Secret Dublin places you will not find in a typical guidebook

Although by the standards of European capitals "Bale-Aha-Kliah" somewhat too small - all suburbs and 2 million. People will not be typed. Nevertheless, it is a major political, financial and cultural center of the country. The historic part of Dublin with its cathedrals, castles and neat houses with colorful doors reminiscent of a fairy-tale town. Super futuristic skyscrapers is not even in the Docklands, the new modern area of ​​the Irish capital. But in Dublin, a lot of greens and smells of the sea.

1. House number 29

Do you want to learn how to live a normal family Dublin at the turn of XVIII-XIX centuries? Then go to the "House number 29" - a kind of museum of city life 1790-1820 biennium.

It is situated in the very ordinary house Georgian era - hundreds of families living in these. Through the story of one of them and you will get acquainted with the everyday life and customs of old Dublin.

House number 29 was built in 1794 by the widow of a Dublin merchant. In the basement, a kitchen, something resembling a ship's galley. The heart of the kitchen, of course - the hearth. They smoke pots and pans on the stove smoked meat. Also in the basement was a room manager, who keeps order in the house and coordinated the work of the housekeeper, governess, and other servants. He disposed of the keys of the house, led the economic and accounting, purchasing the product.

On the ground floor is the main entrance, through which came owners of the house and their guests. Servants, of course, had a separate door. Also on the ground floor it has a dining room, in the center of which - elegant chandelier.

The second floor has a living room with a fireplace, antique furniture and fine paintings on the walls. After lunch, the women usually went upstairs and the men remained in the living room to smoke a cigar, drink whiskey and discuss the policy of the next George.

On the second floor bedroom and boudoir, and in the attic - a children's room and a governess. Each room is exactly recreates the atmosphere of the time and tells the startling details of people's everyday life. For example, did you know that the wallpaper on the walls then were considered a luxury item and taxed?

Address: 29 Lower Fitzwilliam Street
Site:esb.ie/main/about-esb/numbertwentynine
multimedia exhibit
Mode of operation: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00

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2. Leprechaun Museum

In each country there is a fabulous character who frighten children, but also very fond of. We have this devil, and in Ireland - leprechaun.

Leprechaun - a gnome in a green dress, a shoe and with a pot of gold. He sews shoes for fairies and keeps the ancient treasures of the Vikings. Leprechauns excellent rogues: the Irish nor try to catch at least one, to share his wealth, it does not work.

Even built a museum - National Leprechaun Museum. It is situated on the corner of Jervis and Middle Abbey. The museum was opened only in 2010, but in three years it has accumulated a lot of interesting things. For example, there is "recreated" the famous Giants, but instead of stone blocks - the huge chairs, tables and other furniture. In this room, everyone can feel like a Leprechaun, the growth of which is believed to have barely reaches 60 cm.

In the next room you will see the "real" rainbow. They say if you follow it, the seven-colored arch necessarily indicate the place where the leprechauns hide their pots of gold.

In addition, you will plunge into the ancient Irish legend - "Newgrange", "The children of Lir" and others. Incidentally, the latter is something like our fairy tale "Geese-swans", only children there bewitched and turned into swans.

In short, Leprechaun Museum - a fabulous place that will appeal not only to children but also adults who believe in miracles.

Address: Twilfit House, Jervis Street, 1
Site:leprechaunmuseum.ie
Vicki:Leprechaun
Mode of operation: day excursion daily from 10:00 to 18:30, evening tour on Fridays and Saturdays at 19:30 and 20:00

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3. James Joyce Bridge

Dublin stands on the banks of the River Liffey, which flows into Dublin Bay. The river flows through the city center, and is probably why Dublin is called the city of bridges. O'Connell Bridge, Samuel Beckett Bridge, Frank Sherwin bridge, Sean Houston, Ha 'Penny Bridge - all of these crossings has its own history and its own characteristics. But the most beautiful bridge in Dublin, in the opinion of Dubliners - James Joyce is the bridge.

James Joyce - is "Irish Pushkin", it is one of the most widely read English-language novelists. Dubliners very fond of him. They put up a monument in the center of the city, and when there is a need to make the crossing near Blackhall, also called Bridge in his honor. And all because of one of Joyce's characters in one of the stories lived near this place.

The bridge was built in 2003, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. crossing the length of 41 m., under it even no additional supports. But there are 4 lanes for vehicular traffic and pedestrian walkways with benches.

The design of the bridge looks very modern and is somewhat reminiscent of Samuel Beckett Bridge (by the way, is also the creation of Calatrava). But he more than fits in Dublin's landscape - like a small bridge spanning the medieval castle moat. Particularly impressive it looks at night when the lights turn on.

Address: South Quay to Blackhall, Blackhall Place
Vicki: James Joyce Bridge
multimedia exhibit

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4. Shelbourne Park

Irish people love animals and sweepstakes. And these two passions merge in one - dog racing. On the island of Ireland 19 racecourses for dog racing, 17 of them - in the Republic of Ireland, and only two in Northern Ireland. That is, as you know, the Irish do not just love, but sooo like greyhounds.

