Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the Scene

Camden Street is an absolute powerhouse. Yeah it can be a bit confusing where Aungier/Wexford street ends and Camden Street lower/Upper begins. Some have lived here all their life and care not to know, and some are absolute sticklers about it. The internet is divided.

Camden street technically starts “At the busy intersection of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street Lower, the name changes from Wexford Street into Camden Street Lower” according to Bus Connects, but when you look up the addresses of Whealan’s etc it says Wexford Street. So that can’t be where it starts.

I reckon Wexford Street becomes Camden street after Whealan’s where it bisects Camden Row and Montague Street. So that is our focus for today folks. Fight me in the comments if I have missed your fave to find that it’s actually Wexford street at your own peril.

If I had to give a succinct description of Camden street it would be that it’s the perfect place for a good buzz. You’ll always find fellow buzzers who like good grub, or a well poured pint with proper, unpretentious Dublin grit, no matter which corner you park your arse on. Despite all the systemic closure and defunding of the city’s arts venues this street retains a phenomenal creative energy. It’s even internationally recognised having snagged the 22nd spot on Time Out’s 2024 Coolest Streets in the World list.

A Little Backstory

Originally known as Kevin’s Port, this thoroughfare evolved from an ancient medieval gateway into one of the city’s greatest social hubs. Meaning that people have been flogging their wares on Camden street for over 200 years, even earning a shoutout in James Joyce’s Ulysses. So, naturally the street is drenched in lore.

No. 34 was the historic birthplace of the Irish National Theatre Society in 1902 and served as a major meeting hub for revolutionary groups like the Irish Volunteers. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the rise of local cinema brought the Theatre De Luxe, which evolved into today’s massive Camden venue complex, or as newly minted millennials knew it when they were circa 18, Palace (may she rest in peace).

The Culture Fix

If you want a brilliant afternoon, browse the incredible charity shops for a vintage Age Action fleece. The street is full of wonderful thrift shops and low key is the best place for a charity shop book crawl. Whoever donates to them has some seriously good literary fiction taste.

Finish that book crawl with a sneak into the secret Cake Café through the high ceilings of The Last Bookshop. You can even do some mild celeb spotting there. There’s a recording studio nearby and the spot seems to attract far more grungy musicians than the kitsch decor would suggest.

For something more up market take yer mate who has the most out there taste and drop into Décor. Darren Robinson’s art and furniture gallery features giant robots, religious statues, and occasionally a 15,000 year old fossilised whale skull. It is an IYKYK institution.

The Sustenance

Ebb and Flow is the place to grab a coffee ahead of a big day on Camden Street. The coffee is well made and the staff are always friendly, even if you;re the first customer of the day and are non-verbal-levels of in desperate need of coffee.

If noodles are yer only man then Nomo Ramen is the way to go. Up the top of the street and rounding the corner technically onto Charlotte’s Way opposite the Black Horse it serves the best ramen in the city hands down. I will stand ten toes down on this and I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. Plus any mushroom supremacists will tell you their karaage mushrooms are write home about level excellent.

Sprezzatura might sit just off the main drag, but we’re hardly gonna give Camden Market its own profile. This pasta just slaps every time. Plus they use really high quality cheese and meats from local suppliers. All in all it’s a must.

Delahunt is your upmarket spot, famous for feeding Harry and Meghan in 2018, it’s also the best Martini (upstairs in The Sitting Room) on the street. You can be as bougie as you like here and never feel like you’re tipping over into the dark side. If you can swing it they do caviar. If you can’t, the crisps are exceptional. They also let artists use the sitting room as a creative office during the weekdays. Though I think you need to apply. Email for more info on that. But I love a multifaceted space that is a hub for the community even if they don’t have to be.

Pickle is the absolute go-to when you are starved and just need a serious, high-quality feed. Their early bird is the best on the street. Their flavours are heartening, wholesome, as spicy as you can deal with, and their wine list is excellent.

Honourable mentions are too many to list properly, but Hang Dai, Mister S, and Sprout all deserve a serious look.

The Watering Holes

The pub scene here is unmatched. Many people take to this street for the 12 pubs Christmas thing because there are enough pubs to hop around and you’ll be hard pressed to find a bad one.

Devitts has been holding down the fort for the community since 1871. It’s a great one for the pub grub and makes an excellent tea too. I’ll concede that the exceptional pints more than make up for the world’s ills. They have all the aul reliables but their new Changing Times range is well worth a punt if you haven’t tried it.

If you are looking for laughs and a great pint, Anseo is the spot for a brilliant comedy or improv gig. They give a slightly shabby chic (yes I know Tiktok has the word ruined, but it applies here) vibe. The name means ‘here’ and seems like the pre curser to the millennial LiveLaughLove that was ‘This Must Be The Place’, but with a more punk edge to it. A swift look at the walls confirms it as a cultural venue as well as a pub, they’re absolutely plastered with posters for local gigs and comedians, and serves up a gorgeous slice of local life in both Irish and English. They also have some of the most teasingly diverse literature curated along their book shelves. So this is the perfect place to end if you’ve done the book crawl, cake cafe combo.

How To Have The Ultimate Electric Picnic No Matter the Weather.

Right now, we have world-class artists descending on Stradbally and the weather has the audacity to threaten to turn the festival fields into a literal swamp. F.M.L

You can blame the billionaires for the rain this weekend. I give you full permission, and keep reading if you need some facts to back it up. Sure bad weather and festivals is nothing new. We’ve been documenting it for years. But it is getting worse as the climate becomes more unpredictable. How we have gone from a heat wave so bad the cows were literally dying in the fields from thirst to the brink of flooding in 5 counties in a week is whiplash level mental. And while I don’t need to tell ye that you need to vote with your euro and try to get the powers that be to tackle our burning drowning world, it would be remiss of me not to mention it. So yes, Elon Musk caused this. Eat the rich. Protest. Vote FF/Fg out blah blah blah.

Now back to our regular scheduled programming:

That said, you’re kinda in for a cultural treat. It’s always the rainy festivals that go down in history. Rarely do we ever see throw back videos of dry festivals. No one cares where they were for Oxygen 08. But everyone talks about Dizzee Rascal in the rain and the mud from 2010. It’s the man slipping on the ice of festivals. Only a rainy festival can have that much cultural impact.

Rainy music festivals also become more memorable because shared adversity and unexpected moments forge a powerful sense of community among the crowd. You do all come together more than you think you will. Everything sucks. The ground gives way beneath you and the jacks are worse than ever, but the people are nicer, sounder, they share more. They create a transient community where they’re all bonded by their love of music, art, and their commitment to enduring the wilds to enjoy it.

It’s a right of Irish passage to endure a washout Electric Picnic. It turns Irish kids into adults. It can be the best and worst weekend of your life often at the same time. It has been the symbolic end of summer since its inception, but it’s also the making of many an adult.

So with all that in mind if you’re still packing to head to the trenches of Electric Picnic then you’re gonna need strategy, resilience, and a strictly enforced campsite plan.

Here is how to conquer the mud, catch the best acts, and eat exceptionally well this weekend:

1. While last year everyone was heading down on Thursday, this year I’d be surprised if that was the case. You need to be able to make it to Sunday and an extra rainy night is not likely the way to do it. So Friday travel light and arrive early to beat the main entry queues. It’s a whole ass walk to the campsite no matter which one you choose so preprepared for that.

2. Line your tent floor: Place black bin bags under your tent to create a crucial extra waterproof layer between you and the wet ground.

3. Create a shoe drop zone: Designate a specific spot in your tent porch to leave wet, muddy shoes so you never ruin your dry sleeping quarters.

4. Set up a drying line: Rig a string inside your tent to hang up damp clothes and towels.

5. Enforce a dry zone: Keep your sleeping area perfectly dry by changing out of wet gear exclusively in the porch area of your tent. It will suck donkey gonads in the moment but you’ll be toastier in the long run if the sleeping part of the tent never gets damp.

6. Find a party tent: Coordinate with friends to bring a larger gazebo or party tent, as relentless rain means you will be spending plenty of downtime under cover.

7. Hit The Food Tent: EP is about the music, sure, but there’s also so much other stuff that sometimes people don’t even know that the Theatre of Food is covered, great craic, gives out free food and drink, and has an excellent hit ratio. On Sunday at 2:00 PM, “The New (Old) Public House” panel featuring L Mulligans Grocer and Bia Duit will provide a fascinating look at the future of local Dublin institutions. Or Saturday at 5:00 PM there’s “Drinks at Mine” with Tara Deery, Jordan Mooney, and Carlingford Oysters. I’d bet there’ll be some quality juice that that one.

8. Stick to One Stage: Typically people’s music tastes have them bouncing around from tent to tent. But you can have a helluva good time parking at the Salty Dog for the whole day Friday, sure they even have Bambino this year, maybe try Berlinhaus when it gets dark. Hit Comedy Stage on Saturday afternoon then maybe head to the Electric Arena for the night shift. Sit pretty at The Lovely Local stage on Sunday and then head over to the Smirnoff. You can catch some pretty excellent acts you’d never heard of. If the rain lightens up or you’re prepared to endure it head off to mains for your faves.

9. Protect your bedding: Wrap your sleeping bag in a waterproof cover or a heavy-duty bin bag so it stays perfectly dry during the weekend.

10. Invest in seam-sealed outerwear: Buy a fully waterproof rain jacket from a reliable brand to ensure it actually blocks water rather than just resisting it. Don’t get taken in by water resistance. It is not the same you wanna actually ask using the word SEAMSEALED.

11. Double up with a poncho: Throw a waterproof poncho over your jacket for an extra, heavy-duty layer of defense against a torrential downpour.

12. Use ziplock bags for tech: Store your phone and charging cables in a simple ziplock bag to save them from water damage and muddy puddles.

13. Wear a waterproof bumbag: Keep your daily festival essentials secure and completely dry while navigating the crowds by using a waterproof bag or dry bag. Rains do one. But so do all the dupes of Rains.

14. Bag your backpack: Keep your main travel backpack wrapped in a bin bag inside your tent if it does not have its own dedicated rain cover.

15. Ditch the jeans completely: Never wear denim to a wet festival. It takes forever to dry and chafes aggressively. Opt for shorts, dresses, or waterproof trousers instead. Personally I think anything you’d go for a run in as your base layer and then build up.

16. Wear sturdy boots or wellies: Protect your joints and navigate the mud safely in proper waterproof boots, avoiding sandals at all costs.

17. Bring backup trainers: Pack a comfortable pair of trainers to give your feet a break from heavy boots when the ground allows for it.

18. Overpack on socks: Bring an abundance of extra socks to ensure you always have a dry, warm pair ready to go. You can even go waterproof socks if wet feet are your biggest ICK. They’re called Sealskinz. They’re spenny but they work.

19. Layer up for the evening: Pack plenty of warm layers for the night, as temperatures will drop quickly once the sun goes down and the dampness sets in.

20. Save your battery: Avoid constantly opening apps by taking a screenshot of the festival map and stage schedule and setting it as your phone’s lock screen.

21. Bring a heavy-duty power bank: Pack a high-capacity portable charger to keep your devices powered up without waiting in line at charging stations.

22. Stock up on tent drinks: Bring plenty of extra beverages, like affordable ready-to-drink canned cocktails, to keep morale high while waiting out passing showers in your tent. Tesco dropped their own brand this week and there’s also Ól cocktails, Little & Green, and of course Buzz Balls.

23. Outline Your Day: List all the bands that are in tents and tent hop, avoiding mainstage unless it’s someone you absolutely must see.

STOP THE PRESSES: NYC legends The Dead Rabbit are landing in Dublin! They are taking over Mark Moriarty Studio for three lethal evenings of modern Irish food and drink this September 22nd to 24th. Founder Jack McGarry and his world-class team are teaming up with Glendalough Distillery for a tasting menu paired with signature cocktails. Bookings go live next Monday, August 31st at 11am. Also Mark Moriarty Studio is launching a Friday lunch service at 1pm from October.

Since we went to print last week 6 Irish restaurants got added to that elusive tire selling food barometer, The Michelin Guide, including Mongoose, Díon and China Hunan from Dublin.

Some quick bangers for you: Brighton Road is officially back in Foxrock. Meanwhile, Chimac is teasing a brand new city centre location, with Ali Dunworth reporting that there is an imminent ’nother fast-casual spot landing in Dublin soon too. Nameless thus far, but I bet she’ll break the news soon.

Down on Capel Street, Chongqing Noodle has taken over the old Soup Dragon spot, and a gorgeous new Tuscan sandwich shop called Olive & Crust has opened where Hot Bubble Cafe used to be.

Irish Rail is bringing the Galway to Dublin trolley back to life, praise be!

Speaking of Galway, some genuinely heartbreaking news. After over five years of pouring some of the best coffee in Galway, Kali is closing its doors on August 28th. They reached the absolute top of their game and created an amazing community space. Get in before Friday to wish Laura and Enda well!

A brand new boozer just dropped. Sally Mac’s on Baggot Street Lower is bringing classic pub interiors and their very own lager to numbers 43 and 44.

Staying on Baggot Street, keep yizzer eyes peeled as Hyper Goat signage has popped up where Munchies used to be.

Over on Trinity Street, Pichet is celebrating 17 years open with a limited-edition birthday dessert featuring butter-fried brioche and fig leaf custard. And a massive happy 2nd birthday to Parrilla in Ranelagh.

Massive congratulations to Wexford’s Fat Tomato for becoming one of the first Irish members of Slow Food Farms. They are proving you do not need hundreds of acres to make magic, growing over 500 varieties of heritage fruit, veg, and herbs in a tiny hillside garden. Pure inspiration!

Hynes’ in Stoneybatter is celebrating five years in the business with a massive week-long session from August 26th to 30th. Expect jazz, trad, flash tattoos from Marstra Ink, and deadly DJ sets. They are finishing it off on Sunday with a chicken wing eating contest, with a €100 cash prize if you have the stomach for it!

The pop-ups are absolutely non-stop right now:

1. Bastible’s Killian Walsh is taking over Overends Kitchen at Airfield Estate on September 18th.

2. Cork’s Cold Cut and Belfast’s Rattlebag are landing in The Collins Club at the Leinster Hotel on September 1st.

3. And Gloria Osteria is hosting Michelin-starred Rob Krawczyk for one night only on September 20th.

4. Over in Clontarf, Jenny Greene is hitting the decks at Cooper’s Bottleshop this Saturday, August 29th.

5. On Sunday, August 30th there’s a party at Hen’s Teeth with Emmy Shigeta on the decks and the Polish Wine Fest crew pouring vino

6. The Dublin Supper Club is heading to Rascals Brewing in Inchicore on September 12th for pizza, meat, cheese, and beer.

7. Wine Spirit Women are hosting their summer gathering at Urban Brewing on August 29th, with €20 snagging you three drinks and canapés.

Plus, native oyster season kicks off in September, with The Shelbourne pulling out all the stops at No. 27 Bar.

Lovin fave, Proper Order Coffee Co in Smithfield is dishing out a €10 freeze-distilled milk flat white. Serious notions (or is this so many notions it’s become posh), but we are absolutely dying to try it.

On the absolute other end of the coffee spectrum Nick’s Coffee has gone completely viral for offering free coffee to the over 65s, absolute legends.

If you need a cure after all that, Hen’s Teeth is doing a full Irish with a cuppa for €13 Wednesday through Saturday.

If you fancy a read, Barrie Quinn of Portnoo Market Garden is launching his new book ‘Homegrown’ on September 8th at Chapters, detailing his journey from novice gardener to regenerative grower.

Over in the RDS, the Dublin Beer Festival makes its triumphant return on September 11th and 12th. If you fancy a more intimate gathering, The Dublin Supper Club is heading to Rascals Brewing in Inchicore on September 12th.

Gaeilge classes are kicking off arís in Peadar Browns Pub from September 3rd, Gaeilge abú!

Delicious Dublin Food Tours have also launched a very tasty new Stoneybatter route.

Agite is hosting a deadly vintage clothes and reworked shirt party at The Chocolate Factory on August 28th with a live DJ. Come sip, shop, and celebrate community. If you prefer to stay in, Barrie Quinn is launching his new book ‘Homegrown’ on September 8th at Chapters, and there is a lethal new Endangered Species Piña Colada Sour hitting the off-license shelves.

For anyone in London, Paddy Maher is taking over the Top Cuvée Highbury kitchen from August 26th to 30th with big, bold, coastal flavours.

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Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the Scene

Rathmines, the village that extends from the southern side of the Grand Canal and stretches along the Rathmines Road as far as Rathgar to the south. It runs parallel to the more salubrious Ranelagh so it’s often a bit maligned. But Rathmines, ever the grower, has been showing some pretty solid bits in recent years.

Back in the day, Rathmines was considered top tier for posh British Empire heads. If you are sick of hearing about the Brits, feel free to skip down to the recommendations. The tyrant Oliver Cromwell and his army had a massive tear-up with the Royalists right in Rathmines in August 1649. He crushed us and proceeded to dial up the oppression of the Irish people to such inhumane levels that the blood boils just imagining it.

Fast forward through the decades, and those massive buildings where the gentry once lived were mostly chopped up into little digs during the ‘60s and ‘70s, earning the postcode its famous ‘Flatland’ moniker. Those flats were much more affordable to gen pop than the OG gaffs. So soon those dirt cheap rents lured in massive clatters of creatives, students, and diverse communities. That gorgeous mix of heads brought a fierce cosmopolitan buzz that makes the neighbourhood pretty deadly today (even if the rent is demonstrably NOT cheap today)

Trying to figure out your first stop is an absolute head-the-ball situation, so let this handy little guide sort you right out.

Thank the deity of your choice that the people behind The Stella brought this gorgeous old building back to life. It is an absolute masterclass in old-school glamour. There is nowhere better to catch a flick, sit back in a plush seat, and feel like absolute royalty without leaving the postcode. Plus they do serve you drinks while you’re watching the movie, so it’s a great date night option should you be looking for one.

Charity Shops
Rathmines is a second-hand gold mine whose popularity goes back way before the circular economy revolution became cool. It was the place to go rummaging back when charity shopping still had an edge of poverty about it. These days it’s still a place where you can hop from place to place and find a bargain as you slither through the whole street. Whether you’re looking for antiques, books, or that one leather jacket that will make you feel like you are the second coming of Sarah Connor you’ll find a little sum’sum’ that will fit the bill.

Kodiak

Quite possibly the most beautifully decorated bar in Dublin; this mid-century modern masterclass in craft beer and cocktails from the same team that brought us Bonobo and Caribou is not one to be skipped. The staff are sound and you can pop in for a swifty (bartenders term for a quick drink by yourself before you have to go somewhere) or a rake of pints with the whole fam, there’s an enclave for it in Kodiak. May I recommend the pistachio white pizza with the mortadella if you’ve never had it. That shit lives rent free in my head.

Reggies

Quite possibly the best pizza in the city. Yeah I know we’re all a glutted with Pizza options but this is the brainchild of Reggie White who trained most of the other pizza slingers in the city. His first eponymous restaurant, this place is so good that I texted friends to make a second booking from the jacks on my first visit.

