Travel Like a local in Dublin, Ireland.

Dublin is an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the globe. Its preserved history remains the cultural undertone of a modern city made famous by a vibrant theatre circuit, traditional pubs and most recently, an underground music scene. This UNESCO city of literature has personality, diversity and soul. Let’s scratch the Dublin city surface and uncover some of the hidden gems on offer to those seeking to ‘travel like a local’ in one of Europe’s finest capital cities.

Dublin is renowned by both locals and tourists alike, for its traditional watering holes and vibrant nightlife. Here are 3 of my favourite local secrets to consider when ‘going for a pint’ in one of Dublin’s 600 pubs:

 1

Drink with the locals in Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street.

Ever wondered what a traditional Dublin pub looked like over 100 years ago? Well look no further than Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street. It’s one of Dublin’s best kept secrets and hasn’t closed its doors since 1782. Here you can enjoy one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin amongst local company that are hard to beat. In addition to perfectly poured Guinness and the usual suspects of international beers, Mulligan’s is known for its Traditional music and Folklore evenings held every Thursday evening from 8pm. Arrive early to hear long-standing regulars recite poetry and tell stories of old before being swept off your chair for a traditional dance with the locals.

2 

Practice your Irish at Anseo, Camden Street.

Located in the heart of bustling Camden Street, Anseo is both alternative and unpretentious. Its one of the few pubs on Dublins southside in which the Irish language is spoken freely and is complimented by the D.J who skips from funk to groove and Afro-beat. Camden Street is one of the few remaining hotspots in Dublin which has been slow to gentrify and the steady mix of fruit and veg vendors, funky cafes and graffiti means it has more character than the Dublin docklands and Temple bar combined. Anseo is unapplogeticaly laid back and hosts a mix of locals and arty types. If you fancy a laugh then pop upstairs and check out one of Dublin’s emerging stand up comedy scenes. Nightly from 9pm.

3

Underground Dublin

Twisted Pepper, located just off Dublin's famed O'Connell is strongly recommended those wanting to party like a local. Its located just two doors down from the esteemed club The Academy, this establishment is a mix of trendy bar and underground nightclub and you won't find tourists here. This three-storey nightclub hosts regular dance, hip hop and dub step acts throughout the week while electronic music aficionados frequent the Twisted Pepper on the weekends. This is underground music’s best kept secret and whether its dub step, funk, house, reggae, soul, or techno, it’s all here for you to enjoy.

My final recommendation is not so much a secret but an absolute must-see for fist timers and seasoned visitors alike. Temple Bar is one of the Irish capital’s most charming neighbourhoods and Dublin natives are trying hard to keep it that way. Its Cobblestone streets, trendy bars, art galleries and architectural splendour, blend in delicately with old streetscapes and eco-friendly schemes. Among the cultural attractions in Temple Bar are Dublin's only art-house cinema at the Irish Film Institute, the Gallery of Photography and the Project Arts Centre. Its long-standing tradition as Dublin’s hot spot for song and dance means that Temple Bar is as busy in January as it is in July! 

Want to Live like a local, receive insider tips from your host, and experience a city the way the locals see it? Now you can! Wimdu offers a unique travel experience and the chance for you to discover insider tips and local secrets off the beaten track. Change the way you travel now by logging on to www.wimdu.com