My Perfect Weekend: Ciara O'Doherty
FRIDAY
I'm from Galway on the West coast of Ireland but settled in the city with my husband and our rescue whippet Remi. We now live in a little seaside town called Dun Laoghaire, though we still visit Dublin regularly. We love its fun energy, the friends we've made there and the food scene. It has everything we want.
Dublin has a fun, unfussy vibe with a great live music scene – from traditional gigs in Temple Bar to contemporary performances in venues across the city. Its small size means some of the best restaurants and bars are just a stone’s throw from each other, making it the perfect destination for a girls’ weekend.
On a typical Friday night, if I'm not staying in with a movie and a takeaway, I love heading out for cocktails and a dance with my friends somewhere fun. If we’re not catching a gig together, I’m all about club nights like Lumo at Tengu – they always have great guest DJs – or Big Romance, the cutest little vinyl bar on Parnell Street that does a mean whiskey sour. The newly launched Rendezvous is an amazing hip-hop night that’s 10/10 for dancing and great vibes – they also host day parties, which are perfect if you don’t fancy staying out until the wee hours.
Otherwise, I love a proper catch-up with friends. For that, there’s nowhere better than Terra Madre. It’s the most authentic Italian food in the city – a quaint, unfussy little place that feels like you’re eating in someone’s family kitchen. The pasta is out of this world, and the relaxed atmosphere is exactly what you want on a Friday night. Afterwards, we’ll sometimes head to Bar 1661 for cocktails. It’s my all-time favourite in the city – the menu is a mix of classics and creative takes, and everything is made so well.
SATURDAY
On a Saturday morning I love catching an early spin class at Perpetua on Lennox Street – its rhythm rides are so much fun. I’ve also recently started bouldering (wall climbing without the ropes) with some friends, so I’ll often head there afterwards to climb for a few hours until my arms get too tired – I’m still trying to build up those Madonna biceps I so desperately want.
You’ll usually find me in my Honna pyjamas in the morning (the comfiest), before I throw on a pair of Sweaty Betty power leggings – they’re great for high-intensity workouts. I also like a simple pullover or sweatshirt – some of my favourites are by Adanola, although my husband has started stealing them, so I need to find some replacements!
If I’m not popping out for breakfast, I have a soft spot for those delicious bake-from-the-dough pastries from Aldi. I always keep them in the freezer – they’re perfect for lazy mornings or when you have guests over. I don’t drink coffee, but I’m very partial to an oat chai latte, extra hot. I’m addicted to peppermint tea too. I also love hot chocolate and one of my favourite spots is Butlers, which is a bit of an Irish institution. You get a free chocolate with every drink, which is such a nice touch.
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When I’m in town, I’ll take my drink and go for a walk around St Stephen’s Green. It’s a lovely way to ease into the day, especially if the sun’s shining. Or, I’ll head to The Pepper Pot in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre – the café is perfect for brunch and a catch-up, and the surrounding shops stock lots of independent Irish brands.
If I’m in the mood for a proper shop, Brown Thomas is hard to beat – it's our version of Selfridges, with floors of fashion, accessories and the best beauty brands. I also love Industry & Co on Drury Street – it’s full of unique homewares and cool independent finds, and the attached café does a great oat chai latte. For something more personal, Jam Art Factory in Dublin 8 has the loveliest art prints and gifts from local artists.
My Saturday nights are all about food, drinks and music. Masa on Drury Street is our go-to for tacos and margaritas. It’s the ideal stop before a night of dancing, especially with so many great bars and club nights nearby. If we want something a bit more vibey, Fidelity Bar & Studio in Smithfield is such a cool spot. The adjoining restaurant serves delicious Asian-fusion plates and the DJ setup is next level. For a great-value meal or the perfect post-pint soakage, I also love one of Dublin’s most popular pizza-by-the-slice spots, Bambino. Don’t forget to drizzle hot honey on your slice – it’s phenomenal.
If I’m after something more low-key, you can’t beat a traditional Dublin pub. Grogan’s is amazing for people watching, while Toners has one of the best beer gardens in the city. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Dublin weekend without a pint of Guinness – you’ll find a good one in pretty much any of the older ‘old man’ pubs around the city.
SUNDAY
Sundays are for slowing things down. My husband Yoseph and I will bring our whippet Remi out for a big walk in Dún Laoghaire by the sea – we’ll often walk the pier and check out the Sunday food markets in People’s Park. Dún Laoghaire is perfect for anyone looking to take a day trip from the city – you can walk along the pier, listen to the buskers, browse the market and eat ice-cream by the sea.
If I’m planning a staycation or recommending somewhere to friends, I have a few favourites. The Merrion is classic Dublin luxury – old-world interiors, impeccable service and the most incredible afternoon tea. For something more modern, The Leinster on Mount Street has beautiful interiors and a plush bar that makes a mean martini. Number 31 is a real hidden gem – it's an award-winning guesthouse in a Georgian townhouse just five minutes from St Stephen’s Green. It has the coolest sunken lounge and some of the most beautiful high-ceilinged rooms in the city.
Elsewhere, I love spending a couple of hours at the National Gallery. Entry is free, and the collection is so impressive – it’s the perfect calm contrast to a busy weekend. If I’m in the mood for something cosy in the evening, The Stella Cinema is such a treat. It’s a luxurious single-screen cinema with lovely interiors, and it shows a mix of new releases and classics – perfect for date night or just a solo evening with popcorn and a blanket.
On Sunday night, you'll find me cosied up on the sofa. I love a good audiobook or podcast, particularly anything motivational or self-development related. At the moment, I’m listening to The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins – she’s always a great listen. Having just finished The White Lotus, Yoseph and I are now really into Shōgun, a historical drama on Disney+. The storyline is so gripping, it’s beautifully shot and the costumes are sensational.
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