Words: Hannah Lemass
We all know that Stoneybatter is one of Ireland’s coolest neighbourhoods. In fact, Time Out magazine named it as one of the 50 coolest in the world in 2022. And that effortlessly cool aura still sizzles today. This weekend, Stoneybatter is celebrating everything that makes it special with the Stoneybatter Pride of Place Festival.
To share some love for The Batter, we’ve created this list of some of our favourite spots. There are so many amazing places in the neighbourhood, it would be impossible to name every single fabulous one of them, but these are a few places to check off your list next time you’re in The Batter.
There is so much to love about this gorgeous little enclave on the outskirts of the city centre. Some of the best, food, drink coffee, and vibes can be found here. A poetic blend of traditional Dublin charm with an ever evolving, on the pulse, cultural edge. So it’s no wonder it has an entire weekend long festival dedicated to it’s excellence.
The Stoneybatter Pride of Place Festival is an annual community jamboree that has been taking place in the jewel of Dublin 7 since 2017. It celebrates the area’s rich history and community spirit with a three-day extravaganza of music, history, art, sport, and entertainment. It kicks off today, Friday June 21st, and runs through to Sunday with an unmissable line-up of events. Highlights include Pickle Palooza, a competitive pickle-eating showdown, and Wolfstock, a doggie dress-up pageant parade.
Tasty Bit of Shopping
You simply cannot visit Stoneybatter without popping into Lilliput. A quick browse around will inevitably turn into a dissociated shopping spree that sees you walk away with a few bags full of the most delicate and high-quality produce. It’s easy to black out in here. The aroma of the vast variety of fresh artisan goods is simply delirium-inducing. You can also grab a coffee and a bite to eat as they serve a delightful line-up of light bites like sausage rolls and pastries for breakfast to salads and sandwiches for lunch.
From Day to Night
A sophisticated neighbourhood café by day, Joli’s friendly team serves up fresh roasted coffee to the good people of the Batter. It’s not just about the coffee—Joli is a trailblazer in the realm of day-to-night hospitality. Start your day here for a coffee and circle back for a glass of vino when you’re ready to let loose. The cherry on top here is if you come in the evening, Thursday-Saturday, you can grab some delicious authentic Mexican fare from El Milagro.
Italian Job
No nonsense, fresh homemade pasta full of flavour and fun. That’s what you’ll find here at Grano. The place is run on a passion for Italian wine and food. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are sourced from small producers in Italy to produce contemporary dishes that still tip the cap to Italian cooking traditions. Plus, the wine list is a novice sommelier’s dream of organic and biodynamic nectars.
Pint And Bite
A perfect all-rounder, Mulligan’s blends traditional charm with contemporary flair. A first-class, traditional Irish boozer your grandad would love. And while it is that, it’s also full of surprises, offering up an elegant cocktail list and a gourmet menu that serves up quintessential pub grub with a contemporary flair. If you are in the neighbourhood on a Sunday, make sure you swing by for the roast—a selection of tantalising meaty and veggie options with all the trimmings.
Split the G(OAT)
If you’ve ever tried to have a conversation about the best Guinness in Dublin, you’ve definitely heard about Walsh’s. Sometimes the ‘Best Pint Debate’ can be a tad insufferable but we can all agree that Walsh’s is up there with the best of ’em. Their pints of plain are known to be among the most consistent in the city. Smooth, creamy, and THICK, Walsh’s just may be the G.O.A.T. So make sure you stop in the next time you’re round The Batter.
Making Their Bis-mark
The new kids on the block, Bismarck is a renaissance venue. A coffee shop, art space, retail store, wine bar, and music venue, Bismarck can best be described as a community hub. The team here have created a safe and nurturing space for the artistically minded of D7 and beyond. DJ nights, open mics, and a slew of other outrageously fun and creative events abound.
Chip Off The Ol’ Block
If you are surprised to see a chipper on one of our lists, then you haven’t been to Sorrento’s. The epitome of don’t judge a book by its cover, this place is far more than an excellent chipper. It’s a gelato shop and artisan bakery too. They may be serving up some of the best chips in Dublin, but they are also top of the heap when it comes to their freshly baked focaccia and delicious authentic gelato.