Mad Yolks

Mad Yolks delivers unhinged levels of good egg sandwiches. The two brothers behind it really know how to hit egg-cellent every time and with every pivot. Not a day goes by where I don’t wish I lived close enough to potter around to them of a Saturday morning.

The Dunmore

This is a solid pub-like option. It’s got an excellent early bird menu, it does a great pint, the food is well-reviewed and the furnishings are shiny and photographed well. What is not to love?

The Pantry

The Pantry for your morning coffee or sweet treat fix, and you are living the absolute dream. These spots have a cult following for a very good reason. Once I went and got an iced coffee made with iced coffee ice cubes. You have to be really into coffee to even try that. The fact they are not more talked about in the 3rd wave coffee revolution is a crying shame of unquantifiable proportions. Get in there and let me know if they still do that iced coffee ice cubes thing? I was unable to verify via internet and phone.

Shaku Maku

If you have not been to Shaku Maku for a cracking Middle Eastern feast, you need to fix that immediately. It is a masterclass. This family owned and operated restaurant comes from the team that brought you Umi falafel. They have become a beacon for the Palestinian community in Ireland all while serving the recipes they inherited from their parents. This is a must that needs to be tried.

The Mart Market

One of the best things to be doing in Rathmines is to hit up The Mart Market. You get to support local businesses, local artists, score some unbelievable vintage finds (I once got only Irish penny cufflinks there), and add a little craic to your wardrobe.

Umi

Umi serves up some of the best falafel you could ask for. Their menus hit the spot every single time, especially when you need a savage feed on a budget.

Have a Wet One: The Cure for the Modern Malaise is Live Music

The weekend is rapidly approaching. Last week you did the culture vulture thing. You were dry AF. You went to the museums, you forest bathed, and you ran your new personal best at a run club where you got to practice the cúpla focal. You matcha-ed, you Sprout-ed, you probably went to Glás to top it off with their new veggie early birdie.

Now you have sucked up enough virtue points to justify going on a bit of a mad one. There is nothing quite like going to a gig to reaffirm that you are actually alive. That the world could be saved if only we could all go to the same gig le cheile is a thing that has been floating about since time immemorial, but at the very least since The Beatles. Historically, concerts were rooted in a deeply shared experience. Artists have been saying art can change the world in every documented generation I can find. Music is empathy and empathy is fatal to bigotry.

Going to a gig this weekend will shake the self-destructive anger from your psyche. It will clear the emotional cobwebs. It will show you that not all people suck. That even if the world is burning there is still hope. We can still pull it together, go to scream some meaningful lyrics le cheile and feel a bit better. So that is what the needs call for this week. A Little live fucking music.

There is little question that humans are wired for it. Researchers recently discovered that we have a dedicated part of our brain for processing music, supporting the theory that it has a special and important function in our lives. Listening to music and singing together has been shown in several studies to directly impact neurochemicals in the brain, many of which play a vital role in closeness and connection.

You don’t need me to tell you that music has also been linked to dopamine release. You can feel it. Since we learned what dopamine is en masse as a society we maybe overuse the word to mean just something we like. But genuinely dopamine helps. It’s involved in regulating mood and craving behavior, predicting music’s ability to bring us pleasure. Coupled with the effects on endorphins, music seems to make us feel good and connect with others, perhaps particularly when we make the noise ourselves.

A 2025 IMRO report into the state of the Irish music industry showed that the average adult in Ireland spends almost €1,000 per year on music-related products and services, with the industry as a whole contributing €1 billion to the economy annually.

We still crave that connection today. Even if we all can’t afford it. These days gigs are getting spennier and spennier. But that doesn’t mean we should ‘no ethical consumption under capitalism’ our way out of a good time. Right now, we have world-class artists descending on the city, ready to blow your eardrums out in the best way possible. They have massive subwoofers. And overpriced pints. And fancy merch to lust after. They bring light shows, mosh pits, stadium anthems, and intimate acoustic sets.

Starting right now you can just walk up to a venue box office and see how she goes and what is going on. Or, if you need some structure:

Thursday, August 20
Royal Hospital Kilmainham: The Prodigy, Carl Cox, David Rodigan, and Arveene.
Whelan’s, Main Venue: The Ocelots.

Friday, August 21
Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham: Moby & Faithless

Saturday, August 22
Croke Park: The Weeknd. This massive stadium production still has a rake of tickets according to reports, so it could be fun to rock up and grab one on the door like the vagabond youth of yore.
Whelan’s, Upstairs: Mount Pyrus.

Sunday, August 23
Croke Park: The Weeknd.
Little Whelan’s: Si Schroeder & Fiachra Lennon. Acoustic and alternative performances upstairs to wind down the weekend.

Tuesday, August 25
Irish Museum of Modern Art, IMMA: Deftones. Alternative metal icons performing outdoors with phenomenal support from IDLES and Ecca Vandal.
The Button Factory: Rochelle Jordan. A brilliant blend of alt-R&B, soul, and electronic house.

Wednesday, August 26 The Button Factory: Arrested Development. The iconic hip-hop group are returning for their first Dublin date in several years.

Pick a place to stand shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors. Buy a ticket. Feel the bass. Get some chips afterward. Have a gawk at the merch stand. Flirt with the people around you. Lean into it, post it on the gram, make a TikTok, have a pint in the smoking area, wear your least sensible dancing shoes, and you may surprise yourself with how much fun it actually is.

Plus you can nab a cool setlist if you are lucky.

Alright lads, nuacht na bia is ar ais arís with all the bitíní you need for the week.

The Electric Picnic food line-up just dropped and it is absolutely immaculate. Prepare the stomachs! Run by Aoife Carrighy and the McKenna’s (yes THOSE McKenna’s) you can be sure to get nothing but bangers and a few free samples if you swing by next weekend.

STOP THE PRESSES: Daata is finally bringing their much loved Pakistani dishes to Dublin doors. You can now get their famous Afghani Chicken and Saleem’s Butter Chicken delivered directly from their Sandymount, Blackrock, and Glasthule kitchens.

Dublin’s Díon has been nominated in the Global Rooftop category for the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.

One Dublin restaurant is getting run through the wringer for using an AI poster, and it is not pretty. We can see why restaurants would turn to AI for a poster when they’re getting pinched from every side financially and just can’t afford a marketing team, but need marketing to succeed. BUT it is false advertising to use an AI image of your food. But that extends to all the restaurants online that use stock images in their Just Eat etc, and it is most of them. So the catch seems very 22. Ultimately use local creatives, and if you can’t afford them try look for incentives from the government, or for students looking to get experience (even if that can feel exploitative, try paying them what you can).

Tayto has put Ireland’s 12 most popular family names on their crisps, is yours there? Mine (predictably) is not. Big bang of marketing off it. But a bitta craic all the same.

Massive congratulations to all the Blas na hEireann finalists who were just announced. Maith sibh! The winners will be announced later this year.

Get the coats off because a deadly new frozen yoghurt spot called Reoite has opened in Newlands Cross. They are dishing out soft-serve froyo with a regular setting you back €5.50 and a large for €6.50.

The class act that is Ten10 Açai and Coffee is taking over the city. They just opened their sixth Dublin spot in the BD Gyms complex in Blanchardstown.

Goat’s Gruff is finally settling down with their first brick-and-mortar cafe in Castleknock Village. They took over the old Castello Brunos spot, while the Strawberry Hall spot keeps the drive-in service running.

LÍN is a brand new Irish Vermouth made entirely from Irish wine, spirits, and ingredients. The ultimate Irish aperitivo for the last days of summer.

Huge shoutout to Dublin teenagers Áine Flood and Cara Wall, who just made the finals for the National Junior Brown Bread Baking Competition! They will be battling it out at the Ploughing Championships in September.

Shankill legend Olivia Nash also made the finals for the senior competition with a recipe her husband pushed her to enter. Bring home that dough, ladies!

The Irish Food Writing Awards are back for 2026 on October 22nd at UCD. The Blue Book is stepping up to sponsor the Emerging Writer Award this year, judged by Charlotte Pike.

Taste Spain without leaving Ireland! Eat Spain Drink Spain is back from September 11th to 27th across Dublin and the rest of the country.

Galway legends Chipeen are heading stateside fresh off their residency at Guinness! They are bringing their iconic chips and signature sauces to Mór Fest in New York from August 19th to 23rd.

If you need to escape, The Ice House in Mayo has a swanky new river cruise experience on the River Moy. A three-hour private cruise and a hotel picnic starting from €485 per person sharing. Pure luxury.

Get down to The Hen’s Teeth this Sunday for the Basadi Club Summer Market Party.

On September 11th, Whiplash Beer is taking over with Spraoi Mor on the decks at Hen’s Teeth. Just a score gets you food, a welcome drink, and a late night party.

Space Jaru in Dublin 8 is hosting a hands-on Kimchi-making class this Sunday, August 23rd. Eighty quid gets you a drink, a Korean meal, and a massive kilo of homemade kimchi to take home.

Keep the eyes peeled for Adam Nevin’s Glovers Alley overlooking Stephen’s Green. It opens this September and bookings are launching soon.

Segotia in Rathmines is throwing a gorgeous Lughnasa garden party on Thursday, August 27th. Think music, drawing, and drinks in a leafy garden to bid farewell to the summer. Just €20 for a general pass, or €10 for members.

Two Pups in Fairview is getting a few notions of its own. They are launching an evening menu with natural wines and banging bar bites starting this Thursday, August 20th.

Dublin’s Biscuit Community is launching Creative Dinners to get folks in the sector hanging out in real life. Keep an eye on their Insta to get involved, share ideas, and have the craic.

AIB just reported we were out in force this July, with pub and restaurant spending way up.

Brother Hubbard is being replaced by Joe & The Juice. A tragic loss for the independent Irish-owned local scene as the global chains move in, but you can still catch the Brother Hubbard crew doing their thing on Capel Street, Portobello, and Ranelagh. Support local!

Cassie Stokes has a deadly new book out about Ireland covering food, drink, and the outdoors. Get pre-ordering to get it onto the bookshop shelves!

Baked and Bottled are throwing one last summer wine evening this Friday, August 21st. No reservations needed.

Monty’s has a lethal new interactive blind wine tasting game. Test your knowledge with a three or six wine flight. Walk-ins welcome, or email them to book your spot.

Finally, Elliot’s has reopened in Phibsborough! After a summer of renovations operating out of Pete’s wine bar, they are officially back in action on the North Circular Road from 8:30am to 3pm.

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Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the Scene

Parnell Street is kind of amazing. It has literally everything you could ever want or ever think you need. You can find every type of person imaginable. Whole enclaves of communities

run through it like arteries and veins to and from a beating heart. It is Dublin’s OG global village. The place is made up of incredible history, a cracking international food scene, and just the right mix of old-school Georgian charm, low-key locally owned businesses, and modern multicultural cool. It has history, it has personality, and crucially, it has damn good places to eat, drink and be merry.

Features local grocery markets, tech repair shops, and independent storefronts. If you’re a Too Good To Go-er, then you’ll know this street is an absolute gold mine at certain times of the day should you be in need of an affordable fix. But even if you’re not taking the cast-offs in the name of helping the environment, there are a lot of goodies to be feasting on in Parnell Street.

A Little Backstory

Parnell Street technically extends across Dublin’s north inner city, linking Capel Street in the west with Gardiner Street and Mountjoy Square in the east. Today a major city thoroughfare, it evolved from an ancient route that once connected Dublin with the northern coastline. Most people, when they think of it, only think of the stretch between Gardiner Street and O’Connell Street, so it can cause a bit of aul confusion that Dubliners can low-key lean into when out-of-townies ask about it.

Originally known as Great Britain Street (obviously that needed changing as soon as the overlords that caused the famine were out of the driver’s seat), the area got a rebrand in October 1911 when Dublin Corporation officially renamed it after Charles Stewart Parnell. Ireland’s Alexander Hamilton. (The comparison here alludes to their sex life scandals ruining their political ambitions.)

Fast forward through the decades, and this street has seen it all. It witnessed the grand Georgian days of Parnell Square housing the great and the good, and it survived the dark tragedy of the 1974 car bombings. It’s seen generations of Belvedere boys scurrying up and down it to get their Jesuit education.

Today, Parnell Street is by some margin the most multicultural part of Dublin. It morphed from an emerging Asian enclave into a buzzing international quarter championed by local entrepreneurs. From African barbers to Brazilian supermarkets and Korean restaurants, it is a living testament to how newcomers build incredible communities and breathe new life into the city centre.

You can go to the cinema, the theatre, an art museum, a laundromat, a barber, a book shop, a fishmonger, multiple supermarkets and specialist grocery shops, and eat every meal of the day without ever leaving the street.

Plus it has its own Luas stop now, so it’s never been easier to visit.

The Culture Fix

Take a stroll up to Parnell Square, the oldest of the Georgian Squares on the northside. It famously escaped the tenementisation of the 19th century and evolved from housing solicitors and doctors to serving as a massive cultural hub. Today, you can catch a stunning performance at the Gate Theatre, browse the Hugh Lane Gallery, or simply soak in the literary history.

One of the best cultural things to go do on Parnell Street is to do your big shop. Hit up every little Grocery/Fish Monger/Butcher, get a few bits, and go home and see what you can make. It supports the local businesses and adds a little craic to your kitchen.

Parnell Street Bakery

Thank the deity of your choice that the people behind Parnell Street Bakery got their hands on this little slice of real estate. They are pioneers in their field and have made a name for themselves on their pain suisse and the pistachio wheel that dominated socials for months after they opened. They stock Imbibe Coffee, quite possibly Ireland’s best coffee roaster. There is nowhere to sit here, though. So you need to be prepared to walk and eat, or take them round the corner and up the Garden of Remembrance and stare at the Children of Lír statue.

Lee’s Charming Noodles

The street is packed with incredible Asian businesses, and while I am no arbiter of what’s the best or most authentic, I can tell you about my favourite. Lee’s Charming Noodles has had a cult following since they opened. Yours truly included. People travel across the city for a bowl of their hand-pulled goodness. Their menu hits the spot every single time.

HopHouse/Kimchi/The Shakespeare

This is one of those last true bastions of Dublin alternative culture. They serve up yagenyom chicken that is unhinged levels of good, and they have been doing it long before Korean fried chicken became a fad. Pair that with a crisp pint (they even do pitchers) and head out to their gnarly smoking area out back, complete with spray-painted walls, for the ultimate Dublin night out vibe. It goes by all 3 names but Hop House is the most commonly used.

Pho Kim

Ireland’s first Vietnamese restaurant. Some say the best Pho in the city, but I’ll let Ireland’s Vietnamese community be the arbiter of that. All I can say is it’s a damn good feed and well worth an aul punt. Plus the staff are dead sound.

Kingfisher

If you have not been to Kingfisher, you need to fix that immediately. This place is a masterclass with a massive history that I could spend a whole article writing about. But right now the most important fact about it is that this bad boy is one of the very few spots left in the city where you can order a massive plate of lasagna, chips, and coleslaw without anyone batting an eyelid. It is an absolute institution. And I have been institutionalised by it.

Fibber Magees

This is another place that deserves its own article. There are many pubs across the city that feel like they have been there forever, and Fibber Magees is one of them. It is the city’s staple rock pub, holding down the fort for alternative crowds for decades. It has Phil Lynott lore and surprisingly good craft beer taps, as well as Pitchers of Smithwick’s and quite possibly the best smoking area in the country.

Karaoke

Parnell Street is home of the private Karaoke rooms where you can book in with your mates and go belt out “I will always love you” while making eyes at your ex a la Lorelai Gilmore without the whole county seeing ya. Plus, if you book these rooms, they nearly always come with a slab of cans or a couplá bottles of wine.

The Big Romance

It’s a testament to how diverse the street is that you can find a place like The Big Romance on it. The Big Romance is one of Dublin’s most respected listening bars, and they do new wave crafty beers, cocktails, and of course also pizza. But really, you go there for the vibes because it is decked out like the ultimate IYKYK place boasting a serious vinyl collection. Just don’t let it give you too many notions to try the chipper down the road after. Cos Enzo’s is an OG and literally a joy to behold.

Honourable mentions? There are too many to list properly, but The Black Sheep, Rotana, Memas, Hyderabadi, Chapters bookshop, and Enzos all deserve a serious look.

Parnell Street is legit a street you can spend your life on, eat like a king and never get bored.

This Weekend Dublin’s Museums are the Cure for the Modern Malaise

IT IS STILL SUMMER. August still has a few weeks. EP hasn’t rolled around yet. There are food festivals well worth your time and energy. But you haven’t got any. The sun has sucked it all up and out of you. You’re wrecked. You’re thirsty. You are sick of beer gardens and rooftop bars. You’re tired of rallying for the next once in a lifetime event. Do it for the plot has started to sound suspiciously like the (cringe) rallying cry of millennials YOLO. You need to reset. If you are like most people, you might surrender to the couch and pay to rent classic rom coms cos they never seem to be on Netflix anymore (What’s with that).

But wait, here is the secret: we actually have free, world-class museums open and waiting for you. They have air con. And coffee shops. And fancy stationary to lust after. As well as paintings, installations, exhibitions, grounds to wander, and pop up events.

You would easily drop four hundred quid just heading over to Paris to queue for the Louvre. You could take in a lifetime of weekend visits to the National Gallery for the price of one Ryanair baggage fee.

More than just a handful of stuffy academics in tweed jackets, Dublin’s cultural spaces are bustling with all walks of Irish life decked out in so many tote bags they should have their own fashion historian. Institutions like the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery of Ireland, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and the National Museum are all easily accessible on the DART or Dublin Bus service.

The glorious, democratic, echoing halls are where you might find yourself perfectly happy on a polished wooden bench looking at a Jack B. Yeats painting. A local art gallery is the ultimate “third place.” They are active political, social, and artistic hubs. They run late night music events, support local marginalized communities, and commission groundbreaking art. They are civic organisms.

They are radical spaces if you really think about it. Free museums and public libraries stand as monuments to an inherently socialist ideal that has somehow survived into our highly commercialized era. If these institutions were pitched for the very first time today, they would almost certainly be fiercely debated and dismissed by loud detractors as ‘woke nonsense’ or dangerous collectivism.

The core concept of dedicating prime real estate, vast civic funding, and immense resources to house priceless knowledge and art, only to offer it completely free of charge to anyone who walks through the doors, directly contradicts the modern instinct toward hyper commodification. We have become so thoroughly conditioned to the monetization of every public space and intellectual asset that the simple act of sharing resources for the greater good is frequently villainized as a drain on the taxpayer, obscuring the reality that these spaces represent the ultimate democratic victory over the privatization of culture.

So if you’re feeling like you need to give the proverbial 2 fingers to the “man”/capitalism/neo feudalism/techno-feudalism or whatever you want to call the state of the world today then going to a museum is a great way to do that.

And before the international art snobs start complaining about the standard of the collections, it is true that Dublin is not Florence. But the works on display are genuinely thrilling, especially with a renewed focus on keeping our best contemporary artists working right here. You might get to say you saw the next Eileen Gray before she became a household name.

Psychologists who study human behaviour and culture, explain that shared aesthetic experiences are a profound form of identity. People naturally enjoy being part of a group, and experiencing awe together provides them with a sense of belonging and community.

