In this online age, it is fair to say that many of us feel as though we have lost a vital organ if we accidentally venture out without our mobile. Smartphone penetration now stands at around 85 per cent of the adult population – that’s higher than the percentage of people who wear a wristwatch or own a laptop.
Of course, having your phone with you is one thing, but you’ll also need to be connected. Dublin is welcoming more visitors from Finland and other parts of mainland Europe than ever before. If you are planning on joining them, you don’t need to worry about using your roaming allowance while sharing updates on social media or maybe indulging in some Celtic-themed online gaming on your favourite gaming sites from back home.
Back in 2012, Dublin City Council provided a network of free WiFi that was accessible in key locations across the city. However, this foundered after three years, and while there is talk of its reintroduction, the onus has largely fallen on local many businesses to offer their own public access networks. Here’s where to go to get online.
The Quays
This popular landmark is a magnet for visitors from every corner of the globe, and you’ll more than likely bump into a few people speaking Finnish and other languages.
Standing squarely in the middle of Temple Bar is the perfect meeting place. It’s also an ideal spot to meet in the virtual world and was one of the first pubs in the city to offer free WiFi to customers. With an extensive menu ranging from quick bar snacks to full a la carte, you might find it hard to drag yourself away. But if you end up staying longer than planned, at least you can let everyone know where you are!
Business to Arts
Located on Kildare Street by the banks of the Liffey, this charitable organization acts as a conduit between local businesses and Dublin’s arts scene. There are frequent events including art exhibitions, fundraising events, seminars and the like, and free WiFi is provided to all visitors courtesy of Heineken. Check their website to find out about forthcoming events that are taking place during your next visit to Ireland.
Rathmines Library
There’s something terribly reassuring and comforting about a library. The one on Lower Rathmines Road just to the south of the city centre is an imposing red brick structure that was built more than 100 years ago and is a popular attraction in its own right. As well as offering free WiFi to all, it hosts regular community events and lectures. It’s also a popular haunt for the city’s large population of students and remote workers – so arrive early if you want to get a good spot in a quiet corner!
Paulie’s Pizza
The only problem with spending too much time in the library is that you are a little restricted if you feel peckish. We all know that surfing the net and tucking into a slice of pizza or two are a match made in heaven, so the decision of the people at Paulie’s Pizza to offer free WiFi was a shrewd one. The venue gets consistently high praise from Finland’s notoriously demanding reviewers on Trip Advisor, which should tell you everything you need to know!
