A local guide to the best things to do, eat and drink near The July - Capel Street. Discover our newest home with Nic and Jessica.

Who better to show you around Dublin than the people who know it best?

We asked Jessica, our Guest Service Manager, and Nic, our Sales Manager at The July - Capel Street, to share their favourite places across the city. From breakfast on Capel Street and hidden cultural gems to the best pint of Guinness and a swim in Dublin Bay, this is Dublin according to our team.

WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO START YOUR DAY?

Jessica: I'd start close to home and take a slow morning around Capel Street. There's so much happening here, so it's nice to grab a coffee and see the neighbourhood come alive before heading out to explore.

Nic: Definitely breakfast at Onóra. I love sitting there and watching Capel Street come alive in the morning. There's such a great hustle and bustle, whether it's midweek or the weekend, and you're right in the middle of everything. After breakfast, I'd wander around the local shops before deciding where the day takes me.

WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR A GREAT LOCAL BITE?

Jessica: Elliots is a favourite, but I'd also recommend Oxmantown Bakery. Their pastries are always fresh, and the cardamom bun is hard to beat.

Nic: I'd agree with Oxmantown. It's the kind of place I'd pick up something for breakfast or a quick bite while exploring the neighbourhood. Dublin is full of those small food discoveries that can easily become part of your routine.

WHERE'S THE BEST PLACE TO WANDER?

Jessica: I'd head towards Drury Street. It's only around a 10-minute walk from The July Capel Street and you get such a good mix of independent shops, cafés and food spots. It's easy to spend a few hours just wandering around.

Nic: I would do the same, especially if you want to experience a different side of central Dublin. Stop at Morso for one of their sandwiches, then head to The Matcha Bar for a drink. It's a great area for just taking your time.

WHERE SHOULD VISITORS GO FOR CULTURE?

Jessica: Collins Barracks is a great one. It's only a short Luas ride from Capel Street and there's so much history and art to discover. It's also home to work by Eileen Gray, whose work was a big inspiration for The July Capel Street.

Nic: And if you want something that feels a little more local and informal, I'd go to The Cobblestone in Smithfield in the evening. They have traditional Irish music sessions, so you get a real sense of Dublin's musical culture.

WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR A DRINK?

Jessica: Boar's Head. Hugh, the owner, knows everyone around the area and it's a proper local pub. And, of course, there's a very good Guinness involved.

Nic: I'd say Fidelity if you're looking for something with a bit more energy. Great drinks, Irish draughts and DJs at the weekend. It has a really good atmosphere.

WHERE SHOULD YOU GO AFTER DARK?

Jessica: For a late-night drink and a bit of dancing, Pantibar is always a good choice. It's welcoming, fun and there's always plenty going on.

Nic: Penny Lane would be my pick. It's another great spot for music, drinks and a bit of Dublin craic.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM?

Jessica: I'd say the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland. It's something a little different and easy to miss if you don't know it's there.

Nic: The Commons Café at the Museum of Literature Ireland. It's tucked away and has a beautiful terrace that opens towards the Iveagh Gardens. It's a really peaceful spot to escape the city for a while.

WHAT SHOULD A FIRST-TIME VISITOR DO?

Jessica: Walk along the River Liffey. It sounds simple, but it's one of the best ways to get a feel for Dublin. You can see so much of the city from there, and in summer there are often buskers, festivals and things happening along the river.

Nic: I'd agree. Take your time with it rather than treating it as somewhere you're just passing through. The bridges and buildings along the Liffey tell so much of Dublin's story.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAPEL STREET?

Jessica: I love how much character it has. There are so many independent businesses and such a mix of people coming through the area. It feels genuinely local.

Nic: That's exactly it. Even though you're in the centre of Dublin, Capel Street still feels like a neighbourhood. Locals and international visitors mix together really naturally, and there's always something happening.

IF YOU HAVE AN EXTRA DAY, WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?

Jessica: I'd head towards the coast. Dublin is lucky to have the sea so close, and Sandycove is one of my favourite places to spend a few hours.

Nic: I'd take the DART train to Sandycove, go for a swim at the Forty Foot and then find somewhere for coffee. Or, if you have a full day, head to Howth for the cliff walk and finish with fish and chips from Beshoff's. Just watch out for the seagulls.

SO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT DUBLIN DAY?

Jessica: Start with breakfast at The July - Capel Street and spend the morning exploring the independent shops nearby. I'd leave the afternoon for a museum or something cultural before heading out for a drink in the evening. Start with one at Onóra!

Nic: I'd start at Onóra, walk through the city towards the Liffey and spend the day exploring without too much of a plan. Dublin is a city where you can easily turn a corner and find somewhere interesting. Then finish with a Guinness or some live music.

SEE DUBLIN LIKE A LOCAL

The best thing about Dublin is that you don't need to go far to experience the city. From The July - Capel Street, you're surrounded by independent businesses, restaurants, pubs, cultural landmarks and some of the city's most interesting neighbourhoods.

Take Jessica and Nic's recommendations as your starting point, then head out and discover a few Dublin favourites of your own.

After all, the best local guide is one that leaves a little room for getting lost.