Physiologically, we have parasympathetic reactions governed by dopamine and reduced cortisol when taking in beautiful spaces. You might experience a profound sense of calm or become deeply moved when viewing a masterpiece in real life that is completely impossible to sustain from a couch that seems to eat you on a Friday. In addition to that, engaging with complex ideas stimulates neuroplasticity, which prepares us to face real world situations with more creative thinking.

These collective experiences create powerful psychological bonds. Gallery goers who have never met can sigh, ponder, smile, or sit in disbelief together because their nervous systems are responding to the exact same visual stimuli. Research even shows that being in a quiet crowd admiring art is associated with physiological synchrony, transformative experiences, and stronger community fusion.

Of course, it is much easier to commit to scroll Instagram than to go to an exhibition. But you are going to get the afterglow. That’s why people are still talking about seeing Caravaggio’s works when they first arrived in Dublin.

Starting right now you can just walk up to any museum and see how she goes and what it’s gout going on.

Or if you need some structure:
Saturday, August 15, 2026

1. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks: The museum is hosting two major events. You can join the Changing Ireland Guided Tours, which will feature a special focus on “Far From Home: Migration in 20th Century Ireland” at 14:00 and 15:30. Additionally, families can enjoy the Heritage Week Drop-ins at the Dead Zoo Lab from 14:00 to 16:00, where visitors can handle real and replica natural history objects with a focus on exploring the beach.

2. National Library of Ireland: At the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, the library is presenting a talk titled “My Father Worked with a Horse-plough: Tales of Rural Ulster” from 14:00 to 15:00.

3. Dublinia: You can attend “Hidden Beneath the Waves: Exploring Ireland’s Shipwreck Heritage,” an exhibition tour taking place from 10:30 to 11:00.

4. Christ Church Cathedral: Ireland’s Fossil Heritage is organizing an Urban Fossil Walk with sessions running from 10:00 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 14:30.

5. TOG Hackerspace: For something more hands-on, check out “Forging History: Workshop in Traditional Metalwork,” where participants will be making the pikes and rockets of the United Irishmen uprisings, running all day from 09:00 to 17:30.

Sunday, August 16, 2026

1. National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks: The Changing Ireland Guided Tours shift their focus to “From Revolution to Repeal: An Introduction to Changing Ireland” at 14:00 and 15:30. From 11:30 to 13:00, visitors can meet Peter Donnelly, the author of children’s books like The Dead Zoo, at the Dead Zoo Lab. Children can also participate in the “Designing Delft” craft workshop from 13:30 to 15:00, while adults might enjoy an illustrated talk and musical performance about the harp in nineteenth-century Ireland from 14:30 to 15:15. The Dead Zoo Lab drop-ins will also run again from 14:00 to 16:00.

2. Kilmainham Gaol Museum: History buffs can attend a specialized talk titled “Finishers of the Law: Hangings and Hangmen at Kilmainham Gaol” from 16:45 to 17:45.

3. Pearse Museum at St. Enda’s Park: The museum is offering a guided tour of St Enda’s Follies called “Monuments to a Mood” from 14:00 to 15:15, as well as a look at the artworks of Scoil Éanna titled “Paintings for a Hermitage” from 12:00 to 13:00.

4. Royal Hospital Kilmainham: You can take a formal garden tour of the historic grounds starting at 14:00

Pick a place to stand shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors. Book a free ticket. Learn a bit of history. Get some Leo Burdocks chips afterward. Have a gawk at the portraits. Flirt with the people around you. Lean into it, post it on the gram, make a TikTok, have a coffee in the pavilion, wear your least sensible walking shoes, and you may surprise yourself with how much fun it actually is.

Plus you can nab some cool postcards.

STOP THE PRESSES: The Big Grill is back in Herbert Park for its 10th year and it is going to be SMOKIN’ hot. If you are totally lost on who the big wigs are, fist start local with Bahay, then hit the heavy international hitters like Elliot’s BBQ Lounge, ACME Fire Cult, Snake Oil BBQ, and Holy Smoke BBQ. Reyna and Achara are class too. Do not skip Baste Camp for the educational free samples!

Free food alert! Blanco Nino is teaming up with Tang on Dawson Street TODAY, Wednesday August 12th from 5.30pm to 7.30pm for FREE loaded tortilla chips. Get down there and bring the crew, mo chairde!

Something highly anticipated is brewing on Capel Street. The July Dublin is collaborating with Bereen Brothers to launch Onóra this autumn. It is an all day neighbourhood spot with Lauren Shimmin stepping up as Head Chef. Unreal stuff altogether.

After 10 years of Maki, the absolute legends behind it are launching Maki Poké next month.

Pure island Sauvignon Blanc is doing the rounds. It’s salaciously delicious, and would tempt you up on the dance floor when given the chance.

Barcelona is coming to Dublin for two nights only! Mesa Lobo is taking over the Amy Austin kitchen on August 27th and 28th for a seriously intimate tasting menu collaboration. FLAMING class. Two sittings each evening from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM.

Out with the old, in with the new. Elephant and Castle in the Dean Hotels across Dublin and Galway is out, and Sidekick is in, serving up wings and burgers.

Sad news out of Wicklow though, Little Acorn in Baltinglass has announced they are closing up shop.

Tesco just got a new main Irish character in the form of Rí-Rá Juicy Peach Lager. It is 4 percent ABV and absolutely bursting with fruit. The juiciest sipper of the season, lads.

Vogue Williams says what she misses most from home when she is away is sausages and as someone who has lived, loved and lost in the UK I can tell you I agree with her. British sausages just don’t cut the mustard.

Massive shoutout to Lucy’s Ukrainian Wine and Food Charity Tasting for raising over €1000.

Lidl Ireland just dropped a massive €150,000 investment into Lidl Foodies to teach kids aged 4 to 7 about food.

Greta Thunberg was spotted at Shaku Maku Legends only.

Priory Market in Tallaght just welcomed two deadly new vendors: Ruby Tuesday’s serving Afro Caribbean soul food, and Yaffa dishing out authentic Palestinian manakeesh.

If you are heading west, Knockranny House Hotel in Westport has a deadly late summer stay package if you want to go see Sam and pay homage to the fairies.

While you are out that direction, the Calvey family just launched the 2026 season of Achill Mountain Lamb, keeping a massive six generation farming tradition alive. Maith sibh!

Searsons of Baggot Street is hosting a private whiskey tasting on Monday, August 31st with Glendalough Distillery’s Head Distiller, Rowdy Rooney. Four extraordinary expressions in Ireland’s National Whiskey Bar of the Year. Pure luxury. Speaking of whiskey, a 1000 year old Irish oak tree brought down by a storm in Kildare has just been made into three rare whiskey casks. Class.

Massive players like Applegreen, Bewley’s, Butlers, McDonald’s, and Supermac’s are all joining forces to fight the government’s proposed 20c levy (nicknamed the latte levy) on disposable takeaway cups. Drama!

Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores is having an absolute mare, recalling over 40 products for suspected issues. Check yizzer presses (cupboards for the protestants among us)!

We are getting a taste of Aussie in Dublin 8 this weekend and next! The Mushroom butchers is doing a full Australian menu featuring their signature hyper local gourmet mushrooms down at 90 South Circular Road.

There are some absolute belter events coming up:

Newmarket Flea is back this Sunday, August 16th. This is your chance to barter for a Beamish signet ring. It needs something with genuine character!

The Bia! crew is hosting a free zine making workshop at IMMA on August 15th, and an open mic night at the Image Museum on the 30th.

SMOCK Alley is hosting morning yoga for creatives kicking off in September.

GLAS is hosting an autumn tasting event on September 1st, pouring out a five course plant based menu for €45.

John Wilson and Viking Irish Drinks have an exclusive wine dinner at the Roseville Rooms on Saturday, August 29th.

Polish Wine Fest is teaming up with Emmy Shigeta on August 30th for an end of summer vibe, €20 gets you entry, oysters, sides, and a glass of vino.

IMMA is hosting a beautiful panel on the art of welcoming strangers round the dinner table on August 14th.

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Skerries is Dublin’s original holiday town, combining stunning views, classic charm, and modern cool. With deep history, vibrant personality, and a fantastic food scene, it is a coastal escape that makes you say ‘ah yeah I could live here’ every 10 minutes.

A Little Backstory (With a Goat in It)

The name Skerries stems from the Old Norse word for rocky islands. Saint Patrick supposedly landed on Saint Patrick’s Island in 432 AD with a pet goat. Locals stole the goat and threw a feast. In true saintly fashion, he cursed the thieves to bleat like goats until they confessed.

The Rock Bakery

The Rock Bakery has a cult following drawing pastry devotees from all over Dublin. Their baked goods are entirely worth the pilgrimage. The croissants are spectacular and shatter into perfect golden layers. Located by the sea, it offers the ultimate coastal treat. Dip yizzer a Bearclaws in an aul latte and enjoy the salty breeze.

Goat in the Boat

Goat in the Boat is a small family-run cafe obsessed with quality. Their in-house gelato delivers proper Italian-style perfection with faultless flavours like pistachio and hazelnut. They also bake phenomenal pastries like the white chocolate and coconut tart. Plus the staff are sound.

Red Island Coastal Trail

Start your day with the Red Island Coastal Trail, a breezy 1.5km loop showcasing local natural beauty. Begin at South Beach and follow the path to circle the historic Martello Tower. Rest on a bench to soak in views of the Mourne Mountains, which famously inspired composer Percy French. The trail finishes at North Beach, perfect for a quick paddle.

The Swim

Skerries offers spots for seasoned and casual swimmers alike. For the experienced, Captains and Springers provide invigorating dips on the south side with flat concrete for easy access. Be cautious of strong currents here. For a gentler experience, head to the sheltered waters of North Beach for a relaxing swim.

The Activity

To embrace the coastal vibe, book a stand-up paddle board session with Skerries Paddle Tours. They offer guided trips around the harbour for all skill levels. If you time it right, a sunset paddle provides a perfect blend of serenity and stunning views.

The Pint
Nealon’s has been a beloved institution for nearly 50 years. The walls are packed with local relics, offering a crash course in town history while you drink.

The Place for a Little Dance

When the sun sets, The Bus Bar is the ideal spot for tunes and drinks. Recently refurbished, this lively venue features live music alongside a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. It is a vibrant environment to mingle with locals and dance the night away.

@lovindublinEat, drink, do: Skerries Not sure where to go in Skerries? We’ve got you sorted! 🤝 Skerries is full of great spots to grab a bite, with something for every taste. For a stunning setting, head to Ardgillan House—perfect for a walk through the grounds and with beautiful views of the sea. If you’re looking for a casual drink, Nealon's is a cozy spot for a pint and is truly loved by locals. The Blue Bar is ideal for a laid-back lunch or dinner, with a great selection of drinks and tasty bites. For some homemade pastries and gelato, Goat in the Boat is the spot to head to. If you’re looking for a special occasion dinner, 5 Rock can’t be beaten - we beg you to try their icecream sundae. And definitely don’t miss The Rock Bakery for some truly brilliant baked goods and coffee☕️ Skerries locals are proud of their beautiful coastal town, and for good reason! Take a stroll along the harbor for stunning views, or head out to the beach to unwind. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely coffee or a cheeky cocktail, Skerries has you covered with plenty of spots to enjoy. #dublin #dublintiktok #dublincity #skerriesrfc #skerries

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MAINS

This week The League of Ireland is the Cure for the Modern Malaise

When the World Cup packed up its billion-dollar, sportswashed circus, it left a gaping, vuvuzela-shaped hole in many hearts. The GAA season has wrapped up, meaning Sundays are no longer spent sweating over a provincial final. If you are like most people, you might surrender to the couch, pay out the nose for three different streaming services, and watch a sterile English Premier League match.

“What do we do? Where do we go?” the overlapping voices of modern Dubliners ask in a hushed, exasperated tone, trying to claw their way out of a Friday night paper bag.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone in possession of a free Friday evening must be in want of a bit of craic. These days, finding anything worth doing feels increasingly hard. Three pints consume whatever is left of your discretionary stagnant wages-housing crisis income. Takeaway is as expensive as going out, and Supermacs costs as much as Eddie Rockets did when we all called it Eddie Rob-Your-Pockets. There is no free museum open every Friday night.

But the community of local football supporters is legion. So is it finally time to get Daly-mounted?

Well, I can give you a solid option that costs the same as two pints, photographs beautifully, helps you meet people, and supports local industries, creatives, and communities: go to a League of Ireland match. You’d easily drop four hundred quid just heading over to Anfield for the one match. The Arsenal game that was in the Aviva yesterday averaged about €150 to €200 per ticket. You could take in 10 to 20 to even 40 Rovers games for that kind of cabbage.

More than just a handful of old men in flat caps, the League of Ireland is bustling with all walks of Irish life decked out in so many jerseys they should have their own fashion historian. Clubs like Bohemians, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, and UCD are all easily accessible on the DART or Dublin Bus service.

The glorious, democratic, concrete terrace is where you might find yourself perfectly happy on a breeze-block step in Tolka Park or Richmond Park. It is where you could meet the next chapter of your love life, your new bestie, or the drummer for your terrible post-punk band who happens to be wearing a Bohs scarf.

If Bohemians are anything to go by, a local football club is the ultimate “third place.” They are an active political, social, and artistic movement. They run poetry nights, support local marginalized communities, and commission art. It is a living, breathing civic organism.

And before the Sky Sports brigade starts complaining about the standard of the football, it is true that Irish football is not the Champions League. But the product on the pitch is genuinely thrilling, especially with post-Brexit rules keeping our best young players here just a little longer. You might get to say you saw the next Troy Parrott before he became a household name.

This practice of gathering in the freezing cold to shout at a referee falls under the dictionary definition of “leisure”. The paradox of sport is that it can expose our deepest and ugliest divisions, but it can also remind us how quickly people can find each other in the most complicated of times. And that is a beautiful thing.

Akintomide, a psychologist who studies human behaviour and sports, explains that football fandom is a profound form of identity. People naturally enjoy being part of a group, and watching their favorite team play provides them with a sense of belonging and community.

Physiologically, we have sympathetic reactions governed by adrenaline, which prepares us for challenges. You might experience increased heart rates or become sweaty when watching a match in real life that is harder to sustain from a couch that seems to eat you on a Friday. In addition to that, the body produces cortisol, which prepares us to face the situation by aiding our motor coordination.

These collective experiences create powerful psychological bonds. Fans who have never met can hug, cry, scream, or sit in disbelief together because their nervous systems are responding to the exact same thing. Research even shows that being in a crowd is associated with physiological synchrony, transformative experiences, and stronger identity fusion among fans. Much like the clurb.

Of course, it is much easier to commit to watching a sterile match on television than, say, venturing out into the evening chill. Same as it’s easier to listen to an album than to go to a gig. But you gon’ get the afterglow. That feeling of wow, I was there. The brain loves a ‘wow I was there’ moment. That’s why so many people bankrupt themselves to go to the World Cup Final if their country makes it. Or why people are still talking about their time at Woodstock 60 years later. Or why people try to recapture that feeling by going to anniversary tours of the bands that defined their youth.

Thusly, if you want to stop this agonizing, cyclical discourse about having nowhere to go, the solution is get your arse in gear and go do the thing. This week the thing is League of Ireland games. Every Dublin team is playing at some point this weekend. Nothing is sold out. So pick the one nearest to you and go do the thing.

Starting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, when Bohemians take on FC Midtjylland at Tallaght Stadium at 19:45 in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The action continues the following evening on Friday, August 7, with a trio of matches featuring Bray Wanderers facing Finn Harps at the Carlisle Grounds at 19:45, UCD playing Wexford at the UCD Bowl at the same time, and Shamrock Rovers clashing with Dundalk back at Tallaght Stadium at 20:00. The weekend’s main event arrives on Sunday, August 9, at 17:00 when Shelbourne hosts St Patrick’s Athletic at Tolka Park in a highly anticipated Premier Division regular season matchup.

Pick a place to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your neighbors. Buy a ticket. Learn the chants. Get some Leo Burdocks chips. Have a gawk at the players in short shorts. Flirt with the people around you. Lean into it, post it on the gram, make a TikTok, have a drink, wear the local colours, and you may surprise yourself with how much fun it actually is.

You do not need to be a die-hard fan to enjoy live sports. You can be smitten with the League of Ireland. Have a flirtationship with your local team and see how much joy a bitta craic can actually bring you.

Every time people start to wax lyrical about the old Dalymount Park after the renovations, you will feel vindicated. You will be able to say, ‘oh, I was there; it was as good as they say’.

Lads, this Japanese creator is adorably making people fall in love with Ireland. Pyot is on a working holiday here and she is discovering the country one dish at a time. From trying her first chicken fillet roll to sinking pints in Kilkenny, she is legit writing a sort of content love letter to Ireland and it is pure hope core. It’s bring a tear to your eye from joy type content and it would help you to remember how class we actually have it here.

@pyonneelアイルランドのソウルフード、チキンフィレロールを食べてみたよ★ 美味しくてペロリだったけど わりとボリュームあってでも約5€くらいで すごく嬉しいね♪ (選ぶ具材を変えたら値段も変わるかな?) どこのCentraやSuper Storeでも買えるみたい！！ I tried the famous Irish chicken fillet roll! It was a good size and delicious for only about €5. What a great price!!🫶 (If I change the ingredients, does the price change too?) #アイルランドワーホリ #irelandworkingholiday #アイルランド留学 #centraireland #chickenfilletroll

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Hold onto your hats, we have the inside scoop on what is coming to Bolands Mills. We are talking a new French spot from a Michelin starred chef, a bakery from the Russell St Bakery team, and a brand new dining concept from the absolute legends behind Daphni(Caribou/Bomobo/Kodiak). It sounds like we will be spending half our lives here.

The legendary Dalkey Lobster Festival is returning to the coast on August 22nd and 23rd. And Big Grill is coming back too this 13th to 16th August 2026 in the leafy surroundings of Herbert Park! That sorts pretty much every remaining weekend in August for the gluttons (complimentary) among us.

Volumes on George’s Quay are getting in bed with Throwing Shapes. On Tuesday August 13 at 7:00pm they’ll be collabing for an open-level hand-building workshop with food and wine by the Volumes team Limited tickets! Get yours now via the link in their bio & stories!

Not to be out done. Throwing Shapes and OMMA Matcha have teamed up for a quickie of a Clay weekend on September 19th and 20th. Vinh Truong is leading a two day workshop where you create your own ceramic matcha set, do a matcha making session, and head home with a starter kit. Absolute zen-yoga-bliss.

Row Wines has dropped their August lineup and it is looking spicy. They have a whole crew of DJs ready to set the mood all month long.

Blasta Books just announced number 20 in their series. It is Erica Drum’s book called Dinner and it aims to answer that never ending question of what to eat every night. It is available for pre-order now.

Did yiz see that clip of the Irishman putting tabasco in his eye on a dating show? Social media was quick to shout “we don’t claim him”, which got Darach Ó Séaghdha thinking for his latest column in the Journal that’s a cracking read.

