Ronan Keating's Dublin Interview

Ronan Keating on the friendly, down-to-earth residents and trendy bars of Dublin.
Interview by York Membury
07 Dec 2010

Why Dublin?

My homeland has changed a lot over the years. Some people still have this idea that
Ireland is horse-and-cart country but that's just so wrong, and Dublin, in particular,
has become very cosmopolitan and boasts incredible restaurants, bars and hotels.

What makes the city so special?

The human element. It's a very friendly city and most of the people are so grounded. People
like that and come from all over the world to take part in the constant carnival that is Dublin.
It's a party town.

What's the one must-pack accessory if you visiti Dublin?

Paracetamol – for the inevitable hangover the morning after a night on the town (see 'Where
would you send a first-time visitor?').

What's the first thing you do when you return?

After seeing my family, I go to my local for my favourite tipple – a pint of Guinness.

Where's the best place to stay?

My advice is to stay at the Westbury Hotel (00353 1 679 1122; www.doylecollection.com),
which is right in the heart of the city on Grafton Street – great for shops, restaurants and
bars.

Where would you meet friends for a drink?

I live in the coastal village of Malahide, 10 miles from Dublin, and there is a top pub there called
Gibney's (845 0606; www.gibneys.com) – a typical Irish pub – and me and the lads will get
together
there on a Tuesday night. There's nothing like it.

What is your favourite place to lunch?

My favourite place at the moment is Marco Pierre White's restaurant, The Steakhouse and
Grill (51 Dawson Street; 677 1155; www.marcopierrewhite.ie). They do international cuisine
but the steaks are absolutely incredible.

And for dinner?

I would probably go to Shanahan's on the Green (119 St Stephen's Green; 407 0939;
www.shanahans.ie) if I'm going out with my family.

It's an American-style steakhouse run by an Irish-American family, and the service and quality
of food are just outstanding. I do like my steaks.

Where would you send a first-time visitor?

Temple Bar is a wonderful place to visit, especially if it's your first time in the city. With its
cobbled streets, party atmosphere, and little bars and restaurants crammed with people, it
is a little crazy at times but it's a lot of fun.

What would you tell them to avoid?

Ironically, Temple Bar – at the weekend. Because on a Friday and Saturday night it's full of
stag parties and is just a little too wild – at least for my liking. If you're going to go, visit
during the week.

What should I take home?

A taste for Guinness, because – and I know this for a fact – you can only get a really great
pint of it in Ireland. It might sound a cliché, but it's true.

Is there anywhere that isn't your kind of town?

I've never really visited anywhere in the world that I just had to get out of straight away.
I always try to find the best in a city, be it a bar or a restaurant, a club or a park.

Ronan Keating's Dublin Interview