Is Rathmines a nice area?

Rathmines is one of Dublin’s coolest neighborhoods

in

It’s a shame it’s so unknown. But for those who love it and know it well, it’s a great place to live. This is the ideal location for tourists who wish to explore Dublin off-the-beaten path.

Rathmines is a trendy spot for Dublin’s younger crowds, like me and my friends. If you are planning a trip, make sure to check out all this treasure has to offer. Here’s my guide to the best things to do around this hip neighborhood.

A brief overview of Rathmines

Is Rathmines a nice area?
Rathmines is one of Dublin’s coolest neighborhoods


Rathmines can be found 3 km south of Dublin’s center. You can either walk for a half hour to reach it if you’re lucky, or take public transport. Rathmines offers everything from shopping and dining to nightlife and cultural entertainment. Rathmines has a vibrant nightlife.

This is Dublin’s student and creative playground. It has a youthful, edgy feel. This neighborhood is great for those who want to stay away from the crowds of tourists in the city centre. It’s easy to travel around Rathmines and Dublin by trams and public buses. To keep up-to-date with bus schedules, routes, and fares, I recommend downloading the Bus App.

Taxis are generally more expensive than public transport but they’re often more convenient and faster. A taxi driver is a great source of information about the area. Let’s get on to the best things you can do in Rathmines.

Blackbird
Blackbird is my favourite pub in Dublin. Blackbird is my favorite spot in the neighborhood. It’s always my first stop when I go out to Rathmines with friends. The interior is dark and mysterious, with only antique lights and red candles to brighten it up. This bar is so relaxed and laid back that I love it.

You’ll find a pool table, board and music for Friday nights, as well as a great selection of drinks and affordable food. A special deal is available where you can get a pint and a pizza for only 12 Euros. It is a popular spot for locals, especially students, so it can get quite busy.

You can get a seat at the table and a set of Jenga if you arrive early enough. Blackbird is open daily from 16:00 to midnight and weekends until 01:00.

Copan

Copan is slightly more expensive than Blackbird and is better suited to nights when you fancy dressing up and enjoying cocktails. This elegant bar is right in Rathmines.

This is a great option for those who want to have dinner with their friends. Copan is known for its distinctive design features that draw inspiration from Mayan hieroglyphics. The restaurant is open during the week from 16:00 to midnight and the early hours of the morning on weekends.

Copan is best visited on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when the DJ brings a dance party to get everyone up and dancing with an exotic cocktail. It is best to reserve a table in advance, especially during peak summer season.

Stella Theater

One of Rathmines most treasured institutions is the Stella Theater. This cinema, which was opened in 1923 is a cultural icon in Dublin. Recently, it was restored and renovated to reflect the glamour of the 1920’s. The Stella, which featured a huge ballroom on the top floor, was Ireland’s largest cinema for a long period.

Although the architecture and design of the building are a piece in theater, it is still fully operational. You can book tickets online and see the list of rolling films. The Stella Cocktail Club upstairs is a highlight of a visit to the theater. It takes the place of the original ballroom.

You can enjoy a stunning view of Rathmines from the bar, as well as cocktails on a small terrace. The theater and the cocktail bar both open daily.

Camile Thai

This is the place to go if you are looking for Thai food in Dublin. Camile Thai offers the best Thai cuisine in Rathmines, using top-quality ingredients and highly skilled wok chefs.

Their mission is to bring people together Thai-style. They make sure everyone is happy with their menu, which includes vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free dishes. They only use grass-fed beef, pork and seasonal vegetables. No MSG is used in the food. It’s a great place to support.

Camile has branches throughout Dublin. The one in Rathmines, however, is my personal favorite. The hours of operation are 11:00 – 23:00.

ICS charity shop

One of Rathmines’ best-kept secrets is the vintage charity shop of The Irish Cancer Society (ICS). This store is not well-known, which is a shame as they have many treasures that people love! This shop stocks a wide range of vintage goods, including clothing, household items, and art.

You’ll not only be able to find great souvenirs of your trip to Dublin at affordable prices but also help a good cause. The ICS is a network of charities that operates shops across Ireland to raise money for different causes supporting refugees or the homeless.

There are also clothing donation banks located in several locations throughout Dublin. You can drop off any clothes that you do not want to bring home. Every day, except Sundays, the store in Rathmines can be accessed from 10:00 to 17:00 and until 20:00 on Thursdays.

Mother Reilly’s Bar

Mother Reilly’s Bar, part of the Uppercross House Hotel, is another bar that deserves to be on the top of Rathmines’ best bars. If you are looking for something different at night, this is the place to go.

Every day there is an event happening here: pub quizzes and stand-up comedy, live music performances or live-streamed sports games. Open mic nights are also available. You can enjoy a wide range of local wines and beers at the bar, and light meals are available in the restaurant to enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

Dublin Sessions will keep your informed about all upcoming Mother Reilly’s events, so make sure you keep checking their website!

Dundrum

Dundrum is Dublin’s ultimate shopping spot. Although Dundrum is a suburb, it is so close to Rathmines you can consider it part this neighborhood.

This huge shopping center is home to over 100 shops, many restaurants and cafes as well as 12 cinema screens, a bar and nightclubs. It also has a theater. Dundrum is a great place to keep busy indoors if the weather isn’t allowing you to explore the city.

For the past three years, the center was awarded the title of Ireland’s Most Family Friendly Shop Center. Families traveling with children can enjoy all that Dundrum has to offer. The shops are open from 10:00 to 19:00 every day, while the food court is open from 21:00 to 23:00.

Two Fifty Square

Two Fifty Square, an industrial warehouse-style coffee shop, is a great place to get a cup of coffee to change up the Dublin landscape. The interior is super Insta-worthy with its stripped back elements of bleaches wood, metal and Scandinavian-inspired color scheme.

This place is unique because they roast their coffee beans right on the spot. Two Fifty Square, located just off Rathmines main road, is a quiet spot that’s away from the crowds. It’s the perfect place to relax with a cup of specialty coffee or for digital nomads who are looking for an office for the day.

The cafe also has a dog-friendly area outside. This is a huge plus for dog lovers! Every day, the cafe is open from 08:00 to 18:00.