Happy 13th Birthday to Oxmantown! They are taking a short break to spruce up their original spot, and sadly saying goodbye to Igor, one of their long-time team members. You can still get your fix at their Smithfield shop while they are closed.

Alma Dublin just restocked a very limited run of custom handcrafted cups by the amazing Orla With A Fada. They have a few different glazes in 6.5oz and 10oz, but they are only sold in store and at Around The Corner. They literally fly off the shelves every time.

Hawksmoor is celebrating 20 years by teaming up with YouTube burger obsessive Calfreezy for The Burgurr. It is a limited edition bacon double cheeseburger built from scratch with their Group Executive Chef Matt Brown. It lands on August 3rd and sounds like an absolute beast of a feed.

Griolladh has teamed up with Ballymaloe Foods for a limited edition sweet and spicy toastie. It features Ballymaloe’s new Sweet and Spicy Beetroot Slaw mixed with mature cheddar, mozzarella, roast chicken, and crispy shallots on sourdough. It is only around until August 24th.

Tropical Matcha has landed at Caffè Nero. They are blending ceremonial grade matcha with mango, passionfruit purée, and a touch of vanilla. They have also refreshed their summer food lineup with new toasties and a gorgeous pastel de nata baked right in store. Perfect for the commute.

Beckett Locke just wrapped an unreal Summer Social with Hi Spirits Wine Club, and hot off the back of it, Soho House is pushing their Cities Without Houses membership in Dublin. If you want global access to their spots without a physical house here yet, they are waving the joining fee for referrals via HiSpirits. Fancy stuff altogether.

Summer has officially hit Avoca Kilmacanogue. They have transformed the terrace at The Fern House Restaurant with Veuve Clicquot for a sun soaked escape. Pure notions in the best way possible.

Massive week for Irish spirits! Dingle Distillery finally got the green light for an expansion. Two Stacks Irish whiskey is now being served in cans and bottles on Aer Lingus flights. Great Northern Distillery is partnering with Tsingtao Brewery Group in China. Pearse Lyons Distillery launched their first ever single cask Camino Collection. Jameson just became the official spirits sponsor for the NFL, and Egan’s launched a deadly Irish whiskey iced tea in a can. Oh, and Cobblestone Brands is buying Bisquit and Dubouché Cognac and Cabo Wabo Tequila. Huge shoutout to Maharani Pomelo Vodka from Cork for winning Best Irish Vodka at the 2026 World Drinks Awards. Unreal moves all around.

Aldi shoppers are absolutely tearing through the Brown Bear craft beer, buying a bottle every 16 seconds last year. Brewed by Carlow Brewing Company, the gluten free lager and IPAs are picking up awards left, right, and centre. Maith sibh!

Mount Gay has dropped a brand new Bajan Spiced spirit drink. At 35 percent ABV, it is packed with Barbadian ginger, cinnamon, sweet orange, and a zesty blast of red grapefruit. Perfect for a Spiced and Stormy.

Rotten news for Temple Bar. Mantle Coffee on Anglesea Street is closing its doors indefinitely this Sunday, August 2nd at 4:30pm. The team says pressures affecting their sister cafe Stay With Us made the space unsustainable. Get in for one last brew to support the lads.

RIP to the Satay Bowl at Sprout. In a bold move, they have axed the legend, but they replaced it with a Peanut Chili Crush bowl which is a damn fine alternative. We will survive this tragedy.

Calling all vampires! The Blood Rave is returning after a sold out February run. Expect darkwave and synthwave DJs, timed blood drops, and blood rave cocktails. Grab your tickets quick because this will absolutely sell out again.

Peruke and Periwig have gone full concept with a brand new Alice in Wonderland inspired Mad Tea Party menu.

Bar Anam is hosting Chilean natural winemaker Roberto Echeverría Jr on Thursday, August 6th. Just a score (€20) gets you natural wine and Korean food pairings. Value level NOM.

Do not panic.

As I spoke about when Beyond The Pale was tugging at heart strings, FOMO is a well documented philosophy. Psychologically speaking, the fear of missing out is triggered by the threat of social exclusion, not the music, even if this is the first time your favourite band has ever played in Ireland. To cure it, you need a bank holiday weekend that hits all the pillars: social, relaxing, sexy, fulfilling, and tasty.

Let’s build the absolute perfect Dublin based banker for the week that’s in it; and sure while we have the weather.

If you prefer your pints with a side of national pride, drag your mates to the Pop-up Gaeltacht in the Morris Bar. Nothing says romance like whispering sweet nothings as gaeilge.

Or go catch the “Making a Show of Myself” play if you nee a bit of drama to get you through. Team it with our drink of the week, a glass of gold AF Orange wine from nearby Piglet.

If you still find yourself thinking “Good God it’s Friday” then take this opportunity to go hell for leather. Ease yourself into the evening at 6:00 PM with the GAZE film festival at the IFI, catching the “Out of Shadows” new Irish shorts. Once you feel appropriately intellectual, it is time for absolute sweaty hedonism. With all the denizens down in a field pinking under the relentless sun city is your oyster. YOU can go to town. Literally. Without being mowed down by hoards. (As long as you avoid the Tourist hot spots)

Tequila Town is taking over Wigwam, SWEATBOX is hosting The Big Bulging Birthday Bash at The Grand Social, and if you are feeling nostalgic, there is a killer Paramore tribute gig in the same venue. If heavy techno beats are your religion, Bart Skils is playing at block. Bounce between the clubs, lose your friends three times, and get your fish and chips on the way home cos yer ma raised you right.

Take Saturday to be Hung TF over. When you finally peel yourself out of bed, you need gentle, low stakes activities. Drag your weary bones to see the new mural on Ormond Quay and lash it up on insta while sipping a Matcha, secure in the knowledge that you’ll definitely be fairing better than your contemporaries in stuffy tents. You’ve also probably paid half of what they will for your MAtcha, and it’s likely higher quality.

If you are some sort of absolute psycho who loves punishment when hungover, you can go check out Ireland’s First UFC Gym Opening.

Me? I will be saving my energy for Block D8 Afters later that night.

Sunday is all about balance. Start pure by heading over to Two Pups for their free Sunday events. Do a bitta yoga with Fiona or rhythm dance with Rachel to shake the tequila out of your system. Then, transition seamlessly back into day drinking.

Hit up Borogodó at Hen’s Teeth for food and art, get down to Obi’s House at BrewDog, or if you are feeling fancy, gorge on Seafood Plates and Summer Wines at Frank’s at 4:00 PM.

As the sun goes down, it is time for church. DUH!

Specifically, MOTHER at LoSt LaNe for their August Bank Holiday Sunday special.

Dance until your sins are forgiven.

Monday is your ascension into heaven. This is when you can fool yourself into thinking that you actually will never drink again. Go grab yourself some slick new K-style threads at G Fashion on Abbey Street, which is open from 12 PM.

Use your fresh fit to That Girl your way around town., or wander up to Stoneybatter for some restorative Jazz at Hynes’ bar. Ascend into the working week with a coffee in hand, secure in the knowledge that your weekend in the capital was vastly superior to standing in a muddy field in Waterford.

The Wellington down on Baggot Street has reopened its doors after getting a proper facelift and paint job. Pure class.

10TEN Acai has opened its 6th location in Blanchardstown

Baked and Bottled are taking a little summer break. They’ll be closed from Monday, 27 July for a little “café maintenance and a well-deserved break” before returning into the thick of it on Wednesday, 12 August, rested and ready.

Thank you so much to all our lovely neighbours and customers for supporting us over the past 7 months. We feel very lucky to be part of this neighbourhood.

This Wednesday, July 29th, a relaxed evening of unique Ukrainian white and rosé wines is taking place. It is all for a proper good cause too, raising airgead for medical aid in Ukraine.Doors open at 6:30 pm, with the craic starting at 7:00 pm.

Sando Paradisio in Hen’s Teeth are now doing a full Irish every morning Weds to Saturday. €13 gets you a very good feed with a cuppa or a coffee.

A massive shoutout goes to the 9 Dublin spots nominated for City Bar Of The Year. Fair play!

The Big Romance crew teamed up with Altos Tequila and designer Yan Takuz to build a 300-capacity dance dome for All Together Now. Powered by Cork’s legendary RiseUp! sound system, it is built purely for having a proper boogie to heavy bass and top-class audio. Margaritas crafted by bartenders for bartenders—unreal stuff altogether.

The Dosa Dosa will be a slinging a metrick fugg tonne (1000) Dosa Grand Canal Dock on 14th August €2 a pop between 12–5pm at Grand Canal Dock — a first for Dublin.

Pilates & Pinot is happening this coming Wednesday, 5th August at 6:45pm in Coopers Clontarf.

Ruby Tuesday’s Soul Food is shifting shop over to Priory Market.

Saltbread Dublin’s August pickups kick off August 1st! The famous butter tteok and salt bread are coming back. Pre-orders are open for original salt bread, mini rolls, or butter tteok in five unreal flavours, along with six mad dips like Ricotta Hot Honey and Ube Cream.

Sad news for the neighbourhood as The Wine Pair is closing down.

Meanwhile, the former Star Bar got a fresh coat of paint and a new identity as Sally MacLennanes, a nice nod to The Pogues brought by the EHL Experiences crew behind Sole and FIRE.

The Night Market returns to The Circular in Rialto on Friday, August 7th from 5:00 pm till late. Expect top grub from El Milagro Tacos and Coke Lane Pizza, DJs spinning tunes all evening, a full bar, and stalls from local creatives.

Hen’s Teeth in Dublin 8 is launching a deadly new Dinner Party Series starting August 14th.

Sprout is setting up shop down in Cornelscourt inside Dunnes Stores this September.

Searsons of Baggot Street is hosting a whiskey tasting on Monday, August 31st from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Head Distiller Ciaran “Rowdy” Rooney from Glendalough Distillery is guiding a masterclass featuring Double Barrel, Single Pot Still, 7YO Mizunara Cask Finish, and an exclusive secret Distiller’s Special. Artisan canapés will be served, plus a free drink to finish out the night. Extremely limited spaces are available on Eventbrite.

Bread Naturally is throwing a doughnut-filled birthday party this Sunday out in Raheny. Maith sibh!

Park Lane Deli is holding a seasonal summer supper club on August 8th with Baby Sis Dublin and Aoife’s Table. Tickets are €120 for a party of two (€60 pp), including a five-course sharing menu and a welcome spritz on arrival. Two seatings run at 5:30 pm and 8:00 pm, with wine sold by the glass or bottle.

Keep an eye out for Smaak Dutch Fries, opening soon on the street in the space that was Rei Momo.

TU Dublin academic Anke Klitzing dropped a brand new book, *Reading Food in Literature, Film and Other Imaginative Texts*, launching the very first dedicated guide to gastrocriticism.

For anyone looking for a bargain bite, Darwin’s Tavern is doing a Daily Cut Steak Frites for nineteen quid (€19).

Wishbone on Dorset Street expanded its menu and it is looking absolute lethal. They added a Chicken Parmigiana in vodka sauce for €17, classic Fish & Chips for €14, and frozen cocktails like Piña Coladas and Miami Vices made with Bumbu Rum. Their lunch deal is a banger; a bun with a side is €14 between 12 pm and 3 pm.

Dubliner Robin Gill has been announced as the Food Curator for the new London Museum in Smithfield. Fair play!

Over in Mayo, the county went wild celebrating an All-Ireland football title 75 years in the making! To mark the win, the team was presented with an extraordinarily rare bottle of Knappogue Castle 1951—a whiskey distilled the very same year Mayo last lifted the Sam Maguire

The Westbury launched a fancy new Montblanc Afternoon Tea for writers who love a good pen, running from €79, or €103 with a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve NV.

Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins at Anantara The Marker Dublin is putting Irish lobster centre stage with Bubble Claws. Guests get a whole Irish lobster, house-cut chips, fresh tomato & basil salad, peppered crème fraîche, and a bottle of Ayala Champagne for €145 for two people.

Happy Hut Catering is hosting a Summer Celebration Community Supper Club at SPADE Food Enterprise Hub on Friday, July 31st. Three courses for €55 per person.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery announced ‘Good Things Brewing’, a series of weekend takeovers kicking off this weekend.

Georgian wine legend John Wurderman from Pheasants’ Tears winery is landing in Ireland for a week-long tour with his famed Poliphonia Kitchen team from Tbilisi. On Sunday, August 9th from 5:00 pm, they are taking over the kitchen at Allta in Grand Canal Dock for a traditional Supra feast with John as the Tamada (toastmaster). Tickets are €120 pp with wine for toasting, or €105 pp non-alc.

No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

If you’re an alternative “Nostalgic Partygoer” you’ll like

Workmans Wednesdays are back with COOL WEDDING, a brand new club night channeling the vibe of your cool mate’s wedding. While the vibe is a nod to Trevor Dietz’s work, it’s a fresh direction they think he would have backed.

If you’re an “Atmosphere Chaser” you’ll like

If you couldn’t snag a ticket to the All Ireland Final, make Hedigans The Brian Boru your primary destination this Saturday. They’ll be showing the match and providing all the necessary atmosphere.

If you’re a “Trading Card Collector” you’ll enjoy

Check out Card Mart by DeckDex at Priory Market in Tallght this Saturday at 12:00. This trading card event is entirely free and a great spot for enthusiasts.

If you’re a “Competitor” you’ll enjoy

Check out the Everlast Gyms+ x PUMA VIP Hyrox Masterclass with Faisal Abdalla on Henry Street in Dublin 1 this Saturday at 09:45. This session is free but requires advance sign-up.

If you’re a “Green Thumb” you’ll like

Head over to Celbridge this Saturday at 10:00 for The Plant Collector July Open Day. Explore a wide variety of plants at this free event.

If you’re a “Live Music Seeker” you’ll enjoy

Beatyard presents Governess & Gang at The Bernard Shaw in Dublin 9 this Saturday at 13:00. This free gig is a perfect midday musical fix.

If you’re a “Trainer” you’ll enjoy

Join the Sports Direct Dublin x New Balance Ellipse Run Club this Saturday at 09:30. Meet other runners and get moving on Henry Street for free.

If you’re a “Manga Lover” you’ll like

Teen Manga Club returns to Ballyroan Library in Rathfarnham this Saturday at 11:30. Dive into discussion and creativity with other fans for free.

If you’re a “Bibliophile” you’ll enjoy

Join the ByToji Book Club at Pearse Street Library this Saturday, July 25 at 12 PM to discuss “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee. Connect with other readers for free.

If you’re a “Folklore Fan” you’ll enjoy

Head to Áras Chrónáin in Dublin 22 for Feathered Friends/Caired Cleiteacha-South Dublin Live this Saturday at 11:00 (with another showing later).

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

Drink of The Week: The World Cup Debt

We have survived. Weeks of staring at your screen while you shouted at pixels kicking a ball is over. Your partners/lovers/roommates who just wanted to play xbox sacrificed their sanity, their peace and their actual TV so you could watch the world cup. They have suffered and you know they have. So it’s time to take initiative and take them out for something a little fancy, a little different as a way to say THANK YOU.

Why not like?

The Westbury
A fancy UNASKED FOR (I can’t stress that enough) rezzy at The Westbury where you preselect the wine flight pairing is your ultimate weapon. Nothing says “I know how much I’ve put you through and you were an absolute trooper” quite like the 5 star hotel that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce stayed in when they were here for the Era’s tour. A flight of wine, if you’ve never had the pleasure (and lets face it percentage of the population wise who has) is actually quite something to enjoy le cheile. You get to feel boojie and fancy, and like you’re being treated special by the staff because the somm spends dedicated time with you. So when you book make sure to mention the Château La Coste collection pairing. That gets you Rosé d’Une Nuit 2025, Château Rosé 2025 and Grand Vin Rosé 2025 at the Summer on the Terrace at WILDE. It really is quite something, and so it is quite the brownie pointer if you are looking to make someone feel special while they heal the deep scars left by weeks of VAR decisions.

If you want to take your lover somewhere that feels like you’re in Las Vegas or are are successful movie gangster, or just need to hit it out of the park guaranteed then opt for

A Bombastic Negroni in Gloria Osteria

If you’ve never been to Gloria Osteria, change that now, and take your lover with you. It’s wildly glamorous and excessively Italian and has one of, if not THE, best negroni’s in the city. Get your gladdest rags and your reddest lipstick and paint the town with it. This is the place to turn drinks into going out-out with a swish and flick. Perfect for the week that’s in it.

If you’re feeling a little more amorous, but you haven’t quite saved up enough for that trip to Japan, even though the Yen is SO LOW that it calls to you then you need to take your person to

Fujiyama for Sushi & Sake

This spot is incongruous AF because it sits right on top of a hairdresser on O’Connell Street. But that makes it weirdly cinematic. It has precision and craftsmanship without veering into the messy action-movie territory of a full barbecue. And unbeknownst to most anyone it has the single best sake selection in the city. Go balls deep and get a Junmai Ginjo, or go cervix deep and opt for Junmai Daiginjo. You won’t know yizzer selves as you while away the evening rebalancing your chakras after weeks of football screaming. Get yizzer bits in a highly visible spot for your story. Glooorooooroooorrrooooorrrius

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

Something Tasty:

The Linen Yard is hosting a weekend market festival this weekend. It is a deadly chance to grab some delicious grub from local traders including Shake Poke, Bak’D Pizza, Flavour Rush Asian Street Food, Sweet Churro, Brew Brothers Coffee. There’s live DJs, a Spritz & Wine Bar, and a vibe to be surfed. You’re also welcome to bring your own cans of beer 6 cans per person(corkage applies €2 per can).

Something theatrical:

If you want a masterclass in feral queer work and embryonic shenanigans, get yourself to Smock Alley this Thursday, 23rd July. They are partnering with Cabaret Egg to present SOFT BOILED, an intimate night of DIY work-in-progress performances and comedy that kicks off at 8:00 PM. Tickets range from 8 to 10 euros and it is the perfect spot for those looking to incubate their cabaret dreams.
For those looking to stay grounded in local issues, join Chats in the Flats on Friday at 6:30 PM. They will be discussing creative community responses surrounding their brand new play, Pretty Vacant.

Finally, if you just want to soak in the local atmosphere, the 60th anniversary of The Liberties Festival kicks off today for a full week of culture and community. With ninety percent of events being totally free, you can check their website to pick from the breadth of options scattered just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

Something leisurely

Come the weekend, your primary daytime destination should be the Hen’s Teeth Art Market. Open Saturday and Sunday, it is the perfect spot to switch your brain off, grab a bite to eat, and pick up some new local art while you are at it.

If you want to pay your respects to a beloved nightlife staple, head out on Saturday, 25th July. This will be your last chance to experience the late bar at Izakaya Japas & Sake before they transition their hours, though the restaurant will thankfully remain open until December 2026.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

There is a whole lotta summer to be had and to be held up online as glory. Posting pic after pic to show how much summer you are summering. The days stretch out, and with them comes the unspoken obligation to fill every sunlit hour. There are festivals to attend, patios to conquer, gardens to beer, sports to support, weddings galore and endless social engagements that demand our presence. It is a season of perpetual motion, a go-go-go marathon illuminated by the relentless sun.

