Lifestyle

12 Hours in Dublin 2

Heading to Dublin for the day? We’ve popped together some of the highlights in and around our Grafton Street store to help you make the most out of your day.

Find a New Favourite

There’s always something new and exciting in the Brown Thomas Beauty Hall, where brands like Le Labo, Jo Malone London, Charlotte Tilbury and Nars share a beautiful and unique space. Start your day experimenting with the make-up and skincare from a host of exclusive brands or visit perfume, candle and bodycare brand Le Labo who pride themselves on creating sensorial experiences that promise to make you feel good.

Where? Ground Floor, Brown Thomas Grafton Street

Make time for a manicure

Treating yourself to a new set of nails is always a great way to spend an hour but how does doing it in a reality-breaking beauty habitat sound? With over 60 cutting-edge, and consciously created brands in beauty across skincare, makeup, and haircare, think of Planet Beauty as a fun, educational, experiential space for some self-care time. You can browse all they have to offer here or book an appointment.

Where? Planet Beauty, Clarendon Street 

Take a Portuguese pit-stop

Fancy a little bit of Lisbon in the heart of Dublin? With tasty pastries and coffees to take away from the cities first dedicated pastelería, you’ll find fayre inspired by the gourmet specialties on offer in Portugal's capital. From crispy and custardy pastéis de natas, to mouth-watering sandwiches, coffees and more, this is the perfect pit-stop to refresh and re-fuel.

Where? Lisboa Pasteleria, 7 Andrew Street

Immerse yourself in a world of fashion  

Whether you’re craving some new wardrobe go-tos or have a busy social calendar to prepare for this season, you’re going to want to spend some time diving into the finest fashion collection Dublin has to offer. Discover a one-off designer piece from Victoria Beckham, Dolce & Gabbana or Prada, or level-up your workwear wardrobe with something from Theory, Vince or Toteme. For something extra special book into a serene space for a personal shopping appointment like no other; one thing’s for sure, you won’t leave empty handed. 

Where? Basement, Level 1 & 2 Brown Thomas Grafton Street 

Curate an Earscape

Get #TASHD by the expert piercers in Maria Tash, who'll customise an earscape specific to your ear and style. Part art, part science, here you can create a constellation of piercings climbing from lobe to cartilage made up of threaded studs, pearl coronets or spiked eternity rings. Interested? You can book an appointment here but take it from us, it may not be your last visit!

Where? Level 2, Brown Thomas Grafton Street

Have A WILDE-ly Beautiful Lunch

Located just off Grafton Street, nestled inside the Westbury hotel you’ll find an indoor terrace bursting with greenery and floral displays which give you the sense of alfresco dining without the risk (it’s also a great spot for a quick Instagram snap too). Think fresh Irish produce with a global twist; we love the Kilkeel scallop gratin with smoked bacon & gruyère cheese.

Where? The Westbury Mall, Harry Street https://wilde.ie/

Visit Dublin's 'Secret Garden'

We're all familiar with St Stephen's Green Park but have you ever ventured 300m further to visit the quieter Iveagh Gardens, popularly known as Dublin’s ‘Secret Garden'? Particularly stunning in summer, with a history dating back over three hundred years, explore the yew maze, rosarium, and fountains while taking in a breath of fresh air.

Where? Clonmel Street, Dublin 2

Find a New Fragrance

Now that all of those flowers have got your olfactory senses tingling, there's only one way we can think of to truly satisfy them - follow your nose back to the fragrance room in Brown Thomas. Take your time to seek out a new signature scent from perfume greats like Frederic Malle, try a best seller from the Escentric Molecules’ collection or something completely unique like Parfums De Marly. This is your time to wonder in the spectacular bottles and spritz your wrist or neck to give you a sense of how it may wear on you - you might just leave with something totally unexpected.

Where? Ground Floor, Brown Thomas Grafton Street

Stroll Through Trinity

Located on College Green, Trinity College Dublin should be the next stop on your list. The setting of acclaimed novel and series, "Normal People", you can snap a quick photo under the ornate arches of The Campanile, or head to the Museum Building to catch sight of the Book Of Kells and the beautiful Old Library. Gaze upon the precious 1,200 year old illustrated manuscript, then continue the historical and artistic learnings by continuing onto The Long Room library, where you will find 200,000 of Trinity's most ancient books and 40 marble busts of iconic figures such as Shakespeare and Lady Augusta Gregory. Move into the modern world then, and visit the Douglas Hyde Gallery next to the Arts Block for a contemporary art fix.

Where? Trinity College Dublin, College Green

A Glass Of Bubbles

Finish your day off with a lovely glass of something sparkling before you head home. Discover the menu at Brown's Brasserie or book in for a spot of dinner if you fancy staying a little longer. For cocktails and light bites we also love Peruke & Periwig set in a grand old city house, decadently furnished with velvet and mahogany, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Then just like that, it's time to head home - 12 hours well spent we say.

Where: Brown Brasserie: Level 3, Brown Thomas Grafton Street & Peruke and Periwig: 31 Dawson Street