Non-sex-related Christmas stress busters (yes they exist...)

The Christmas season is always a big, busy demanding rush for most people, and multiply that by about 100 for those of us working in retail. The stress of it all can be quite daunting, but I'm happy to say that this year I've forced myself to take little breaks and actually leave the house to do non-business-related things throughout the month. If you're visiting or living in Dublin, here's a few stress-busting things to do and places to visit to keep you in good spirits till the 25th. 

  • Warm yourself up with a hot port in the Bison Bar on Wellington Quay! I only visited this place for the first time last week. They have an excellent BBQ menu as well, which I highly recommend, but if you're only popping in for a tipple, go with a hot port. It's probably the best one I've had in Dublin. Not too tart, not too sweet, just perfect. 

  • Get your nails done in Tropical Popical on South William Street! If you want a nice, inexpensive way to feel like you're on a sun holiday, pop in for a mani-pedi and drink Lilt out of coconut. Andrea and the gang really make you feel at home in their kitsch paradise, and all the nail services are very affordable. You can book an appointment, but they're happy to take walk-ins as well.

  • Beard-haver and fellow Kilkenomics panelist, David O'Doherty, is playing a few shows this week in Whelans. Keyboard-related hilarity is sure ensue so grab your tickets here.

  • If you're down on the South side, get yourself some fish n' chips from the Fish Shop at the Blackrock market. I've said it before and I'll say it again: BEST TARTAR SAUCE EVER! Get it while you can. They close on the 20th and won't reopen again till Spring!

  • And finally, if you need to take your holiday aggressions out on friends, family, or coworkers, get yourself down to Jumpzone in Sandyford for a bit of trampoline dodgeball. You'll feel like the world's most unfit person after about 10 minutes, but it's well worth it! There's also wall climbing gym opening this week in the industrial estate called The Wall. Looks pretty cool. Both are about a 5 minute walk from the Stillorgan Luas station, so why not make a day of it?