47 Things About Dublin That You’ve Just Gotta Love

If you're familiar with the name of this website, then you're probably aware that we kinda have a thing for Dublin.

So we'd like to take a moment and consider just what makes this city so damn great.

Here are 49 things about this city that make us go YES!

1. When the weather is good enough for cans by the canal

Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow... but when it is, man do we love it.

2. When you make it on to a Luas with about a quarter of a second to spare

Sorry, slow lady behind me. It's natural selection, y'know.

3. When you decide you're going to have some Leo Burdock's fish and chips

This might start a massive debate from fans of Beshoff's or Italian chippers, but Burdock's – for our money – is where it's at.

4. When you go for a stroll in the demesne of Ardgillan Castle

Those views. Yum.

5. When you successfully haggle with a Moore Street trader

Apples taste better when you've paid 10c less for them.

6. When you gorge on a chicken fillet roll from Maguires

Butter or mayo? Spicy or plain?

IT DOESN'T EVEN MATTER.

7. When you read a story about one of our incredible start-ups

We've got an extremely vibrant start-up culture that's constantly evolving and growing – 9 of the top ten global software companies now have offices in Dublin.

Photo Credit: Dan Taylor.

8. When you watch a sublime 60-yard pass come good on a clear day in Croker

We don't just love hurling because it's one of our national sports... we love it because it's so bloody impressive to watch.

9. When someone asks you to 'meet' their friend

Oh, Dublin lingo.

Fair enough, nobody's probably asked you this in about a decade – but you've gotta love how this phrase has a whole different meaning in Dublin. We're also always up for the 'craic' (although American's sometimes misinterpret this) and we all know getting the ride doesn't involve any horses.

10. When it's a day for swimming at the Forty Foot

Come rain, hail or shine you'll always find some determined swimmers plunging into the water at Sandycove – but when it's one of those days, it's better again.

11. When you make it out of bed for an early-morning run on Sandymount Strand

One of the most iconic Dublin scenes has to be Dublin Bay against the backdrop of the Poolbeg Towers, and it's a great spot to head for a run before the rest of the city wakes up. Oh, that feeling of smug self-satisfaction!

12. When you spot something that reminds you of the Rare Auld Times

Hey there, City Imp! What are you doing out in the open, huh?

13. When you blow away the cobwebs with a walk on Howth Head

Howth is such a gorgeous part of Dublin, and a nice long walk up to the summit and around Howth Head is an ideal way to work off all the Maud's ice-cream you've eaten.

14. When you stumble upon the Secret Zen Garden on the Roof of the Chester Beatty Library

We hope that most of you have paid a visit to the Chester Beatty Library, but did you know there's a secret rooftop garden? Amble up there next time for a gorgeous panoramic view of the city and enjoy a little break from the busy world below.

15. When you see the city from a kayak on the Liffey

You can spend a few hours splashing around on the amazing river which runs through the centre of our city, and see the city from a brand new perspective.

16. When you pay a visit The Science Gallery

Not only do we have loads of art galleries, we also have our very own Science Gallery which hosts seriously cool events and exhibitions –their café does unreal food too.

17. When you experience one of the amazing summer festivals

With a few big green spaces on the outskirts of the city, we don't have to travel far for music festivals - Longitude, Forbidden Fruit and the Marlay Park gigs take place just a short bus ride away.

18. When you get an unreal feed for less than a fiver

Yeah, we've got tonnes of fine dining and gourmet restaurants – but it's also incredibly easy to eat in Dublin on a budget.

19. When you strike gold at a comedy gig in the International

You never know who might show up to comedy gigs at the International, with international heavy hitters popping in and performing impromptu stand-up gigs while they're in town.

20. When you gaze down the Long Room in Trinity College

This building, smack bang in the centre of Trinity College, is just stunning. So stunning in fact, that George Lucas (in)famously took inspiration from the architecture when designing the Jedi Temple in Star Wars. You've seen the pictures, but you need to take a look at this room for real.

21. When you catch an especially talented busker

With so many street performers and musicians on our streets, it's always such a musical and colourful city to walk through – and while you might not love every single one you encounter, the feeling of discovering raw talent on the streets is one that will send your mood skyrocketing for the entire day.

22. When you take in the sights at the beautiful Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens are among Dublin's most beautiful attractions, with 19.5 hectares of gorgeous plants and stunning trails by the Tolka River. Yes, indeed.

23. When you look at the achievements of Father Peter McVerry

Father Peter McVerry is a living legend who's done utterly incredible things for homelessness in our city through the Peter McVerry Trust, feeding hundreds of people in need at the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street every day.

24. When you cheekily describe something as 'like, 10 minutes away'

Is a 'Dublin mile' a thing? Let's make it a thing. Because we guarantee anyone you ask for directions, no matter where you are, will tell you 'it's like 10 minutes away!' It may be from O'Connell Street to the top of Grafton Street, from Mary Street to Connolly Station, or from Rathmines to town – it doesn't matter. It's 10 minutes away.

25. When you gorge into a Matt The Rashers Fry

Clean eating goes out the window when you're hanging – then it's completely acceptable to eat about a pound of pork for breakfast. The Matt the Rashers fry-ups are the stuff cholesterol-filled dreams are made of.

26. When you gaze at the stunning architecture at Grand Canal Dock

The Celtic Tiger may have left a troubling legacy, but it also had its plus points – and the futuristic architecture at Grand Canal Dock is just that. Tall red candles, a sparkly floor and the fairy light encrusted walls of the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, it really gives the city a modern twist to be proud of.

