Where
Located in the province of Leinster on the east coast, Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. It sits at the mouth of the River Liffey that divides it into two. Bordered by a low mountain range towards the south, it is surrounded by flat farmland in the north and west.
When
The best time to visit Dublin is in the summer when temperatures are warm and festivals fill the streets. While June to August experiences a cool summer and commands the best time to visit, September is warm and sunny. The months from November to February are cold but dry. May sees rain and sun.
Why
A small capital with a huge reputation, Dublin’s mix of heritage and hedonism will not disappoint. Along with its traditional Irish culture, Dublin has been infiltrated by a host of glorious international influences. Known for its cobbled streets and classic pubs, travellers can expect to experience the traditional alongside the contemporary.
Boutique Beauty
Located in Dublin’s nightclub district, the Dean Hotel spells hipster luxury at its finest. Giving the boutique hotel scene of Dublin a much needed kick, it mixes urban chic with retro vibes and a rock-n-roll spirit to perfection. The result is a sassy abode with loads of surprising features, like mirrored ceilings, geometric floors, neon lights and street art. The hotel offers a taste of vintage inspired delights.
The 52 bedroom accommodation with 2 suites, The Devlin and The James invests heavily in emerging Irish artists. It boasts of a rotisserie, a function room called ‘The Blue Room’ and The Loft – a two bedroom penthouse with a huge living space for luxury seekers. Spread across floors of Georgian and contemporary architecture, the history of Harcourt Street enters through its Georgian doorways that help establish a unique frontage for the hotel.
A limited palette of materials and colours has been combined in various ways to create interest. Struck by ambient lighting as you enter, you witness a lobby illuminated by the downstairs bar’s radian golden glow from one side and the reception’s cool neon glare which reads, ‘I Fell In Love Here’ from the other. Its café and restaurant are equally photogenic. The rooftop bar is decked out with swings and plush booths that offset the very best of modern Irish interiors.
Dramatising The Docklands
The Grand Canal Theatre is a powerful cultural presence expressed in dynamic volumes, sculpted to project a fluid and transparent public dialogue as it adds drama to the Dublin docklands. This composition creates a dynamic urban gathering space cum icon mirroring the joy and drama symbolic of Dublin itself.
The 2000 seat theatre is an architectural landmark with three prominent entrances. It comprises mainly of three stages –the stage of the theatre, the stage of the piazza and the stage of the multiple level theatre lobby above the piazza. The theatre forms the main façade of a large public piazza that has a five star hotel and residences on one side and an office building on the other. The piazza often converts into a stage for civic gatherings with the dramatic theatre elevation as the backdrop offering platforms for viewing. Its rooftop terrace offers 360 degree views of the Dublin Harbour.
The Home Story
As simple as its name the store ‘Article – items for the home’ flaunts a simplistic interior in its rawest form. Located in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in the heart of Dublin’s boutique shopping centre, it resides in Lord Powerscourt’s former dressing room with its original plaster work ceiling dating from 1780. It is the perfect backdrop to showcase the beautifully edited selection of items for the home.
Simple white casement windows read out ‘Article’ in a blue coloured unassuming stencil font as they attract passers-by to glance at the display inside. The windows itself are used as quirky display shelves. Housing everything from the practical to the whimsical, artefacts adding colour to the plain white interiors are centred on geometrically simple, wooden shelves and tables.
Literary Dublin
Founded in 1592, The Trinity College is Ireland’s oldest university. The compact design of the college is based on its main buildings looking inwards arranged in large quadrangles. The college grounds witness works ranging from older architecture to modern buildings.
The western side of the college is older and houses the Chapel and The Examination Hall, The Graduates Memorial Building, The Museum and The Rubrics spread across five squares. An art gallery and theatre are also located here which host national and international exhibitions and performances. Externally, The Examination Hall and Chapel display a classical temple front. The chapel is elaborate in its detailing with three large round headed windows; the interiors of The Hall are lit by semi-circular windows set into the ceiling. Complete with wooden arches, railings, columns and balustrades, the Library is the largest and oldest in Ireland. Composed of several buildings it boasts of a rich stock of books on Arts, Science and Engineering and Medicine.
Text By KanupriyaPachisia
