8 Things to Do in Dublin 8
I’ve lived in Dublin 8 for just over 2 years, and I love it. It’s not exactly what you’d think of when you think of the southside of the city - at least where I’ve lived - but I think it’s mighty. Apart from Noshingtons, which I’m sure every Griffith student is well familiar with, there’s a plethora of places to hang out and things to see around our little section of Dublin.
Vicar Street
There’s always something on in Vicar Street whether it’s comedy with Dylan Moran and Dara O’Briain or music with The Tallest Man on Earth and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. If you haven’t been already it’s an absolutely lovely venue with an upstairs seating area, the floor area where there are little tables and a very cool bar.
It’s located on Thomas Street and you can check out upcoming gigs here.
Gaillot et Grey
A gem located mere minutes from Griffith College. Thoughts of one of their roast chicken sandwiches often gets me through the morning. Gaillot et Grey is a bakery / cafe / pizza place. Their sourdough bread is perfect, their soups, sandwiches and salads are always delicious and their pizza (freshly cooked to order in their stone pizza oven!) beats a greasy takeaway any night.
Check out their Facebook page here.
Fumbally
The Fumbally cafe has become a staple on the Dublin brunch and lunch scene with regular features on Lovin Dublin. Their menu is simple, healthy and made with all locally sourced produce. It’s a great place to go with your laptop and do some work over a coffee.
You can read more about The Fumbally, their food and coffee here.
Little Bird
Need to unwind? Get zen? Eat some very healthy food? Well, did you know Dublin 8 has its own yoga cafe? It's just beside the Tesco bus stop, so no doubt you've stood outside it. Full disclosure, I have yet to try the actual yoga but I've tried their Little Bird salad and their coffee (both lovely), but the actual yoga is on my to-do list.
You can get all the info on their classes here.
The Bernard Shaw
Another Dublin staple! The Bernard Shaw is probably one of the most popular, dare I say, trendy hipster pubs. Not only does it have great food and drink offers but has pretty funky graffiti and decor (prime location Instagram photos), the delicious Eatyard food market AND random events like The Irish National Coffee Throwing Championship. What more could you want from a pub!
You can keep up to date with their events, offers and news here.
Dublin Flea Market
This takes place on the last Sunday of every month and is located in the Co-Op on Newmarket Square. Personally, anytime I go I mostly wander around and look in awe at the random collection of things people have on offer. It’s a great way to spend some of your Sunday and you can even get your lunch and stock up on more treats for later. You can find anything and everything there from vintage cameras to couches and vases. Definitely worth a visit at least once!
You can get more info about the Flea Market here.
Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA)
I’ve been to IMMA mostly on school tours, but it’s a lovely place for a lazy afternoon. The exhibits are always interesting, if not slightly obscure for my taste. Their gardens are gorgeous, with a few benches for a sit-down and take in the beauty of Dublin. You can pick up some interesting books and a spot of lunch at their gift shop and Itsa cafe, which are located in the crypts. It’s also free of charge!
You can find out more about IMMA here.
Phoenix Park
I only recently discovered that Phoenix Park is in fact in Dublin 8 so it has to get a mention. To be honest, what CAN’T you do in Phoenix Park? You can rent bikes and go for a cycle through one of Europe’s largest walled city parks. You can grab your camera and go deer spotting (at a safe and respectful distance of course). You can pretend to be a flamingo* and visit Dublin Zoo. You can visit Farmleigh House and pick up some food at their Sunday food and craft markets. You can also just go for a walk and get some fresh air, which is always nice.
* this author may or may not have stood at the flamingo enclosure and stood like a flamingo
See? Dublin 8 is fantastic and filled with lovely cafes, pubs, parks and museums… and these are only 8 of them! Even better, they’re all located with a little walk or short bus ride from Griffith College.