A WEEKEND IN THE CITY
Some might think it strange to go on a weekend break to Dublin City when in fact you still technically live in Dublin (ahem, by the skin of our teeth)…. but it was Shane's birthday a couple of weeks ago and I decided to plan a surprise weekend in town. We miss living there so much, especially having an abundance of things to do within walking distance. This trip we were going solo, we were going to walk around and pretend we were cool, that we belonged in town, that the bags under our eyes were caused by our hectic social lives and we were going to eat where WE wanted. Not just because it was big enough to fit a buggy or loud enough to drown him out but it would be places that we actually wanted to go.
So I booked an Airbnb in Portobello, my favourite area in Dublin. Every house is gorgeous, it's walking distance to town, it's full of lovely cafés and restaurants and we generally go for drinks around Camden St, so it's perfect. When I win the lotto…
The day before we were meant to leave my mother (and babysitter) called with the news that she had been struck down with a vomiting bug. Then, on the morning we were to leave, Tom decided to get sick and I forgot to put the washing machine on and thus had NO clothes. Cue hissy fit, the "I'm not going anywhere" rant, followed by two choruses of "why me" *insert eyeroll. Anyway, Shane talked me around, my mother-in-law saved the day and before we knew it (9pm) we were on our way.
With it being so late getting in, we decided to stay close enough to our Airbnb so we went to Las Tapas de Lola. I love this place, it's always so atmospheric and feels like you're on your holidays. It's Spanish tapas, d'oh, and it's sooo good, the service is also amazing. The white chorizo with chimichurri and gambas are delicious and we always order extra bread for mopping up all the sauces and oils at the end. Everything is just sooo garlicky, my favourite.
Friday morning, we got up and decided to just get something light for breakfast. So we grabbed a pastry and coffee from Industry on Drury Street (it's all about pacing yourself). Then rather than fritter the day away in town, we decided to pretend we were tourists and do a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. I have to say, it was absolutely brilliant. It is all laid out so well and we got to pull our own pints and have a drink in the Gravity Bar which has stunning 360º views over the city. I had a Guinness marinated burger and Shane had the Guinness stew, yum. It's gas saying sláinte with all the Americans. Really recommend doing it!
That night we went to Izakaya on Georges Street. It's Japas (Asian Tapas), are you sensing a theme? I love tapas, I think I'm just greedy and I like to get a bit of everything. You have to order the duck pancakes (my mouth is watering while I type) and the tempura prawns have the lightest, airiest batter ever. Oh, not forgetting the chicken wings!!! It's one of the few restaurants I can go to and still have a night out afterwards because it doesn't weigh me down!
On Saturday morning we strolled to Meet Me In The Morning, just for a coffee and toast served with the most delicious marmalade. It's such a beautiful, unpretentious spot and we were so tempted to order more food because the whole menu looked great but I had booked San Lorenzo's on Georges Street for brunch - we will be back there for sure though, the staff and atmosphere were so lovely!
Now, we had been to San Lorenzo's a few times before leaving town and every time I closed my eyes I could actually taste that Nutella cheesecake. So I was LIVING for it. We both got the chargrilled striploin served with poached eggs and duck fat home fries and we also got the aforementioned cheesecake. The steak was absolutely delicious, I mean melt in your mouth amazing. I also got two Aperol Spritz's and Shane got two other cocktails (not sure which ones but he always ends up with a cosmo glass- lol) It was fab from start to finish and already I can't wait to go back.
We had a wee stroll around town afterwards, into BT's for a nose and Powerscourt, I just love it there. After that we parked ourselves outside Grogans, listened to the street performers, people watched and got a little merry. We ended up in Bunsen on the way home for a late burger and needless to say I rolled back to Portobello.
We really had such a lovely weekend and it was so nice to stroll around the town that we know inside out and called home for so long - but do you know what? We also loved getting home to our baby in the shticks. It was nice to escape the city, so maybe the countryside ain't so bad either!
J x
