PACK YOUR BAGS - Dublin

2.07.2014

As much as we love exploring the world, the old adage that there’s no place like home is just as true for us at Stighlorgan as it is for you guys. With this in mind, we asked our favourite Irish style icons Lorna Weightman from StyleIsle.ie and Darren Kennedy from This Morning to share their favourite places in our home city, Dublin.

Best coffee
Lorna: Clement and Pekoe on South William St. It cannot be beaten! You will also see me here. A LOT.
Darren: I’d say Clement & Pekoe as well; it’s the perfect place for tea lovers as well as for getting your coffee fix. On a sunny day, perch yourself outside on one of their benches and people watch in the sunshine.

Best place for a pint
Lorna: I love O’Brien’s of Leeson St. This is my local, and if you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day, you can sit on the windowsill of the pub, drink in hand and watch Dublin go by.
Darren: Against the Grain, Wexford Street. Nice crowd, great buzz and a brilliant selection of craft beers.

Best place to meet a local
Lorna: Grogan’s pub on South William St is a local haunt. After work on a Friday, it’s easily the best place to meet some very lovely Dubliners.
Darren: The Iveagh Gardens, one of Dublin’s hidden gems that locals have been taking advantage of for decades. Grab a coffee, have a wander and get ready to chat about the weather, dogs or whatever else is on the go.

Best sunset spot
Lorna: Killiney Hill is one of my favourite walking spots. It’s a picturesque, beautiful part of our city and has a “money can’t buy view” of Dublin bay from Dalkey right over to Howth.
Darren: Howth Head is my pick: the views over Dublin’s Bay are mightily impressive.

Best independent/concept store
Lorna: Om Diva on Drury Street is my city favourite. A shop that supports emerging Irish designers, sells vintage, trinkets, and even has designer ateliers on the upper floors; you name it, Ruth the owner has thought of it!
Darren: Indigo & Cloth in Temple Bar. A cool, chilled out, uncluttered space where you can browse their carefully curated edit of the latest menswear while enjoying a freshly brewed coffee.

Best local magazine / website
Lorna: Lovin Dublin is the latest website full of things to do, places to eat and events. A must-read for any visitor!
Darren: www.Helpmystyle.ie (obviously!) and www.lecool.com/dublin for the latest on what’s cool and what’s happening around the city.

Essential souvenir
Lorna: A pint glass from the Guinness Storehouse. The tour is amazing and even though I have lived here forever, the Guinness tour never gets old.
Darren: I’d go for a Guinness Toucan fridge magnet from the Storehouse too!

A handy local phrase
Lorna:  “How’s it goin”: it’s basically how are you/hello/nice to see you/haven’t seen you in ages. All round perfect all encompassing phrase.
Darren: “Com’ere and I tell ya…”