So this week it’s time to give the two fingers to all that and go fallow. Yes, this week’s big big thing to do is NOTHING! Take a damn fallow weekend tout seul, i do aonar.

In the agricultural world, leaving a field fallow means allowing it to rest. It is a deliberate choice to leave the earth unsown. Early farmers learned the hard way that a field constantly cultivated, season after season, yields crops of diminishing nutritional value. The soil simply gives out.

Glasto does the odd fallow.
As does the rugby.

So why not you?

We live in an era where rest is frequently mocked. Or branded as lazy. We have to be optimising or we’re failing. If the bits are not being done then what’s the point? The endless grind echoes through our collective consciousness. We are conspicuously consuming life for the views, clicks, likes, shares, clout. And when we’re not out posting our drury duty pics, or videoing our try of the latest beagle bar we’re faux-relaxing by watching television or scrolling through digital feeds. All these screens keep the brain actively engaged in a constant state of decision-making and emotional reaction. It’s a literal wreck the literal head. The reserves of resilience that once carried us have run dry. We literally can’t hack the sesh any more.

Our cognitive soil is depleted.

Rest is not the opposite of productivity; it is the foundation of it. Taking time to go fallow is investing in our vitality. Take a weekend off and enjoy next weekend, the August Bank Holiday, all the more for it. Your body will thank you, your friends will probably thank you cos you won’t be such a moany git any more. Hell your ma will thank you. She already thinks you’re doing too much. You know she does.

Some people even make a big hoo ha, todo and ta-da and about their own weekends off. They pay for the privilege of going analogue or off grid at cabins that have cropped up. Because rest is a fundamental need. Not a want, should, or luxury. (Though cabins like that are the very definition of luxury.)

One need not book an analogue cabin, or take to the hills or brave the Canadian winter or fly across the globe to find a bitta fallow.

All you need to do is cancel it all. Everything. Do it in one mass text. Tell them all you’re opting OUT. Just for the weekend. Put an OOO on your social life the way you would for your work and turn your phone off. Lock it in a box. Bury it if you must. But the screen break is integral to the fallow weekend.

Next you have to refuse the guilt that accompanies unscheduled time. Take an axe to the FOMO, and try to contend with the ‘should’ shame that often comes when we don’t do the things everyone else seems to be doing.

Just as a piece of earth returns stronger after a year off from a music festival or a season of rest, the human mind emerges from a fallow period reinvigorated. So remind yourself of that if your brain just won’t take the hint or relax its proverbial cacks.

What fills a fallow weekend? It might involve urban hiking. It could be reading slowly. The restorative magic can be found in cleaning out your wardrobe. Or whatever you’re having yourself. We’ve cobbled together an aul list of options below. But what’s important is the actual break. You deserve it. Treat yourself to a little rest and you won’t know yourself on monday you’ll be a glowing so hard.

Here are 17 ways to have the ultimate weekend for one.

1. Head home to your Ma for endless cups of tae, a solid chat, and to quietly rob a few rolls of toilet paper.

2. Turn the phone off entirely. Enjoy the ciúnas (peace and quiet) without the group chats buzzing the head off you.

3. Bake a loaf of brown bread or make a massive pot of soup or if it’s too warm for soup why not wade into ‘dense bean salad’ land to keep you going for the week.

4. Grab a physical newspaper, leave your phone at home, head into a spot like Dudley’s on Thomas Street, sit by yourself at the bar, and enjoy a slow read.

5. Take yourself out for a deadly solo dinner. Order the dessert and eat the whole thing yourself with absolutely no sharing required.

6. Stay indoors all day in your pyjamas, play a game of Scrabble, and completely ignore the madness outside.

7. Borrow a stack of books from the local library and lose yourself in pure fiction for hours on end.

8. Do a deep clean of your gaff. Throw on some tunes and wake up to a perfectly tidy bedroom on Monday morning.

9. Cos play you’re in lockdown and dig out a massive jigsaw puzzle and chip away at it on the kitchen table.

10. Buy yourself a fancy coffee and a pastry and have a sit with it and do a bit of people-watching.

11. Write a physical letter to an old mate or your Granny, just for the craic.

12. Let your brain lie completely idle. Stare out the window at the Dublin rain and feel absolutely zero guilt about doing nothing.

13. Treat yourself to a drop-in swing dance class in the city centre or a solo gig, just to try something totally new.

14. Pick up some knitting, crochet, or origami. Let your hands do the work while your mind takes a proper breather.

15. Ring up an older relative for a proper catch-up to see how they are keeping.

16. Print off a few of the nice photos sitting on your phone and stick them in some frames to brighten up your place.

17. Wrap up the weekend by doing absolutely nothing on Sunday evening, so you are ready to face the week with a bit of grá (love) in your heart.

STOP THE PRESSES: The Tuna Cutting Show is back in action this Thursday night at DARUMA in Malahide. They are carving up a massive 200kg Irish Bluefin Tuna. Absolute madness. Stick around for all you can eat tuna afterwards. Unreal stuff altogether.

Sad news for the sessioners who loved hopping through that window, of sitting on saddle seats, Bison Bar and BBQ on Wellington Quay seems to have shut its doors.

Host in Ranelagh is dropping their highly anticipated second spot. It is called Okela, which means meat in Basque. It opens around September or October and will be FLAMING class.

Silk Road is sorting us out with takeaway afternoon tea boxes once a month. The first one kicks off Saturday, August 1st with a gorgeous Palestinian Afternoon tea. Vegan and gluten free options available too.

Lads, how do you publish a list of fifty bars across Europe and not include a single spot in Ireland? Not one! Ignoring an entire country with our hospitality culture is an absolute joke. The best bars in Ireland are still class, awards or no awards.

The thugery continues as some naerdowells tried to break into Brew Lab on Redmond’s Hill on Monday night. Thankfully nobody was hurt and they are open as usual. Go on and buy a coffee to support them, mo chairde.

The Leeson has finally opened on Leeson Street. It is a deadly new neighbourhood bar from the M’O’Brien’s crew.

Little Slice is gearing up to open next to Spice of India on South William Street later this summer.

The Seafood Cafe is hosting Oyster Masterclasses every weekend. Sundays will set you back €65 for the full whack with history and gifts, or Saturdays are €35 for a lighter intro with a welcome drink.

BAKO just opened under their sister restaurant just off Grafton Street. It is a swanky new wine bar and speakeasy from the Amai by Victor team.

Kahani has a hawt ass dinner deal going. Premium Indian sharing plates and cocktails in a super intimate dining room. Two courses for €28.95 per person, available all day Monday to Wednesday, and early evenings Thursday and Sunday.

Get ready for a summer with IBILE. Their new menu of smoky BBQ and bold West African flavours is hitting The Dean Docklands on July 26th, Big Grill on August 13th, and Electric Picnic at the end of August.

Rascals in Inchicore are teaming up with Yamamori for a massive Japanese themed karaoke party on July 24th. Start warming up the vocal cords now, yiz legends.

Hen’s Teeth in Dublin 8 is launching a deadly new dinner party series on August 14th with Tacos and Margs. Just a score (€20) gets you food, a drink, and entry with a DJ spinning tunes till late. Value level NOM.

La Cocina Cuevas up in the Naul is hosting a late summer dinner series on August 29th and 30th with chef Chris Maguire.

Gill Books just announced some cracking food books for autumn, including Home Grown by Barrie Quinn and Heat Shelter Water Food by Harrison Gardner. Also, Fingal Markets in Malahide are back in action. Maith sibh!

The 2026 Dublin Horse Show is going to be massive. Elliott Group is sponsoring the Nations’ Cup of Ireland for the Aga Khan Trophy centenary, and the new Laya Arena opens on August 5th. Grab your tickets online, kids under 4 go free.

Chef Chad Byrne and Aidan Ryan are throwing an epic long table dinner at Bettystown House in Meath on August 15th. Open fire cooking, seasonal ingredients, and a gorgeous 17th century estate backdrop. Tickets are €100 a pop and include a cocktail and wine. Pure luxury.

Gousto is cutting their Irish prices by 20% on average. In this economy?! They are promising meals from €2 a portion for new customers until the end of 2026, all while still using Irish beef and chicken. Le cúnamh Dé more places follow suit.

No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

If you’re a “Sustainable Fixer Upper” you’ll like
Something to Repair
Get yourself down to Airfield Estate this Saturday at 11:00 for a free Repair Café. It is an absolute godsend of an opportunity to get your broken bits sorted by handy folks instead of throwing them away.

If you’re a “Determined House Hunter” you’ll like
Something to Investigate:
The Talbot Hotel Stillorgan is hosting a drop-in event for the St. Laurence’s Park Affordable Purchase Scheme tomorrow at 16:00. A deadly chance to gather some crucial information and see if you can finally get your foot on the property ladder.

If you’re a “Depop Girlie” you’ll like
Something to Browse:
The Dublin City Flea Market is taking over Lost Lane this Sunday at 12:00. Make sure to snag a free ticket online and have a mooch around for some savage second-hand steals right in the city centre.

If you’re an “Authentic Gig Goer” then you’ll like
Something Acoustic:
Head down to the iconic Cobblestone this Friday at 20:30 for a free album launch. A reliable win for the skint music lover looking to kick off the weekend with a brilliant gig and a creamy pint.

If you’re a “Nostalgic Collector” then you’ll like
Something to Catch:
Get yourself down to The Bernard Shaw in Dublin 9 this Sunday at 12:00 for the Beatyard Outdoor Vinyl Market. It is entirely free to enter and the Eatyard grub is right there if you get hungry after flipping through the records.

If you’re a “Corporate Run Clubber” you’ll enjoy
Something Active:
The MOVE Club by Everlast Gyms and Myprotein is hosting a morning run starting on Henry Street in Dublin 1 this Saturday at 09:00.

If you’re an “Alternative Arts Enthusiast” then you’ll like
Something Spooky:
Wigwam in Dublin 1 is hosting the Gauche Market Summerween Edition this Sunday at 12:00. Sales are ending soon so get down early for a proper bitta ag síopadoracht and a highly entertaining day out.

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

Drink of The Week: Green Drinks

Lads, the grass is dead. Ireland where has all the green gone? The sun is here maybe 2 weeks and the grass is yellow and crunchy. It has been glorious, but the retinas are begging for a bitta green. Are we all suffering from green withdrawal? Quite likely. It is a very serious medical condition. (This is a joke, don’t at me if you don’t get it).

It’s cracked. So that means a cracked drinks article? What we actually need this week to shock our systems back to life is literal chlorophyll. Let us make Ireland green again by drinking green.
Why not like?

If you’re a “Stoneybatter Dublin Creative” who insists earthy tones are a personality trait then your green of the week us:
Iced Matcha

If you treat a sudden spike in Dublin temperatures like a personal attack on your layered linen aesthetic, then Iced Matcha is your ultimate summer survival tool. Secure yours from Cabana Café, Kaph, Shoe Lane Coffee, Beanhive, Clement & Pekoe, Soren & Son, or The Cake Cafe and plant yourself on a sun-drenched bench. You can hold the opaque, grassy cup like a trophy while you explain to anyone who will listen how the ceremonial grade powder perfectly balances your chakras. Not quite ready for the full swamp experience? Pivot to an iced green tea from Ea-Tea or As One, or grab a Hi-Five Yuzu can from Drink Store to maintain the aesthetic.

If you’re a “Donnybrook Pilates Devotee” who views solid food as a sign of weakness then you need to green it up with
Cold Pressed Green Juice

If you wear a branded Sweaty Betty two piece year round, listen to wellness podcasts at 1.5x speed, and view chewing as a biological inconvenience to be optimised, then a pint of aggressively healthy green juice is the only fuel source for you.
Grab a bottle from Green Beard in Donnybrook, or clock in for Drury Duty without going on the sauce at The Juicery in George’s Street Arcade. If you are feeling wildly adventurous, source one at the People’s Park Sunday market in Dun Laoghaire.

If you’re a “Rathmines House Share Survivor” whose entire aesthetic relies on doing things ironically then you’ll love
DIY San-green-ia

San-green-ia is calling your name. This is not for the purists. This is for the craic-ed. Get a bottle of your favourite cheap white wine. The €7.75 Riesling from Lidl is the elite choice here, purely in wine wanker speak because it has vegetal notes without veering into the cat piss territory of a cheap Sauvignon Blanc. Whack a rake of mint and basil into it, add a couple spoons of the sugar of your choice, and then lash a whole cucumber in before drowning it in soda water for fizz and lime to garnish. Let me tell ya it is an absolute dream in green. Get all yizzer bits in Lidl, secure a highly visible spot on your crunchy grass, and while away the evening capturing the perfect golden hour reflection for your story.

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

If you’re a “Camp Culture Vulture” then you should do
Something theatrical

If you want a masterclass in sharp-tongued Irish family dynamics, get yourself to the Abbey for Annie Ryan’s brilliant, feminist-tinted revival of The Whiteheaded Boy, which is serving pure camp high-jinks and making everyone in the audience feel significantly better about their own domestic drama.

For those lucky few who managed to snag one of the ridiculously coveted tickets to Conor McPherson’s The Brightening Air at the Gate, prepare yourselves for a stellar, moody 1980s homestead tale featuring Chris O’Dowd in his highly anticipated Dublin stage debut.

If you prefer your theatre served raw head to Temple Bar where the Project Arts Centre is hosting the “As Seen on Fringe” double-bill of Anna D’s moving Roots in Every Room alongside NAF Dance’s energetic, sport-obsessed Ham Sandwiches and Discipline.

Finally, if you just want to completely switch your brain off, grab a cold drink and dive headfirst into the sheer, pink, hyper-saturated joy of Legally Blonde at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre before it packs up its bags this weekend.

If you’re a “Nostalgic Genre-Hopper” then you should do

Something musical

Here is your exact logistical roadmap to surviving the Dublin gig circuit this week. Kick things off on Thursday, 16 July, at the Iveagh Gardens, where gates open at 6:00 PM for a double-headlining soul session with James Morrison and Emeli Sandé.

Friday, 17 July, presents a classic Dublin scheduling dilemma. You can either head back to the leafy gardens for the annual, sweat-drenched communion of Damien Dempsey, where gates open at 6:30 PM, or you can opt for something a little more refined at the National Concert Hall, where the gorgeous Soda Blonde team up with the National Symphony Orchestra with doors at 7:00PM.

If you choose the NCH on Friday, you can still catch your outdoor rock fix on Saturday, 18 July, as Shirley Manson leads Garbage onto the Iveagh Gardens stage, with gates at 6:00 PM and the noise kicking off at 8:00 PM.

Finally, you can round out the weekend on Sunday, 19 July, with some high-gloss pop from Charlie Puth, with gates opening at 6:30 PM to catch the very last drop of the weekend’s energy.

If you’re a “Weekend Chuckle Hunter” then you should do

Something comedic

Come Friday, 17 July, your primary destination should be Eden Quay. The Laughter Lounge is hosting its Friday Night Live showcase, throwing open the doors at 7:00 PM for an 8:30 PM showtime. They have booked a massive, high-energy lineup featuring Belfast’s very charming Richie Bree, and the relentlessly funny Adam Burke keeping order as MC.

If you want to wrap up the weekend with a major dose of international star power, head to Thomas Street on Saturday, 18 July. The brilliant, razor-sharp Ilana Glazer is taking over the iconic stage at Vicar Street, with doors opening at 7:00 PM and the show kicking off at 8:00 PM. She is perfection.

If you’re craving a coastal escape

Something relaxing

Come summer, your primary destination should be the stunning Kerry coastline. The Smugglers Inn is offering the perfect seaside escape, with a relaxing overnight stay for two available from just €164.00 through Wowcher. The deal includes a delicious breakfast, access to the spa facilities and a later 12pm checkout, giving you plenty of time to soak up the incredible Atlantic views.

If you want to turn your break into a proper coastal adventure, explore the beauty surrounding this charming retreat. From the golden sands of Inny Beach and the famous Charlie Chaplin statue in Waterville to the dramatic scenery of Valentia Island and Killarney National Park, Kerry is packed with unforgettable spots. Add in the hot tub, outdoor sauna and delicious local food at The Smugglers Inn, and you’ve got the perfect summer getaway.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

Since the World Cup kicked off back in June, a vast swathe of the population has been ambiently absorbing every streaming match. The sitting room has ceased to be a place of domestic tranquility and has instead become a rigid timezone dictated entirely by kickoffs. Entire relationships, my own included, are now conducted around it. We have been speaking in a new dialect, one consisting entirely of VAR controversies, and impassioned monologues about Mbappé, Haaland, or whatever particular millionaire forward you’re having yourself.

“The essential absurdity of football — that it has become so important — is nine-tenths of the poetry,” writes Phil Ball in Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football. That OG football is the beautiful game is well established. People gush over it, they yearn for it, they spend their years anticipating games.

Some even build their whole childhoods around it. Paul Howard wrote in the Irish Times, “You spend your life chasing the way the World Cup made you feel when you were 11” and that’s true. We’ve been World Cup-ping as a country all summer chasing that high. Everywhere you turn the game is on. Which game? Does it matter? It’s a World Cup Game. They’re all history making if you’re into that schtuff.

Now with the final within spitting distance it’s obviously the mains of the week. It’s the one big thing you should do this week to commune with the world, the city, your inner child. You name it I can make a paper thin reach of an argument as to who what where why and how it ties back to the World Cup final this Sunday. At the time of writing we didn’t know who exactly was gonna be in the aul final.

We had all been bracing ourselves for yet another Argentina versus France final. Spain, however, dispensed with the French, leaving us in a strange new possibility. It’s an England Spain final. Football could well teacht abhaile. *Shudders* So we know we’ll be viva la Espana come Sunday. Anyone But England is our biological imperative. ABE runs in our blood. It is the lymphatic system of Irish culture filtering out the toxins of our troublesome neighbour by supporting literally anyone else every single time.

If you take football too seriously then you’re doing it wrong. Most fans understand, even while they are screaming at the screen, that this isn’t serious. After England’s (inevitable) elimination, people went to work the next morning. Apparently, “suicides fall during World Cups” because “an entire nation living the same event briefly creates a community that draws in even the loneliest people”, as Stefan Szymanski and Simon Kuper wrote in Soccernomics. So now that we have a Spain Argentina Final we can finally stop fearing that Football could go home to the King’s country and know that we have at least 4 more years of ‘it didn’t come home tho did it’ in us. And everyone can enjoy the beautiful game played to the highest standard in the literal world.

And so here we are. At the zenith. The pinnacle. The precipice of the end. So it’s time to ball. To immerse yourself in Sunday’s final, you must commit to the sensory overload of The Back Page or the River Bar. Alternatively, you can find a suitably alternative corner in Fibbers, seek out The SinBin, or yield to the traditional, spilled-pint romanticism of Toners. Carefully choose your companions for a big game. You’ll remember who you watched with, and you will always be able to date the memory to the very day.

No matter which you choose you need to commit, get there early, take your claim to the seats, zebra stripe your drinks, bring the factor 50 if you’re beer gardening, and be prepared for the low that will follow if you’ve been mainlining the football since the group stages. Remember you won’t be alone in your grief. TikTok will be at as much of a loss for content as they were when heated rivalry ended. So I guess the world will try to move on together.

