Lovin' Dublin

I know I've been banging on about my exams for ages but I'm just so glad to have them over and done with! So last weekend I made the most of my new found freedom and rediscovered Dublin.

And what a weekend to soak up the atmosphere! The sun was shining, the marriage referendum was passed and (most of) Dublin was out celebrating!! So myself and Dean headed into town and had an absolute ball!
So I said I'd fill you's in on what I got up to and share some of my favourite places to go in Dublin.

Botanic Gardens - Glasnevin

First of all this is free, it's also massive and only around the corner from where I work, so how I didn't know what was behind the gates is beyond me!

 Now I'll be honest, the the weather was on our side for this and I don't think it would be as nice on a dull day. But myself and Dean had so much fun wandering around, trying to pronounce plant names, feeding squirrels and testing our pain threshold on cactus plants! The gardens and green houses were so beautiful and full of mad plants and flowers!! We had such a laugh out there, it was a great way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon, I'm only raging I didn't bring a picnic!

Brother Hubbard

This is Dean's favourite cafe, and a cafe that is always topping a new 'Best of Dublin' list. It's on Capel Street so next time you're in town make sure you pop in for a visit. I went for a plain scone with some delicious orange butter and a refreshing Mimosa, as well as robbing a taste of Deans delicious Croque Madame. There was loads of other dishes on offer and next time I think I'll have to sample the pulled pork sandwich!

Rua

Also on Capel Street, Rua is one of towns hidden gems! It's the cutest shop ever, selling vintage(ish) homeware items, DIY bits and bobs, jewelley, cards and the like. I've bought so many things in there over the years and on Saturday I treated myself to a lovely candle (€9.95) and a fabulous glittery jar (€6.50) that I'll probably use as a vase.....I just need someone to buy me flowers first :)

Bernard Shaw Flea Market

On Sunday we headed back into town to The Bernard Shaw Flea market which I think is on once a month. This was my first time going to this market and i loved it! It was out the back of the pub, in a semi-open smoking area which managed to fit a double decker bus into it. Luckily the sun was out again, so we had a great time browsing the rails, having a drink and soaking up the sunshine. I picked up a few things there, including this lovely skull scarf while Dean got himself a few records.

The bus sells the nicest pizza ever!

Dublin Bikes

While we were in town I finally got to put my Dublin Bikes subscription to use! The annual subscription costs €20 and the bikes are so handy for getting around town. I was a bit nervous cycling through the traffic but at least it was a quiet Sunday so there was no casualties!

Sister Sadie

This cafe is Brother Hubbard's well...sister. It was right around the corner from The Bernard Shaw and it has a similar menu (if not the same) to Brother Hubbard, and of course I went for another glass of champagne! Sure why not? This cafe has a lovely seating area out front, on a quiet enough street which was great for just watching the world go by, definitely worth a visit during the summer!

And I have to mention Dean's moment in the spotlight! We were casually walking down Grafton Street when Dean was stopped and asked for his picture to be taken! 

He does look good, we'll give him that :)

I was absolutely wrecked by Sunday night but had such a good weekend, and can't wait for many more like it! Here's hoping the sun comes back out and that I've inspired your weekend antics.

Snapchat: @jenniferdevitt

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