15 reasons why the Southside is better than the Northside

WE RECENTLY published an article taking a lighthearted look at what makes the Northside great, from Dublin Zoo and Roddy Doyle, to the cliffs of Howth and Botanic Gardens. Now it’s time for Southsiders to have their say. Here are 15 reasons why south of the Liffey has the edge.

1. The Aviva Stadium (pictured). Ah yes, the home of Irish soccer and rugby. It may be a financial millstone around the FAI’s neck, but boy is it impressive. Great concert venue, too.

2. The Dublin Mountains. Northsiders may have Howth but that’s pretty much the closest they get to scenic mountain countryside. From the Hellfire Club to the Pine Forest, we are truly blessed to have such a wonderful natural amenity on our doorsteps.

3. Dundrum Town Centre: You can do some serious damage to your credit card in this place. A shopping utopia in the heart of the Southside. Also great for eating out or going to the cinema. It’s like the Celtic Tiger under one roof.

4. Dun Laoghaire Harbour: Is there anywhere nicer for a windswept Sunday walk, followed by an ice cream or coffee?

5. Sandycove: Home to Joyce’s Tower and the famous Forty Foot. A great place for a swim when the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish are on holidays.

6. The RDS: From Funderland to Bruce Springsteen to the Horse Show, it’s all happening in Ballsbridge.

7. The Coastline: Take a trip on the DART from the city centre to Greystones and you will enjoy some of the best coastal views to be had – all for the price of your train ticket.

8. The Celebs: From Enya to Bono to Chris de Burgh, they are to Dalkey/Killiney what Hollywood stars are to Beverly Hills.

9. The Parks: We think Marlay Park in Rathfarnham is the jewel in the crown and the upkeep of this amenity is an absolute credit to Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council. We also love Bushy Park in Terenure, the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire and Tymon Park in Templeogue is an understated gem.

10. Ross O’Carroll-Kelly: The legendary comic creation of writer Paul Howard has been with us through good times and bad. Still as funny and relevant as ever.

11. Killiney Hill: The views, the views, the views. Just wow!

12. Dalkey: Probably the poshest village in Ireland. But with its artisan shops, coffee houses, pubs and restaurants, it truly is a lovely place to live. We wish!

13. The Luas: The Southside benefits from both the Red and Green lines, while the Northside has very limited access to this highly efficient, modern transportation system. Mind the trams!

14. The Accent: We speak proper this side of the Liffey. We even have our own DORT accent, loike. Unlike some of youse Northside Dubs…

15. It’s not the Northside: Ah, lighten up – we’re just joking. Sort of. See you next time we need to use the airport.