Or

You could, of course, turn your back on the global spectacle entirely and extend the proverbial two fingers to the international sports machine. Maybe you’re a conscientious objector. Maybe you aren’t giving the oopa loompa of America any of your attention currency, as a form of protest against his outrageous policies that are literally killing people, causing war with Iran and closing the blasted strait of Hormuz literally every other week.

Maybe you just can’t get behind it because all the match fixing is so audacious. Investigative author Declan Hill has brought forward compelling evidence indicating that the illicit betting syndicates already deeply entrenched in domestic football managed to fix at least one recent World Cup fixture. To make matters even more cynical, Michel Platini, the chief architect of the 1998 tournament in France, recently let slip a rather breathtaking confession. He casually admitted that the supposedly random draw was deliberately engineered to orchestrate a dream final between France and Brazil, which is precisely the climax that materialized on the pitch.

Maybe yiz are seeking sanctuary in a Dublin glutted with World Cup-itis. You will find refuge in the likes of The Sackville or Bar 1661. Yiz could hide out in Fíon Eile, or disappear completely into House Leeson Street, Two Faced, or The George.

Or you can go the lovely hurling route with your weekend? Throw-in for the All Ireland Hurling Final is set for 3.30pm on Sunday, July 19, when Galway and Limerick will battle it out live on RTÉ2. The faithful will be making their pilgrimages to McGowans of Phibsboro, The Porterhouse, The Auld Dubliner, and Tapped Late Bar to witness the clash of the ash.

No matter what you’re doing with your week you’ll be orbiting the World Cup, so I hope this guide helps you pick the poison that’s right for you this weekend. And may the odds be ever in your favor.

STOP THE PRESSES: SUNDAYS @ ROW is bringing them hawt ass deals! They’ve announced that every Sunday yiz can grab cocktails for a tenner. In this economy? With this weather. The DREAM. €10 Margs and €10 Palomas all day long alongside their class tacos. Best news I’ve heard in ages.

Coopers and Chubbys in Clontarf are throwing a little day sesh party on Sunday, July 19th.

Baked and Bottled have announced a wine night coming July 24th. The same night as Polish Wine Fest are doing a karaoke wine night at The Fumbally.

Paddy Cosgrave just launched Whistleblower, a massive new bookshop and event space on South Anne Street. Five floors of leftist theory, podcast studios, and a café. Wonder if the coffee is any use? I’d hope it’s at the very least fair trade.

Scrumdiddly has just opened a brand new spot in Smithfield.

Applegreen’s 24/7 birthday bash is back on July 24th. PJ and Kev from the I’m Grand Mam podcast are hosting the main event at Enfield Westbound on the M4. Grab a 100% Irish chicken fillet roll or breakfast roll for a ridiculous €2.47, and Tayto for 24c. An absolute belter of a deal!

Pesto Kitchen is opening a second location. Any guesses, mo chairde?

Caffè Nero is dropping a limited edition Iced Tropical Matcha Latte nationwide. Ceremonial grade matcha mixed with mango and passionfruit purée. Pure gorge for the summer heat.

Zucchero Cafe is setting up shop and opening soon in Malahide.

A new Leonardo Hotels survey has officially crowned Dublin as Ireland’s best food scene, absolutely trouncing Cork and Galway. Maith sibh, Dublin!

Have you ever heard of Fraughan Sunday? Glendalough Distillery is reviving this ancient Irish tradition of picking wild blueberries on the last Sunday of July. Their full-time forager Geraldine Kavanagh is out in the Wicklow Mountains handpicking these little beauties for their Summer Gin.

The absolute laochra at Jumon are officially coming to Dublin!

Scrumdiddly has just opened a brand new spot in Smithfield.

Variety Jones are doing their bit and hosting a fundraiser for Venezuela.

Sophie’s Rooftop (with the infamous swing) has officially reopened just in time for the sunny spells.

Beitna on Dame Street has officially rebranded to Al bait al shami

Hatch Coffee is teasing a brand new location on the gram.

The Christchurch pub has officially opened its doors! Run by Third Barrel Brewing, they are pouring pints of the black stuff for €7.60. Le cúnamh Dé this spot sticks around!

Nippon Kan is a fascinating new Japanese café that just opened on Capel Street, brought to you by the team behind Daruma.

Happy Out just expanded with their third café down in the Docklands.

La La Burger is making the leap from Kerry to Kimmage!

A Taste of Summer is landing at Avoca Kilmacanogue on Saturday, July 25th.

F.X. Buckley has retained their Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for 2026.

STOP THE PRESSES: Hana Izakaya on Capel Street has started serving the viral Sushi push pops!

Speaking of the sushi world, the absolute laochra at Musashi have opened their 9th location at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

Also in the Asian fusion world, 6seven Asian Cuisine has officially opened their doors in Rialto! You can find them slinging the good stuff at 418 South Circular Road from 3pm to 11:30pm every single day.

Tani Restaurant is also planning on expanding into the city centre with an application lodged to convert a spot on Stephen Street Lower. It would be their first city centre restaurant after killing it in Terenure and Naas, le cúnamh Dé!

Elliot’s bakery is set to reopen their space in Phibsborough very soon. They are currently operating out of the wine bar next door at Pete’s and from their Arran Street location.

Yami Yami has opened its doors on Clanbrassil Street serving traditional Romanian pastries, cakes, and coffee from 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. Pure gorge.

Coffeeangel just expanded with their 10th official location, opening a brand new cafe on Shelbourne Road in Ballsbridge.

Bushy Park Market is also officially set to reopen this weekend!

Oh, and Omos is OPEN.

Mark Moriarty is opening a very special spot called The Studio at Wilton Park in Dublin 2. It is a studio cooking space open to the public every Friday night, serving a set tasting menu to just 20 guests per sitting. Mark has quite the cooking calibre, so it is no surprise spaces here will be in high demand!

Over on Wexford Street, Barebone has launched a new summer menu from Head Chef Brian Spain. Expect Konro fired dishes like koji glazed pork chops, plus folklore leaning cocktails such as the smoky Cú Chulainn and strawberry coconut Tír na nÓg.

Row Wines is rolling out an unreal midweek special. From Monday to Thursday you can grab any two plates for €25, or two plates and a glass of fíon for €30. An absolute belter of a deal!

Dax is reducing the price of both their lunch and dinner menus by 4.5 percent, passing on the full benefit of the VAT reduction on food from 13.5 percent to 9 percent. Maith sibh to Olivier and Graham for supporting independent hospitality and keeping the bia scene alive!

Looks like we are not getting a northside Bambino after all. But in good news, the Craic Den Comedy Club will be moving into the former Token building on Queen Street in Smithfield. The space is being transformed into a 200 seat licensed performance venue, and they are hoping to be open by October this year.

In sadder news, The Pillar Bar at 25 Westmorland Street has permanently closed. The owners thanked everyone for the support but reassured us that the sister bar, Doyle’s on College Street, will remain open.

Fion Eile has also started work on what could be a brand new terrace.

Volumes Dublin is teaming up with ASICS and The Run Hub tomorrow morning between 10:00 and 12:00 to celebrate the new NovaBlast 6! Head down for free coffees, pastries, and a chance to win a pair of the new runners.

Small Changes Whole Foods Store is hosting a Sourdough Workshop on July 9th at 7:00pm.

If you are looking for outdoor cooking, the Summer Feast BBQ is taking place at the Dublin Cookery School every Saturday until August 8th from 10am to 4pm.

A new arts and music event is taking over The Linen Yard on July 18th from 3pm to 7pm. Organised by the Self Care Craft Club, this block party will feature live performances, crafts, street food, and a paint your own pionta glass workshop for €25.

The Centre of Food Culture Ireland is continuing its Meet the Maker series with farm walks and tastings at Coolattin Cheddar on July 18th, Tory Hill Farm on August 8th, and Leitrim Hill on August 23rd.

Lucy’s Cafe is hosting a Ukrainian Wine and Food Charity Tasting on Friday July 17th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Taste wines from unique regions, enjoy authentic food, and support medical aid for Ukraine.

Aquick PSA mo chairde. With all the chat about Keelings importing tomatoes from Belgium, people are asking about our remaining tomato growers in Ireland. We only have 5 left, mostly providing retailer own brand tomatoes. They lack brand strength and all the power sits with the retailer. Make sure to vote with your wallet and buy Irish toms for the next 4 to 5 months!

Dingle Distillery has unveiled two refreshing bespoke cocktails to help you beat the heat. You can stay cool by mixing up their zesty Orange and Sea Salt Paloma or their effervescent Hugo Spritz using their spirits and recipes online.

Tesco Ireland has teamed up with Cork based Silver Pail to launch two irresistible new Finest ice cream products just in time for the scorching summer weather. Shoppers can cool down with the sweet Wexford Strawberries and Cream tub or indulge in the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich, both currently on special offer with a Clubcard.

Dublin bakers have just days left to enter the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, with local drop offs taking place in Baldoyle and Ballymount between 9:00am and 11:00am on select dates this July and August.

Perched on the seventh floor of the Aloft Dublin City Hotel, the award winning WXYZ Bar has just launched its first ever food menu to perfectly complement its panoramic skyline views.

Chef of the Year 2026 final following a rigorous semi final at the Dublin Cookery School. These promising chefs will spend the coming months refining their sustainable, community focused menus before the highly anticipated final and Gala Dinner this October.

Kerrygold is celebrating the highly anticipated launch of its first ever premium cheese range in Ireland with an exclusive tasting pop up at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre from July 14th to 16th. Cheese lovers are invited to sample a curated board of standout varieties for free while enjoying spot prizes and a custom photo booth.

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No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

If you’re a “Proud Local Parent” you’ll like this

County Hall in Tallaght is hosting the SubSounds Youth Music Festival 2026 this Saturday at 13:00. It is a proper bitta craic and a deadly day out.

If you’re a “Nostalgic Collector” then you’ll like this

Get yourself down to The Bernard Shaw in Dublin 9 this Sunday at 12:00 for the Pokémon Pop Up Dublin Part 02 hosted by Irish Poké Finds. It is entirely free to enter Eatyard grub is open if you get hungry

If you’re a “Depop Girlie” you’ll like this

The D3 Swap is back for their Summer Clothes Edition at Saint Anthony’s Hall in Dublin 3 this Saturday at 11:00. It is an absolute godsend of an opportunity to clear out your wardrobe and pick up some new bits.

If you’re an “Indie-Sleazer” then you’ll like this

Volume Records and Books is hosting a free live gig this Sunday at 19:30, featuring Birdwoman and Bróna Keogh for their Birds of a Feather night. A reliable win for the skint music lover looking to wind down the weekend with a bop.

If you’re an “Outdoor-Bro-Specialist” you’ll enjoy this

The Coucou Run Club is teaming up with The Lab for a morning run starting in Clontarf this Saturday at 10:00. Sweating it out along the coast before a well deserved brew is a lovely way to get yizzer steps in and mingle with some sound locals.

If you’re the person that very obviously went to Trinity or UCD then you’ll like

The Literati Dublin is meeting up at the Wren Urban Nest right in the city centre this Saturday at 15:00. Free to attend, it will leave you feeling properly intellectual just in time for Saturday evening.

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

Drink of The Week: Cold AF coffee

Let’s be brutally honest; the moment the sun makes a prolonged appearance over Dublin, our collective willpower dissolves into a pint glass. We have all been absolutely hammering the booze every single sunny evening, using the mere existence of a blue sky as an ironclad excuse to sit outside a pub. It has been glorious, but your liver is begging for a ceasefire.

You do not need another Aperol Spritz. You need a jolt to get you TF through the rest of this week. Honestly, even a jab from a cattle prod might be necessary at this point. The relentless sunshine just saps away every ounce of focus and energy required to actually do your job, leaving you fighting a losing battle against daydreams of abandoning your laptop and hitting the beach at all times. Put down the lukewarm cider. What we actually need this week to shock our systems back into a state of semi-productivity is cold, hard caffeine. Cold AF coffee is the only acceptable substitute to drag you out of your sun-induced stupor.

If you’re a “Phibsborough Vintage Curator” who refuses to sweat then you’ll be into
The Espresso Tonic

If you live in a painfully minimalist flat, own three different types of pour-over devices, and treat a sudden spike in Dublin temperatures like a personal attack on your layered aesthetic, then the Espresso Tonic is your ultimate summer survival tool. We are having the exact kind of weather people used to fly to Spain for. The hardcore coffee heads have been trying to make this drink happen for years, and after seasons of feeling like a beverage outcast, fetch has finally happened. It is the perfect marriage of bracing bitterness, fizzy relief, and enough caffeine to power you through an afternoon of passive-aggressive Slack messages.

Secure yours from Proper Order, Shoe Lane, or 3fe and plant yourself on a sun-drenched bench while you pretend to circle back on deliverables you give ZERO shits about. You can hold the aggressively bubbling, two-toned iced cup like a trophy while you explain to anyone who will listen how the artisanal tonic water perfectly highlights the acidic notes of a washed Ethiopian bean. Or just make one at home, sit on your microscopic balcony, and watch the sweltering masses pass by, secure in the knowledge that you have found the only acceptable way to consume coffee in this heat.

If you’re a “Grand Canal Dock Tech Hustler” who tracks their macros on a spreadsheet then you’ll be into
Cold Brew

If you wear a branded fleece gilet year-round, listen to Andrew Huberman podcasts at 1.5x speed, and view sleep as a biological inconvenience to be optimised, then a pint of jet-black cold brew is the only fuel source for you. Forget the frivolity of hot water or steamed milk. This is coffee steeped for eighteen hours to extract maximum voltage with zero acidity. It is a productivity hack, designed to propel you through back-to-back quarterly review sprints without jittering out of your ergonomic chair.

Grab a cup from Cloud Picker or Shoe Lane, Or Urbanity or many many many more, and pace aggressively around the Silicon Docks with your AirPods firmly in.

If you’re a “South William Street Depop Entrepreneur” whose entire aesthetic relies on a slicked-back bun then you’ll love
Iced Macchiato
If you pair oversized vintage blazers with tiny sunglasses, own a matching set of neutral-toned athleisure for everyday wear, and believe that a beverage must look good on your Instagram grid before it touches your lips, then the Iced Macchiato is calling your name. This is not for the purists. This is for the visual queens. The who say ‘the aesthetic is aestheticing’ unironically.

Pick one up from Grind, or any Insomnia nationwide, and secure a highly visible spot on a bench outside. You can hold the translucent cup up to the light, capturing the perfect golden hour reflection for your story.

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

Something to Browse

Classic Football Shirts has officially landed in Dublin, taking over the old Muji space at 5 Chatham Street. It opened its doors last Friday, so it is fresh and ready for a mooch. They are famous for their authentic retro and vintage football kits, but they have also sorted out a dedicated section just for GAA jerseys. A deadly spot to pick up some classic threads.

Something Active

Kick off your weekend early this Thursday, July 9th, at 19:00 with a 4km social after work run around Harold’s Cross. The best part is the relaxed post run hang at Peggy Kelly’s for a few drinks. It is a brilliant shout for getting some movement in and having a bitta craic with some good company.

Something Scenic

The Dublin Hike Club is celebrating their first anniversary on Sunday, July 12th, meeting at 23:45 at the Glendalough Car Park. They are tackling the Spinc Loop, a moderate 6.4km trail that takes about three hours. It is completely free to attend, but you are asked to fill out the form in their bio before arrival. Bring suitable clothing and snacks for the celebratory picnic afterwards. It is a savage excuse to escape, especially if you love a good public transport hike (and Spritz) and want to map out the bus routes down to Wicklow.

Something Arty

The Exchange Bar and Restaurant at NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch is launching The Exchange Sessions this week. They are inviting musicians, poets, visual artists, and filmmakers to use the venue as a canvas for a dynamic programme of cultural experiences.

Something Guinn-ius

Thursday Night Social at the Guinness Storehouse launched last week. It’s a new ”vibrant, new after-hours experience for Dubliners” happening every Thursday throughout the summer. Different gigs and events, decent food and a creamy pintín.

Something Cooling

It won’t have escaped your notice that it’s a bit hot outside. And with that comes fans and coolers flying off the shelves. But this one is somehow still for sale and even has a cheeky little discount attached.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

A Loviner in possession of a sunny weekend must be in want of a treat. Fuck it. It’s time to go baller. It’s Lobster Roll Week.

The sun is out and proud. We’re almost expecting the weather to be great, it’s been that consistently sunny. You might even finally be able to leave the house without feeling you should bring a rain jacket. Finally. The tides are high, the swimmers are out, the joggers are pink and peeling, some farmers’ tans have converted into actual tan. People are buying linen like they’ve never done before.

If you’re reading this you’re probably familiar with “Sun Mode.” A phenomenon I just named now whereby on any given balmy weekend Dubs flock to the coastal towns of the city like they have never done before. Usually there’s only one thing on the actual menu; fish and chips. But as we get more into the millennial led era of connoisseurship, the people, they have been branching out. They have low key been eating more and more lobster.

And sure why not. No need to shame them for their notions. Why shouldn’t we eat it? Lobster is not saffron. It wasn’t always a pocket-emptier. Why is Dublin the only sea side city on earth that treats buying a decadent shellfish sandwich like an act of high treason?

Let’s be clear about what we are actually eating. We are talking about bottom feeders. Like oysters, lobster was historically a food of the working class before the elites developed a taste for it and pushed up the price. While you’re not here to read the exact administrative pedantry of who invented what and how we have come to view lobster as a luxury, I am here to tell you that lobster can be a food of the people and not just the people with notions.

A burger, the perennial food of the people, runs €20 minimum these days, so what’s €25 for a lobster roll in comparison. Eh? Okay yeah that’s literally 25% more. But it’s not the cost of a pint more. So I can cherry pick my stats to support my argument if I want to.

Sometimes spending a little extra on a rich-people food feels illicit. Like you absolutely shouldn’t be doing it. It feels … sorta sexy. And after a whole week turning up to the office in ‘good little worker bee’ mode, maybe you want to feel a little bit bold. Spending money triggers the yokes in the brain that makes you feel good, even when you absolutely shouldn’t be spending it. Eating like a king lights up all them gooey reward centres. Nom. Psychologists call it “dopamine,” I call it ‘fucking deserved’.

Here is where to hit up this week if you want to be a little dána and learn to appreciate lobster rolls in Dublin:

1. King Sitric: Craic-ing Guinness, sound owner, family run, great seafood ethically sourced from a fisherman they know by name, and they have a truly exceptional composter.

2. Seafood Cafe: Add a Bloody Mary and you’ll be able to pretend you’re not in Temple Bar but actually a seaside village in France. The staff are lovely, the cooking is great, and its owned by the man who you could argue brought the lobster roll to ireland

3. Bubbas Fish Market: Dalkey is full of lobster but this one is consistent, the most affordable lobster in the town, and they know how to make a lobster roll. Sitting outside is low key great for watching rich people who got cars that are too big for them to drive.

4. Sea Shanty: Understands the assignment. No fuss, no oversaturated dressings, just pure, unadulterated seafood.

5. Mermaid Monkstown: It’s half pop up half restaurant, all gucci. The lobster is lovely, the vibes are immaculate, and their Spritz is FRESH.

