracts a regular young crowd keen on people-watching, as well as the after-workers. A good alternative to the traditional Dublin pub.
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This small shop specializes in Irish music records and CDs; it is difficult to pass by without being lured in by the Celtic tunes wafting into the street.
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This cosy shop offers a dazzling array of local Irish whiskeys in addition, of course, to the more famous brands. The service is as warm as a nip of the uisce beatha (water of life).
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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