In Dublin, two Stadium dog track - Harold's Cross and Greyhound Stadium. Both are in the Shelbourne Park (Shelbourne Park). Therefore, if you want to experience the Irish gambling nature, go to Shelburne.

Races are held almost every day. Stadium dog track, tend to be small, but they are bound to have cafes and sweepstakes. In the restaurant you can eat, drink a pint of beer and listen to stories about the race favorites and outsiders. So that later, in the sweepstakes, make the right choice. Minimum rate - 2 euros. Each race is attended by six dogs.

The race itself - it is always a sea of ​​emotions. After all, its outcome depends on whether you have enough money for another mug of Guinness tonight. But, despite the fact that the event is extremely hazardous, many Dubliners come to the stadium with their children. We can say that greyhound racing - local family fun.

Address: South Lotts Rd, Ringsend
Site:shelbournepark.com
racing schedule

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5. Postal Museum

Postal Museum - a small but very informative and charming museum, located in Dublin's main post office. The exposition of the museum consists of three parts.

The first is devoted to brands. Even if you are far from the philatelic, you will gather a lot of interesting things there. After all, the brand, as a mirror of history, for example, they can be used to trace the complicated way the Irish people to independence. In addition, you will learn how to make the brand at the beginning of the century and as it is done today.

The second part of the museum - a typical installation of the Irish post office. You will not only get acquainted with the equipment used to deliver mail at different times, but also be able to listen to interesting stories about their work postmen.

The third part of the exhibition tells the story of the "Easter Rising", an important milestone in the history of Ireland, marked the beginning of the country's independence. Solar little resemblance to the Irish revolutionaries, however, during a riot in 1916 they, as expected, one of the first captured the post and telegraph.

It should also be noted that the Postal Museum - not a bunch of dusty exhibits. This modern interactive exhibition. And her visit will cost you only 2 euro.

Address: General Post Office, O'Connell Street
Site:anpost.ie
multimedia exhibit
Mode of operation: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00

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6. The sculpture "The Kiss"

Dublin is famous for its unusual monuments. One of them - the sculpture "The Kiss", in the south of the city center, opposite the National Concert Hall. This is the work of Irish artist Rowan Gillespie (Rowan Gillespie), created to Dublin several monuments. In particular, the famous memorial to "Hunger", the memory of the terrible events of 1845-1849. and are located on the waterfront of the Liffey.

The "Kiss" just read a corporate master handwriting: high bronze figures, which barely discernible images of men and women. Symbolically, the sculpture is surrounded by office buildings - hundreds of people daily pass by her, did not seem to notice. And in fact, it is love merged in a kiss, and do not notice anything around.

Address: Earlsfort Terrace, opposite side The National Concert Hall

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7. Iveagh Park

Not far from the sculpture "The Kiss", behind the National Concert Hall, spread a quiet and cozy park Iveagh Gardens. Dublin - not only the city of bridges, but also a city of parks. But if in the St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square is always crowded (there are always plenty of both local and visitors), the "Ayve Gardens" is silence and peace. Not in vain, until recently themselves Dubliners called him "the secret garden".

Iveagh Gardens was laid out at the beginning of the XIX century the Earl of Clonmel. They were his private property, but the gardens, especially no one did, and they gradually come into disrepair. Then the gardens were opened to the public, and Benjamin Guinness, son of the founder of the famous brewery, in 1863 took up their landscaping. The project developed a reorganization of the park Ball Ninianom Niven (Ninian Nive), according to his idea this place was to combine French and English style of landscape design. In 1908, the son of Benjamin Edward Guinness, who bore the title of "Count Ayve" handed gardens at the disposal of University College Dublin. Hence the modern name of the park.

Since then, the Dubliners come to Iveagh Gardens, to enjoy nature (in the park wonderful rose garden), enjoy the coolness of the fountain and small waterfall and just spend a quiet romantic evening.

Address: Clonmel Street, opposite side Russell Court

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8. The first studio U2

Dublin - the birthplace of the legendary rock band U2. The city has many places, one way or another connected with Bono, Edzhem, Adam and their creativity. For example, on Fitzwilliam Square (Fitzwilliam Square) filmed a clip for the song The Sweetest Thing.

But the most important place of worship in Dublin U2 - this is their first studio.

Windmill Lane Studios was opened in 1978 by Brian Masterson (Brian Masterson). First studio recorded only Irish folk music and rockers chose to go to England.

U2 became the first rock 'n' roll band, recorded in Dublin. On the "Windmill Lane," the first three U2 albums have been created. That's why fans of the group believe the first group Windmill Lane studio.

Later in the studio to record as The Rolling Stones, Status Quo, R.E.M. and other stars.

Who I moved the studio itself, but unremarkable three-storey building still entails U2 fans. Fans painted the walls of the studio and nearby buildings graffiti with the symbol of your favorite band. So, if you want to feel the spirit of good old rock 'n' roll, go to the Windmill Lane Studios.

Address: 4 Windmill Lane
Site:windmilllanerecording.com
Vicki:U2

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9. Restaurant-church

Dublin - a city pub. All kinds of pubs in the city so much that is not counted. Throughout the river pours beer, Irish music and sounds a loud laugh. Even in the church.