6. Lobster: A place literally named after the beast itself. They do not pad it out with fillers. They just serve it right. It’s the most spenny here, but Fugg Me is it a banger.

Lobster rolls from each of these places come out between €20 and €30, usually with chips. And a burger is about €20 on average these days. So I would say that makes these good value. Give it a whack this week. At the very least you can get social media points by posting it. Or at me in the comments calling me out cos it wasn’t the revelation I claim it to be. Whichever ya fancy yourself.

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Or if you absolutely do not want to kill yourelf trying to learn to appreciate lobster because some manic internet writer told you you should and are in want of some aggressive air conditioning then try hitting up one of Dublin’s glorious, democratic, climate controlled museums. We’ve curated a few below.

National Museum of Ireland:

Go see the bog bodies. The Celtic Gold. The Brian Borou Bits.

National Gallery of Ireland:

You can walk straight past the sweating masses on Clare Street and lose yourself in that one Jack B Yeate’s painting that won an Olympic medal.

IMMA

They know that a gallery made with impeccable thick stone walls will feel tremendous regardless of the specific outdoor temperature. You can wander the modern art exhibitions in blissful coolness, then maybe brave the formal gardens when the sun finally starts to set.

MoLI:

Should you want to it’s padded out with outdoor seating where you can get a glass of wine in the shade of an aged tree, but also they serve up immersive exhibitions and rare manuscripts right in the heart of Stephen’s Green.

Abrakebabra is officially launching their newest gaff in Temple Bar Square! You can find them slinging the good stuff at Unit 2 Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 KA02 from 1pm sharp on July 2nd. An absolute post pint staple if ever there was one and hard to believe it wasn’t already there!

If you are feeling a bit more fancy, The Mint Bar over at The College Green Hotel has just dropped their new Taste of Ireland menu. For €48 a head its an absolute belter. You are dining right down in the original vaults of a 19th century bank, surrounded by the old granite walls and a proper deadly snug made entirely out of old safety deposit boxes.

Carved are doing the Lord’s work slinging €1 coffee all week long.

Over in the retail world, Lidl Ireland just dropped the news that chef Eric Matthews is their brand new official chef ambassador.

The Fat Fox whipped up a caca millis for Oliva Dean, pure gorge 😍.

Right, let us get into the fresh meat.

Dawson 19 has officially opened their doors at 19B Dawson Street. They are wide open from noon until 10pm every day.

Over on Tara Street, Sushi & Go has opened their newest location. After a massive opening on Montague Street at the start of the year, Tara Street is now home to their second Dublin outpost. Open daily from 12pm to 9pm. They are operated by the exact same laochra behind Zakura, CN Dumpling, and Sushida, so you know it is going to be class.

Monty’s in Temple Bar is soft launching their swanky new wine bar this very Thursday, July 2nd. The launch includes a complimentary glass of Sparkling Wine and some tasty small bites on arrival!

Out in Tallaght, Matcha Mamas has set up shop in the Base Fitness Studio. To celebrate the grand opening, the cafe is throwing a massive launch party on the 10th of July, featuring €3 drinks all day long.

A new spot is also on the way to Aungier Street right next to Egan’s. Lulu’s is taking over the old Val’s pizzeria space.

For the pancóga lovers, Póg is opening in Terenure in about six weeks, le cúnamh Dé!

In sadder news, Cluck Chicken in Tallaght has shut the doors to their restaurant at The Square. The spot was open for nearly five years but Cluck Chicken has confirmed that their Walkinstown location is staying put so get down there and support them, mo chairde.

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops just dropped their ranking of pure excellence in specialty coffee. It is judged by a panel of international coffee experts alongside the public vote, marking them on everything from bean quality to the craic of the atmosphere. The Dublin winners include: Unfiltered on Emmet Road in Inchicore came in at Number 16, Brew Lab on Redmond’s Hill and Off Grid in Howth finished strong at Number 96. Maith sibh to the lot of ye, absolutely ar fheabhas!

Carved are doing €1 coffee all week

Dawson 19 has officially opened their doors at 19B Dawson Street. They’re open from noon until 10pm every day, serving a modern fusion menu with strong influences from European fine dining, Japenese cuisine, and contemporary Asian flavours.

Cluck Chicken in Tallaght has closed the doors to their restaurant at The Square.The restaurant was open for nearly 5 years, with the closure coming after the restaurant accepted the opportunity to surrender their lease.The closure is a sad one but Cluck Chicken has affirmed that their Walkinstown location will remain open and will receive extra love and care in the coming weeks.

Monty’s in Temple Bar is soft launching their new wine bar this Thursday (July 2nd). The launch is taking places from the 2nd to the 9th includes a complimentary glass of Aras Sparkling Wine and small bites on arrival.

Matcha Mamas has opened in the Base Fitness Studio in Tallaght.They specialise in matcha and red bull fusions, with a selection of coffees available too.Sweat treats are coming to the menu soon, so keep an eye out!To celebrate the opening, the cafe will be hosting a launch party on the 10th of July, featuring €3 drinks all day.

Sushi & Go has opened their newest location.After a successful first opening on Montague St at the start of the year, Tara St has now become the home to Sushi & Go’s second Dublin store.

Open daily from 12-9pm, they offer a selection of onigiri, inari, norimaki, futomaki, special rolls and more! Sushi & Go is operated by the same team behind Zakura, CN Dumpling, and Sushida.

In the world of deochanna,(drinks) Boatyard Distillery is bringing pure celtic mysticism with their limited edition Summer Solstice Gin. They teamed up with the absolute laochra (heros) at Killahora Orchards in Cork to blend classic hedgerow botanicals with Rare Apple Ice Wine. It is a zesty, bright tribute to hilltop bonfires and Irish folklore. With only 1,000 bottles available at €47 a pop.

Over at the Guinness Storehouse, they are kicking off their Thursday Night Socials in July and August. €15 gets you a self guided tour, a pionta at the Gravity Bar, DJ sets, and unreal street food from Hawker, Salty Buoy, and El Fuego!

Join Delamotte and Pembroke Wines for an evening of bubbles on the 17th of June. Located in the grand cru village of Côte des Blancs, Delamotte works predominantly with Chardonnay, resulting in wines with great finesse and ageability - it’s also the sister house to the incomparable Salon, a rare gem in the Champagne world.

Whispering Angel is turning twenty! Cheers to the juice that changed the way Irish people drink and led to the creation of #RoséAllDay

Hong Kong Wonton has announced they’ll be serving breakfast in July. Colour me curious? I would kill for a dumpling oriented breakfast TBF.

Fahrenheit Restaurant at Clontarf Castle is offering guests a signature dining experience for only €49, and I have to say it looks like there would be NO CRUMBS because she would be ate.

Down in Ranelagh, Parrilla are hosting a winey afternoon on July 3rd from 1pm to 4pm! They are teaming up with the incredibly talented artist Jess Kelly and the renowned Château La Coste for a day that combines beautiful art, stunning fíon, and unbelievable bia. Get clicking the link in their bio to snag a booking before it sells out.

In truly heartbreaking news, Niall Davidson announced that Allta will close its doors at the end of the year. This is a massive loss for modern bia gaelach (irish food).

Can the best new murals Dublin has to offer be found in *checks notes* the Mossco Terrace at Travelodge PLUS? Quite possibly. But also we’ll let you be the judge, art is subjective. That said it’s nice to see the hotels of Dublin giving back to the artistic community through commissions like this one for Shane Sutton

For the plant based legends, Glas Restaurant on Chatham Street is throwing a massive five course tasting menu celebrating pure Irish glasraí this July for €45.

Applications are NOW OPEN for the The Good Food Ireland® Food Lovers Choice Awards taking place on Monday, November 16th.

Huge shoutout to Dublin based chef Giovanni Mannino at Grano in Stoneybatter for winning Italy’s 2026 Fresh Pasta Championship using ingredients he foraged in Co Carlow!

In a shocking turn of events, the Irish government has introduced a permanent cut in the rate charged on food in restaurants, bars, hotels, and hairdressers from 13.5% to 9%.

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No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

Something Political

Dublin’s nightlife is taking another absolute hammering, with the depressing news that DJ and nightclub events at Izakaya are gradually wrapping up from July 19th. If you are as fed up with the ongoing death of independent club spaces and the endless broken promises as the rest of us, get down to Dame Court this Thursday, July 2nd at 18:00. Enough is enough.

Something Active

This Sunday, July 5th the BMO Collective is hosting a free Sunday Run Club at 10:00 over in Harold’s Cross Park. Get yizzer miles in early and start your Sunday feeling superior. If jogging isn’t your bag but you still want to be out and about, head over to the Tallaght Athletic Club at 15:00 for The Moll Rooney Festival Family Sports Day.

Something Educational

For a bit of brain food on Friday, July 3rd at 15:00, Maynooth University’s TSI Building (Room 2.10) is hosting a deep-dive talk on Blackness and Irishness through the Centuries. Alternatively, cap off your Sunday at 18:00 with the Women of Tallaght Talk at Priory Market, part of the aforementioned Moll Rooney Festival.

Something Comedic

We all need a good laugh to stave off the Sunday Fear. Luckily, The Comedy Crunch down in Dublin 2 has you sorted for absolutely zero euro this Sunday at 20:15.

Something Nostalgic

If you want to fully embrace your inner ten-year-old, there is a Mega Pokémon Pop-Up happening this Sunday at 13:00 in St. Laurence’s Parish Hall. It is completely free and frankly, I dunno, like what else would ya be doing on a Sunday?

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

The Drink of the Week: Hop Wallopers

The truth is, the best summer beer is simply the coldest one you can find at the very bottom of the cooler, but this week is all about craft beer. There’s something about the summer to bring out all the best seasonals from the crafty brewers of the city. Summer and hops just go hand in hand. I will happily drink a heavy, barrel aged stout in ninety degree heat.

But I am here to waste precious time writing a million different think pieces about why you should get ‘hopsed’ TF. It supports the small breweries, the Irish economy at large, I could stretch it to say maybe the hops helps your microbiome but copy clear wouldn’t allow it. So I think instead I’ll appeal to yizzer poca (pockets). With pints across the capital now starting at a weeping eight quid, a crisply hopped, freezing cold craft brew is simply better bang for your buck than a sessionable lager from a conglomerate when you want to get appropriately lit le chéile. It is liquid efficient.

If you are ready to swap your usual basic lager for a glass of pure, unadulterated craft notions, here is where you need to be dropping your hard earned cash this weekend.

The Elusive Sip - Mescan Westport Saison No 72

Sometimes you want to feel aggressively rustic but you absolutely cannot be bothered leaving your gaff. Enter this traditional Belgian style farmhouse ale. It is famously brewed to sustain workers during long days of toil in the sun, which is perfect for those evenings when you want to sit on your second hand couch, sip something fizzy and citrusy, and quietly judge people on the internet.

The Accidental Health Kick - O’Hara’s Bohem Blood Orange

If you are going to drop serious money on a fruit infused beer, you might as well demand real extracts. Carlow Brewing Company dropped this shiny new arrival to celebrate 30 years of brewing, and it is the sl*tty, slightly bitter beer of your dreams. There is absolutely no artificial sugar sweetness here. As a fabulous, complete accident, these brews happen to be gluten free, making them ideal for the girlies and guys with intolerances. Order this when you are wearing something sweet and want to feel like a European royal who just inherited a crumbling estate.

The Aesthetic Choice - Kinnegar’s Merrytiller

This is the can you go for when the primary goal of your evening is to be perceived as having exceptionally good taste. It is a highly respected farmhouse saison that brings ‘dry hopped’ to a whole different universe. You want to be seen clutching this one, looking aloof and vaguely mysterious.

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

Something Charitable

If you love na leabhair, want to do some good, or just try to get close enough to ask Ryan about what happened with all that RTE schtuff while grabbing a bargain, Dún Laoghaire is the absolute place to be this weekend. On Friday, July 3rd, Ryan Tubridy is manning a pop-up bookstore at Vincent’s charity shop. Every cent raised goes straight to Saint Vincent de Paul for local charities, so you can buy that stack of battered paperbacks completely guilt-free. Stick around the neighbourhood for Saturday, July 4th, because ReStyle Ireland is making its Dublin debut from 10:00 AM in Dun Laoghaire too.

Expect a full day of sustainable fashion, swap shops, a fashion show, and a repair cafe. It is a completely free public event, but if you want to get hands-on with the workshops, you will need to book ahead to secure your spot.

Something Wild

This week Dublin Zoo is squealing with excitement over two red river hog piglets born on June 18th. Proud parents Matonda and Gamba are doing stellar work, and while the male and female piglets do not have names just yet, they are already comfortably trotting and snuffling around the African Plains. If you need a little joy in your life this week then head to the zoo and have a goo. Helen Clarke, the Team Lead over there, says Matonda is a fantastic mum and the energetic little guys are a real joy to care for. Plus, it is a brilliant conservation effort, as the zoo participates in a European Breeding Programme to help protect the species from hunting and habitat loss.

Something Musical

Should you be craving a gig this weekend, you are completely spoiled for choice. First up, film nerds can head to the National Concert Hall on Friday, July 3rd at 7:30 PM. Marty and Doc are hitting the big screen for Back to the Future, but the real draw is the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland playing Alan Silvestri’s legendary score live for one night only.

If local indie is more your speed, Whelan’s Summer Watch is taking over Wexford Street from July 2nd to 4th. Kicking off at 7:30 PM each evening, you can pay €6 a day and get the run of the entire venue to see over 40 local acts across three stages. Highlights this weekend include Saibhín, Runner, Pretty Police, and Fortune Igiebor.

Something Techy

If you’re already getting worried about the relatively long month before the next payday, and you’re staring down the barrel of some summer trips away without a great pair of headphones, we’ve found a great Apple Air Pod Max dupe for under €20.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

As Dubs, we are experts in many things, but in matters of moaning, we truly excel. There is nothing we as a city/people crave more than sunlight, before promptly declaring the heat “a bit much.” Especially if you can’t even walk down the street for the students with matching back packs or the Yanks invading with tales of Mary from Cork. If you have already had your third Solero of the day and you have been dragged into central Dublin for work all week by your corporate overlords, you know you absolutely do not want to spend your precious weekend braving the crowds.

We all remember when travel came back with a vengeance in 2023. Bookings climbed to ungodly numbers, and destinations across the globe struggled to manage the sudden influx of tourists. Fast forward to now, and Dublin in July 2026 is officially one of the most over-touristed places you could possibly be. With Dublin hotels currently the second most occupied in Europe, the city centre is positively bursting at the seams. So it’s time to head off road.

Off the beaten track is hard to do in Dublin because we are a small city with a massive amount of tourism. The tracks in all directions are well and truly trodden. But since it is payday weekend and you want to go ballin’ without fighting for breathing room, here is exactly what to do instead.

Skip Howth, Do Sutton

Everyone goes to Howth. If you are tourist-averse and still want a coastal vibe, try Sutton instead. If the weather is actually good, there is a lovely sandy strip to lounge on. There is also a golf club if you happen to be one of those kinds of people with a fresh paycheck burning a hole in your pocket.

Start your day at Minetta Delicatessen for excellent coffee, a sandwich, and a slice of cake, or grab one of their pizzas if you are properly hungry. For an indulgent dinner, you can visit Golden Elephant Asian Restaurant. If you want to stretch your legs slightly beyond Sutton, take a walk over to Karachi Pakistani & Eastern Cuisine for a fantastic meal. Cap the night off by grabbing a premium bottle of wine from Cooper’s Bottleshop, or settle into the Racecourse Inn for a quiet, crowd-free pint.

Skip Dun Laoghaire, Do Monkstown

Everyone goes to Dun Laoghaire, so you should head slightly up the road to Monkstown. Both areas share the exact same overriding association: big houses, big boojie yummy mummies with buggies, and a big aul list of options whenever you choose to eat or drink. Monkstown has everything Dun Laoghaire has, except perhaps the cinema, but it packs a much more relaxed, village-like punch.

You can find all the best breakfast foods at Avoca or grab an expertly brewed coffee in Pine. If you are cooking at home, you can visit the local fishmonger for something fresh. If you wanna shred/cut/fiber max you have Sprout. If you truly want to go ballin’, go all out and get lobster at Lobstar. When the sun is shining, sit outside and have an Aperol Spritz in That’s Amore. End the day chasing the setting sun and soaking up the vibes while sitting on the green looking out at the coast. Plus way less teenagers than currently roam Dun Laoghaire in hoards.

Skip Bray, Do Roundwood

Everyone goes to Bray, so instead go to Roundwood. Both are just beyond Dublin, offering good walks, great coffee, and excellent food. Roundwood certainly gives you a wide choice of elevated restaurants that use tweezers to assemble your food, but there are also lots of great, good-value options too. Roundwood perfectly swaps the crowded promenade for a more peaceful village atmosphere.

Start your morning at Roundwood Stores for your caffeine fix, picking up some fresh sourdough bread and warm pastries before you head out. If you are looking for that elevated, payday treat dining experience where they use tweezers to assemble your food, book a table at the Michelin featured Coach House for incredible local produce. For something a bit more relaxed, you can grab wood fired pizza from La Fig to eat outside, or settle into Byrne and Woods Gastro Bar for hearty, award winning food. Cap the night off with a comforting traditional Irish stew and a quiet pint at The Roundwood Inn, soaking in the old world charm of this 17th century former hunting lodge.

The Northside Escape: Donabate

If you want to head in a completely different direction and avoid the usual coastal towns entirely, look out to Donabate. Flavours of Fingal is ag teacht and completely taking over Newbridge House & FarmClick to open side panel for more information on the first weekend of July, specifically Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th. It is a brilliant, food focused way to spend your payday weekend outside the city limits without sacrificing the buzz of a good day out.

Celebrating its fourteenth year, the 2026 edition has been reimagined by Fingal County Council to bridge the gap between rural and city life. You can expect live cookery demonstrations every hour from top local chefs like Erica Drum, alongside “Meet the Maker” interviews where you get to chat directly with the artisans crafting your lunch. Make sure to pick up their curated produce bag before you leave, but a quick tip: bring actual cash. The card machines can be incredibly temperamental when thousands of people are pinging the local mobile towers at once.

No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

Something Active

Get your a*se down to Corkagh Park this Saturday at 13:00 for the Free Colour Dash 2026. It’s only 2km, it photographs perfectly and sets you up for Pride should you be feeling like wearing your rainbow in a more avant-garde way.

Something Educational

Pop into Trinity College Dublin tomorrow at 11:00. They are hosting the LIFELANGS Living Observatory Summer Coffee Morning. It is a free event, like literally everything else on this list. But the sky is actually clear enough to see celestial bodies this week as there’s nary a cloud in the sky. So of all the weeks, this is the week to be stargazing.

Something Cultural

MoLI is hosting a free Noh Acting Workshop this Monday, June 29th at 10:00. Maybe you fancy trying your hand at classical Japanese dance-drama while you have a Monday morning off. I dunno, like what else would ya be a doing? And it sounds weirdly fun.

