#LoveDublin

I kind of wanted to call this post ‘but, oh, the days are soft’ in honour of this video made by Visit Dublin. I’ve been invited – along with some of my favourite bloggers – to talk about Dublin. Well, more specifically, my Dublin. Which is quite the treat, as it gives me free rein to chat about tried and true favourites and proper not-in-the-guide book stuff. Below is a kind of condensed greatest hits of some my favourite city spots right now.

First, will we get a bite to eat? For years and years, trips to town on a Saturday have consistently meant one thing: Mexican food. Not exactly a typical Dub experience, but it’s part of the fabric of living in the city to me now, and visitors are often surprised by the great options available here. These days, there are many delicious ways to tuck into authentic Mexican food in town. One of my favourites is K Chido Mexico, a food truck on Chancery Street, D7, that serves the best tacos in town, hands down.

It’s run by Theresa and Gus, who have dishing up amazing Mexican eats to Dubs for well over 15 years. They also run a Mexican stand every Saturday in the Temple Bar food market in Meeting House Square, another fave spot – if a Saturday kicks off with some cripsy tacos or a fajita here (Ben and I like to wash ours down with a bottle of tangy apple juice from the Llewellyn stand), then I know it’s going to be a great day.

Other spots definitely worth trying: Azteca, for honest to goodness, traditional Mexican grub, served by Hugo, one of the warmest, nicest guys around who also runs great courses. | Saburritos – formerly known as Taco Taco, this stall was the original burrito joint, here a full decade before anywhere else. | 777: A fun place to splash out on with great vibes and tequila cocktails  – the perfect spot for some hipster-watching too.

Next up, some shopping. Living in Rinsgend, I’ve come to know and love the Merchant’s Market on the East Wall Road. Most big bargains are gone by mid-morning Saturday, but it’s a got a proper car boot buzz and is super handy for picking up random shoot props and the odd vintage camera (or three).

Also most definitely worth a bus ride: The Brocante in D8, third Sunday of every month. Head here for great retro pieces and cool handmades – mid-century maestro Kirk Modern has a stand here, as do Trentanove Lighting, purveyors of cool cage lights. | The Dublin Flea Market, the last Sunday of every month. For a quirky souvernir, pick up one of their posters, created by a different local artist every month.

And now, for something both traditional and unexpected. When I got to thinking about a favourite outdoor space, one with a bit of history, I kind of expected to land on Phoneix Park or the Iveagh Gardens (which definitely ticks the hidden gem box). But then, when I really thought about it, I realised that some of my favourite Dublin memories are from Merrion Square – the bird’s eye view of the city I got from the top of a ferris wheel during the St Patrick’s Day festivities, heading there with my sis and the kids during one of the many family-friendly events that pop up every year, getting a peek inside some of incredible, historic, redbrick Georgian townhouses that line it (most recently for Irish Design Shop’s brilliant pop-up) or simply meeting Ben there for a smoochy picnic lunch. Fun fact: it also houses a great collection of old Dublin lamp posts.