Dublin: City of Beer, Art, and Design

Dublin is perhaps most widely known for Guinness’s famous stout, which was born in the city more than two centuries ago. But, there is even more to Ireland’s metropolis than time-honored good brews. Dublin has a rich contemporary art and design scene as well. Check out this trio of recent work that exemplifies the distinct flavor of the #homeofguinness.

Created by Clare and Gar for the Irish Design Shop, this Wall Hook is naturally polished and practical. Each piece is handcrafted from Irish sycamore and finished with Danish oil. The hook mounts on a wall and is sturdy enough to support coats, while elegant enough to display one’s best bags.

A contender for the name of “best” is the Driscoll Drawstring Leather Bag, made by Stighlorgan. The Driscoll is a classic design with a strong sense of Irish style. Available in navy, chestnut, or the brown of roasted barley, the bag is fashioned from sturdy materials and embossed with Stighlorgan’s insignia. The body is crafted from polished leather, and the rope straps are made of jute. Inside, the bag has space enough for a laptop and a hanging zip pocket for smaller items. The bag is just the right size for carrying a camera on a casual walk about the coast of Dublin.

Or, at least, that’s what Irish photographer Trish Morrissey might do with it. In her photoset Front, Morrisey heads to the beach and inserts herself into other people’s families, taking the place of a woman or girl in each group. Her pictures archive Irish family values and culture, partially revealing the character of their subjects and threatening to tell a story. The images balance documentary and mystery, inviting and challenging ideas of what can be known by just looking.

There is certainly more to Dublin than one can take in at first glance, or taste. So, find the time to explore, open a favorite beer, and delve into Dublin art and design.