Apr 29, 2025

The Grand Canal Dublin

For enjoyable walks

""The Grand Canal" is the part of Dublin I like to go to discover little bridges, cafés and just quiet spots with benches next to the water..."

Tired of the busy Dublin city center and wouldn't mind a quiet walk along the water? Dublin offers plenty of opportunities for this - I would personally recommend a short journey on foot along the Grand Canal in the beautiful South side of the city.

If I happen to end up being in that part of the world (to make it clear, I live in the cheaper North side), I love discovering little bridges, cafés and just quiet spots with benches along the canal. Here I come to feed swans and ducks, go for a run after a busy day or on a weekend - have a drink at one of the locals near the water.

I discovered some bars on my way that surprisingly allow people to have a drink outside, even walking until the little bridges that connect Dublin waters. Do not forget, alcohol consumed in public is forbidden in Ireland, unless a restaurant has purchased a license for that. Therefore, the Grand Canal is a place to be - one of the places that has such a license is The Barge Pub.

On weekends throughout the year here and there there are little markets and music festivals to experience along the canal. Try it yourself, just a walk would also be highly enjoyable, especially on a sunny day!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

The Grand Canal/Mespil Road

free

Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Dublin guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin

River Dodder

Dublin walks

"River Dodder" is a spot I really enjoy - what can be better than a nice, quiet walk along a canal or a river? Protip: bring some bread for the ducks.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 29, 2025

Phoenix Park

Dublin walks

"Phoenix Park" is one of the biggest walled parks in Europe, situated in Dublin, one of the smallest capitals! I really recommend you come here on...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 29, 2025

Apples and Atoms

Or silver balls

"Apples and Atoms" -or 'silver balls!- in Dublin is a sculpture in Trinity College that very few people, even knowledgeable locals, know the story behind.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 29, 2025

Dublin Bay Walks

Sean Moore Park and More

If you're a big seaside & beach fan, like me, then you should definitely walk in Sandymount, in Dublin Bay. There's no other place where you can get..

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 29, 2025

The Ramen Bar

Authentic Japanese cuisine

I have visited a lot of different restaurants in Dublin, and I certainly have my favorites, but for sure "The Ramen Bar" is my all-time most cherished!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Apr 27, 2025

The Tram Café

All aboard!

"The Tram Café" in Dublin City is the perfect example of a great idea that came alive in the most elegant, beautiful way. This tram has really been around!

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Apr 27, 2025

The Black Sheep

Craft beers and more!

"The Black Sheep" in Dublin is a perfect location to visit after the cinema nearby. I love their main Irish craft beers... Try the cherry one!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 26, 2025

Visitor Centre of Phoenix Park

Learn and walk

The "Visitor Centre of Phoenix Park" in Dublin reveals the secrets of one of the largest parks in Europe, unknown to most casual walkers!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 25, 2025

Blackbird

Craft beers by candlelight

"Blackbird" in Dublin is a dimly lit, dive bar delight. Whenever I'm in the area, I always try to stop here for a drink - it's always 5 o'clock somewhere!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Apr 24, 2025

Music Under The Bridges

Dublin from the Liffey

"Music Under the Bridges" allows you to discover Dublin and its river Liffey from the water by kayaking and listening to music!

029-guitar-instrument-1
Music
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Daiana

Andreea Nagy Deac

Apr 24, 2025

Farmleigh House

Discover Irish State guest house

"Farmleigh House" in Dublin was built in the late 18th century and was home to the Guinness family. It's accessible from Phoenix Park. Such a discovery!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alina

Ecke

Apr 24, 2025

Irish Film Institute

Hangout spot for film lovers

The "Irish Film Institute" in Dublin looks strange - the good kind. Come discover Irish film here. Personally, I love the beer garden out back...

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Ginger

Greenidge

Apr 18, 2025

Heading to Dublin?

112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Dublin?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

112 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Dublin

Our team loves Dublin

Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
43
Filters