A Hipster’s Guide to Dublin: 10 Alternative things to do

Like your coffee independent, your threads thrifty and your tattoos with a septum piercing and a side serving of indie music? Then here’s your alternative guide to Dublin; a haven for counter-culture and Urban Bohemia to satisfy your hipster needs by Mary Cate Smith, AKA The Fashion Horn.

1. EAT

Whether you’re a dedicated carnivore or a strict vegan, Dublin has the answer to your dietary inklings. Joburger is quite easily the best spot for a burger in town while Sova Vegan Butcher goes the full nine yards for those seeking an ethically sound gastronomic experience.

Compromise and go for the best of both worlds at the Fumbally; a co-operative restaurant favoured among foodies for producing stellar quality locally sourced artisanal food from Indian and Mexican to vegetarian and everything in between.

2. DRINK

Seldom is the day when there isn’t a string of caffeine addicts queuing outside Nick’s Coffee in Ranelagh for that much-needed daily hit. Having worked in the coffee industry for years, Nick Seymour developed a special blend of espresso that has cemented his status as one of the top coffee blenders in Ireland.

The mocha in Clement & Pekoe is worth a special mention. A large Belgian chocolate lollipop dunked into your latte is a devilishly decadent touch. Beware – it’s terribly moreish. 3FE and Kaph deserve an honourable mention.

3. STAY

Just a short train ride away from the city centre is Haddington House, a boutique hotel with quirky interiors and an awesome atmosphere to boot. Four Victorian townhouses combined to make this hotel that boasts panoramic views of the Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

On a sunny day, nothing beats a wood-fired pizza over cocktails in the Garden Hut bar. Interior design enthusiasts will enjoy the heritage décor in the library bar where you can enjoy a whiskey sour or Irish brandy and chat the night away to your heart’s desire.

4. DO

Easily the city’s most avant-garde theatre venue, the Project Arts Centre is a hub for visual and performance art. Hipsters will love the post-modern art exhibitions and minimal design but the main draw is its theatrical offerings.

Boasting appearances from critically acclaimed companies and actors, The Project has shown work from experimental theatre company Forced Entertainment, a world premiere from The Emergency Room, a one-man show from Andrew Scott (Moriarty in Sherlock) and much, much more.

Don’t miss The Game, (13/14 April) a groundbreaking theatre piece that explores the act of sex and prostitution. Devised by rule-breakers Theatre Club, it promises to be a wholly immersive experience where five male audience members are asked to volunteer each night and play ‘the game.’

5. SEE

If you consider yourself a fan of modern art and you haven’t visited IMMA, shame on you. Some of the world’s most seminal artists have shown here including Andy Warhol, Marina Abramović, Frida Kahlo and Tino Sehgal. Exhibiting now is The Welfare of Tomás Ó Hallissy by the Turner prize-winning artist Duncan Campbell and a solo exhibition of Lucian Freud’s work. Save the date for Nan Goldin and Vivienne Dick – the feminist artists due at IMMA from June until October.

6. WEAR

The vintage scene is alive and kicking in Dublin and nowhere beats Dublin Vintage Factory for price and quality. From 90s athleisure to Baja hoodies and Dynasty-inspired sequin numbers, this is your one-stop shop to sartorial bliss. Stroll around Temple Bar where designer consignment store Siopaella has everything from Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Nine Crows is the ultimate destination for trend-driven hipsters forgoing fast fashion.

7. HEAR

The Workman’s Club in Dublin is a total hipster’s dream. With regular gigs from alternative artists, the one to watch this month is Weyes Blood, a dreamy folk singer/songwriter from America’s West Coast playing on the 15th April. Stop by the Bison Bar on the way – original Southern BBQ is the main draw but the whiskey menu is certainly worth a mention – you have over 150 strains of whiskey to choose from! Don’t mind if I do!

8. SIP

Visiting craft beer lovers will find themselves in microbrew Mecca; Dublin has a wealth of pubs stocking local brews to beat the band. Against the Grain is a firm favourite of ale aficionados: A tributary of the Galway Bay Brewery, the quirkily named beers Like Of Foam and Fury and Buried at Sea will whet your appetite and loosen your tongue – the banter is a-plenty! If you find yourself in Dublin of a weekend, make your way to The Bernard Shaw, home to a vintage flea market and the Dublin Doughnut Company. Hint: Try the dark chocolate and Guinness – it’s to die for.

9. PREEN

Whether it’s beard grooming or tunes booming, Sugar Daddy’s got you covered. This is not-your-father’s-barbers, it’s very much tailored towards slick, hip individuals who want something a bit different. A haven for hirsute hunks, the bespoke service offers beard or barnet grooming, facials, waxing, shoe shining and massages – all whilst sipping on an Old Fashioned. Can I get an amen?

See where Sugar Daddy ranks on our list of the best barbers in Dublin city centre.

10. PRIMP

Rainbow hair catch your fancy? Kaleidoscopic dreads your thing? Glitter roots or mermaid waves on your preen list? Stop by Babooshka Beauty in Dublin’s Temple Bar for the latest trends in hair and nails – you won’t regret it. Get some fresh ink at The Ink Factory on Wellington Quay where some of the world’s top tattoo artists work.

While you’re there nab that piercing you’ve always wanted – these guys do it all with finesse. If you can manage to get an appointment, Tropical Popical is a regular haunt of Saoirse Ronan’s. A nail bar with a twist; expect 80s hits, kitsch interiors and the most intricate of nail art. But wait there’s more: This is all topped off with a bounty bar and a lilt for that totally tropical taste!