Dublin, Ireland

Professional Life Coach, Kim Rudge, lets us know what is so great about living in Dublin, Ireland, and why she would never leave anytime soon!

If I only had 24 hours to visit Dublin, Ireland describe what I should do.

Since Dublin is relatively small for a capital city, there is a lot you can do in 24 hours. I think starting the day with a coffee in your local trendy cafe is important. Then get a Luas [Dublin tram] and head to Phoenix Park to see the deer. After lunch it’s a must – Go to Guinness Brewery and get the full tour, it’s really good. Then try a local history museum – like the Henrietta experience. Finally, follow that up with experiencing the culture by having a meal or some drinks in Temple Bar.

What is your favourite restaurant / cafe / eating / drinking place?

My favorite cafe is: Cocobrew. The address is: 5 Bedford Row, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 E393

If you could suggest for me to just do ONE thing in Dublin what would it be and why?

If you could only do ONE thing in Dublin, I would suggest the Guinness Brewery tour. It is one of those things that is iconic to the city.

What is one thing Dublin should be known for and why?

Although Dublin is famous for Guinness and drinking in pubs, I do think it has the potential to be known for other things too. For me, I think Dublin should be known for the arts. There are so many talented artists in this city, it blows me away when I see any exhibitions/performances. The music is amazing – if you are around in Dublin when it’s on, getting to see the Riverdance – both the music and the dancing is so moving, you’ll never forget it.

Tell me about your favourite outdoor activity?

My favorite activity in Dublin is to do a cliff walk at Howth. It’s a little far from the city center, but it is worth the short train ride. You are right up on the edge of the Irish Sea and it’s just beautiful. It is the nearest thing to experiencing the rest of Ireland’s beauty without having to go too far from the city.

Tell me about your favourite indoor activity?

One thing my husband and I love to do is to take a day in the city, just to go into new places that we haven’t tried before. For example, last week there was a contemporary photography museum and a ceramics exhibition in the same building – so we just wandered in and really enjoyed it. There are so many places like that.

Imagine I am blind. If I come to visit Dublin Ireland, how would you describe it to me?

I would describe it as a city with a soul. Ask the locals for their history and you will hear what this city is all about. Among all the different languages and peoples the locals are a community. There has been a lot of struggles, but it endures. The people seem inherently kind. 

What makes Dublin stand out compared to nearby places?

I think Dublin is unique in that although it is a city, it can feel like a village really quickly. You can soon have a local cafe, pub, shop where you are known, you call each other by name and you hear all the local gossip, and that is right in the city center.

What is the best thing to do with children and why?

If you bring kids to Dublin, there are many parks to let them get their energy out. But the zoo has always been the most popular with the kiddos to see the Elephants and Giraffes, etc. 

What is the best thing to do as a solo traveller?

As a solo traveller in Dublin, there are many walking tours that you could join, this is a way to get around and see the sights. But honestly, Dublin is such a social city, if you want it, you can go find people to chat with anywhere. The challenge might be if you want to keep yourself solo. 

What is the best thing to do as a couple in Dublin why?

As a couple, I would suggest spending at least one evening going to a fancy restaurant, if you can afford it. There are some lovely, romantic cavern type restaurants which is definitely one of mine and my husbands favorite ways to spend a date night.

Is there anything else I should know about why you love where you live?

I think Dublin is an experience – it’s not just about the buildings, and the shops. It’s the people. There are a lot of crazy sights here, you never know what you will see in front of you. Your eyes are likely to be widened. Be prepared for a full on blast of crazy Irish culture and you are set to go!

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