A big, hard-to-miss blue building sitting in the middle of Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has upstairs and downstairs theaters, as well as a gallery space. Stop in to check out upcoming shows and take advantage of some free coffee and W-Fi. Check the website for show schedules.
Tickets €20-25. Box office open M-Sa 11am-7pm. Gallery open M-Sa 11am-8pm.
ABBEY THEATRE
26-27 Lower Abbey St.
THEATRE
01 878 7222 www.abbeytheatre.ie
First opened in 1904 through the efforts of a certain Mr. William Butler Yeats, the Abbey Theatre has burned down, been moved away, moved back, and rebuilt on its original location, and is supposed to move again in 2012. Apparently the physical space is doing its best to mimic the creative atmosphere, which has been promoting an ever-changing landscape of new Irish writers.
From O’Connell St., turn right.
Dance
These two shows make up for their touristy atmospheres with all the dancin’ and jiggin’ you could ever want.
ARLINGTON HOTEL TEMPLE BAR
16-18 Lord Edward St.
IRISH DANCE
01 670 8777 www.arlingtonhotel.ie
With a raised stage in contrast to the Blarney Inn, where the dancing is done right on the pub floor, the Arlington hotel knows they’ve got quite a show. Spring for the three course dinner plus a show (€30), and you’ll get set up at a table front and center. If you don’t feel like eating, however, you’re still welcome to enjoy the performance. Just make sure you grab a drink from the bar.
“Pour your own pint” tables available as well. Shows daily 8:30-11pm.
BLARNEY INN PUB
1-2 Nassau St.
IRISH DANCE
01 679 4388 www.blarneyinn.com
Irish dancing from Thursday to Saturday. The show begins at 8pm, but the dancers don’t usually come on until 9pm. Performers are either co-ed or all-female, depending on the day.
From Trinity college, follow Nassau St. with the College on your left. The Blarney Inn Pub will be on your right on the corner of Kildare St. Entrees €15. Open M-F 10:30am-11pm or midnight, Sa-Su 9am-11pm or midnight.
Festivals
STREET PERFORMANCE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Merrion Sq.
FESTIVAL
www.spwc.ie
The best street performers in the world come to compete for honor, glory, and that €2-coin you’ve got rolling around in your pocket (but admission is free). A must-see.
From Trinity College follow Nassau St. east, along Clare Street to Merrion Sq. Free. Donations encouraged. June.
TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
Trinity College, College Green Dublin 2
FESTIVAL
01 896 2242 www.dublinshakespeare.com
Running during the first or second week of June, this festival is put on by Trinity College’s drama club, the Dublin University Players, and offers main event shows on campus, as well as free shows in parks across Dublin throughout the week. You can buy tickets inside Trinity College, or just ask the nearest person you see strumming a lute.
From O’Connell Bridge, follow Westmoreland St. to Trinity College on the left. €18, seniors and children €12.50, students €10.
SHOPPING
Clothing
THE HARLEQUIN
13 Castle Market
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 671 0202 [email protected]
The Harlequin is a great little vintage shop where you’ll have trouble finding something that doesn’t totally match your new retro ensemble. With three floors, costume jewelry, and the sexiest collection of men’s velvet jackets this side of the Channel, it’s a must-hit for any clothing shopper.
Upstairs and downstairs not wheelchair-accessible. M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-8pm, F 10am-6pm, Th 10am-8pm, Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 12:30-5:30pm.
GENIUS
Powerscourt Centre, Clarendon St.
WEST OF TEMPLE BAR
01 679 7851 www.genius.ie
A store whose merchandise seems designed to make you feel stupid in whatever you’re wearing, Genius offers a classy assortment of name brand jackets and men’s accessories, as well as a large selection of stylish leather boots. It’s up to you to decide if throwing down €100+ for boots is a smart move or not.
Annual sales in June and Jan. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-8pm, F-Su 10am-6pm.
AVOCA
11-13 Suffolk St.
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 677 4215 www.avoca.ie
This home of Irish-made items has it all. Women’s clothing, throws and scarves, a cafe upstairs, and a pantry full of their own homemade scones, jams and other sweet things.
Down the street from Dublin Tourism on Suffolk St. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-7pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su 11am-6pm.
INDIGO AND CLOTH
Basement 27, South William St.
WEST OF TEMPLE BAR
01 670 6403 www.indigoandcloth.com
Down in a little basement shop on South Williams St. lies God’s own collection of trendy clothing. Carrying alternating top tier brands, this little shop makes sure you get your bang for your buck. Unfortunately, a lot of bang means a lot of buck, and simple tops or T-shirts here can run up to €60, and jackets or dresses up to €350. If you can spring, you’ll be one impeccably dressed individual walking the streets of Dublin.
Open M-W noon-6pm, Th noon-7pm, F noon-6pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 1pm-5pm.
FLIP
4 Fownes St. Upper
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 671 4299 www.flipclothing.com
Open since the mid-’80s when Temple Bar had none of its present day veneer, Flip clothing is a combination of vintage and not, with leather and military jackets, funky Hawaiian prints, and a liberal price negotiation policy. You’re getting a great deal might just depend on how willing you are to beg.
