Rathmines is a vivacious suburb just outside of Dublin. Beginning directly south of the Grand Canal, it has a young, trendy vibe. It could be called the “hipster district” of Dublin and has a diverse international population, maintaining a cosmopolitan feel while still being a close-knit community. The most iconic landmark of the town? The clock tower of the former Town Hall. It stands quiet watch over the hustle and bustle of pedestrians below.
This place is a foodie’s dream, too, full to the brim with vibrant coffee shops and eclectic restaurants. The best cup of coffee here (and maybe in all of Ireland) can be found tucked away in a bustling café known simply as TwoFifty Square. This specialty coffee shop has a zesty atmosphere with an affable staff, while the food is ultra-fresh and tasty. Their avocado-feta toast is to die for! All of the coffee is roasted on site, and each bright blue cup comes with an expertly crafted cream design.
Jo'Burger, Umi Falafel, and The Farmer’s Daughter are all great places to grab a bite as well, and the bar scene has a classic pub feel mixed with a zesty, spirited air. Two of the bests are Mother Reilly’s (on Tuesdays be sure to go for trivia night!) and Blackbird. Of course, you’ll have to order a Guinness to get the full Irish experience.
The Bernard Shaw perfectly captures the lively vibe of the area. Café by day and bar by night, it offers anything the starving (or not-so-starving) artist could ever want. The entrance is deceptively small, but there’s a huge beer garden in the back. The funky outside graffiti wall changes from week to week, with local artists leaving their mark across the building, and the interior isn’t much different. The contemplatively eclectic aesthetic can be summed up by a quote featured on the sidewall that reads, “Never really getting it but soldiering on because it’s all you know”. And there’s even a pizza bus. That’s right. A blue pizza bus is built right into the architecture of the patio. What makes the whole thing even better—and the pizza even more scrumptious—is the deal for 11 euros if you buy a pint on the side. As if we needed another excuse to enjoy pizza and beer!
One of Rathmines’ big claims to fame is its movie theater, so after a drink, head on over to the Rathmines Omniplex Cinema. It is one of only three theaters in the whole of Dublin, which makes it an extra special treat to have close by. And if you time it right, you may be able to make it out in time for one of the fabulously bright sunsets over the rooftops.
Rathmines is the epitome of “up-and-coming”. It maintains a homey suburb air (The town erects an immense Christmas tree in the square for the holiday season!) while still being incredibly fashion-forward. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll down the canal or having a boisterous night at pub trivia, you’re guaranteed to have a lovely time here.
Take along our Tripp handbag in orange when you visit Rathmines. All the better to match that gorgeous sunset with!
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