The Creative Quarter is an area steeped in history with secrets around every corner. From secret pubs inside old Georgian townhouses that turn into dancing nightclubs to the oldest shopping centre, here are 5 places you shouldn’t miss.
After our hearty lunch at The Seafood Café, we immediately headed West to explore The Creative Quarter in Dublin. This shopping area spans from South William Street to George’s Street and from Lower Stephen’s Street to Exchequer Street. The Creative Quarter can be considered Dublin’s “Soho.” Local artists, boutique and big name stores fill the streets, art galleries, restaurants and pubs, and Kiehl’s—shoutout to Kiehl’s since it was my lifesaver when there. I had forgotten my avocado eye cream at home, so bought the small travel sized one to go in The Creative Quarter in Dublin. It made me look like a human being while I was recovering from jet lag for a few days. My lifesaver for my entire trip! Needless to say, Pat and I spent the majority of our morning in Dublin discovering the cute streets in The Creative Quarter. Here are a list of can’t miss streets:
1. South William Street & Grafton Street
Grafton Street is the heart of The Creative Quarter so you must start here. The main shopping road is lined with two to four story townhouses left and right, with just about twelve meters of walking space between each side. The road is narrow and winding making it feel like an intimate shopping experience. During Christmas, the streets were lined with Christmas lights and colorful decorations hanging from one side of the street to the other. The street was originally built for residential housing and was named after a Lord and Lieutenant of Ireland. It eventually became home to a number of publishers and the Whytes Academy high school, where Thomas Moore, Robert Emmet, and the Duke of Wellington attended. Make sure to keep your head up while walking and admire the upper façades of the building showcasing Art Deco and Jacobean architecture from the 19th century. The street is open only to pedestrians so don’t be afraid to walk in the middle of the road, just be careful not to trip over street performers on your way down.
2. Dame Street
Dame Street gets its name from medieval times. The walled city of Dublin had a statue of the Virgin Mary placed above it. The gate was known as Dam’s or Dame’s Gate. It’s hard to miss because of its vibrant walls and colorful flags lighting up the street hanging from one side of the street to the next. As years passed the street evolved into an establishment for ale houses and the famed Patrick Daly’s chocolate house. Don’t be fooled, Daly’s wasn’t a chocolate house but rather a club for the upper class which eventually turned into a club for all the people. When it became open to the public, people would duel with pistols and swords in the club—I kid you not! Today it’s home to some more low-key ale houses. Definitely worth a stroll or a beer if you’re in the area.
3. George’s Street Arcade
If you’re looking for some history, then George’s Street Arcade is the place for you. It’s Ireland’s oldest indoor, but also outdoor, shopping centre! It opened back in 1881. It’s filled with boutique shops and stalls from books, nuts, to trendy clothes, jewelry and old records. It’s worth strolling around especially during Christmas when Christmas lights and ornaments are strung from the glass ceiling and Christmas cheer fills the air. One thing is certain, the Irish love their Christmas decorations and cheer!
4. Castle Market Street
I stumbled upon Castle Market on my way out of George’s Street Arcade. Something about the mirroring architecture from one side of the street of the other mixed with the dynamic indoor and outdoor restaurants gave it a certain charm. In 1783 Castle Market was a place for butchers, stalls, and slaughterhouses. Today it is filled with restaurants and pubs to explore.
5. Powerscourt Townhouse Centre
I came across Powerscourt Townhouse Centre when working on The Creative Quarter itinerary. I wasn’t sure whether to include it on my list when visiting, but I am beyond happy that I did. Located at 59 South William Street, from the outside it looks like nothing more than just a regular building, but step inside and you’ll be surprised. This townhouse was previously owned by a Viscount and his wife to entertain guests from Parliament from 1730 – 1788. Back then the townhouse was a place for parties and it still very much lives up to its reputation today!
Today Powerscourt Townhouse is home to boutiques and cafes, antique shops, some secret low-key nightclubs (you heard me correctly!), and best of all a covered courtyard! When you get to the center of the townhouse look up and admire the covered glass encasing. You’ll feel like your outside on any given day, rain or shine. If you’re looking for “al fresco” dining in a rainy city, this is the place to be.
Pat and I were hungry so stopped by Pepper Pot Café for an espresso and some hot Irish Soda Bread. We sat in some comfortable chairs on a balcony overlooking the inside of the courtyard. At the far end, a man was playing live piano. I was surprised that Irish Soda Bread, as big as it is in the U.S., wasn’t something that I saw much of in Ireland. I came across “brown bread,” which apparently is basically just Irish soda bread, but made with Irish wholemeal flour and oats instead. I ordered that to try something more local. Unfortunately, it was not the Irish Soda Bread I was hoping for made by Patrick’s mom, Kathy, on St. Patrick’s Day every year. But that could be because they are from the a different part of Ireland so may use a different recipe, but it was stil interesting and unique to Ireland.
While it’s pretty, charming, and has a casual café and boutique shop vibe during the day, don’t be so quick to dismiss it at night. The Georgian house still retains some of it’s old living room areas now turned into fancy pubs. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, the fancy pubs turn into a place to dance the night away. Unfortunately, we were too tired from our flight to experience this firsthand, but just the idea reminded me of my 21st birthday in Milano with friends at a place called Patuscino that had a very similar concept!
>> Next: Where to Stay in Dublin: Trinity City Hotel
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