It took a while for personal fitness guru Hanan Alanazi – known by her 623k and counting Instagram followers and over 381k-strong TikTok audience as Lamaworkout – to find her particular nook of Ireland’s capital city.
“I've actually moved three times,” she shares. “It’s very hard to find a good apartment in Dublin.”
Thankfully, it was third time lucky for Hanan, who now loves her neighbourhood of Ballsbridge. “I really enjoy having so many cafés and famous parks steps away from my apartment,” she explains. “And it’s still easy to access the busiest streets in Dublin, too.”
But that’s not to say Ballsbridge itself isn’t an area where she’ll happily hang out. “The area is relaxed yet luxurious; I love its Georgian and Victorian architecture,” she says. “It was the site of the Dublin International Exhibition in 1907 and has evolved into one of the city’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, home to numerous embassies. And I love that many events take place right here, in Ballsbridge itself.”
So what brought the Riyadh-born trainer, 32, to Ireland in the first place?
As with many Saudis living abroad, it started with the pull of further studies.
“I came here to do my master’s in nursing as Dublin universities offer many great and affordable courses,” she says. And then, upon arrival, she fell for the place. “I love its calm, rainy days most, especially in the fall – the city has a special charm when all the trees turn orange and yellow.”
Will she stay forever? That depends on her other love. “I cannot answer this question as I don’t know yet, my husband’s work requires him to move a lot.”
Foodie Finds
When we ask Hanan about her favourite foodie spots in the city, she laughs, “It’s very difficult for me to pick just one or two favourite local restaurants as I have 20 saved places in my Google Maps.”
Eventually managing to narrow her selection down, she recommends, for a fancy evening, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill. “I always go here, on Dawson Street, whenever I’m celebrating something. You have to try the ribeye and finish with sticky tofu pudding.”
If you’re looking for a small and cosy café, Hanan suggests One Kinda Folk on Upper Leeson Street. “You just get this sense that everyone knows each other – and they have one of the best matchas in Dublin.”
Meanwhile, the Howth Market is one of her favourites and a must every weekend and bank holiday. “It has such great variety, including local products. I try different things every time and they never disappoint.”
Finally, where does she go when she needs a taste of home? “Unfortunately, there are no Saudi restaurants in Dublin, but every time I go to Rotana City Restaurant, the Arabic food reminds me of our big family gathering. I have to have the knafeh there whenever I'm homesick.”
Boutiques and Bargains
Dublin’s climate being what it is – rather different to Riyadh’s – at the top of Hanan’s list of stores to check out is The Sweater Shop on Nassau Street. “It’s a local store where they produce high quality wool with amazing prices compared to anywhere outside Ireland,” she says. “I buy all my sweaters from this shop; they keep me warm during winter.”
For presents, Hanan tends to turn to the National Museum of Ireland. “The gift shop there has products inspired by Ireland's rich history and heritage. I bought a poster of the Book of Kells, a historic illuminated manuscript, and the person who received it was fascinated.”
The Book of Kells, an intricately designed and illustrated manuscript, dating back to the 9th century, can be seen in person in the impressive Long Room in Trinity College Dublin. Sitting right in the centre of the city, the world-renowned university has long been a go-to cultural destination for both locals and visitors alike, but in more recent years the Long Room has become a popular attraction, as it is said the 18th century library inspired the visuals for the Hogwarts Library from the Harry Potter series.
Alternatively, Hanan recommends taking in the sites and sounds of the city by wandering down the city's main thoroughfare of Grafton Street, where there are lots of little independent stores, inside which you can “always find something special”.
Dublin's Great Outdoors
For Hanan, Dublin offers the perfect blend of city and nature. She enjoys exploring the city's numerous fitness hubs and gyms, the city also allows her to easily take advantage of suburban trails, many of which offer breathtaking views of the city or the Irish Sea.
Whilst her regular routine includes visiting the purpose-built mountain biking adventure park The Glencullen Adventure Park, (referred to locally as The GAP) or the perfectly curated lawns and lakes of St Stephen's Green and working out in the new Fianna Athletic Club in Ballsbridge, Hanan's ultimate outdoor experience in Dublin would be trailing the Howth Cliff Path, particularly during the bright summer months.
“Dublin offers so many amazing experiences like that, if you really know the area,” she enthuses. “Taking a boat trip from Dún Laoghaire Harbour [11km south of the city centre] to sail around the coast is another top pick. This place is filled with history and beauty and seeing its nature is essential – it demonstrates why Ireland is known everywhere as the ‘green island.’”
Hanan Alanazi @lamaworkout
Photography by Karen Morgan @kmorganvisuals
