Capturing Dublin Through Film Photography Food and Culture.

Dublin felt warm almost immediately, and not just because of the pubs (and definitely not the weather)

One of the first places we visited was the Guinness Storehouse, and I didn’t expect it to stay with me the way it did. The interiors were dark and dramatic, carefully choreographed, and beautifully lit. Realising the lighting was designed by Michael Grubb Studio, who we worked closely with at university, made the experience feel strangely personal—like running into an old friend in an unexpected place.

As we moved through the building, I noticed how intentionally everything was designed to pull you further in. Each floor added another layer to the story, another reason to care. It was immersive in a way that felt almost effortless. By the time we reached the top, I was holding a pint and then another, even though I wasn't entirely sure I even liked Guinness. That felt important. The space didn’t convince me I loved the drink; it convinced me I belonged there, at least for a moment.

That sense of being drawn in followed us into Dublin’s pubs. The Temple Bar and The Hairy Lemon were loud, crowded, and full of character. Their interiors felt accumulated rather than designed. Walls layered with memories, objects, and noise. You don’t just sit in these spaces; you become part of them. Conversations overlapped, pints were constantly moving, and time softened around the edges.

I kept noticing small details that spoke to Dublin’s relationship with the wider world. American influences cropped up in unexpected ways. Dollar bills covered in handwriting were pinned to the walls, for example. It reminded me of New York, but also felt like a reflection coming back the other way. Kinda like a cultural exchange looping back on itself.

Food mattered to us, and Dublin delivered in quieter moments. I found this little tapas place called Bar Pez on Instagram, and it quickly became a favourite. Minimal, calm, and unfussy. An Irish take on tapas, small plates paired with good wine, and a space that encouraged us to slow down without trying too hard. I had done a lot more research on The Pig’s Ear, and this felt comforting differently. Traditional Irish food, but modern and thoughtful, hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying after long days walking. Both felt representative of the modern Irish way.

Looking back, Dublin felt less about spectacle and more about feeling held. Through pints, shared tables and spaces that invited us in, it offered a kind of easy intimacy. One that lingered long after we left.