Dublin Rising: Newcomers to Know

The 2008 recession hit Ireland particularly hard, but Dublin is back, and stronger than ever. The Irish capital today buzzes with young, hard-working, trendy types. Tech companies, lured in by cheap real estate, have added innovative vibes—and cash flow—to the traditional city along with their funky headquarters and ambitious employees.

A relatively small and extremely walkable—or bikeable—city, Dublin’s hodgepodge cityscape consists of Georgian townhouses sitting alongside contemporary architecture and Victorian era docklands. With its influx of energy and wealth, the city seems to be returning to its roots as a creative hub (it was home to Oscar Wilde and James Joyce) with a punchy underbelly (Michael Collins and Bono are from here too.)

Indagare recently visited and rounded up a new group of favorites, including a hot spot hotel, charming restaurants, hip cafés, designer showcases and even an ice cream shop that works in nontraditional flavors.

• Cool Kids Hotel: The Dean
• Cozy Dinner Spot: Coppinger Row
• Quirky Cocktail Bar: Peruke & Periwig
• Trendy Pizza Joint: Sophie's
• Lively Gastro-pub: Fade Street Social
• Hipster Heaven: The Fumbally
• Untraditional Ice Cream Shop: Murphy's Ice Cream
• Traditional Live Music Pub: O'Donoghue's
• Foodie Favorite: One Pico
• Lovely Tea Room: Clement & Pekoe
• Minimalist Coffee Shop: Kaph
• Michelin-starred Destination Restaurant: The Camden Kitchen
• Designers’ Showcase: Design Centre
• Cheese-Lovers Paradise: Sheridan's Cheesemonger
• Artisan Mecca: Irish Design Shop
• High-end Grocers: Fallon & Byrne