in 24 Hours - Social Energisers

Newest and Oldest Quarters of Dublin

Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of Dublin’s uber- cool “hi-tech hub” and residential quarter – Grand Canal Dock – Bask in a bit of social history of Dublin Town and see some of the hippest and most vibrant streets in the city.

AM

10:00 Take in the unparalleled panoramic views of the cityscape and its proximity to pastoral havens such as the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea from the Gravity Bar @ Guinness Storehouse or the Gibson Hotel or Rooftop at The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Dock. New kid on the block, The Marker is another charm in the bracelet that is the Grand Canal Dock – a landmark building now, due to its distinguished chequerboard frontage. Short visit to Wake Dock in the Grand Canal basin. Wakedock offers cable wakeboarding for adrenaline junkies, those who aren't afraid of the cold, and people who want to show off their good balance. Nothing says 'active' like trying to stay upright on a board while you're dragged around the impressive Grand Canal Dock on a cable. One on one sessions mean you're tested to your own limits, but nobody else's – Meet owners, Colin and Nina Harris

Street Art: U2 wall – Hanover Quay or Windmill Lane which is designated area for Street Art.

12:00 Science Gallery: Pearse St - strives to demystify science in the most fun and interactive way possible.

13:00 Walk through Trinity Campus and take Nassau St/Dawson St exit for Little Museum of Dublin in Stephen’s Green. A fitting location for a place that is an homage to all things 'Dublin.' The Little Museum recognises that it is quirks and curio that really make a city, and they're adept at collecting it all together – they’ve created a collection that gives you a glimpse into Dublin's sociological history. Their tours have become renowned because of their knowledgeable guides, engaging content, and the quaintness of the museum. The museum asks the public to donate anything that they believe to be of historical importance, bringing the sense of community right into the museum, and allowing the stories of ordinary Dubliners of the past to be told. A short guided tour by Simon O’Connor.

14:00 Lunch in the Damson Diner, South William St offers a mix of American diner style and Asian food with house- infused spirits that make for delicious drinks.

PM

15:00 Walk through Dublin’s Creative Quarter, passing by streets that transform into vibrant hubs after work and especially at weekends. In this area you’ll find an eclectic mix of affordable designer and vintage fashions. To get a flavour of this pop in to some key shopping concepts. Powerscourt a decadent 18th-century Georgian mansion which houses amongst others a spectacular high-end Shopping Centre and Lost Society – A food emporium by day, transforming into one of the buzziest hotspots in Dublin that specialises in dispensing delicious cocktails and tasty dance floor beats. Project 51 on South William St is a hub of great Irish design, where talent and creativity are constantly being nurtured. We’ll move on then for a quick browse through the Victorian market - George’s Street Arcade - which is Europe’s oldest shopping centre and has been serving Dublin since 1881. Before we leave this hopping quarter, we’ll call in to see Fade Street Social - The brainchild of celebrity chef Dylan McGrath, Fade Street Social is a of cool – housing a restaurant, cool gastro-bar, and glamorous rooftop lounge. Also worth visiting:

Drury Buildings (Grafitti Bar) – New restaurant on Drury Street facing Fade St De La Punc – Basement shop on Drury Street – cool jewellery, retro and unique clothing and bags shares s pace with This Greedy Pig – streetwear for guys Om Diva – Contemporary fashion on ground floor, Vintage in basement and dedicated floor upstairs to new upcoming designers Industrial Design: Drury Street – quirky homewear, accessories, prints and satchels

16:00 Arrive at Smock alley Theatre - tour of theatre with Coaimhe. Smock Alley is Dublin’s oldest newest theatre. Its original incarnation, the old dame opened in 1662 as the first custom built theatre in the city. After that it spent centuries as a whiskey store and a church, before reopening in 2012 as Dublin’s newest performance space.

17:00 Continue to Dame District – popular hangout for locals who socialize in its mix of pubs, clubs, fantastic eateries and pour out onto the streets on any given night of the week – draw here is for its live music and comedy. Have a pint at the Stag’s Head - without question one of the finest pubs in Ireland, let alone Dublin, the Stags Head is one of the oldest watering holes inside the old city walls.

18:00 Head around the corner to Barnacles Hostel (Temple Lane South). They’ve even got a ‘play to stay’ offer if you can persuade them of your musical merits. It recently earned the titles of Best Hostel in Ireland 2013 and Most Popular Hostel in Dublin 2013.

18:30 Quick Stop – Wall of Fame (Street Art – Curved Street). Then next stop - IFI (Eustace St). Quick overview by Shauna Lyons / Ross Keane. Walk through Meeting House Square past the Gallery of Photography. Meeting House Square is undoubtedly the epicentre of the cultural pulse in Temple Bar. The square boasts a retractable stage by Santiago Calatrava (who also designed the stunning Sean O’Casey bridge) and the Rainscreen Umbrella Project which has just picked up an International Architecture Award. The Square itself often hosts film nights, concerts and launches. However, it’s best known for its Saturday market. Organic produce and local artisan offerings are to the fore.

19:00 Take Essex St East and look out for The Garage.

19:30 Dinner in Cleaver East. Their new dining room boasts, not one but two, Michelin starred chefs in Oliver Dunne and Rory Carville. Its focus is on savoury tasting plates. Next, past The Exchange (Collective Arts Centre) (corner Exchange St Upper/Essex St West).

22:00 Finnish off the tour with a quick drink in the Liquor Rooms, this new addition to Dublin’s cocktail scene brings vintage chic new meaning in the lounge surrounds, where the Kitchen nightclub owned by U2 once stood.

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