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!