Pay for a bag or bring it with you
by sn0ball
In Ireland, we pay a government levy of 15c (at present) on plastic bags.
I work in retail and get a lot of complaints from customers regarding this scandalous method of ripping off tourists.
You're right, that 15c could be better spent on a car loan, mortgage or extra weeks stay in the country, but, unfortunately, our greedy government wish to protect the environment- imagine such an abbhoration!
So, if grocery shopping, please remember to either bring your own bag or be prepared to re-mortgage your home to get the extra cash for a carrier bag.
Edit: bags cost 22c now!
Enjoy its great atmosphere and...
by balderas
Enjoy its great atmosphere and have go on a pub crawl in Temple Bar. Have a Guinness in one of the pubs, which are packed all day long, with live music and odd people. There are very few things that beat walking along River Liffey after a few pints :)
I stayed near the Temple bar...
by markjs
I stayed near the Temple bar area. If you are young and enjoy nightlife, I would highly suggest you do the same. The best part about Dublin is how friendly everyone is. Additionally, I love how easy it is to walk around virtually everywhere you need to go. And of course, how could I not mention the fact that the beer here, especially guinness is amazing.
Shopping in GRAFTON STREET
by Antji
GRAFTON STREET - you can find this street in Downtown of Dublin near the Trinity college! Here you can shopping, see typical irsh shops and everytime then I´ve been there some bands or other guys made music on the street...
Flea Markets and Steet Traders
by Lochlainn
It's hard to believe I'm writing these words but genuine flea markets - which once proliferated all around the city - are so few and far between nowadays that those who have survived deserve a special mention. Of course the term is (and always was) misleading - the street traders who sold bric-a-brac at knock down prices once supplied a much needed service to a largely impoverished community. Others specialised in certain goods and some still do, like the fruit and veg sellers of Moore Street who have survived many a concerted effort by the bureaucracy to move them indoors, or abolish them entirely. Somehow, as long as I see these fantastic ladies plying their "applezanorranjuhs" as their kinfolk have done for generations, I still retain a faith in the unbeatable nature of the Dub spirit to withstand adversity with humour, wit and, above all, staying power!
This unquenchable spirit can still be enjoyed to various degrees at the following locations:
. Moore Street: The grandma of 'em all. This has always been run by the women - perhaps explaining why it's still with us. The street is now host to a variety of recently arrived African traders too, which if anything has added to the buzz of an area already hopping with the essence of Dublinese.
The Fruit Market, Georges Street: Not a fruit to be had there - the name reflects its original purpose. Nowadays you can have your fortune told (for a fortune), stock up on second hand CDs, and dine at the only Moroccan fast food caff I'm aware of in Dublin. Lovely architecture.
Henry Street / North Earl Street: Even before pedestrianisation, these streets were the haunts of those "traders" who like to live that little bit closer to the edge. Their numbers increase according to supply and their illicit merchandise includes anything from fireworks to dodgy ciggies. Try not to look too much like a cop if you approach one - unless you want a good chase!
Thomas Street / Meath Street: Household goods, clothes etc are the stock in trade (stocking trade?) around this area. The place really takes off in the Christmas run-up when the street traders all but paralyse the traffic along the street and you'd need a bulldozer to plough a way along the pavement.
The Liberties Market, Meath Street: Similar, but indoors. There's a lady there does a great trade in electrical accessories (now don't be naughty - I mean plugs and fuses and things!).
The Antiques Fair: Held periodically in the old coach house of Dublin Castle. A bit upmarket for my liking but the venue is fantastic.
The Books Fair: Held on the first Sunday of every month, currently in the Freemasons Lodge on Molesworth Street. You might not want to buy a book but it's rarely you'll get a chance to see these guys' HQ!
The Horse Fair: Ok - you'll hardly want to buy one but the fair, held on the first Monday of the month in Smithfield is a throwback to another era and well worth a visit! Bring a few sugar lumps and apples ...