Rather, the former church. Once it was the Church of St. Mary, it was built in the early XVIII century. And in it all, as it should be: the altar, the stained glass windows, organ, high arches. In this church in 1761 even married Arthur Guinness.

However, in 1964 the church was closed and abandoned. While in 1997 it bought the enterprising John Keating (John Keating), who decided to transform the church into a restaurant... 7 years was the restoration of the building, but what was the surprise of the public, when they saw that in particular, nothing has changed. Well, except that in the "church" there was a bar counter and tables for visitors.

Today the restaurant-church includes also a night club, banquet halls, coffee shop and a barbecue area on the terrace. From parishioners visitors at such an unusual institution is literally no end. Especially because it attracts not only the extravagant decor, but good food and good service.

Address: mary Street
Site:thechurch.ie
Mode of operation: daily from 11:00

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10. Monument to Oscar Wilde

In fact, the Irish are very fond of literature (in Dublin even have writers Museum) And its masters of the pen in every way worship. James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, William Yeats, Patrick Pierce - all of them are immortalized in the guise of Dublin. No luck only to Oscar Wilde.

Rather, he also has a monument. It is located in a popular location - Merrion Square. But the monument looks like, to put it mildly, mockingly. The author of "Dorian Gray", "Salome" and other great works of literature "sprawled" on a stone in frivolous pose. He wore a colorful costume in his hand - a flower. Wilde opposite the two pedestal: two marble pedestals, painted aphorisms writer, one of which sits a naked pregnant woman, on the other - a bronze male torso.

Thus the sculptor wanted to emphasize light cheerfulness Wilde, who was a notable London dandy, well hint at sexual orientation writer, because, as you know, at the end of the life of Oscar Wilde received a prison sentence for communication with the young men at the age of 16 younger than himself.

This monument appeared in Dublin in 1997, but still has not won the love of the citizens. Monument to Oscar Wilde Dubliners called «The fag on the grag».

Address: Merrion Square
Vicki:Oscar Wilde

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11. Italian quarter

Dublin Italian Quarter - a unique place for Ireland. It is located on the north bank of the Liffey and is the "enclave" of Italian culture. There are dozens of restaurants where you can enjoy true pasta and pizza, a plurality of shops that sell fresh pastries and Italian cheese (Fontina, Taleggio, Raschera and others).

It is noteworthy that the Italian Quarter is not an ethnic, its appearance in the capital of Ireland - it is rather a result of the economic activity of the country. However, the Dubliners are very fond of this place, believing that it is imbued with the spirit of sunny Italy. For example, on one of the buildings of the quarter have photographic famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper." Artist John Byrne (John Byrne) wanted to show that Dublin - multicultural city, so the apostles for his masterpiece collected, walking the streets and taking pictures of passers-by.

If, guest in Dublin, you get tired of all of the Irish, you will certainly look at the Italian Quarter, where you will find a completely different atmosphere.

Address: Opposite the Millennium Bridge

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12. Museum of transportation

The country's history can be traced back not only by brand but also vehicles that traveled at different times on the streets of Dublin. And the best way to do this in the National Transport Museum of Ireland, which is in the suburb of Dublin.

The museum exhibition includes about 170 exhibits, average age - 46 years. The most "old" vehicle dates back to 1883, and the most "young" - 1984. In this case, it is not only cars but also buses, trams, bikes, etc. Furthermore, it exhibits divided thematically: passenger transport, commercial, military, emergency vehicles and special vehicles destination.

There you can see the first Irish double-decker buses AEC Regent, antique fire truck from Merryweather & Sons, and even the ancient sewage truck. In general, the museum many interesting things. Especially like the children, where boys still see as "machines"?

Address: Heritage Depot, Howth Demesne, Howth
Site: nationaltransportmuseum.org
Mode of operation: Saturday, Sunday and public holidays - 14:00 to 17:00

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13. Howth peninsula

And since we're talking about Howth suburb, the completion of traveling around Dublin, it is our duty to tell you about this place. Since it is a vivid illustration of the Irish nature.

Howth peninsula is 13 km north-east of the capital. Howth rises majestically over the coast and the island it connects a narrow isthmus. The coast line of the peninsula - is a series of small bays, caves and beaches. Taking a walk along the beach, you can admire the view of Dublin Bay and the famous "Irish Eyes".

Of the attractions on the peninsula - Howth Castle, lighthouse, several old churches and graveyards. In addition, on the west pier has rybohranilische to him often seals swim, visitors can even feed these funny animals.

Howth Peninsula, though not related to Dublin, but it is a must to visit. After all, without exploring the natural beauty hardly will develop a complete picture of Ireland and its wonderful capital.

Address: Howth Head
Vicki:Howth

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City bridges. City of colored doors. City pubs. City Writers. And this city of a good rock 'n' roll. It's all about Dublin. It really is original, it all in a special way, in Dublin, in Irish.

Fill out our list by offering his secret place in Dublin in the comments. What else is worth a visit in the capital of the Republic of Ireland?