20 Nov 2015

Discover Dublin and beyond with travel tips from a Homestay local

Meet Emma, part of the Marketing team at Homestay.com, who was born and bred in Dublin. We asked her to share some of her favourite spots around the city as well as from spots from her local neighbourhood in the west of the city. Read on to discover some family-friendly hidden gems that are off the tourist trail.

Name: Emma Bailey

Position: Marketing Assistant - Photography

Nationality: Irish

Hometown: Blanchardstown, Dublin

1. Tell us your favourite thing about Dublin?

There are so many things that I love about Dublin. The feeling I get when I walk into the local shop and I'm greeted by every clerk, going out and painting the town red, only to end the night with a bag of chipper chips from Leo Burdock! I love visiting Iveagh Gardens, the fact that we have a leprechaun museum, a dedicated whiskey museum and the Guinness Storehouse. I love walking around St. Stephen's Green on sunny days during my lunch break, taking in a couple of extra rays, God knows my pale Irish skin needs it! Most of all I love the fact that my family are here and that I am never far from a green space.

2. Where’s the best restaurant or café in the city?

My favourite restaurant in the city has got to be The Grafton Lounge; it has some of the best dishes in the entire city. The staff are friendly and they sure know how to pull out all of the stops when it comes to a fine dining experience. When I just want to grab something on the go, I always go to Yum Thai on Duke Street, it’s cheap and cheerful, there’s nothing better than chowing down on a massaman curry, on a sunny day in St. Stephen's Green park.

3. Describe a place you love in your local area

My favourite place in my area is St. Catherine’s Park in Lucan. The park has been redeveloped with the help of the local community. It's naturally crafted and environmentally friendly, which makes the tree hugger within me very happy. The park has lots of play areas, a BMX track, picnic area and stunning trails along the park's edges. My favourite thing to do on a sunny Sunday is to pack up the camera and go to St. Catherine’s Park with my family. We love to pop into the River Café for some delicious homemade blueberry scones, followed by a bit of thrift shopping in Jay Jays, and then off to the park, for a run around and an ice-cream. I have to admit, sometimes I’m a bigger kid than my son!

4. Do you have any insider tips for others visiting Dublin?

My first tip would be to bring an umbrella, wind, rain or shine, you never know what Irish weather you will get next. Pick up a Leap card which is a discounted prepaid card you can use on buses, trains and the Luas (tram). If you fancy some exercise rent a Dublin bike. If you've time, I recommend you hop on the train and visit the beautiful Dun Laoghaire Harbour and venture on to the People's Park for the wonderful markets and delicious authentic cuisines. Take a walk along the harbour make sure to stop by Teddy’s to get an ice-cream. Last but not least, I would strongly advise you to see one of the many plays in Dublin's Abbey Theatre or the Gaiety Theatre. Feast your eyes on some of the finest Irish acting talent, followed by a couple of drinks in Bison Bar or Against the Grain.

5. Where’s your favourite spot outside the capital?

My favourite spot outside of Dublin has to be Kerry. It has long been a favourite of mine as my grandmother is from Killorglin in Kerry and we visit there frequently. I have spent many of my summers down there, only to bask in the beauty of the beaches and dance the night away in the Olde Glenbeigh Inn. If you visit Kerry you must take a trip down to Ross Beach and the Dingle Peninsula. If you're lucky enough you might even catch a glimpse of Fungi the Dolphin. I spent last summer down in Kerry, and made a trip to Killorglin, for the annual event Puck Fair. The streets were lined with bunting and goat imagery everywhere. The locals have a wonderful warmth about them and will proudly tell you all about the tradition and origins of King Puck.

6. What and where was your most memorable holiday to date?

My most memorable holiday to date, would have to be Prague in the Czech Republic. My partner and I decided to visit this romantic city and we were pleasantly surprised. We ventured over the beautiful Charles Bridge and found many wonderful artists and performers there. We followed this on with a strong cup of coffee in a Starbucks overlooking the city. Our next stop was the John Lennon Wall and the Love Locks Cover Bridge, followed by a couple of Pilsners and Long Island ice teas at the John Lennon Pub. The nightlife in Prague is wonderful and the locals are so welcoming. I'll definitely go back to Prague again.

7. Where in the world will you go on your next trip?

I would love to go to Reykjavik in Iceland. My Partner has been there twice before and after seeing some of the beautiful imagery and scenic beaches, I am sold! I long to see the Northern Lights, the icy mountains and glaciers. I have heard many wonderful things about the hot springs and saunas in Reykjavik, so I think that would be my last port of call, followed by some Hangikjöt (warm lamb) and a nice Einstök beer.

- Northern Lights, Iceland

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