Dublin with Róisín Lafferty
Róisín Lafferty has spent over a decade building one of Ireland's most recognised design studios from a Georgian townhouse on Fitzwilliam Square and in 2025 opened Róisín Lafferty Gallery in the rooms beneath her own office, a theatrical space for the furniture, lighting, and art she collects and designs. That instinct for detail and narrative carries through this guide: a personal route through Dublin built from galleries, dealers, and dining rooms she actually visits, several of them run by people she calls friends.
The result moves between grand Georgian squares and the tightly packed antique shops of Francis Street, from a Michelin-starred dining room to the studio of a craftsperson who works by appointment only. It's less a checklist than an invitation into Lafferty's own Dublin: generous, specific, and occasionally including the instruction to simply say she sent you.
november 2026
Words: designeers and Róisín Lafferty
Art & Culture
National Concert Hall
A landmark of Dublin's cultural scene, the National Concert Hall is the city's principal venue for classical music and orchestral performances. Its elegant interiors provide a fitting setting for an extensive programme of concerts, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in the city's musical heritage.
National Gallery of Ireland
An important part of Dublin's cultural landscape, the National Gallery of Ireland houses an extensive collection of European and Irish art. Among its highlights is a sculpture by Joseph Walsh, which presides over the gallery's atrium and offers a striking introduction to contemporary Irish craftsmanship.
Róisín Lafferty Gallery
Located beneath Róisín Lafferty's Fitzwilliam Square studio, the gallery brings together furniture, lighting and art in a richly layered setting. Its collection combines personal acquisitions, vintage finds and works by Irish and international creatives, reflecting Lafferty's interest in objects with a strong sense of character and narrative.
Design & Collecting
Michael Mortell
A familiar name on Francis Street, Michael Mortell 20th Century Antiques specialises in furniture and collectible objects from the twentieth century. Its collection makes it a worthwhile stop for those interested in vintage design, alongside the many other antique dealers and galleries found along the street.
Killian McNulty Gallery
Situated on Francis Street, Killian McNulty Gallery offers an opportunity to explore Dublin's antiques and art scene. The surrounding street is equally worth exploring, with its concentration of independent dealers, galleries and antique shops offering an ever-changing selection of objects and finds.
Artist to know
Niamh Barry Studio
Irish designer Niamh Barry's practice explores the relationship between sculpture, lighting and furniture. Working primarily with bronze, Barry creates expressive, handcrafted pieces that combine material experimentation with exceptional technical skill. Studio visits are available by appointment.
Tables Worth Booking
Two Pups Coffee
Located at the end of Francis Street, Two Pups is a welcoming neighbourhood address for coffee and brunch. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a natural pause after exploring the area's antique shops and independent galleries, offering a more informal perspective on Dublin's food and café culture.
Allta
Allta has established itself as one of Dublin's notable contemporary dining destinations. Its approach combines an understated setting with an ambitious tasting menu, placing the emphasis firmly on seasonal ingredients, thoughtful presentation and the experience of the meal itself.
Chapter One
A longstanding presence in Dublin's fine-dining scene, Chapter One offers a refined interpretation of contemporary Irish cooking. Its Michelin-starred tasting menu brings together technical precision and carefully considered ingredients, making it a destination for a more immersive dining experience.
Izakaya
Bringing Japanese dining into a lively, contemporary setting, Izakaya offers a more informal alternative for an evening in Dublin. Its menu and sociable atmosphere make it well-suited to relaxed dinners, whether as part of a city-centre itinerary or a destination in its own right.
Where to Stay
Number 31
Number 31 brings together a Georgian townhouse and a modernist mews designed by architect Sam Stephenson. The contrast between the two architectural styles gives the property its distinctive character, while its original sunken conversation pit remains one of its most recognisable features. An intimate stay with a strong connection to Dublin's architectural heritage.
A Place for Relaxing Out of Town
Ómós Guesthouse, Abbeyleix, County Laois
Set in the heritage town of Abbeyleix, Ómós Guesthouse brings together considered interiors, seasonal dining and a personal approach to hospitality. Its intimate atmosphere and focus on local character make it an appealing alternative to a city stay, offering a slower-paced introduction to the Irish countryside.
photography CREDITS:
Killian McNulty Gallery: Niamh Barry
Ómós Guesthouse: Shantanu Starrick
Niamh Barry Studio: Niamh Barry
More from Róisín Lafferty
When Italian Craft Meets London Edge: Inside Artemest’s Penthouse by Róisín Lafferty
In this Designeers feature, Róisín Lafferty reflects on her collaboration with Artemest, the architecture of emotion, and how storytelling through colour continues to define her work, from Dublin to London and beyond.
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