Dublin By District: Dublin 7

Dublin 7 has quickly become one of the coolest places to be.

North West of the city centre, Dublin 7 is home to Smithfield, Stoneybatter, Arbour Hill, Broadstone, Cabra and Phibsborough. The historic horse and fruit market square in Smithfield has been regenerated in recent years making it a trendy spot for quirky coffee shops, food markets and bars and residential and cultural hub. I've decided to dissect Dublin bit by bit over the coming weeks, giving you the inside scoop to every single postcode, including those quiet leafy suburbs.

Here are Dublin 7's best bits:

Breakfast: Slice Café, Stoneybatter

Slice Café is one of the most idyllic cafés in the city. It's a dotey place that serves up a delicious breakie made from seasonal produce. Sister Café to the iconic Cake Café, you can expect the same great quality and fab cakes. The breakfast menu includes raw muesli, baked eggs, homemade beans and bacon as well as cold press juices and 3fE coffee. https://www.instagram.com/p/Byr3tWRgrzq/

Brunch: Two Boys Brew, Phibsborough

This place really is special. Before you walk in the door, you're greeted with a brilliant quote of the day. (We're pretty sure you've seen this on the Instagram story of anyone who has ever visited) Then you find yourself stepping into the spacious, bustling café that is Two Boys Brew. The brunch here is top-notch with one of the best avocado eggs I've tried. https://www.instagram.com/p/BzzxElcFeWP/

Lunch: Lilliput Stores, Arbour Hill

Lilliput Stores is an incredible little deli, greengrocers and coffee shop. This little store carries as much as its shelves can bear, with an emphasis on quality, taste and provenance. Inside, you'll find a whole range of artisan Irish and international cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread and pastries, quality staples, fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables along with a host of other treats. For lunch, their freshly prepared sandwiches and soups are a must. https://www.instagram.com/p/BlFk-nhnw2N/

Dinner: Coke Lane

Nestled in a shadow-filled alley in front of the iconic Frank Ryan’s Pub in Smithfield, you’ll spot a little blue stall where gusts of wind waft the most incredible cheesy, saucy, firey smell into the atmosphere. Coke Lane is small but mighty. The pizzas are all made from scratch right in front of you. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0d62vbIBtB/

Loretta's

Loretta’s is a neighbourhood restaurant situated at Doyles Corner in Phibsborough, owned by Chef Jimmy Wiley and family. Their dining room is spacious and relaxed, and their food is modern, tasty and bold. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwe9nl8HuIV/

Coffee Fix: Urbanity

Urbanity's bright, uncluttered interior is perfect for nursing a coffee and working remotely. You’ll find the Wifi password easily because it’s artfully scrolled onto the wall. Sockets are incorporated close to every table and shared space - so power won't be an issue. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and sweet things here. All the large plates of salads and treats are all on display along the counter. Their tea is organic loose-leaf tea and comes from Clement & Pekoe. They roast their own beans on-site – the roaster makes a cool addition to the café on display at the back. Plug in, power up and pro-caffeinate. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Yn62WCJB5/

Drink In: Cobblestone, Smithfield

The perfect night in Dublin includes a live trad session in The Cobblestone with a bag of crisps and a pint. This truly is a hub for Irish culture and music and it has been for more than five generations. There are trad sessions seven nights a week so you can literally call in any time. The best part though is that the people playing are literally just doing it because they adore it, they aren't there to entertain you or put on a show, they're just there to play (and they are unbelievably talented). It really is Irish culture at its finest. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0B436vCAGq/

Walsh's, Stoneybatter

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1Tjlzkim2n/

Amenities: Luas Red Line

Dublin 7 is within walking distance of the city but if you're in a rush you can't beat the Luas. Reliable, quick and easy. What more could you want?

Jameson Distillery

Home to Jameson Whiskey, the distillery is one of Dublin's most popular tourist attractions. Located on Bow St, it's the original site where Jameson Irish Whiskey was distilled until 1971. The tours are seriously good with interactive storytelling and of course, a chance to taste the iconic Irish spirit. You can also have a few drinks at the bar and even attend cocktail workshops to learn the tricks of the trade. https://www.instagram.com/p/BogmrJCnSde/

Exercise: Inspire Fitness Centre, Cabra

A state of the art gym with a 25m pool sauna and steam room. Conveniently located on the Ratoath Road, Cabra, Dublin 7, it's only 5 minutes from the city centre. The gym offers free classes, free fitness assessment and programming.

Parks: Kings Inn Park, Broadstone

Chill in this stunning park and spot the infamous tree eating the park bench. A great spot for a sunny day. https://www.instagram.com/p/ByqEz1pFgYE/

Date Night: Thunder Cut Alley

Thunder Cut Alley is one of the edgiest grub spots I've ever visited in Dublin. The whole place is covered in wacky art, funky furniture and blares whopper tunes. Every cocktail on the menu is named after a brothel and all the food is wonderfully over the top. These incredible flatbreads fall under this umbrella and they genuinely look like a work of art. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2RoYu1CFBy/

National Museum Of Ireland

If you're a culture vulture, this is a quirky place for a date. Packed full of decades worth of Irish history and the most unique way to discover the history of this wonderful country. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Wjx6rlnoc/

USP: The Culture

Dublin 7 has a wealth of culture from insane street art murals to museums, historic buildings and cafés. There is so much to see and do any day of the year. What a spot!