The Emerald Isle’s next big exports wax lyrical about their hometown
Words Lara Collis
Here in Blighty, we can be guilty of having our blinkers on when it comes to all of the fantastic creative talent from elsewhere in our fair isles. And that’s not just Liverpool’s legacy or Manchester’s contribution to Brit Pop. In the last few years, Ireland has produced some huge names in the music industry, from Hozier to Damien Rice.
With the way well and truly paved for Irish artists seeking globe-spanning careers, the female duo Saint Sister, made up of Morgan MacIntyre and Gemma Doherty, has been steadily grafting their way into public consciousness. Having formed at Trinity College Dublin when they were both students, 2015’s debut EP ‘Madrid’ was recorded by Hozier’s own Alex Ryan, setting the ball rolling for a promising trajectory.
Since then they’ve reached 2 million streams on Spotify; they’ve been playlisted by BBC Introducing on Radio 1; and their second and third releases – ‘Tin Man’ and ‘Causing Trouble’ – have been earning radio plays across Europe. Yet their sound is quintessentially Irish, with its Celtic harp and hauntingly layered vocals – have a listen of new single ‘You Never Call‘ for the full flavour. With September marking the launch of a new album and world tour, the twosome talk us through the best bits of their Dublin to show there really is no place like home…
Cafe Gerry’s
The place to go for the cure, Gerry’s fry-up is second to none. With unlimited tea and toast and often a nod from Gerry himself, head here to pass a rainy Saturday morning with a delicate head on you.
Cafe Simon’s Place
This is a lovely little cafe in George’s Street Arcade. There is no wifi in there, so it’s a great place to go if you want to switch off for a little while. The walls are plastered in gig posters and they make amazing cinnamon buns.
Irish Bar The Cobblestone
The Cobblestone in Smithfield is a great spot for a good session, whether you want to join in or just listen to some proper Irish traditional music. It’s on the outskirts of the city centre and it’s got a really nice intimate feel to it. More importantly, they do a very good pint of Guinness.
Nature Botanical Gardens
A little oasis in the heart of the city, the Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to go and clear the head. It’s pretty peaceful there, the colours are so magical. It feels good to go and check in with nature every once in a while, and with the gardens on your doorstep you don’t have to go far.
Pub Ruby Sessions
If you’re in Dublin on a Tuesday night, don’t miss the Ruby Sessions in Doyles. The line-up is a mix of up-and-coming Irish artists and more often than not, an unannounced special guest, and it’s all in aid of Dublin Simon Community. They’ve had some pretty huge names on the bill over the years, so you never know who you might discover or who may show up.