a walking guide to dublin 2: our most central aparthotels
Last updated Jun 04, 2023
Staycity Dublin, City Quay and Staycity Dublin, Mark Street are ideally located in the historic centre of Dublin city, right beside the magnificent Trinity College and a skip away from galleries, pubs and museums. In fact there’s so much to see and do right on the doorstep that we’ve created a walking guide of the area so you can tick off the big hitters. The best part? Everything’s less than a ten minute walk away!
pick me up!
A little known fact about Dublin… It’s one of the world’s most coffee obsessed capitals with more coffee shops per person than any other European city! Not all cafés are created equal, but luckily, one of Dublin’s finest is right next door. Cloud Picker Café (2mins, 160m) is a cut above the rest. This sustainable micro-brewery serves up a mean cup of joe and lots of tasty breakfast bits. If you’re more interested in the bread and pastry side of things, check out Bread 41 (1 min, 90m). People come from all over Dublin for a loaf from this artisan bakery. With a drool-worthy selection of cakes and pastries, this is a breakfast or lunch must have.
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show me a good time
Walk in any direction and you’ll stumble across some of Dublin’s best hidden gems. The Science Gallery (3 mins, 210m) is one of the city’s most creative museums. Located on Trinity’s leafy campus, explore immersive exhibitions on society’s most pressing themes. This is the sweet spot between art and science. Walk through the campus to find Trinity’s Long Room and The Book of Kells, two of Dublin’s most visited attractions. The Long Room is stunning in itself with beautiful vaulted ceilings and books piled high on every wall, but it’s made famous by housing the medieval Book of Kells with its lavishly decorated pages. You’ll also spot Ireland’s oldest harp and the proclamation of Irish independence.
More art? Not a problem! The National Gallery of Ireland (8min 600m) is just around the corner. Take a trip through Irish and international art through the ages, stopping at the permanent Jack B Yeats exhibition and the portrait room where you’ll find Irish celebrities, politicians and sports stars. Check their website for the latest exhibitions.
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Say hello to Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square park (8 min 600m), his famous statue is the perfect spot for holiday selfies. Next wander up the street to the National History Museum (10 min 800m) or ‘Dead Zoo’ as it’s known. You’ll see everything from a massive whale skeleton spanning the length of the Victorian building to mammals of the world and a huge selection of creepy crawlies on the upper floors.
Finish your sightseeing off at the Irish Whiskey Museum (9min 700m) with a tour and tasting session. Learn all about whiskey’s origins, how its made and sample some of the country’s finest examples led by an expert. There’s also a full bar with a fantastic view of Trinity College, so cocktails, Guinness and hot toddies are there for the sipping. Pick up a few bottles as souvenirs in the handy gift shop.
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feed me
The Pig and Heifer on Pearse Street (6 min 450m) is Dublin’s answer to a New York style delicatessen with favourites such as the Pastrami Melt and the Classic Reuben. You can also pick up ingredients to make super tasty snacks at home. When you stay with Staycity you always have the option of whipping up your own meals from your fully-equipped kitchenette or enjoying a night in with a delicious take away from the comfort of your apartment. Camile Thai (3 min 240m) is an award-winning, healthy option serving delicious Thai food made with Irish ingredients. If you’d prefer to eat out Il Café di Napoli (5 min 350m) is an authentic Italian with some of the tastiest pizzas this side of Italy and a dessert menu you’d walk over hot coals to gorge on.
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take me for a drink
There’s no shortage of watering holes in this boozy city. Whether you’re after a sophisticated wine bar, a hip craft brewery or a traditional pub full of ‘Craic agus Ceol’ Dublin will sort you out. The closest is O'Neills on Pearse street (2 min 100m), this cosy Victorian pub serves tasty grub with stunning surroundings. Kennedys (6 min 450m) is just down the road. A favourite of Trinity lecturers and post-grads, this authentic boozer is the ideal spot for a pint of the black stuff and a slap up meal. The Ginger Man (7 min 550m) is another quintessential Irish pub, complete with bric a brac and moody lighting. They serve their own house brew alongside Guinness and some craft beers.
For a drink with a side of board games, try the Square Ball (10 min 750m). With bingo and quiz nights, sports showings and plenty of dog eared board games, there’s always something to keep you entertained. Bottomless brunch is a weekend favourite, enjoy all you can drink prosecco, beer or cocktails for 2 hours with your breakfast. Come back later for a dinner of chicken wings, burgers and hot dogs. Gimme!
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staying at dublin city quay
Riverfront views, top museums, artsy students, traditional pubs, Docklands, wine bars, and trendy restaurants.
