Dublin: Christmas 2015

The difference between old-school, stand-offish Dublin and cosmopolitan and open-hearted Belfast, which we were lucky enough to visit earlier in the year, is palpable.Last time, the place I felt I could be myself was Brown Thomas. In the Harvey Nicks of Ireland, it only matters what colour my money is so I loyally returned to his store with glee. BT saved me again. I didn’t buy half of it like in the 90s though.We breakfasted at Kylemore café as recommended by a local on the Sunday, along with half of the city’s residents. It felt like I was in C&A café in 1984 – which describes much of this city that seems a couple of decades behind the UK. The best breakfast and decent coffee came via 3Fe Café on our last morning, when finally the coffee places started to open up. Thank goodness!Avoca store was also recommended by several people so we gave it a whirl. We were too full after breakfast to utilise the café or food hall of this mini department store. Reminded me of Beales, but still much smaller. I did buy some needed socks, reduced from €24 to 5€. Wo5 spends €24 on knee-length socks? They’re pretty, but not the best quality. Oh I know who, Americans.Dublin has big influence from America. It seems as though Irish have gone over and bought it back home. There are diners (Eddie Rockets and more), Carroll, a chain of Irish gift shops and a lot of American influenced bars and restaurants. They know their market. Shame I didn’t get to eat potato bread in the capitol!Hotel review comingHave you been to Dublin? I'd love to hear your thoughts: email or @RickieWrites