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Dublin's Got Love: Going beyond touristy shtick to capture real local moments
Independent.ie
What do you love about Dublin? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are Dubliners… and more.
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/dublins-got-love-going-beyond-touristy-shtick-to-capture-real-local-moments-36587219.html
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What do you love about Dublin? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are Dubliners… and more.
A new video plays with the notion ahead of Valentine's Day.
The homage highlights the "gloriously uncategorisable" nature of the city, the fact that great Dublin moments mean different things to different people.
'This City's Got Love' whizzes though a montage of such moments, bouncing from Dublin's compact urban heart to the coastline and mountains just a short bus or train ride away. Touching on the old and new, the elegant and the gritty, it goes beyond the usual touristy shtick with a clued-in portrait of the everyday.
The video, commissioned by Fáilte Ireland's Visit Dublin team, was produced by Dublin creative agency In The Company of Huskies, working with production company Butter, and directed by Yousef Eldin, who previously ran underground cultural magazine Mongrel.
Rather than the usual bland stock music, it also features a specially-commissioned soundtrack from Dublin-based electro–pop duo, Le Boom.
Here’s Visit Dublin's selection of places captured in the video.
Eating Out
Dublin’s restaurant and cafe scene has never been as vibrant and as varied. There’s sophisticated dining at Forest Avenue (above), cool seafood in casual surrounds at Klaw Poke and tempting street food options at the Eat Yard market at the Bernard Shaw.
How about superb single origin coffee at Meet Me in the Morning, authentic Hong Kong duck at Duck or sushi and karaoke at Ukyio?
There’s fabulous fish and chips at Beshoff’s in Howth, hunger-sating cures at Wow Burger and a myriad of cuisines to savour at one of the city’s near additions, Dollard & Co.
More:10 Best Burgers in Dublin: Beef up with our blockbuster list!
On the town
Dublin is justifiably legendary for its nightlife – whether you’re after a quick pint and catch-up, a traditional seisiún or some late-night dancing.
John Kavanagh – aka The Gravediggers – located next door to Glasnevin Cemetery, is one of the city’s great watering holes – and has featured in several films. The Cobblestone is a Smithfield institution and famed for its traditional Irish music nights, while Token just up the road is fast becoming a favourite in its own right.
A good night is guaranteed at The Dean, and its penthouse bar/restaurant, Sophie’s (above), which affords superb city views, there’s always fun and games at PantiBar and if it’s a late night you’re after, The Liquor Rooms, will see you through to the early hours.
More: Dublin has a new 'district', but will it finally draw people north?
Entertain Me!
Dublin has plenty of cinemas to tempt big-screen lovers, but the remarkable reinvention of The Stella in Rathmines makes this a film-going experience to rival the best anywhere in the world.
Rathmines is also home to Abner Browns: it’s a barbershop, but it is also a gig venue quite unlike any other – have a haircut and watch a performance from one of the up-and-coming acts on the city’s lively music scene.
And as Dublin is a UNESCO World City of Literature it’s hardly a surprise that it’s theatre offerings are internationally renowned. The Gate is one of several theatres showing keenly priced performances of plays old and new.
More: U2's Dublin: 10 iconic landmarks in the band's home city
Cultural Kicks
Culture lovers are always in for a treat in Dublin. The Natural History Museum has been cherished by generations of the city’s children for more than a century – but it’s charms will not be lost on grown-ups, either. A short walk away, a more recent addition, The Little Museum of Dublin, offers intriguing snapshot of city life over the past 100 years or so.
Even Dublin’s statues have a story to tell – whether it’s that of Oscar Wilde at Merrion Square Park or Cú Chulainn at the GPO: just download the Talking Statues app and scan the QR code on each of the 10 featured statues.
Not far from Oscar Wilde’s birthplace, you’ll find Sweny’s. This former chemist was immortalised in James Joyce’s Ulysses – and it hosts a number of Joyce-themed events throughout the year.
Out and about
The video features several street scenes and wide, sweeping Dublin vistas including Sandymount Strand (above), that popular playground for walkers, runners and skaters all year round – its candy-caned Poolbeg chimneys providing a much-loved backdrop – and the harp-shaped Samuel Beckett Bridge, one of the newer ones that spans the Liffey.
Elsewhere, Kilmainham boasts several historically important buildings, including the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and Kilmainham Gaol – consistently the top reviewed Dublin attraction on TripAdvisor. It’s easily assessable by Luas, especially now that the Cross City project linking the Red and Green lines has been completed.
And the vast expanse of the Phoenix Park remains as beloved now as it was when the Earl of Chesterfield opened its gates to all in 1745.
For more info, see visitdublin.com, or @visitdublin on social media.
Read more:
The Dublin Bucket List: 30 things to do in the city before you die
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