Living in Dublin, it can be easy to walk past stunning architecture and design that you would have spent 20 minutes taking a picture of in a different city.
You kind of become accustomed to the things that make Dublin unique and were created to spark curiosity as you go about your day-to-day life.
Dublin is different to most capital cities as you won't find skyscrapers or metro stations beneath the city. There's a very eclectic mix of architecture and town planning as well as many quirky and intriguing shops and galleries.
Here's some of my top picks:
The Alliance Building
The Alliance Building is one of the coolest looking pieces of architecture in the city.
Part of The Gasworks development, this is one of the most distinctive apartment buildings and a unique residential icon in the heart of Dublin 4.
Housed within an original gasometer, this circular glass-fronted building features an open-air central atrium and seems like the coolest place to live in Dublin.
St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre
Head for a browse around the shops in one of the most unique shopping centres. If you're in Stephen's Green, be sure to go to the top floor to have a look at the design of this building in all its glory.
Probably the most stunning place in the city at Christmas.
IMMA
Built on the grounds of The Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, IMMA is situated on what is currently known as the finest 17th-century building in all of Ireland.
And by just catching a quick glance of the architecture, surroundings and statues – it’s not hard to see why.
You will be stunned, entertained and inspired for hours on end.
Pearse Lyons Distillery
A distillery inside a church, could there be anything cooler?
Pearse Lyons Distillery can be found on James Street in The Liberties. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just inquisitive, you are sure to enjoy a journey through 800 years of history and craft.
The Distillery Tour gives you an insight into the whiskey heritage and stories behind the iconic Dublin district. Visitors can also touch, taste and smell every step of the distilling process, meet with the distillers and taste the signature Pearse Irish Whiskey.
Irish Design Shop
The Irish Design Shop on Drury Street is one of my favourite places to go for a goo when I have a few minutes to spare in the city.
It’s full to the brim with the best Irish craft and design and it’s the perfect spot to pick up a stunning gift.
They have a wide variety of products from blankets to pictures, cards to socks.
Scots Presbyterian Church Hall
One of the most unique architectural pieces in the city and it's in such a random spot.
Scots Presbyterian Church on Abbey Street, now the Vhi headquarters, respects and preserves the significant cultural, religious, historical and architectural heritage of the church and its ancillary buildings whilst meeting the client’s requirements for a new, innovative and sustainable office extension.
Well worth a visit.
Walk From Samuel Beckett Bridge To Grand Canal Dock
One of my favourite walks in the city is to go across the Samuel Beckett Bridge, taking in the sights along the Liffey, such as the Convention Centre and Ulster Bank and following along to Grand Canal Dock.
Down by the Docklands there's so many amazing buldings like The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and The Marker. It's the perfect place to perch yourself for a picnic.
EPIC Museum
You won’t find leprechauns here, but you’ll discover that what it means to be Irish.
This expands far beyond the borders of Ireland through the stories of Irish emigrants who became scientists, politicians, poets, artists and even outlaws all over the world. Discover Ireland from the outside in and find out why saying “I’m Irish” is one of the biggest conversation starters, no matter where you are.
Such a spot!
