Grafton Area is a haven for anyone and everyone who may be looking for their next purchase, and summertime is no better time to see and experience what this area has to offer. Busking, culture, shops galore and a warm and welcoming vibe, Grafton Area is a perfect location to shop, stroll, or even sing if you feel so inclined!
Grafton Area is a glimpse into the fun and easy-going nature of Dublin’s locals in a way that is hard to find anywhere else in Dublin. It’s hard to describe the sheer positivity of Grafton Area’s energy through words, but when you feel it, you know it. But Grafton Area isn’t just for shopping, it also has beautiful Victorian architecture dating all the way back to the 19th century and a plethora of more modern and cultural retail options to visit, From Claddagh to Carroll’s, River Island to Russell & Bromley, Boots to Bus Stop, Grafton Area has everything you could ask for.
Top Retail Spots in The Grafton Area:
Whether you’re hunting for Irish crafts or high-street fashion, Grafton Street is one of Dublin’s most iconic shopping destinations. Here’s a selection of must-visit stores this summer.
- Claddagh: Specialising in authentic Irish jewellery, Claddagh is a fantastic shop for jewellery on Grafton Street.
- Carroll’s Irish Gifts: For all things Irish gifts/souvenirs then Carroll’s is just a stroll away, perfect for finding something to remember your time in Grafton by.
- Pandora: One of the top jewellery brands in the world, if you’re looking for a nice summer gift for someone special then Pandora is the place to go.
- United Colours Of Benetton: This high-end clothing shop focuses on top-tier clothes and staying sustainable in today’s day and age.
- Massimo Dutti: Massimo Dutti is a modern clothing store selling anything from suits to casual wear, whatever the occasion may be, Massimo Dutti is sure to help you find the perfect outfit.
- Dr Martens: This famous shoe store specialises in leather shoes and boots, but most importantly, looking good!
- River Island: “Fashion is our DNA” If you’re still looking for sustainable, good-looking clothing then River Island might be for you.
The best Food and drink spots in the Grafton Area:
Whether you’re planning lunch ahead of your visit or you just find yourself getting hungry, these spots are sure to fit your needs.
- The Bailey: Quick bites or big meals and a nice beverage to wash it down, if you’re in need of some fuel in the warm weather, Check out The Bailey.
- Boeuf & Coq: Boeuf & Coq is a French restaurant that offers a mix of Irish beef and chicken with a French flair that is quite unique.
- Little Lemon: Little Lemon is a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail and wine bar that serves small plate dishes but large amounts of fun!
- Ginos: Gino’s Gelato serves delicious Italian gelato, a perfect way to cool down on a hot day is as we all know, ice cream.
- Captain Americas: This American-style diner is a classic for locals and tourists alike! With a menu suited for every kind of customer.
Best Performances & Art in the Grafton Area:
The Grafton Area has a plethora of theatres, live music venues, and art studios all around, so if that’s what you’re interested in, don’t worry, the Grafton Area has you covered.
- Busking: Grafton Area has always been a hub for busking and street performances and to this day not much has changed in that regard. So if you’re looking for someone to serenade your nice summer day, you can’t go wrong with going to Grafton.
- Gaiety Theatre: One of the best-known theatres in Dublin, with plays, musicals, dramas and more, the Gaiety Theatre has everything for your theatrical wants.
- Solomon Fine Art: Solomon Fine Art is a contemporary art studio in The Westbury Mall. If beautiful contemporary art pieces are what you’re looking for then Solomon’s is always there to deliver.
- Kerlin Gallery: Kerlin Gallery is another contemporary art gallery on Annes Lane, if you want to see all the art that Grafton Area has to offer then check out Kerlin Gallery.
Fun activities for the whole family in the Grafton Area:
Whether it’s a special occasion or just a nice family outing, the Grafton Area has no shortage of enjoyable things to do together.
- St. Stephens Green: Stephens Green is an iconic park just north of Grafton Street with ducks, swans, a playground, history and lots of open space for playing for the kids.
- Disney Store: Merchandise and memorabilia aplenty, if you are looking for a gift, a souvenir or even just a few Disney trinkets, then this store is for you.
- Viking Splash Tour: One of Dublin’s must-do tours, The Viking Splash will take you on an incredibly unique and entertaining journey around Dublin Town in a way that no other tour can.
Top clubs and bars for a memorable night in Dublin:
If you’re out with friends or loved ones then the Grafton Area is perfect for you, with vibrant and fun-filled clubs and bars.
- Lost Lane: Lost Lane is a nightclub located on Grafton Street, they often host events and live music. Perfect for a night out.
- NEARY’S: NEARY’S is a gastro-pub that is thought to have been a working pub since the 1890’s that perfectly captures the feel of a traditional Irish pub.
- Pygmalion: Bar, restaurant and club all rolled into one venue, Pygmalion offers private events, live shows and incredible food, what more could you ask for?
- Hyde: Hyde brings a new feeling to gastro-pubs, Hyde has a lobby bar, cocktail bar, rooftop garden and rooftop terrace, they also often host events with live music.
- Tapped: Tapped on Nassau Street is a bar that offers all kinds of different themed nights for every day of the week, whether it be bingo, quizzes or live music, Tapped is the perfect way to end a perfect day in Grafton Area.
Guided Tours & Historical Sights in the Grafton Area:
- Phil Lynott Statue: This statue on Harry Street commemorates the Irish rock legend Phil Lynott of “Thin Lizzy” who passed in 1986.
- St. Stephens Green Statues/Monuments: Not only is St. Stephens Green a park for entertainment, but it also hosts a variety of statues and monuments within it, each with their own interesting history and lore.
- The Book of Kells: The Book Of Kells on Trinity College Dublin’s campus is a renowned, ancient manuscript depicting the four gospels of the Christian New Testament. It’s truly a marvel to behold.
- Molly Malone Statue: A staple of culture and history in Dublin, this statue is a vital part of the mass culture that Dublin has to offer.
Tips & Tricks:
If you do plan on visiting Grafton Area sometime this summer then here are some things you may want to know beforehand.
Crowds: For the most part, finding peace and quiet in Grafton Area is an impossible task, but if you feel the need to get away from the crowds, there are various streets around that usually have fewer people such as Duke Street, Anne Street, Lemon Street, Chatham Street or Harry Street. If crowds are your cup of tea, however, we suggest visiting at any time from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. to get your fix of socialising.
Parking: Finding parking in town can be quite the challenge, so if possible we recommend getting public transportation, but if that’s out of the question then we suggest trying your arm at finding parking in St. Stephens Green Shopping Centre or heading over to Car Park Drury Street.
Plan your visit: If you’re looking at taking public transport to get to the Grafton Area, then the Luas is always a good choice, both the Stephen’s Green and Dawson Street stops on the Green Line will put you at spitting distance of Grafton Street, or if the Dublin Bus is easier for you, then there are around 9 bus stops around. Dawson Street, Nassau Street, and Dame Street all have bus stops that will put you in very close proximity to The Grafton Area.
We hope you have a fantastic time in The Grafton Area this summer and get to see all that it has to offer.
