Take a nostalgic trip through 1990s Dublin and rediscover the lost experiences that defined a generation
Ray D’arcy pictured with Zig and Zag from the tv show ‘The Den'(Image: Irish Mirror)
Over the years, Dublin has undergone significant transformations, from noticeable changes in our cityscape to shifts in our dining, shopping and socialising habits.
The 1990s were a different era altogether, and unfortunately, we’ve seen the closure of many iconic establishments like nightclubs, restaurants and shops that once defined the city’s character. While Dublin has welcomed numerous positive changes in recent years, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic about shared memories and reminisce about the good old days.
We’ve taken a look at some of the many things you could enjoy in the capital in the 1990s which sadly are no more.
Shop at independent music stores
Customers browsing at the opening of the HMV Megastore on Grafton St. Dublin 8/12/1986(Image: Independent News And Media/Getty Images)
Before the internet revolutionised music consumption with streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, shopping at independent music stores was the norm. Nothing could match the thrill of your favourite artist or band dropping a new album and rushing to the music shop to grab a copy. Some shops even offered headphones so you could sample music before buying.
Enjoy an undocumented night out
In an era devoid of mobile phones and social media, you could let your hair down without the fear of being snapped and ending up online the next day.
Visit the Chicago Pizza Pie Factory
A copy of Dublin’s Chicago Pizza Pie Factory menu(Image: Gary F. Perry )
The Chicago Pizza Pie Factory was once a staple on St. Stephen’s Green, with Dubliners flocking there for their pizza fix throughout the ’90s. The restaurant wasn’t just famous for its pizzas, but also its garlic bread, which is still talked about to this day.
At a mere £2.25, we’re nostalgic for those prices too! On Friday evenings during its prime, happy hour would kick off from 5 pm to 7 pm, with staff known to jump onto the bar counter and dance to ‘The Time Warp’.
Tune into The Den
Ray D’arcy pictured with Zig and Zag from the tv show ‘The Den'(Image: Irish Mirror)
After a gruelling day at school, Dublin kids would hurry home to switch on The Den and catch up with the latest shenanigans from Zig, Zag and Dustin.
Light up indoors
It’s hard to fathom now, but lighting up a cigarette indoors in your local pub or a posh restaurant was commonplace in Dublin throughout the nineties until the smoking ban came into effect nationwide in 2004.
Buy penny sweets
Pink and white milky teeth penny sweets(Image: Pinterest)
Up until the ’90s, one Irish punt could bag you 100 penny sweets – a sight we’ll likely never see again. We can’t help but feel for the shopkeepers who had to spend their days counting out all those sweets.
Designate Clery’s as a Meeting Spot
Back in the ’90s, the former beloved department store on O’Connell Street was a popular rendezvous point for Dubliners planning to meet friends before the advent of Whatsapp.
Rent a video from Xtra-vision
Xtra vision movie rental chain(Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie)
Nothing could rival the thrill of a visit to Xtra-vision to rent a videotape. It was a pure delight to browse through the shelves, fervently hoping that your desired video hadn’t already been snapped up.
Visit The Gigs Place
The outside of The Gigs Place restaurant on South Richmond Street in Dublin(Image: The Gigs Place Facebook page )
South Richmond Street was once graced by the late-night diner, The Gigs Place. It was a dependable haunt for a post-night-out meal in the capital.
Open from midnight until 6 am, it served delicious food and even bottles of wine for those keen to keep the party going into the wee, small hours.
Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.