Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Like a Local
Dublin is, depending on your perspective, a small city or a very large village,
which makes it at once easy to navigate but difficult to understand. Spend
enough time here and you'll realise exactly what we mean.
Dubliners
Dubliners are, for the most part, an informal and easygoing lot who don't stand on excess-
ive ceremony and generally prefer not making too much of a fuss. Which doesn't mean that
they don't abide by certain rules, or that there isn't a preferred way of doing things in the
city. But the transgressions of the unknowing are both forgiven and often enjoyed - the ac-
cidental faux pas are a great source of entertainment in a city that has made 'slagging', or
teasing, a veritable art form. Indeed, slagging is a far more reliable indicator of the strength
of friendship than virtually any kind of compliment: a fast, self- deprecating wit and an
ability to take a joke in good spirits will win you plenty of friends.
A Local's Guide to Dublin's Neighbourhoods
Although relatively small for a capital city, Dublin's neighbourhoods all have distinctive
identities that are determined by those who live and socialise there.
Grafton Street & Around
The city centre is lived in by the relatively few who can afford its exorbitant rents but so-
cialised in by virtually everybody. Full of hipster bars, trendy watering holes and some of
the city's most popular traditional pubs, you'll find students, 20-somethings, the bohemian
crowd and plenty more besides enjoying a night out. This area is also full of great restaur-
ants, so older folk out for a good meal and a less raucous drink will also make their way
here.
Merrion Square & Around
Many of the professions - from law to medicine to accountancy - have offices in the fine
Georgian buildings that line the streets and squares of this elegant neighbourhood. The bars
and restaurants here - including some of the city's best eateries - generally cater to a more
