Dublin in May

Dublin, May 2020 – Still under lockdown, the Temple Bar area remains completely deserted.

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We are allowed to walk 5 kilometers radius of home.

Thankfully, St Stephen’s Green re-opened right before the May Bank Holiday.

To get to the Green, I prefer to go through Kildare Street, where I would pass the Leinster House

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Once a ducal palace, it now hosts the seat of the Irish Parliament and Senate, who meet here 90 days each year.

The National Museum of Archaeology

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showcasing a good collection of Irish treasures from the Stone Age to modern times.

The statue of William Plunket

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and approach the park behind the Wolfe Tone Monument

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The son of a Church of Ireland coach-maker who briefly considered an acting career as a young man, Theobald Wolfe Tone rose to become the leader of the 1798 Irish Rebellion, and is widely regarded as the father of Irish republicanism. Taken prisoner by British forces after refusing an offer of escape from French allies, he died in Provost’s Prison in Dublin at the age of 35. 

The 2 Meters rule is in place, with the Gardai patrolling the perimeter.

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The Green is a public space in the city with plenty of shades and tulip blooms in the spring.

There are several pavillions and a lake where waterfowls abound.

Take a seat on one of its benches

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dedicates to the notable Irish/Dubliner

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 “Crossing Stephen’s, that is, my green” – James Joyce.

300 meters from St Stephens Green is the Iveagh Gardens

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The cascade, flows over an immense rockery, with rocks from each of Ireland’s 32 counties.

Designed by Ninian Niven, in 1865, the style is between English Landscape and French Formal, with waterfall/cascade, rustic grotto, sunken panels of lawn decorated with fountains on each side, and a blooming rosarium.

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500 meters north east of St. Stephen’s Green is Merrion Square – one of Dublin’s historic Georgian Squares. It is the place to visit if you are a fan of Oscar Wilde.

Wilde was born in 1854  at no. 1 Merrion Square – the terraced house right across the street from the park corner where his sculpture is installed – Designed and created by Danny Osborne, an Irish sculptor, it captures Oscar Wilde’s flamboyant and colourful personality, depicted at the age of 40 – a pivotal time in his professional and personal life –  sitting atop a 35-tonne boulder of white quartz from the Wicklow mountains.

On sunny days when the strong coastal wind isn’t blowing

The walk to Poolbeg Lighthouse is a quick seaside getaway

Food-wise, some cafes are open with social distancing rules, such as Il Valentino at the Grand Canal Dock.

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I go there for its pistacchio eclairs.

And of course, Bread 41

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has an online ordering system where you can schedule time for collection, or ordering ad hoc at the hatch till sell out.

Fortunately, our favorite ice cream shop re-opened right before the arrival of the June Bank Holiday heatwave.

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You will not able to sit inside, but who needs to when you can simply grab a cup and head to the Green.

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The Irish Brown Bread and Dingle Sea Salt are our all-time favorites. The alcoholic Dingle Gin is also quite pleasant.

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The next phase of Ireland re-opening starts June 8th, when we will be able to travel up to 20 kilometres away from home. I look forward to cover more areas around Dublin as our horizon expands.

18 thoughts on “Dublin in May”

  1. I can picture much worse places to spend time. I don’t really know Dublin other than by reputation and a brief visit. Cities are strange without people but it’s a luxury to have the place to yourself. Bring on the pistachios! 🤣💕

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  2. Those pastries from Bread 41 look delicious. One to put on the to-visit list for Dublin when we’re able to travel once more! My local bakery has had a click and collect system for most of the lockdown, and recently opened again (with pastries and breads in the window, and orders taken at the door so no one enters the shop) six days a week. I’m glad my local haunts have found ways to keep going during the crisis.

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  4. Wow… it’s so interesting to see clear photos, I mean with “no people” around. Beautiful and in Spring too. thank you for sharing. Brings back nice memories with hopes of returning. Maybe you will still be there when I return! 🙂

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      1. No, not decades, but AT LEAST a year. Right now, I don’t think anyone will plan to travel this year. Staying closer to home, while we assess the situation. Unless, COVID gets worse in the Fall… “maybe” I could travel in 2021. We will go for lemon meringue pie! My treat! Let’s look forward to that! ❤

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  6. Can’t wait to travel again. You live in a really nice area. Looks so old and historic. The gelato has me craving for ice cream. We’ll get some on our next outdoor outing. We only go out 2x a week for a little exercise. Take Care!

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      1. Very crazy. Europe (and the US) are busy multiplying debt to save the businesses that have been destroyed, and the ones hanging by a thread. The EU is now conducting and internal negotiation to determine how many billions Euros will be spent to keep the boat from sinking. But all the individual businesses? A cousin of mine has a café in Paris… I’m not sure she can survive… Anyway.
        Stay safe. 😉🙏🏻😷

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