Something Spiritual

For the absolute mystics out there willing to brave the night air, there is a free Full Moon Healing Circle happening at the Killiney Beach Car Park on Tuesday at 21:00. Get yizzer chakras aligned and start your Wednesday feeling superior.

Something Literary

If you’re mourning the end of the Dalkey Book Fest then head over to The Studio at the dlr LexIcon in Dún Laoghaire this Thursday at 18:00. They are launching From the Heart, a literary journal packed with writing and artwork by Irish teenagers. The event will feature presentations by Writers in Residence Ruth Ennis and Eve McDonnell. Perfect little ditty of a Thursday.

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

This week it is Pride so why not get out and have a very GAY drink. LGBTQ+ people have a massive reputation for being THE trendsetters in the drinks world. Practically all your favourite drinks, (espresso martinis, pornstar martinis, etc) started in gay bars before percolating down to whichever dive bar you eventually discovered them in. Unless, of course, you discovered them in a gay bar to begin with, which probably makes you a trendsetter yourself. And if so, why are you even reading this?

Sure, we have a birra something for everyone below even if we didn’t have the word count for every letter in the LGBTQIA+

Sapphic Supremacy - Valentia Island Vermouth and Tonic

If you are looking for a properly Sapphic vibe, then treat yourself to a Vermouth and Tonic. Head over to La Gordita or Las Tapas de Lola and ask for the Valentia Island Vermouth with yizzer dinner. It is sophisticated, a bit savory, and hits that perfect sweet spot. Yeah, If you normally just skull pints this may not be for you, but also everyone I’ve ever introduced this to has been converted to the gay agenda, so you know, it must be GOOD. It is an astoundingly good serve.

Gay Water - Panti Bar

If you are the type who likes to keep it functional, highly visible, and low calorie, then the only option is Gay Water aka Vodka Soda at Panti Bar. Obviously. A vodka soda is the ultimate queer bar cultural artifact. It is not because it is particularly glamorous, but because it is absolutely everywhere. Plus, it does not leave a stain if you spill it while elbowing your way through a packed dancefloor. It is a win for your waistline and your wardrobe.

Espresso Tonic at Proper Order

Some of us are chaotic Bisexuals okay. And most of those have at some time or other been a barista. I don’t make the rules. I just live by them. So if you want to channel that then you’re going to have to go for the most bisexual coffee of all time, The Espresso Tonic. The best place that definitely always slings them is Smithfield’s Proper Order. This drink is the perfect mashup of two things that probably should not work together but absolutely do. When you actually make the effort to go at the right time, it is a cracking pick me up; as well as a flavour sensation.

A Cosmo at The Sackville

Now, if you are a 90s Queer through and through, you should get nostalgic and go for an aul Cosmo this week. What could be more proper old school than the drink that had a chokehold on an entire decade? Sex and the City was just as big with the queers as it was with the straight women, and low key, the Cosmo is absolutely on the start of a massive comeback. It is pink, it is tart, and it feels posh AF, plus The Sackville is never a bad call. I call that a win win win win.

Pint of Guinness - Hyne’s Bar

Hear me out. It is undeniably Irish, it is currently the absolute trendiest drink you can have in your hand. It’s very aesthetic and everyone knows the most genuinely trendy and acsthetically superior people in Ireland are always na haeracha (the gays). It is just basic science. So if you are normally a classic pint person but want to feel festive for Pride, just order your usual stout. Make sure you get it somewhere iconic, and queer friendly as you convert your usual into a certified queer fashion statement.

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

Something Comedic

We all need a good laugh on occasion. Even if it’s at the expense of some die-hard improv guys. Luckily, in Pearse Centre on Saturday, June 27th there’s a new night dedicated to tickling your humorous: Did Daddy Laugh? It is Dublin’s “only dedicated night of new sketch comedy” according to their Instagram. And while that’s a claim and a half, I can verify that there is no other group claiming the same thing online at the moment according to a cursory Google. This week features people I can guarantee are funny, intentionally so. There’s Stephen Colfer, Stephen Bradley, and Ronan Carey. All have made me laugh, some even to the level of a snort. All have voices you’ll have heard on the radio. Tickets are just a tenner, and brilliant news if you are dragging your Da with ya: Dads come free. Secure your tickets now

Something Analog

If you fancy escaping the digital dread just in time for the scariest Sunday of the year (the one after Pride) then the brand new Unplugged Club launching this Sunday, June 28th is your ticket of the week.

Alternatively, you can head to Dublin 3 for the Mud Island Community Garden Great Big Summer Picnic at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Ross Golden-Bannon is at the helm, and it is all in aid of the Attracta O’Regan PhD Scholarship for early ovarian cancer detection. Nothing more analog than digging in the actual dirt.

Something Energetic

Should Pride and GAA not titillate your fancy on Saturday and you have Monday off then you’re in luck, this Sunday, June 28th at 4:00 PM, the Based Festival takes over the Button Factory. Packed with emerging alternative acts like Stick N’ Poke and UglyGerry, and supported by Safe Gigs Ireland to keep things totally inclusive. Should be good craic.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

19 Things To Do This Pride Weekend

It’s the Gayest weekend of the year. You can call it progress if you want. Something about legislative rights, the 1993 decriminalisation, and the 2015 marriage referendum. But the world is fighting facism, and some of the most ‘modern’ countries are busy rolling back ‘rights’ and as such PRIDE is more important than ever. So, should you choose to accept it, it’s your PRIDEtirotic duty to celebrate all the queerness in the world this weekend.

Sure, there is still a rogue algorithm feeding you sponsored ads for biodegradable glitter socks from fair weather brands, and at least one WhatsApp group trying to plan a sessiún for after the Cork or Kerry quarter finals. But as we hurtle into the absolute zenith of SUMMER, it is time to embrace the peak of the season and the non-stop ‘there’s so much to actually do’ of the city.

Historically, Pride was born from absolute resilience and protest. The trailblazers of the 70s and 80s believed the fight for equality was a full time, relentless mission. Activists like Dr Lydia Foy pushed through, and the everyday heroes that picketed outside embassies changed the face of Dublin for the better. This weekend you could end up learning about the 1983 march for Declan Flynn, reading about the lifeline that was the Hirschfeld Centre, or falling into a deep dive of Ireland’s fierce queer past. It’s a fabulous opportunity for self education.

But it’s also the best weekend of the year for a little Soiréé/Feásta! So why not pack your schedule to the rafters over PRIDE! Sure this weekend, the celebrations are hitting in full swing. So remember your stamina is going to be tested, and your euros really count when you put them into actual community support instead of hollow corporate merch.

So how can you pack it all in and celebrate like a proper Irish queer-do or ally in the year of our lord 2026? Wear a fast fashion rainbow shirt and wait for a corporate sponsor to drop out at the first flash of fascism?

NOPE.

Instead you can do any one of the 19 things below and have a rake of craic while supporting people in all their facets.

1. You can support grassroots organisations and donate to charities that support LGBTQIA+ youth. Always the best place to start.

2. Then get yourself down to Collins Barracks for the Mother Pride Block Party. What started as a spontaneous street party years ago is now an absolute beast of an event taking over the National Museum of Ireland.

3. Hit up the Absolut City Mixer at Fidelity Studio. George FitzGerald, Lil Silva, and Chicago house legend Ron Trent are taking over the decks for an unforgettable weekend soundtrack.

4. Put the gay in Gaeilge. Learn some Foclóir Aiteach vocabulary, call your mates ‘Aerach’ or ‘Aiteach’, and shout ‘Beir bua!’ to keep the language alive while you sprint from venue to venue.

5. Soak in the history with Reeling in the Queers. Head to the DLR Lexicon Studio Theatre for a deep academic exploration of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ past with Dr Páraic Kerrigan.

6. Book a slot at the RUARUM Film Club in South Dublin Arts Centre. They are screening ‘Girls & Boys’, a beautiful love story about a trans filmmaker and a rugby player.

7. Go to the Sapphic Social at the Outhouse. Grab a coffee, have a chat, and build some community with LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people in a totally relaxed space before the nighttime madness begins.

8. Get to the Pride Parade. Start outside the GPO on O’Connell Street on Saturday at 12:30 PM and march loud and proud.

9. Have a sip at A Taste of Spain. Head to the Gourmet Shop to explore the rich flavours and traditions of queer Spanish winemaking.

10. Secure a ticket for HONEYPOT 022 at Wigwam.

11. Drop into Sin é for the Western Girls Pride Hooley, or catch the John Broderick pioneer of queer Irish writing event at the Irish Writers Centre.

12. Kick off the weekend with the Scissor Sisters on Friday, June 26.

13. Head to the Sugar Club for Queer Georgians The Ladies of Llangollen, a night of history and music.

14. Laugh out loud at the Pride Comedy Show at the International Bar featuring local and international comics.

15. Take a self guided Tour of LGBTQIA+ Artworks at the National Gallery of Ireland

16. Step back in time with a Queer History of Dublin tour via Vintage Tea Trips.

17. View Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis film installation at the Museum of Literature Ireland.

18. Go to Dyke Night at Opium on Wexford Street for a massive celebration on Friday.

19. Or just Revolut your queer friends a tenner. They’ll need it after this weekend.

No cost, no guilt, no “should I really be doing this?” energy. These are the free refills, small comforts, tiny joys, and distractions that won’t make your banking app cry.

Something Nostalgic

If you want to relive the glory days when we actually had a decent run at a football tournament, head over to Harry Byrnes in Dublin 3. Tomorrow at 18:00, they are hosting Bulmers is Bringing Back Italia ‘90 Live with Packie Bonner for free.

Something Active

For the absolute madmen out there willing to brave the Irish sea breeze at the crack of dawn, Breathe on the Beach is happening this Friday at 06:00 in Balscadden Bay. Waking up that early to freeze on a beach sounds like sheer torture to most of us, but fair play to you if you want to start your Friday feeling aggressively refreshed.

Something Sustainable

Instead of chucking your broken toaster in the bin, get yourself down to one of the free Repair Cafes happening this Saturday. You can head to the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun at 10:00 or the Stoneybatter Festival by Tog Hackerspace at 14:00 at the Aughrim Street Scout Group in Dublin 7.

Something Literary

If you fancy feeling a bit intellectual before heading to the pub, pop into Hodges Figgis in Dublin 2 tomorrow at 18:00. They are hosting the free launch for Guillermo Stitch’s new novel, The Coast of Everything.

Something Educational

Get a bit of grim reality into you with a free Tour of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin 8 on Saturday at 11:00.

If you prefer your learning to be a bit more uplifting, NCAD is launching Co-Create Ireland: Art and Design Research for Inclusive Futures at 15:30 on Thursday.

Something Cultural

Grab a free ticket to Late at 118: MOVE at the Humanarium in Dublin 2 on Friday at 18:30.

Something Edible

Alternatively, if you want to soak up some Saturday vibes, Eatyard in Dublin 7 is hosting the MHONO XTREME SHOW CASE at 14:00.

This section is for choosing a little deviation from the usual at the local. A mild side quest to try a little something different if the regular is losing its dopamine. They’re the kind of things you do all the time, but maybe you’ll discover a new favourite.

This week it’s fathers day so why not take yer Da for a drink. No matter what he drinks he has to drink something. Sure we have something for everyone below.

If your Da is the Tee Totaler taxi driver type that would be the image of Joey from friends in that meme from the reunion special, then take him for a good cuppa tea. Genuinely one of the best cups of tea you can get (that isn’t from your own kitchen) is The Lord Mayor’s Lounge at The Shelbourne Hotel. Yeah it is a bit posh. Yeah taking your Da there with all its kitsch and frills and table cloths might be a risk. Yeah it is usually aimed at Ma’s. But it’s actually so frilly it’s funny and he’d take it in his stride. You know he would. And then come home and tell everyone about how much he loved the lemon bun even if the decor was a bit ma core for him. Plus it is an astoundingly good cuppa.

If your Da is more of the classic pint man then why not make the effort and finally actually go to The Long Hall. It’s such a good spot you almost forget about it, but when you actually make the effort to go at the right time (early enough to get a table, late enough that you’ve had lunch) it’s a cracking pint. One that genuinely stands out in memory. Plus if he is the silent type then you can at least pull conversation about all the famous people who’ve pinted there. Bruce Springsteen is a great one to start with. IF ever there was a man with intergenerational international appeal its The Boss.

Now if your Da is a fenian through and through you should surprise him with a Mead. What could be more proper old school Irish than an aul Mead. It’s what the high kings would have been drinking back in the day. Or if not them then at least for sure the Vikings. Grab a bottle of Kinsale Mead (personally I prefer the Red one) from Mitchell & Son, Celtic Whiskey Shop, Fallon & Byrne or SuperValu’s nationwide for about €23.

If your Da is a kewl-hip-down-with-the-kidz type dad, or maybe your mate is a typical millennial dad who has a favourite pair of grilling shoes and a whimsical vibe then why not get him a bottle of Ah (the Rosé by Amy Huberman). Who doesn’t love a glass of pink? It goes pretty damn well with most everything you can BBQ. Amy Huberman is a peach herself and so why not support her. It’s literally only €12 and feels posh AF. To top it all off what Da wouldn’t enjoy making an endless stream of dad jokes about the Ah name. I call that a win-win-win-win.

Small Plates is where you build your own spread. Not every week calls for an all-in commitment, these are things you can slot into your week without rearranging your life around them. It’s about taking a bitta’ this and a bit of that.

Something Theatrical
You can catch The Whiteheaded Boy at the Abbey Theatre all week long to see Lennox Robinson’s work under the direction of Annie Ryan. Over at the Gate Theatre, they are presenting a classic production of An Ideal Husband as part of their summer season through July 11th, with evening shows set for 7:30pm.

If you fancy a literary immersion, hit up Smock Alley Theatre from June 17th through June 20th for their adaptation of Joyce’s work, which features Two Gallants, A Little Cloud, and Counterparts.

For a spectacle, the Gaiety Theatre is staging Riverdance 30, The New Generation from June 17th through June 21st to celebrate three decades of the production. You might also consider the Project Arts Centre Open Day this Saturday, June 20th, for a day of performances, workshops, and food, or drop by the Abbey Theatre on Sunday, June 21st, for GCN’s Roast Battle Royale. Secure your seat now so you can nod sagely in the stalls and confidently dissect the director’s vision in the pub afterwards.

Something To Dadrock out to
Because it’s Father’s Day on Sunday and Metallica are playing, consider this your official licence to abandon the barbecue, slap on your favourite faded tour tee, and go deaf in public. The absolute titan of the weekend is, of course, Metallica at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday night. Get yizzer knee supports out and prepare to shout along to “Enter Sandman,” until you lose your voice along with your street cred. If you didn’t get tickets then start your Saturday at Lost Lane for the Italian tribute act S.A.D., or drag the family to O’Reilly’s Bar on Sunday for the Club Hell Metallica Roast. Time to brush up on your “Gabh mo leithscéal” for when you’re inevitably elbowing your way to the bar for a pint. Secure your seat now so you can nod sagely to the guitar solos and confidently lecture your children on why modern music has no soul in the taxi home afterwards.

Something Bookish

Read a book? But a new one, by an Irish author. It’s Bloomsday week so it makes sense that the city is absolutely crawling with new releases worth trying to read before the inevitable book club discussion. You can pick up My Greatest Race, a powerful memoir tracing a champion middle-distance runner’s career as she balances elite athletic glory with the weight of a recent cancer diagnosis. If you’re looking to get stuck into something heavier, Fintan Drury’s latest non-fiction work, Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine, is having a launch event over at Hodges Figgis. Secure your copy now so you can lean against a bookshelf, look pensively at the spine, and confidently dissect the author’s intent while sipping a third wave coffee afterwards.

These are the anchors of the week. The classics. The bookings, the plans, and the reasons to leave the house. Proper nights out, worthwhile reservations, and cultural moments that would make you get your glad rags on and your sequins out. These are for when you wanna make the effort. If you’re only choosing one thing to do this week, make it this one.

The Big Big thing to get on this week is the Summer Solstice hype train and get out of your mid-year malaise! This weekend the solstice is hitting in full swing on fathers day to remind you that your evenings are your own because the sun is basically refusing to set before 10 PM right now!

Sure, there’s still a rogue Leaving Cert exam paper flying around somewhere (looking at you Classical Studies) and at least one WhatsApp group trying to plan a summer holiday that will never, ever happen. But as we hurtle toward the longest day of the year, it is time to embrace the absolute zenith of the season.

If this next bit is touch woo woo for you then just pinch yizzer noses and move TF on. We are about to get mildly pagan up in here. Folkologically, midsummer was the time when magic was at its absolute strongest. The ancients believed the membrane between worlds was super thin. Fairies and sprites could reach through and leave gifts. You could end up meeting a god, going on a quest, or falling into a magical realm beyond your imagination.

You can call it science if you want. Something about planetary tilts and maximum daylight and serotonin. But it doesn’t feel like science when you are walking home from the pub at 10 PM and realize it’s still bright out and you feel like doing something more than rewatching Normal People or Gilmore Girls before they take it off Netflix.

So how can you celebrate like an ancient Celtic Irish person in the year of our lord 2026? Dance around a campfire in a linen dress and wait for the fairies to drag you into another realm?

Well sorta.

Yeah, you can celebrate in a “become a nudist and scare your housemates” kind of way, sure. Or... You can have the craic.

1. Get yourself down to yer local coastline and hit the freezing Irish Sea right as the sun breaches the horizon. Bring a flask of strong tea and a dryrobe to survive the aftermath.

2. Leave the city limits for Westmeath. It is the mythical center of Ireland. They host a fiercely traditional Summer Solstice gathering with bards, storytelling, and a massive ceremonial fire.

3. Pints and Trad at The Cobblestone? Head to Smithfield for a proper sessiún.

4. Midnight Cycle to Poolbeg Lighthouse

5. The Irish Astronomical Society is hosting a massive solar viewing event on June 21, 2026. Look at sunspots through their specially adapted telescopes.

6. Book a slot in one of the pop-up wood-fired saunas by the sea. Roast yourself alive, run into the freezing waves, and repeat until you feel like a new person.

7. Find a Dublin Mountains Forest Rave. If I could tell ya where they are, they wouldn’t be raves, but you know they’re to be a found on weekends like this.

8. Get Chipper. A bag of chips slathered in salt and vinegar eaten on a dark street corner is the only proper way to conclude a Dublin summer night.

9. Go foraging for wild fennel and meadowsweet along the canal to infuse a hyper-regional whiskey cocktail for the pre-party.

10. Have a Whiskey. Offering a libation of single pot still Irish whiskey to the local spirits before heading out for the night.

11. Charge your crystals and portable power banks simultaneously in direct sunlight.

12. Cook something from the Ballymaloe website. They give serious solstice vibes.

13. Burn a digital effigy by mass-deleting toxic contacts and bad vibes from the phone at exactly sunset.

14. Leaving a drop of poitín out for the fairies.

15. Taking a moment of deep, reverent silence at the Hill of Tara before immediately dropping a heavy bassline.

16. Writing down intentions for the rest of the year and burning them in a small fire on the beach.

17. Welcome the dawn at Dún Laoghaire Harbour, watching the light slowly reclaim the sky.

18. And finally say “that’s it now, it’s all downhill from here” .