Grafton Street is one of Dublin’s most recognisable locations. Formerly the stomping ground of James Joyce, Bob Geldof, Sinead O’Connor and Bono (whose impromptu Christmas Eve gig is now an annual event), it’s so much more than just a shopping destination. Between the high street favourites and designer boutiques, there’s some incredible things to see, do and soak up instead of trying on ‘fits. Check out our guide to Grafton Street and get stuck in.
Where To Eat
There are plenty of incredible restaurants on Grafton Street and nearby. One of our top picks is Pacino's, which serves authentic pasta, pizza and perfectly paired bottles of wine. There’s also the American-inspired Shanahan's On The Green, Zozimus for those seeking Pan-Asian plates and handcrafted cocktails, and Bartley's Bar and Restaurant, in the Grafton Hotel, which serves an enticing mix of international and Irish dishes.
To get your fix of Pan-Asian plates, head to Zozimus. Meanwhile, Pacino's is a haven of hearty Italian grub.
Where To Drink
Shopping trips on Grafton Street can often feel like thirsty work. La Cave Wine Bar is Dublin's oldest wine bar with over 350 bottles, The Blind Pig is a speakeasy serving some of the city’s hottest cocktails and Porterhouse is essential for those who love craft beer. Looking for something traditional? Kehoes Pub is an award-winning boozer on South Anne Street, promising pints, whiskey, live music and comedy nights.
Cocktails at The Blind Pig are essential, as is a visit to the brilliantly quirky La Cave Wine Bar.
Where To Dance
Wrap up your evening on Grafton Street with a visit to these dance palaces. Mother is an old school gay club night that's welcomed everyone from Scissor Sisters to Roisin Murphy to its Lost Lane location. If you’re in the mood for food, booze and boogieing, Café en Seine is your gal, while Twenty Two NightClub goes for more of an exclusive vibe with its bold blue interiors and roster of popular DJs on the regular.
Hit the dancefloor at Café en Seine to really round off your trip along Grafton Street.
Things To See
If you consider yourself a bookworm? You’ll love Trinity College and The Long Room as it boasts over 200,000 texts along 65 metres. Museum-wise, there’s The Little Museum of Dublin, The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Castle or EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum a 20-minute walk away, which was voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction for its tracing of Irish diaspora. To wrap up, make sure to swing by the Molly Malone Statue.
Trinity College and The Long Room looks almost cinematic.
Things To Do
Of course, no trip to Grafton Street would be complete without a bev or two. If you really feel like immersing yourself in a world of whiskey, check out Irish Whiskey Museum and enjoy a few tastings or wander on over to Jameson Distillery around the corner on Bow Street. There’s also St Stephen’s Green which is one of the city’s prettiest picnic locations, with boat tours running around the river if you fancy some aquatic action.
If the weather's right? Settle down with a picnic in the beautiful St Stephen's Green.
Hungry for more? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Dublin's city centre here.
