Incredible Women. Incredible Fashion. Every Day.

Porter
Travel

Simone Rocha’s Dublin directory

Despite living and working in London, designer of dreamy dresses SIMONE ROCHA reveals why her heart remains in her Irish hometown

Lifestyle
LANDMARK SETTING
The oldest classical building in Ireland is now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art

To feel inspired

“The Irish Museum of Modern Art occupies the former Royal Hospital Kilmainham on the most beautiful grounds and is just up the road from where I went to college. It’s the first place I saw Louise Bourgeois’ work many years ago – her work is a continued inspiration to me. The Francis Bacon Studio in the Hugh Lane Gallery is also really inspiring; it was moved piece by piece from his studio at 7 Reece Mews in London.”

For a stylish bite

“Cavistons is great for lunch – it’s a fish restaurant by the sea in Glasthule with an amazing shop, a greengrocers and a butchers beside it. Etto is my favorite place for dinner in Dublin – it’s my friend’s Italian-inspired restaurant on Merrion Row, just off St Stephen’s Green.”

TASTE TEST
The designer loves the seafood-focused menu at Cavistons in Dublin’s Glasthule Village
FAMED SPOT
Irish writer James Joyce immortalized the Forty Foot swimming spot in Ulysses

Where to let your hair down

“I love going home and spending time with my friends. We always meet at Grogan’s pub (+353 1 677 9320), but I’d also recommend a pint of Guinness in the Long Hall on George’s Street (+353 1 475 1590), or a gig at the Iveagh Gardens. And if you like wild swimming, make sure you go for a dip in the Forty Foot; it’s a Dublin favorite.”

HIGH ROAD
Take a drive through the Sally Gap area of County Wicklow for breathtaking views

For some fresh Irish air

“Walking in County Wicklow is great, especially the Sally Gap, as the landscape is so beautiful. Finish your walk off with a trip to the Roundwood Inn for chicken, chips, oysters and crab claws.”