The Dublin Women: An Observation.

So, I’m sitting here in a café with half a pot of tea left and nothing to do with myself. I’d like to take this opportunity to blog about the young women of Dublin, ranging from ages 12-mid twenties. They are all quite different and I’ve been quietly observing their lifestyles/habits since day one:


We’ll start with the youngest; ages 12-14- These adolescent females are living examples of premature independence and early maturation. They typically take the bus to and from school, but will stay in City Centre as long as possible after school lets out. They do this to maximize their shopping/BFF bonding time. They travel in groups of 4 or more (often with a few male hooligans to keep them company/give them street cred) and can be spotted shopping in their school uniforms from 3:00-5:30 pm (must make it home in time for dinner) on Grafton and O’Connell Street. They are big fans of text messaging (SMS), fast food, shopping for accessories, and straightening their hair. A number of them are also into colored nail polish (at a private, Catholic school, mind you! Risky!). Just wait till they grow up…

15-17: They have now begun to discover alcohol and childhood has begun to diminish. They have shed their school uniforms for leather jackets, calf-high boots, and dramatic eyeliner. They are quite ahead of the U.S. as far as fashion goes, so be expecting to see black tights paired with cut-off shorts and floral prints walking down the American runways soon! Additionally, this age group is also known for dying their hair one solid, dramatic color. They will then straighten it and wear it down, or messily put it in a bun/ponytail to communicate the “rocker”/”I don’t even care what I look like” look. I’ve tried it, but the curly hair just doesn’t scream “I don’t give a darn” like the Dublin girls’ can. Shoot :/

18-21: When Dublin girls hit about 17 or 18 they can legally drink in public dance clubs and pubs around town. Serious nights out begin on Wednesday here, and run clear till Sunday. No breaks, no nights off, there are literally well-dressed, high-heeled young women dancing around town until 3:30 am on almost every night of the week. Popular Wednesday spot; Dicey Reily’s. We typically go to Dicey’s about once per week and hit up the dance floor with scores of fashionable young Irish women. They also play Jay-Z and Lady Gaga at Dicey Reily’s, as well as have a beautiful beer garden (no rooftop and you can see the stars in the night sky!), so we’re pretty much guaranteed a good time.

22-25: These are the blossoming business professionals. They are incredibly well dressed, have fabulous business suits, and manage to successfully wear high heels while rushing to their next business meeting across the Liffey. They dine at places like the Italian Quarter (an area on the North side of the River Liffey with a number of classy Italian Restaurants) and go grocery shopping after work. They are “up and coming” career women with (what seems to be) incredible drive and professionalism. Many of them also attend the law school next to our accommodation, and they may be the best-dressed of them all. Who knew students could afford such chic fashion? An inspiration to college students everywhere!

So, there you go, a few of my observations. Not all of the girls living here fit each description, but I hope this gives you some insight into everyday life here in Dublin, Ireland! :)

Cheers!