T-shirts from €15. Jeans from €20. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 11am-7pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su 1-6pm.
GREAT OUTDOORS
Chatham St.
GRAFTON ST.
01 679 4293 www.greatoutdoors.ie
If you need bugspray, tents, sleeping bags, or a waterproof anything, head to Great Outdoors to find it. A wide range of outdoor equipment, it’ll help you survive your trek through the mountains...or just stay dry under Ireland’s never ending rain.
Turn right on Chatham St. just before you get to the top of Grafton street. Some outdoor clubs’ discounts honored. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-8pm, F 10am-6pm, Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 12:30-5:30pm.
THE EAGER BEAVER
17 Crown Alley
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 677 3342
The longest operating vintage shop in Temple Bar lives up to its name, you won’t be able to wait before getting in here to check out their selection of new and vintage wear. An extensive collection brought in from Germany, UK, and Holland. Check out the downstairs collection of tweeds or ask the owner Robert for a good place to get a beer. He’ll pint you in the right direction. Ha.
Levis from €20-30. Tweed jackets from €35-40. Open M-Sa 10am-7pm, Su noon-6pm.
FAT FACE
31 Exchequer St.
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 677 2415 www.fatface.com
Okay, so the name doesn’t exactly scream style, but that’s all advertising...we think. An England-based company begun when a couple of “ski bums” (again, their words, not ours), Fat Face offers surfer chic reminiscent of Quiksilver, but with a much funnier name.
PATAGONIA
24-26 Exchequer St.
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 670 5748 www.patagonia.com
A European outlet store, this Patagonia sells discontinued stock at reduced prices. If you’re looking for durable but attractive travel wear, this is a good bet.
Open M-Th 10am-6pm, W 10am-8pm, F 10am-6pm, Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 1pm-5pm.
Books
BARGAIN BOOKS
37 G
rafton St.
GRAFTON ST.
Damn. You’ve just finished that new Dan Brown novel and the hostel’s book exchange is looking a little weak. Head over to Bargain Books, where factory outlet prices are the thing. Copies of Ulysses run just €3. Do you dare?
Almost to the top of Grafton St. on your left. Cash only. M-Tu 9am-7pm, W 9am-8pm, Th-F 9am-8:30pm, Sa-Su 9am-7pm.
TEMPLE BAR BOOK MARKET
Temple Bar Sq.
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
www.templebar.ie
Every Saturday and Sunday local booksellers set up tents and deal new, used, and antique books here at good prices.
Just through Merchant’s Arch on Temple Bar St. Books from €3. Sa-Su 11am-6pm.
DUBRAY’S BOOKS
36 Grafton St.
GRAFTON ST.
01 677 5568 www.dubraybooks.ie
A multi-level bookstore offering new titles. Check out either the sale section or the staff recommends, available in a handy pamphlet available at the counter.
Almost to the top of Grafton street on the left. Open M-F 9am-9pm, Sa 9am-7pm, Su 9am-6pm.
CENTRAL LIBRARY
Ilac Shopping Centre, 12 Earl St. N.
EAST OF O’CONNELL ST.
01 873 4333 [email protected]
In Dublin for a while and low on cash? Looking to read something other than the Let’s Go in your hands? Take out a free library card at this convienent location. Just bring along an ID and proof of address.
From O’Connell St., turn left onto Henry street. The iLac Centre is on your right. Free. Open M-Th 10am-8pm, F-Sa 10am-5pm.
BOOKWORMS
75 Middle Abbey St.
WEST OF O’CONNELL ST.
01 873 5772 [email protected]
A long-standing discount and secondhand bookstore, the emphasis here is on prices. Cheap prices. Very few of the titles here are sold retail. With books upon shelves, boxes and other strange forms of display, it’s a chaotic yet organized book-lovers paradise.
From O’Connell St., turn left on to Middle Abbey St. Children and young readers sections. Open M-F 9:30am-7:30pm, Sa 9:30am-7pm, Su 1-6pm.
THE SECRET BOOK AND RECORD STORE
15a Wicklow St.
WEST OF GRAFTON ST.
01 679 7272
It’s hard to find, but worth finding. The SBARS has extensive used and new sections, including a classics section (€3 each). Combine that with a charming staff and mellow mood music from Freebird records and you’ve got one hell of a music/literary combo.
Look for a little door with a small sign, and follow the hallway. Open daily M-W 11am-6:30pm, Th 11am-7:30pm, F-Su 11am-6:30pm.
BOOKS UPSTAIRS
36 College Green
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 679 6687 [email protected]
A fun bookstore divided into many different subjects, including fiction, philosophy, religion, gay, and many others. Articles and book reviews tacked to the bulletin board alert you to what’s hot off the press.
Across the street from Trinity College at the bottom of Grafton St. Open M-F 10am-7pm, Sa 10am-6pm, Su 2-6pm.