27. When you look at The Phoenix Park on a map... or in real life

We're so lucky that we've got such a huge and beautiful park right on our doorstep – its scale alone is awesome, but it's even better when you look up close at its running tracks and trails, its herd of deer, the Papal Cross, the Wellington Monument, the playing pitches and the stunning buildings like Farmleigh House and Áras an Uachtaráin.

28. When you get up the Dublin Mountains and gaze out at this utterly brilliant city

A mere 30-minute drive from the city centre and you're at one with nature, surrounded by forests and providing the perfect vantage point for a breathtaking view of the city. It's especially stunning at night time when you can watch the sparkling city lights.

29. When Ireland play at home in the Aviva... sometimes

It may not always go our way – but when the good times roll, few things make us yell 'YES!' with more enthusiasm.

30. When you peek inside the Hurdy Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio

We have a teeny-tiny museum in a Martello Tower, which was built in 1805 on the pier in Howth, that documents the history of vintage radio in Ireland.

31. When you make it to the People's Park in Dun Laoghaire on a Sunday

So many food stalls to choose from, live music and entertainment – and plenty of space to plonk on the grass with your pals when the food coma hits you. Oh yes.

32. When you catch a sunrise from Dollymount Strand in Clontarf.

We may not have epic sunsets here, as the Dublin mountains rather spoil our view – we'll let Galway have that one – but it's so amazing watching this city come to life in the morning, as the sun rises in the distance over Dollymount Strand.

33. When you consider the fact that you can get pizza from a stationary bus beside a pub

Not only is it one of the best pubs in the city, but the Bernard Shaw also has a permanent fixture out the back which serves delish artisan pizzas and flatbreads. K Chido and Camden Exchange also serve up grub from converted vehicles, incidentally... it's a thing now, y'know.

34. When you impart – or receive – a bit of Dublin humour

Dubliners you don't even know will engage with you on a daily basis to impart some wisdom or a witty quip or observation as you walk around the city. Roll with it, because one day – when the right line comes into your mind – you'll feel moved to do the same...

35. When you squeeze inside (or outside) Kehoe's for a pint

Despite its size, Kehoe's is the best traditional pub Dublin for a pint. You'll usually find more people standing outside on the street with their pints than actually inside.

36. When you nab yourself some Superquinn sausages

The cause of many household rifts when someone forgot to buy them in the weekly shop, but a Dublin institution. So strong is their brand, in fact, that they were the only thing to remain unchanged when SuperValu bought over Superquinn.

37. When you get the last Dublin Bike at the stand

A fantastically integrated service which helps you get from one side of the city to the other in a matter of minutes, and they have plans to develop further into the suburbs between now and 2016; there's really nothing quite like nabbing the last one on a busy morning.

38. When you hear Thin Lizzy playing

One of the world's greatest rock bands came from Dublin, and their hits are still making waves across the city – for our part, we honour Phil Lynott each January with the Vibe for Philo, and permanently with his statue outside Bruxelles.

39. When you catch a sniff of hops from the Guinness brewery

We couldn't forget the dark stout that our country has become so well known for, and some mornings you can even smell it being brewed as the scent wafts up the Liffey from James' Gate. Smells like home.

40. When you stumble into an impromptu trad session

We're spoilt for choice in terms of trad gigs, singalongs and impromptu sessions where some aul lad picks up two random spoons and joins in. There's nothing quite like hearing one gear up during your Thursday night pints.

41. When you make new pals at the Farmyard in Dublin Zoo

Sure, the zoo is cool for seeing exotic animals – but it's also a way for city dwellers to meet farmyard animals for the first time, and to send some positive vibes out to the universe on the Wishing Chair.

42. When you come out of The Little Museum of Dublin with renewed love for the city

Housed in a regal Georgian house on St Stephen's Green, this contemporary museum documents everything that happened in Dublin in the 20th century – focusing both on specific events and abstract Dublin charms.

43. When you see the world in that unique Dublin way

You'll encounter some of the friendliest people ever in Dublin; let's not be modest, after all, as we're a genuine, honest and helpful bunch the vast majority of the time, and the Dublin outlook on life is a happy one to bear. The rest of the world think we're only 'bleedin' massive', so it must be true!

44. When you feel overwhelmed by choice, but know every option is going to be a winner

We're an increasingly multi-cultural city, and this means that we have so many food choices – you could dine on a different cuisine every night of the week if you wanted, and the standards are very high!

45. When you realise Temple Bar is actually pretty great

While it's a haven for tourists, stags and hens, it's also a great spot for music and food and offers a buzz unlike any other. Whether it's wings from Elephant & Castle or healthy salads from Staple Foods that are so good you'll think they must be unhealthy, Temple Bar has you covered.

46. When you come back to Dublin

Whether you've been in London for a weekend, or Australia for a few years, there's no explaining the shivers you get down your spine when you touch down on Irish soil... and maybe even have a bit of banter with the Guard at Passport Control.

47. When you consider the incredible change that's happened in recent times – and how Dublin is a city that will never stop developing for the better

We're all proud to live in Dublin, and will defend her honour if anyone dares say a bad word against her. But Dublin has another sense of pride – it's a city with a remarkable and buzzing LGBT scene, which has spearheaded amazing progress.

Ireland recently took a remarkable step for a country in which homosexuality was illegal until just 22 years ago – and without the openness, the progressiveness and the constant thirst for improvement that defines our capital, we simply wouldn't have made it this far.

Dublin is a city that will never stop changing and never stop evolving, and one that will neither give up on its bright future or its amazing past.

Dublin, we love you.

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