We've all been there. Pressing your back against the closest wall to your web endowed neighbours, about the peruse the delights of thedubliner.ie only to be blocked by the words 'Security Enabled Network'. The jerks had finally cottoned on. What to do? As the saying goes there's no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as free internet access, read on as The Dubliner shares the best Wi-Fit mooching spots in the city.
1. Dylan Bar in The Dylan, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4.
If you're looking for five star treatment with free Wi-Fi, look no further. Despite its hyper modernity, the Dylan bar is deceptively comfortable and for those needing quiet time, it's relatively kiddie free. As of last month, the new bar menu offers soup of the day for €5.95. Disclaimer: By 'five star' we mean luxury, not the flamboyant brother and sister singing group best known for their 1986 hit 'System Addict'.
The Dylan Bar, Eastmoreland Place, Dublin. 6603000, dylan.ie
2. The Market Bar, Fade St, Dublin 2.
This old sausage factory is now best known for its tapas, but the real USP of The Market Bar for Wi-Fi moochers is that it offers a heated and covered beer garden. Admittedly it's more of a beer cavern, but it means you can eat tapas, have a smoke and use your dry laptop to go online. Result. Tapas plates start at €8 and the outdoor tables are relatively wobble free.
The Market Bar, 14 Fade Street, Dublin 2. 6139094, marketbar.ie
3. McDonalds, Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1.
Alongside Grafton street, this little eaterie was one of the first McDonalds to open in Ireland back in 1977. Now open 24 hours, this branch also houses a McCafe following refurbishments that saw the gaudy cream and pinks being replaced by dark wood and fast broadband. With the Euro Saver menu expanding to include €2 coffee and €1 hamburgers, one question still baffles, does anyone have the apple bags instead of fries? Anyone?
McDonalds Restuarant, 50 to 51 Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. 8720050, mcdonalds.ie
4. Green Nineteen Cafe, Camden Street, Dublin 2.
Shepard Fairey's stencil portrait of Obama, that's the 'Hope' poster to you and me, greets visitors to this Camden Street caff. It's a pretty ambitious first impression, but the attention to detail in all aspects of Green Nineteen just saves it. The wide tables can fit laptop and a lunch comfortably and the Soup of the Day comes in at €4. We also like that the menu points out Tap Water cost €0.
Green Nineteen Cafe, 19 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2. 478 9626, green19.ie
5. Stir Cafe in the Maldron Hotel, Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Smithfield Plaza is surprisingly scant for free Wi-Fi opportunities. But through extensive research and common sense we have learned, where there is a hotel, there is generally free Wi-Fi. Smithfield's Maldron hotel houses the Stir Cafe & Bar, although the decor is a bit clinical and the atmosphere formal, the Wi-Fi is reliable and speedy. Soup of the Day €4.90 or soup and any sandwich for €6.99.
Maldron Hotel, Smithfield, Dublin 7. 485 0900, maldronhotels.com
6. Insomnia, IFSC, Dublin 1.
All Insomnia cafes with the flying cup logo above the doorway provide free Wi-Fi for customers, we like this one for simultaneously web browsing and people watching. Nearby neighbours Starbucks have a card systems for internet access but it's instant connection in Insomnia. Hosted by Eircom, you won't be able to access piratebay.org but you can console yourself with their famous Lily O'Brien's Hot Chocolate (€3.10).
Insomnia, IFSC, Dublin 1. 6720320, insomnia.ie
7. Bia Bar, Lower Stephen Street, Dublin 2.
Bia Bar does food as the name suggests, but it also does free Wi-Fi as the name does not suggest. A lunchtime visit sees some solitary suits eating lunch and few laptops lingering about. Noticeably and most interestingly, there is a couple having 'the talk'. It seems like a good venue for it, quiet but not too quiet, discreet and without harsh lighting. If you're feeling particularly callous, you could use the Wi-Fi and dump them on Facebook. Soup of the Day €3.95.
Bia Bar, 28-30 Lower Stephen Street, DUBLIN 2. 4053653, biabar.ie
8. Cafe Bar in The Morrison, Ormond Quay, Dublin 1.
Paul McCartney might not approve, but the leather couches and armchairs in the Cafe Bar are worth the visit alone. With plenty of natural light, you won't do your eyes too much damage and if you look past your laptop the view of the Liffey can be soothing. The Dubliner's patented 'Soup of the Day' index, sees it come in a hefty €6.95, but remember those chairs.
Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1. 8872400, morrisonhotel.ie
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