THE WINDING STAIR BOOKSTORE
40 Lower Ormond Quay
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 872 6576 [email protected]
A fun, local bookstore that gives a 10% discount to students. Come in to find a hefty selection of new and used titles.
Across the Milennium Bridge from Temple Bar. Open M-W 10am-7pm, Th-Sa 10am-8pm, Su noon-7pm.
Outdoor Markets
SOUTH CITY MARKET OR ST. GEORGE’S ARCADE
South Great George’s St.
NORTH OF O’CONNELL ST.
This open-air market is a good place to find vintage wear, old LPs, used CDs and DVDs, weird Asian goods (“Hello Kitty” bra, anyone?), coffee, flowers, jewelry, used books and more.
Walking up Grafton St., turn right onto Johnson’s St. and follow it to the South City Market. Open M-F 10:30am-6:30pm, Sa 10:30am-6:30pm, Su noon-6pm.
Liquor Stores
Ah, the fine art of boozin’. The establishments below have been chosen for their selection and for the personable, welcoming nature of their staff. If you’re interested in become a professional whiskey drinker, or at least maintaining the claim when you’re sober, head to either of these bottle shops. If you’re just interested in finding a cheap bottle of wine to take to the party, there are liquor stores located all over Dublin, handily marked with the vaguely black-market sounding “off license.” Cheers.
CELTIC WHISKEY SHOP
24 Dawson St.
SOUTH OF GRAFTON ST.
01 675 9744 www.celticwhiskeyshop.com
Whether you’re looking to get a bunch of those tiny bottles that you find in hotel minibars, or paying €3000 for a single bottle, you can find what you’re looking for here. Wine, whiskey, and microbrews available. Daily whiskey tastings make even the shopping experience smooth.
Walk to the top of Grafton St. and turn left, and then left again on Dawson St. Prices vary.
JAMES FOX
119 Grafton St.
GRAFTON ST.
01 677 0533 www.jamesfox.ie
Besides having an extensive selection of Irish and Scotch whiskeys from all prices ranges, James Fox specializes in cigars. If you’ve been thinking about grabbing that Cohiba, now’s the time to do it.
At the bottom of Grafton street. Cigar accessories available as well. Open M-Sa 9:30am-6pm, Su 12:30-5:30pm.
Electronics
COMPUB AND MAC EXCHANGE
11 Grafton St.
GRAFTON ST.
01 507 9107 www.compub.com
Apple users, you didn’t think we were going to leave you out in the cold, did you? Compub offers a wide selection of Mac products, including iPods and Macbooks. They also have a tech support group, and, if you’ve got a warranty they’ll gladly accept it. If not, however, it’s €75 for a diagnostic test plus the cost of your repair.
Just Down Grafton St. from the Molly Malone statue. Open M-W 9am-7pm, Th 9am-9pm, F-Sa 9am-7pm, Su 11am-6pm.
PHILLIPS
19-22 Dame St.
TEMPLE BAR AND THE QUAYS
01 474 0788 www.phillipsshop.ie
Phillips on Dame St. has adapters for your gear, though bear in mind they don’t have converters. No cameras either. They do have a large selection of headphones (including the noise-cancelling ones) though.
Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-7pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su 1-5pm.
SONY CENTRE
17 Lower O’Connell St.
LOWER O’CONNELL ST.
01 873 1512 www.sonycentres.co.uk
This store offers cameras and memory cards, as well as laptop cases and other travel accessories. The boys at Sony Centre will help you with troubleshooting problems, but they don’t have a certified tech center.
When heading up O’Connell St., it will be on the right. Open M-W 10am-6pm, Th 10am-7pm, F-Sa 10am-6pm, Su 1-5pm.
Furniture
NOONE FURNITURE
36 Talbot St.
NORTH OF THE QUAYS
01 855 6731 [email protected]
Offers a large selection of all types of furniture, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, just inform the staff and they’ll order it for you from the catalogue. Free assembly and delivery with purchase. It doesn’t get much better than that.
On Talbot St., down near Connolly Station. Prices vary, but single beds from €300. Open M-Sa 9:30am-5pm.
BEDROOM ELEGANCE
55-56 Upper Dorset St.
UPPER DORSET ST.
01 872 8210 bedroomelegance.ie
Offering made-to-measure furniture, this stuff is custom, so go in with an idea of what you want. That wrap-around couch with the 10 cupholders can be done, they just need to know about it.
Open M-F 9:20am-5:30pm, Sa 9:30am-4pm.
Antiques
COURTVILLE ANTIQUES
Powerscourt Townhouse,
South William St.
WEST OF TEMPLE BAR
01 679 4042 www.courtvilleantiques.com
Sick of people telling you that their 1999, oversized Aerosmith concert T-shirt is an “antique?” Come to Courtville Antiques, where almost all of the items are certified as being at least 100 years old. A fine selection of women’s jewelry, old paintings, and some beautiful glassware from County Cork.
Let's Go Europe 2011: The Student Travel Guide Page 120