Discover Dublin’s 200 best Local Soul spots for your trip

Walsh's

★ 4.7 · 1,463 reviews

Pull up a stool at Walsh's, a historic Dublin pub where locals outnumber visitors. Order a pint of Guinness, listen to the neighbourhood chatter, and soak up an authentic old-school atmosphere.

Phibsborough

Wander Phibsborough, a genuine north-side Dublin neighbourhood far from the tourist trail. Browse local shops and bakeries along the main road, then settle into a neighbourhood café or traditional pub.

Stoneybatter

Discover Stoneybatter, a village-like pocket of north-side Dublin with a strong community feel. Walk its main street past old pubs, delis and vintage shops, then explore the side lanes of artisan cottages.

The Legal Eagle

★ 4.6 · 892 reviews

Pull up a seat at The Legal Eagle, the Inns Quay gastropub with a loyal local following. Tuck into a hearty roast dinner without a booking, served by staff who make busy rooms feel easy.

Tolka Valley Park

★ 4.2 · 1,015 reviews

Escape the city centre for a quiet riverside park in north Dublin. A green, local-feeling walk for travellers who like off-the-beaten-path places.

Mulligan's

★ 4.7 · 4,115 reviews

Discover Mulligan's, an 18th-century Dublin pub that has stayed refreshingly plain. Take a seat among the regulars and enjoy a well-kept pint away from the busiest drinking streets.

Two Boys Brew

★ 4.6 · 1,699 reviews

Pull up at Two Boys Brew in Phibsborough for coffee and a toastie that reviewers rate far above the usual. Grab a seat outside if the weather allows and order haloumi sticks or a Cajun chicken sourdough.

The Cobblestone

★ 4.7 · 5,966 reviews

Discover The Cobblestone, a down-to-earth Smithfield pub where traditional Irish music fills the room every night. Grab a pint and listen as local musicians pile into a session.

The Stella Cinema Rathmines

★ 4.7 · 3,306 reviews

Treat yourself to a film at the Stella Cinema in Rathmines, a lovingly preserved Art Deco picture house. Sink into an armchair, couch or bed and watch a screening in a setting full of period character.

Herbert Park

Step into Herbert Park, a 32-acre green space woven through the red-brick streets of south Dublin. Stroll the leafy paths, watch local sport on the pitches, and relax on the lawns.

Blessington Street Basin

★ 4.7 · 91 reviews

Slip through the iron gates of Blessington Street Basin, a hidden pocket of calm in Phibsborough. Circle the small lake, pause on a bench, and enjoy a quiet break away from the city bustle.

Bushy Park

★ 4.6 · 4,586 reviews

Wander into Bushy Park, a roomy riverside escape in Terenure. Follow woodland paths past streams and waterfalls, circle the wildlife-rich pond, and find a cool spot beside the River Dodder.

Rathmines

Explore Rathmines, a lively, lived-in neighbourhood on Dublin's south side. Walk the busy main street past independent shops and cafés, then turn onto quiet Victorian terraces to see a calmer side of the area.

Irish Film Institute

★ 4.5 · 784 reviews

Duck into the Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar for an afternoon of independent cinema. Catch an arthouse screening, then linger over a drink in the bar or on the covered terrace.

L. Mulligan Grocer

★ 4.5 · 1,672 reviews

Have a hearty dinner at a Dublin gastropub with something for everyone. Choose from vegan and meat dishes with craft drinks.

Bowe's Lounge Bar

★ 4.7 · 1,760 reviews

Discover Bowe's Lounge Bar, a Dublin pub where the traditional interior has stayed gloriously unchanged. Settle in with a carefully poured Guinness and enjoy a warm, unhurried atmosphere and chatty bar staff.

Ranelagh

Spend an evening in Ranelagh, one of south Dublin's most popular village-style neighbourhoods. Browse the main street's independent shops, then pick from its restaurants and wine bars for a relaxed meal.

St. Anne's Park

★ 4.8 · 5,616 reviews

Follow woodland trails and discover quirky follies in one of Dublin's largest parks. A lovely morning outing for families and couples.

Portobello

Stroll through Portobello, a canal-side neighbourhood on Dublin's south side. Walk the towpath past painted terraces, then duck into an independent café or pub for a laid-back break.

Light House Cinema

★ 4.8 · 4,439 reviews

Catch a film at Light House Cinema, Smithfield's independent movie house. Browse an eclectic programme of new releases, classics and world cinema, then pick your seat and settle in.

Borgo

★ 4.6 · 331 reviews

Discover Borgo, the Phibsborough Italian regulars rank among Dublin's finest. Settle into the warm, buzzing dining room and enjoy generous, carefully made plates over a long lunch or dinner.

The Black Sheep

★ 4.4 · 3,546 reviews

Discover The Black Sheep, a cosy craft-ale pub just across the river in the Rotunda area. Settle into its eclectic interior for a good pint and hearty comfort food among Dublin locals.

Blackrock Park

★ 4.6 · 1,858 reviews

Stroll through Blackrock Park, a green space that opens straight onto Dublin Bay. Follow the paths past the small lake, find a spot on the grass, and take in the view across the water.

Phoenix Park

★ 4.7 · 42,412 reviews

Spot wild deer and explore a vast green park at the edge of Dublin. Rent a bike to see more of it in a single afternoon.

Social Fabric Cafe

★ 4.8 · 1,493 reviews

Head to Social Fabric Cafe in Arbour Hill for a brunch that locals rate among Dublin's best. Settle in for friendly service, properly made coffee and generous plates, from breakfast classics to dishes where every side gets attention.

Kicky's

★ 4.7 · 556 reviews

Share small plates, gnocchi and focaccia at a neighbourhood restaurant in Dublin. Book a table and order several dishes to try.

Grogan's

★ 4.6 · 3,848 reviews

Discover Grogan's, a much-loved Dublin pub where local art covers every wall. Order a pint and a classic cheese and ham toastie, and watch the busy room run smoothly around you.

Marlay Park

★ 4.7 · 9,781 reviews

Walk the woodland trails of a large Dublin park south of the city. A relaxed outing for families, with sports and a farmer's market on the side.

Sandymount Strand

★ 4.4 · 103 reviews

Walk out along a wide, shell-strewn beach at the edge of Dublin. A peaceful coastal stop that most visitors miss.

Copper Face Jacks

★ 3.6 · 3,041 reviews

Discover Copper Face Jacks, the legendary Dublin club famous for its feel-good, unapologetically cheesy playlist. Dance under its showpiece lighting, join the singalongs and keep going until the early hours.