Best Early House
With light beaming in from its open and welcoming doors, Ned’s appears like an oasis on a quiet corner of Townsend Street. Opening at 7am in the morning, it caters for the city’s shift workers, those who need a drink first thing and those who just want to continue the party. A recent visit on Saturday morning saw a mixed crowd mingling amiably as a youngish gang of mates had a bit of a dance in the corner to Rihanna while some fresher faced men, straight from night duty, sank some post-work pints. As the last early house visited on our trail and with some ropey moments behind us, we were happy to find the crowd at Ned’s were friendly and easy going. With a seated smoking area out back, if they got the tap fixed in the Ladies toilets, Ned’s would be pretty perfect.
Ned’s, 44 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, 677 9507
Best Street Performers
You probably wouldn’t recognise these guys if you saw their faces, but you’d definitely recognise their music. Constantly hidden behind a shroud of tourists, Busketeers use a drum kit, acoustic guitar, bass and violin to draw listeners to their temporary turf. It’s a fairly energetic set up. Although all from Poland, the band didn’t form until they were all in Ireland and now play their blend of folk jazz to full crowds on the streets of the city.You’re most likely to see them at prime busker spots like the corner of Crown Alley or on Grafton Street interacting with a gathered mob and when you do, you can pick up their CD for a measly 10 blips. For that you get traditional Polish pieces mixed with Irish trad and Katy Perry covers. Yes, you read right.
Best Sunday Drive
Giving your road rage a day off is a good idea. If you find yourself automatically despising everyone who drives a Yaris or a Passat, a relaxing scenic drive of a Sunday just might take the edge off things. While the coast road is stunning, it’s also choc full of semi-nude sunbathers once the first sign of sun emerges so for a peaceful escape, a meander up the Dublin mountains is just the ticket. Leaving the M50 at Firhouse, it’s a short jaunt until you’re in full on countryside, meaning fresh air, quiet roads and sunshine (hopefully). Snaking up past the Hell Fire Club, Cruagh Wood and Ticknock to across the featherbeds, there’s opportunities for hiking, mountain biking or for the less energetic, picnics and sight seeing. You even might spot an ice-cream van on the way. Word to the wise; don’t try eating your 99 while steering with your elbows on these twisty roads.
The Dublin Mountains, see dublinmountains.ie
Best Rooftop
Ireland’s a tricky one for rooftops. Since our summers can be all too brief it’s senseless for anyone to invest too much in them making them decent, considering they’ll be defunct 245 days a year (approx). But the smart folk at The Sycamore Club in Temple Bar trump the weather with their remote control roof - in yer face clouds. Under an open roof, thirteen table booths line the circumference, there’s a DJ in the corner and a bar lining one wall. Those who suffer from acrophobia, that’s a fear of heights, need not worry as it’s easy to forget you’re even on a roof - even without a few jars on you. Entrance to this three-storey members club is via a fairly anonymous black door where a red carpeted lift takes you to the top floor. With new developments and a revamp schedule for their second birthday on July 8th, The Sycamore Club will soon be open earlier, five days a week and serving food. Discreet and unique.
The Sycamore Club, 9 Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, 4743942. sycamoreclub.com
Best Outdoor Yoga
Taking yoga out of the studio and back to nature, Stoneybatter’s Two Palms Yoga takes residence in Phoenix Park every Saturday this summer. Located right beside the Wellington Monument near the Park Gate street entrance, the sight of twenty yogis in sun salutation is a strange one. But when you consider yoga is all about being one with nature, it makes a lot more sense than a mirrored, wooden floored studio. With two other volunteers, Fiona of Two Palms Yoga takes the class through Hatha positions to suit beginners and more experienced practitioners. Fiona says, “It’s accessible to all, I’ve taught all ages from 4 year olds to 60 – 70 year olds. It’s all about the personal experience so you can take it at your own pace.” Best of all, the classes are donation based and all proceeds go to Dublin Simon Community. Get there for 11am with a mat or towel, shades, factor 15 and get bending.
Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park, Dublin 7, twopalmsyoga.com
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