Dublin's Stoneybatter has once again been named as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, thanks to its "unbeatable vibe".
The bustling Dublin 7 spot was tapped by Time Out magazine in its list of the top 51 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Coming in at #49, the neighbourhood slipped considerably from its #15 position last year, but held on tight to make the list.
Each year the magazine asks thousands of city-dwellers about living in their neighbourhoods, as part of the Time Out index survey. "And for the fifth year running, we combined their views with expert input from our global network of local editors and writers, to compile our fifth annual ranking of the world's coolest neighbourhoods."
Last year, the neighbourhood had been celebrated more than usual after the many months of lockdown, during which time neighbourhoods all over the country were more widely appreciated for the coffee shops, cafes, shops and people they held.
Although many areas of the country have been sorely hit by closures, either from the pandemic or the more recent cost-of-living crisis, Stoneybatter has seemingly gone from strength to strength – despite some recent losses like the Vegan Sandwich Co.
From food trucks like Vietnom slinging out delicious bowls from The Glimmer Man, to new openings like Joli and Korean Table, as well as the ever-thriving Pender's Market, there's plenty to be explored in the neighbourhood.
Time Out seem to agree. "Ask any Dubliner where they want to live in the city and there's a good chance you'll heard the word Stoneybatter", they write. "Why do so many locals covet a tiny, garden-less cottage here rather than something more spacious elsewhere?"
The answer: its "unbeatable vibe".
Central to it is the people and spirit to the people who live and work there, they say, noting "there's a real sense of community pride here that isn’t replicated anywhere else in the city".
They suggest a plan of action for your perfect day in Stoneybatter, starting with avocado toast in Slice Café, before sauntering down to Walsh's or The Glimmer Man to "nurse a creamy pint of plain". For some nibbles, they suggest stopping by Vietnom food truck, which "boasts some of the best street food Dublin has to offer".
Stoneybatter managed to beat out FESTAC Town Lagos, Nigeria and Versalles in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which clocked in at #50 and #51 respectively.
Topping the list, however, is Colonia Americana in Guadalajara, Mexico, a little known spot in the "country's cultural capital", highlighted for its "edgy blend of art deco and neoclassical mansions with artists' squats and warehouses containing some of the city’s best music venues".
Cais do Sodré in Lisbon, Portugal came in at the second spot, while Wat Bo Village in Siem Reap, Cambodia secured the third spot.
