If you’re looking to eat out in Ranelagh you shouldn’t be disappointed. From takeaways, suburban pizza joints and smart restaurants, the choice is there, but it can be hard to get a table mid-week so book ahead. The same goes for Rathmines, though the fare is a little more fast than tasty – long popular with students, the village has every type of takeaway from burgers, kebabs and pizza, to fish and chips and fried chicken, with a couple of ‘proper restaurants’ dotted in between. Rathgar doesn’t have many restaurants though there are a few gourmet shops like the Deli Boutique (01 496 7612) and there are more restaurants in Terenure village.

Pubs in Ranelagh and Rathgar get a good enough crowd on weekends, but if you’re looking for live music, DJs spinning tunes or late-night drinking, you’re more likely to find it in Rathmines or the city centre.

For the more athletic, there are lots of sporting activities in Dublin 6 and 6W. Clubs like Mount Pleasant Tennis Club or LA Fitness (01 491 1675) in Dartry will keep you in shape and meeting new people, as will Rathmines Swimming Pool, a public pool on Lower Rathmines Road. Bushy Park in Terenure has playing fields, tennis courts, a playground and walks and there are small parks around the area at squares like Kennilworth Square and Eaton Square. Harold’s Cross offers a park and a bit of a dabble on the dogs with greyhound racing in Harold’s Cross Stadium.