10 Hidden Gems in Dublin

Dublin has been home to many literary legends; from James Joyce to Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett; the city has been the birthplace or heart of some of the world’s greatest authors. Unlock the secrets of Dublin’s literary history with a visit to the Marsh Library, located in St. Patrick’s Close, adjacent to the cathedral. The library offers one of the best of Dublin must-see attractions and is a hidden gem, the Marsh is Ireland’s first public library. Established in 1707, traditional, original oak wood bookcases fill the walls and carry over 25,000 books, including the rare, original and well-known. James Joyce and Jonathan Swift have read from the huge collection, and Bram Stoker is said to have researched there. The space is a beautifully-preserved structure from the early eighteenth century.

Fourteen of the 16 executed leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising are buried in Arbour Hill but it has been almost forgotten by tourists and locals alike. As well as the popular Guinness Brewery, one of the most visited Dublin tourist attraction is Kilmainham Gaol, where 14 of the 16 Irish rebels of 1916 were executed. What is less known, and more Dublin off the beaten path is the burial place of the fourteen rebels executed at Kilmainham Gaol. Straight after their murders, the bodies were rushed across the Liffey River to Arbour Hill; a British barracks and military prison. Despite Arbour Hill’s dark history, it is located in a beautiful, peaceful, hipster district with low-lying old homes and remote, narrow lanes. It’s a must visit non-touristy Dublin attraction for anyone interested in country’s turbulent history.

The Hungry Tree located in the grounds of the King's Inns, Ireland’s oldest law school established in 1541 during Henry VIII’s reign, and is a fascinating and unusual sight. An otherwise unremarkable specimen of the London plane tree, it has become known for having partially consumed a nearby cast iron park bench. Over time, the tree has grown, leading it to swallow the parts of the structure that stands in its way. Its knotted bark now spills over the back of the bench, making it appear as though the seat is being swallowed up by the tree’s trunk. It’s guessed that the tree is around 80 years old, and is one of Ireland’s Heritage Trees. Worth a visit for anyone looking for unusual things to do in Dublin. 

To further unlock the secrets of Dublin’s literary history, head to the quirky, independent Winding Stair Bookshop and Restaurant at the heart of the city. The winding 118th-century staircase inside connects three floors, which are all lined with beautiful books. The bottom floor is home to a shop with a wide selection of classics, pre-loved, popular fiction, children's books, and books on poetry, gardening, art, cookery, design, and history. Upstairs, you can enjoy the views over Liffey and the Ha’penny bridge, as well as indulging in some delicious traditional Irish cooking such as organic Irish beef stew with mashed potatoes. Classical music plays as you step back in time and imagine old Dublin, and there is an extensive wine list for wine lovers.

Tucked away on Lincoln Place, in the heart of Dublin’s south inner city, is Sweny’s Pharmacy; a true Dublin hidden gem and a top thing to do on a rainy day, especially if you’re visiting in the winter months of unpredictable Irish weather.  I love this space so much, I’m hopeful that it will stay open. It’s part of the city’s culture and nostalgia, having featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses, and is described in great detail within the novel. Today, Sweny’s is maintained by volunteers, dedicated to preserving the shop as it was in Joyce’s time. It is no longer a working pharmacy, but maintains its original 1850’s Victorian style with its mahogany counter, old glass cabinets and shelves of unopened medicine bottles. The charming original chemist's sign is still intact too. Home to a huge selection of pre-loved books, weekly author readings in French, Italian and English, and the famous lemon-scented soap, Sweny’s is not to be missed. 

One of the city’s least-known parks, The Iveagh Gardens are a public ground of lush greenery, fountains, flora, rustic grottos, wilderness, woodlands, a maze, and a rosarium, located between Clonmel Street and Upper Hatch Street, near the National Concert Hall. Walking in the gardens is like being in a different era of time. I attended a Shakespeare play there and it was brilliant. The grounds frequently hold plays, concerts, and performances. For the large working population and locals working in nearby offices, the gardens are a much-appreciated sanctuary. They are a cherished and essential part of life in Dublin. The Iveagh Gardens have a unique character and an atmosphere of calm and seclusion that can’t be found anywhere else in the city.

Dun Laoghaire Market takes place in the Dublin’s People’s Park every Sunday on the month. The vibrant market offers a great collection of crafts and food in the scenic surroundings and greenery of the park. Farmers and other food producers bring their fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, flowers, ethnic fare and sweet and savoury treats each week to the market. It’s a great day out with a family and is easily accessible by car; it has a children’s adventure playground and a coffee shop. The Market has a variety of international foods, cuisines and crafts; Chinese, Lebanese, Croatian and French to name a few. 

Head to the impressive Trinity College and enjoy its charming backdrop. Learn about the famous people connected with it, such as Oscar Wilde who studied here, and imagine walking among long-gone influential scholars. Trinity College is considered the best of Dublin attractions. A Dublin must-see for anyone interested in medieval art, typography, and graphic design, the vivid and colorful Book of Kells can be viewed in a case. Without a doubt regarded as the most sacred item on the Trinity campus, the Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript from 800AD which is housed in the Old Library building of the university.