As a French person, the thing I love most about Dublin is how you can get away from the craziness of the city to get some fresh air in just a few minutes.
In a short space of time, you can feel as if you have travelled to another part of the country when in fact you're still in the lovely capital. Here are my top three dreamy spots around Dublin.
1. Howth
Howth is a gem. This small fishermen village has become a bit of a tourist attraction, but it’s always a good change of scenery. The handy thing is, you only have to step on the DART, wait until the last stop and then... that’s it! You have arrived directly in the peninsula centre.
As you admire the view from the pier, you will pass by some traditional seafood restaurants and fresh seafood shops. Mouthwatering! I was there on a very sunny day and all the tables were out on terraces. It was so lovely, like a little piece of Paris, with gingham tablecloths and people dining in the sun.
The prices are a little bit high and it can be difficult to find space among all the tourists, but the food really is good! When you arrive at the pier you can find some musicians playing and people gathered around like in a Greek theatre.
If you're brave. you can climb the stairs and carefully stand at the edge to admire the breathtaking view. You can see Dublin in the distance and even some little islands nearby, as well as people kayaking in the sea. It feels like you've gone away on holidays!
Once you're back on the main street, you can try to spot some seals in the sea waiting for some food. They come really close which is a really great experience!
There is also a small market every Sunday with local products, souvenirs, food and goods for tourists.
On my visit, one quiet Sunday afternoon, I got lost in the small streets of Howth, but when you get lost you find the best places!
On my adventure, I found a small path leading to a hill where the museum of the vintage radio is located. While I didn't have time to visit the museum that day, I did walk around to admire the panoramic view of Howth and the bay.
There was nothing on the horizon, only the sea. It was so peaceful. After another stroll on the second pier which leads to a (miniature) lighthouse, I left Howth very happy.
I’ll definitely come back to have this holiday feeling again.
2. Dalkey
The little town of Dalkey is not too far from the city centre. For me, this is a wonderful hidden spot. The city centre is lovely with small shops, pubs and cafés. You can really feel the typical Irish atmosphere and it’s so good.
When you arrive at the end of the road, you will be surprised to find a small but impressive medieval tower. Right next to it is the Queen Bar, a cool place especially when it’s sunny and you can enjoy the spacious terrace - they have a really tasty brunch.
If you stroll among the prominent and beautiful houses (Bono’s included) you’ll end up in a wooded garden which leads to a small cliff overhanging the sea. This is the moment when I completely forgot about where I was, looking at the really small island in front of me and far away to the horizon.
Bray
When you take the train to Bray, you are left speechless. As the train passes by the edge of cliffs, close as ever to the sea, you can't help but fall in love with the place!
Bray is a typical coastal town with ice-cream vendors along the beach, musicians playing and artists painting; it's a really relaxed atmosphere. A good place to chill with your friends.
Overhanging the huge sand stretch is a beautiful mountain, the Bray Head. I heard that you could climb it and it's a great place for a small hike (I might try it one day!). Bray is the perfect place to go for a walk along the beach or go for a swim with some friends while filling your lungs with some fresh and salty air.
I hope my thoughts about your beautiful Dublin town please you and make you realize how lucky you are to have it every day!
