Dublin Local Secrets

As an organization that sends thousands of students abroad each year, CEA has captured a list of local secrets - a collection of discoveries from our students, resident staff, as well as other locals - that make this city unique. We hope you will find the information helpful and, at the very least, an interesting read.

Iveagh Gardens

Although Dublin boasts several beautiful public parks, the Iveagh Gardens remain one of the city's best kept secrets. As it is slightly off the beaten track, it remains a haven of peace and quiet in the hustle and bustle of city life. Access is off Hatch Street in Dublin 2.

Cobblestones Pub

If you love your Irish traditional music and you want to enjoy it in its raw and natural form, then visit the Cobblestones Pub on Smithfield Plaza, Dublin 7, any evening. You will not be disappointed. No cover charge!

George's Street Shopping Arcade

If you’re looking for something quirky to wear, a gift to buy, or you'd just like to hang out in a different environment, then visit George’s Street Shopping Arcade on South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2. Its eclectic range of shops and cafés will not disappoint.

Temple Bar Food Market

Each Saturday morning local producers sell their wares in this small but diverse market in the heart of Temple Bar. Local cheeses, chocolates, sausages, burgers, fish, oysters and more. A delight to the discerning palette!

Cliff walk from Bray to Greystones

If you’re looking for a spectacular walk along the cliffs of the East Coast, then take the DART (urban train) from the city center to Bray. Walk to the end of the promenade and begin to climb towards Bray Head. Take the path that leads off to the left, and (if you haven't fallen off yet) this will bring you all the way from Bray to Greystones. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The path is not always very wide, but the views are amazing and worth the trek!

Hop on a Dublin Double-decker

This is for anyone would like to go off the tourist path and see beautiful Dublin from the top. At the Dublin Bus office on O'Connell Street, Dublin 1, just grab a ticket, bus map and hop on any of the routes going through the city center. Cruising through Dublin on the upper deck of a double-decker city bus is a unique experience well worth a few hours.

Honest to Goodness Cafe

Honest to Goodness café – best lunch time food in Dublin! Tucked away in the Georges Street market in the heart of Dublin's entertainment, shopping and bohemian center. Browse through the eclectic stalls on your way to or from this tiny bustling eatery, tucked away in an original Victorian building, but offering a vibrant and contemporary interior. Photos on the café's Web site boast a warm, friendly staff happily "Making, baking & cooking in store now."

Howth Golf Club

Play golf for 20 euro! And get amazing views of Dublin bay at Howth Golf Club, only 30 minutes from Dublin's city center. The club is located on the scenic peninsula of Howth in North-East County Dublin and features breathtaking views. The course was designed by renowned golfer and course architect James Braid, a five-time winner of "The Open."

Dun Laoghaire

Take a dip in the Forty Foot in Dun Laoghaire, 30 minutes from city center — an invigorating experience at any time of the year! The Forty Foot is a deep sea water inlet tucked secretly away along the rocky coast just south of Dun Laoghaire, Ireland. It's been a popular, year-round swimming hole for the last 250 years. In earlier times, a gentlemen's swimming club was established to conserve and develop the swimming hole solely for their use. Alas, some spunky women plunged in during the women's liberation movement in the 1970s. Today the club is open to both genders and the swimming hole enjoyed by men, women and children alike.

Rock'n Stroll walking tour

Discover Ireland’s musical heritage in the Rock 'n' Stroll walking tour. Legends such as U2, Thin Lizzy, Rory Gallagher, the Cranberries and many more are celebrated. The tour hits up principal musical landmarks, recording studios, cafes, pubs and other locations reflecting Ireland's rock music history. Check out the famous U2 graffiti wall at Windmill Lane studios and hangout in pubs where Van Morrison and the Dubliners were known to throw back a pint … or two, or three.