Meath Street Grotto Dublin
Secret garden
Located in the middle of Dublin’s most authentic and colourful shopping street is our own ‘secret garden’, the Meath Street Grotto. As a non-religious person, it’s unusual for me to visit local religious spots but I always make an exception for this gorgeous garden that anchors its surrounding area, The Liberties. The Grotto lies behind S. Catherine’s Church, and is surrounded by pubs, markets and street sellers but is a strangely quiet and serene part of this otherwise bustling street.
Although it is a religious place, it’s not too ‘in your face’ and is a lovely place to enjoy a rest or to admire the flowers. Inside there is a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes commemorating the Immaculate Conception, standing above a literal fountain of holy water and where a lot of people leave tributes to loved ones. There is a rock from Lourdes that you are encouraged to touch for a blessing and among its stoney façade is a place to light artificial candles and say prayers. The small grotto area with the ‘candles’ is looked over by a prayer to Our Lady and often has dozens of pictures of the recently deceased left by loving family who want to keep them in others thoughts and prayers.
This may be the epitome of ‘Old Ireland’ with our strict religious customs, but to me, visiting the grotto is a pleasure and it makes me feel like part of the community.
About this spot
St. Catherine's Parish, Meath St.
- Usually daily, same as church opening hours
€
free
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Dublin
Visitor Centre of Phoenix Park
Learn and walk
The "Visitor Centre of Phoenix Park" in Dublin reveals the secrets of one of the largest parks in Europe, unknown to most casual walkers!
by
Alina
Ecke
Blackbird
Craft beers by candlelight
"Blackbird" in Dublin is a dimly lit, dive bar delight. Whenever I'm in the area, I always try to stop here for a drink - it's always 5 o'clock somewhere!
by
Daiana
Andreea Nagy Deac
Farmleigh House
Discover Irish State guest house
"Farmleigh House" in Dublin was built in the late 18th century and was home to the Guinness family. It's accessible from Phoenix Park. Such a discovery!
by
Alina
Ecke
Irish Film Institute
Hangout spot for film lovers
The "Irish Film Institute" in Dublin looks strange - the good kind. Come discover Irish film here. Personally, I love the beer garden out back...
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Admiral
Eastern European food at its best
"Admiral" is a true yacht spot in the center of Dublin, a nautical-themed restaurant with delicious Eastern European and Russian dishes!
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Killiney Hill Park
A park walk with views
"Killiney Hill Park" is one of the best destinations you could pick when looking for a not-so-tiring hike in Dublin, just 20 minutes outside the city!
by
Daiana
Andreea Nagy Deac
Memorial to Human Rights Defenders
The silenced
"Memorial to Human Rights Defenders" by studio Grafton Architects is a hidden gem of an art piece in Dublin, a true must-see for art lovers...
by
Daiana
Andreea Nagy Deac
Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop
Craft beer & #zass
"Knead Pizza & Bottle Shop" in Dublin is a super cool pizza/beer place. Delicious pizza, effortless & cozy vibe, a wide selection of craft beers...
by
Daiana
Andreea Nagy Deac
Mish Mash
Cozy cafe to feel at home
"Mish Mash" is a tiny cafe in Dublin that feels like a piece of home. I love their selection of soups, the fantastic coffee, and the heavenly cakes...
by
Ginger
Greenidge
Heading to Dublin?
112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 112 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Dublin
Our team loves Dublin
Get to know our other Spotters from Dublin
As featured on:
