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The Living Room

Stumbling upon this place during one of the many recent sunny downpours at lunchtime was like a scene out of a movie. Standing sheltered on the steps, curiousity got the better of me and I pushed open the door to find a space away from the city's constant chatter. Having entered feeling stressed and wanting to slap a banker and/or politician, I was impressed at how it only took a few moments before I melted into the calming oasis that is the Living Room. It is open to absolutely anyone looking to escape the madness for a bit and get their bearings back. Pilgrims pop in to pause, pray, reflect, hope, mull over decisions and join the others who share this secret haven, surrounded by plants, candles and cushions. Heading back to the office I felt refreshed, my balance restored and just about ready to face Dublin again! / Emily O'Callaghan

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La Ruelle

La Ruelle is gorgeous. A chic little wine bar and restaurant hidden off Dawson Street, with access to the Royal Irish Automobile Club's parking. Don't tell your date that though, just drive up and park confidently in one of their spots. Or perhaps don't drive at all as more than likely you'll drink delicious wine and you wouldn't believe the trouble drink-driving can get you into. The wine glasses sit so snugly in your hand and are curved so that every sip is filled with aroma. The layout inside makes each table feel secluded so you can be completely at ease. When I discovered this place it was dark and chilly outside but inside was warm and filled with attractive, successful people. The owner has worked with Richard Corrigan and the Shelbourne prior to their restorations so you're in safe hands, food wise. La Ruelle will hold up to scrutiny from the most intense aesthete. / Georgia

festival

Irish Craft Beer Festival

Longing for for some sunny Liffey life and pining the cool crisp beers of Oktoberfest? Fear not, for your first world problems are over! The IFSC are hosting the Irish Craft Beer Festival from this week. Brews from around the country will be on tap all day. In fact, you'll be able to toast St. Patrick in over 25 varieties of Irish beer. The event runs from 12pm daily and will also have lots of nommy food and traditional music. For families, there will be workshops, street performers and face painting. Wrap up though - it gets a bit chilly round there. If you're one of the six rich people still left in Ireland you can reserve a table for €250 (includes 10 seats and a beer each). Slainte. Win Tickets / Rachel Ray

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Fixx coffee

Expert baristas at Fixx make a mean cup of coffee. My first outing to the super-suave coffeehouse was also the first time I was unashamedly chastized by someone for putting sugar in my coffee. 'It won't need it,' the barista said just as I had ripped the top off a paper sachet and was about to plunge the granules into the perfect foam. I took his advice and, suffice to say, I no longer put sugar in my coffee.  Go here and soak up the atmosphere, one which is so often found in cafes abroad and so rarely re-created in Dublin. Sit back, enjoy the excellent coffee, comfortable seating and maybe start your first novel. / Jessica Hayden

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Bison Bar

A giant, mounted, slightly unnerving bison head surveys all who enter this whiskey bar. It’s the first piece you’ll notice in a venue that is packed with remarkable décor. Approaching the bar you encounter saddle-stools. Saloon doors separate the front room from the back, and the smoking area features an epic bison mural by le cool cover artist James Early. For the uninitiated faced with 150 varieties of fermented grain, try to ignore the initial urge to purchase a pint and trust in the sound advice of the charming bar staff. Spending around €9 on a peat-filtered Irish whiskey will shatter your perception of what Jack Daniels ruined slightly. Otherwise, €5 whiskey sours on a Friday night will see you charging upstairs to The Workman’s with a barely deserved sense of refinement. / Oscar Knight

Toners Yard

"It looks like the roof fell in on part of the pub and they just carried on" said my mate. And there's no finer tribute to Toner's beer garden. The remnants of a trad pub are carved into the side of an abandoned yard, on a Dutch style land grab nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac. Toner's throws up a few thrilling new vistas. Depending on your seating and angle, you can imagine being under railway tracks or cast adrift in a Berlin outpost. Its no frills paper lanterns, old pub signage, gigantic snooker light style heater and entrance wreath all add to its crafty careless abandon. I'm not sure of its appeal when the Baggot Street suits descend but for an early week scoop, without the need to yak about street art surrounds, Toners Yard is the fresh shit. Michael McDermott

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Vintage Cocktail Club

Facing a blacked-out building front on a cobblestone alley, there is little to alert you to the presence of this bar other than the letters ‘VCC’ placarded to a small door and a lingering, tight-lipped bouncer. It’s not easy getting in to this speakeasy, but once you’ve established that you do have connections and you’re not there to throw lead, it’s all duck soup. On first impression the interior is slightly overblown, but with such class that you’ll soon feel like a regular flaming youth. There are three bars (one on each of the three floors) serving the best cocktails in the city, crafted by meticulous hands with the finest of ingredients. Aim for the top floor, which boasts what is possibly the most accommodating smoking garden in Dublin, and bump gums over their signature Chaser, a Bay and Elderflower Collins or an historic Millionaire. / Jerath Head