DK Eyewitness - Dublin Like a Local: By the People Who Call It Home

There are two kinds of Dubliner those who were born here, and those who choose to be here. The common denominator? A fierce feeling of loyalty and pride, as well as a wicked sense of humour. This is a place where everyone you meet wants to stop and chat, whether youre popping to the shop or nipping out for a coffee. Its also a place thats had more than its fair share of hard times, but new ideas abound when times are tough after all, the 2008 recession kick-started some of the most innovative cafs and bars that still thrive to this day.

If ever there were a city that could charm your socks off, its Dublin. Theres a palpable sense of charisma to the place that ensnares anyone who visits a cheeky sense of divilment that makes you feel like an adventure is always just around the corner. And the citys compact size makes it all the easier to explore, as you amble past Georgian townhouses and Gothic redbrick markets, weaving between shouted conversations in the street and spontaneous calls for a sneaky pint.

In a city so small, it can be hard to spot the decent places amid the tourist traps. But thats where this book comes in. We know the places that Dubliners love, from the brunch spots theyll wait all week for to the underground venues for life-changing gigs. When it comes to the weekend, Dubliners arent visiting the Guinness Storehouse: theyre hopping between the best vintage boutiques and indie galleries and plotting where to get their fix of Korean fried chicken or poitn cocktails.

Whether youre already a Dubliner looking to unearth your citys secrets, or youre keen to discover a side that you wont find in traditional guidebooks, this book will help you to embrace the city with the wild sense of mischief thats woven into its very heart. Enjoy Dublin, but do it the local way.

Dublin | WELCOME TO THE CITY

Liked by the locals

Dublin may look like a city, but its got the heart of a village. And thats what I love about it everything is right at your fingertips, and you never know what the day will bring.

NICOLA BRADY, TRAVEL WRITER

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Dublin

THROUGH THE YEAR

From mass street parties in the summer to festive markets in the winter, theres a cause for celebration with the dawn of each new season in Dublin.

SPRING

ST PATRICKS DAY

After a brittle winter, its only right that the mother of all parties kicks off spring. This national holiday brings high spirits (well, its a day off work), and sees locals enjoy the parade, crowd the streets in green hats and mingle with a pint in the pub.

COUNTRYSIDE WALKS

Surprisingly, spring is often warmer than summer, so locals embrace the milder weather by migrating to the coast or mountains for a walk.

PARK PICNICS

Seduced by the rises in temperature in April, youngsters flock to the citys parks with picnic baskets in tow. They enjoy the longer evenings (known locally as the grand old stretch), catching up with friends on the grassy fields.

SUMMER

FESTIVAL FROLICS

Nothing defines Dublins convivial nature like its summer festival season. Pride sees a riot of colour, Forbidden Fruit puts on the biggest music party, Vodafone Comedy Festival brings the craic and The Big Grill provides tasty BBQ treats.

SEA SWIMS

Youre not a proper Dub until youve leapt into the bracing waters of the Irish Sea come summer. Teenagers jump in at the Forty Foot in Sandycove to celebrate the end of exams while hardy swimmers (some even in the nude) brave Hawk Cliff in Dalkey.

OUTDOOR CINEMAS

Free open-air cinemas spring up across the city as soon as balmy nights hit. Locals spread out on blankets and enjoy classic films with a bite to eat (courtesy of tempting food trucks) in popular Merrion Square.

FLEA MARKETS GALORE

Antique lovers and fashionistas hit the flea markets that begin to pop up at the start of June, from the Dublin Flea on Thomas Street to the sustainable fashion fairs in the Workmans Club.

AUTUMN

FIRESIDE PINTS

When the nights draw in and the rain pours, the pubs light their turf fires and locals cosy up by the hearth with a pint.

CULTURAL TOURS

September sees Dubliners head indoors for a dose of culture. Theatre lovers head to both big venues and tiny pop-ups to see new plays courtesy of Dublin Theatre Festival and Fringe, while the curious are drawn to Culture Night for free gigs and literary events.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Dubliners go all out for Irelands most ancient festival. They dress up for themed nights out, enjoy theatrical parades and celebrate with spooky readings at the Bram Stoker Festival.

WINTER

FESTIVE LIGHTS

Light displays mark the start of the Christmas season across the city. Workers walk over illuminated bridges on the way home while families admire the projections covering iconic buildings.

WEEKEND MARKETS

Wrapped-up locals swarm to markets to pick up locally made pieces for gifts high-end at the RDS Irish Design Fair and funky at the Christmas Flea.

NEW YEARS EVE

Dubliners ring in the new year with a knees-up: at the countdown concert, with a singalong in their local boozer or with family and friends at home.

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KNOW-HOW

Theres an art to being a Dubliner, from the dos and donts in the pub to negotiating the citys medieval streets. Heres a breakdown of all you need to know.

For health and safety resources, safe spaces and accessibility information, turn to the . For everything else, read on.

EAT
Dubliners rarely eat breakfast out, so its unusual for cafs to open before 9:30am. As for brunch? They cant get enough of it, and cafs start to buzz from around 11am if you arrive any later, prepare to wait for a table. Dinner, eaten around 7:30 or 8pm, is the biggest meal of the day and reservations go quickly, so book ahead. Vegan? Mention this when you book (unless, of course, its a vegan spot).