Claudia Rodríguez (1980)

Founded in 1981, Asia Market Ltd. is the place to go to for any of us living here that needs a hard-to-find ingredient for that special dish.

I recommend you stop here on any given day (preferably in the morning) so that you can be a witness to the fast-paced and multicultural shopping experience that many don’t often see while traveling.

Asia Market is also the place where many of Dublin’s great restaurant kitchens gather some of their key ingredients. Who knows? Maybe the next time you are in, you might bump into one of the wonderful Dublin chefs that like to shop here before their start to a very busy day!

FYI: Book your “What’s Inside Asia Market?” today! It’s FREE, you get a behind the scenes look, and get tips on making the most out of staple Asian ingredients next time you try your luck in the kitchen. See their Facebook page for more info.

Many people that have watched the movie Chocolat with Juliette Binoche, often dream of having such a little shop in their city, town, or neighbourhood… a place where they can go into and be greeted by an honest smile from someone who understands what chocolate invokes once the first bite is taken.

Dubliners now have such a place. Although it is not found in a remote town in France like in the film, Cocoa Atelier definitely creates that space of serenity, warmth and intimacy within that many city dwellers & chocoholics crave.

Inside Cocoa Atelier you will find a multitude of truffles in all sorts of flavour combinations sitting before you, with columns of chocolate Florentines, jars and bottles oozing chocolatey deliciousness adorning the walls, and almost endless rows of macaroons waiting to be picked.

The place is a temple to the art of all things chocolate. Everything you see on display is produced in the downstairs kitchen using the best quality ingredients to make Cocoa Atelier an experience to be had while in Dublin. My favourites so far are the salted caramels & the white chocolate and pistachio Florentines.

Another thing to highlight at Cocoa Atelier is the modern and soothing ambiance within the shop where chocolate is the pièce de résistance, all divinely enhanced by the always smiling shop staff. Cocoa Atelier is probably the type of shop Brioche’s character would have started had she had the city and the 21st century at her disposal.

It seems as if Dublin were a magnet for the world’s leading names in terms of architecture. Of course this is an honor for the city and a treat for her residents and visitors. Even if architecture and structural or civil engineering are not what makes your heart skip a beat, the latest design by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava will definitely bring a smile to your face, even if it’s lashing (raining hard and sideways) on you as you make use of his work.

What I am talking about is the Samuel Becket Bridge, which was introduced into the Dublin cityscape in May of 2009 and finally inaugurated and opened in December 2009 to pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists. The four-lane structure is intended to become Dublin’s Eiffel Tower. The plus? There are no lines to wait in or admission to pay; you may also use it any time you want!

In keeping with the iconic vision, the bridge is shaped like a harp (Ireland’s symbol), but laying on its side, the bridge is ingenious in its form and operation as it opens at a 90º angle as if it were an actual door to allow for large ships passage into and out of Dublin.

I am not sure if something like this exists anywhere else in the world, but I cannot hide my awe and amazement at such a structurally beautiful and innovative piece.

I roll my eyes at the kitschy souvenir shops that Dublin is invaded with. Not only do they “pollute” the lovely Georgian canvas of the city, but some even dare to blast obnoxious adverts on deals: “buy a pair of socks, get the 2nd pair free!” I just hang my head in disgust. I’m the kind of traveller that likes to gather more authentic, quality pieces that will be functional at home. This is when Avoca comes into the scene.

Tourists often walk by it and might even take a peek inside the store, but I never see them experiencing the place! Avoca is popular with the locals, of course; it’s almost a thing of national pride for some too!

Founded in 1723, Avoca is an institution when it comes to hand-woven goodies. Not only are they amazing at it, their restaurant on the top floor has some delish items for a cool brunch, and the deli in the basement’s perfect for a quick, yet cosy, pick me up — their food and crumbles are to die for!!! The guys have their own loft in the 3rd level, but you must walk through the coolest kid’s area first.

What’s the best part? Taking that lovely throw, or cute scarf home to someone special and making them feel like you really cared enough to find something for them unique and authentically Irish without the kitsch factor attached to it. To me, this is where tradition meets cool.

There are roughly 1.5 million inhabitants in the Dublin metro area and you might bump into a few at the local pubs or at a rugby match. Not many people realize that within the city, there are another 1.5 million residents you won’t be likely to see on the street.

You can however find them at Glasnevin. The necropolis that is Glasnevin Cemetery, located a few blocks from the National Botanical Gardens is famous for many things. As mentioned, the sheer size of the place and the unbelievable number of tombs rivals the number of happy go lucky Dubliners that live, work, party, and play just a few steps outside its gates.

Other points of interest? The tombs of the brave, the inspiring, and the famous such as Daniel O’Connell, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty, and Michael Collins can all be found within the walls. The crematorium is also unique for being the largest and most modern in Europe. More recently, Galsnevin has opened a wonderful museum where one can practice a bit of genealogy, something that not all cemeteries provide.

I suggest showing up early for one of the tours so that you may get an insight into Dublin’s past through the voice of a local… and keep an eye for the watch towers as these were placed to keep body snatchers at bay during the 18th & 19th centuries!