Packing More Into Your Lunch: 10 Great Lunch Time Activities around Dublin

How often do you leave your office for lunch? And for how long? Probably not very often. And not for very long. Are we right? What exactly are we doing during our precious lunch hour? How many of us are making the most of those 60 daily minutes? It seems that more and more of us are eating lunch at our desks or grabbing five minutes to gobble of sandwich in the office canteen instead of enjoying our well-deserved midday break. Stepping out of the office for an hour is important to clear the mind, refuel and reboot for the afternoon's work ahead. Our capital city is full of gorgeous hidden gems, and lunchtime is perfect opportunity to make the most of them. Here are ten simple ideas to help you liberate your lunchtime. 1. Soak up the peace and quiet in Trinity If you're working in the city centre, we suggest taking a wander through the grounds of this gorgeous campus. Once you step inside Front Arch into the quiet of Front Square, all your cares will disappear. 2. Catch a lunchtime concert Pop into the National Concert Hall or the Christchurch Cathedral for a daytime recital and take in some beautiful surroundings and uplifting music. 3. Find yourself a fitness class Whether it's yoga, Pilates or spinning, find a lunchtime fitness class near your office and make it a weekly treat for yourself. Head solo or with a colleague, and return to the office feeling refreshed and ready for a productive afternoon's work. 4. Book a hair appointment Why waste a precious evening in the hairdressers when you can give yourself a midday makeover? Relax with a cup of coffee and a magazine while the stylist works her magic. 5. Sweat it out in the gym There is a lot to be said for a gym session during the day. Exercising at lunchtime will actually energise you, and you'll be much less likely to reach for a snack in the office later in the afternoon. 6. Hit the shops Nothing beats a cheeky hour of retail therapy. A stroll through the shops is the perfect way to spend a leisurely lunchtime. Treat yourself to something you've had your eye on, and you'll head back to the office with a spring in your step. 7. Take in a gallery Our capital city is packed full of incredible galleries and museums. And the good news is that a lot of them are free. Find the one nearest your office and spend a lunchtime wandering around soaking in some culture. Whether you're near The Hugh Lane Gallery, the National History Museum, the Science Gallery or the Irish Museum of Modern Art, there's plenty to choose from. 8. Head to your nearest park Dublin is one of Europe's greenest cities. Whether it's Iveagh Gardens, Phoenix Park, St. Stephen's Green or St. Patrick's Cathedral park, no matter where you are in Dublin, there'll be a green space within walking distance. Take advantage of these beautiful spots during the summer months. 9. Meet a friend Chances are at least one of your good friends works in an office nearby. Set a date, grab a coffee and go for a walk while catching up on all the goings on. Your brain will switch off from work and a good hour spent laughing with a friend will trigger the release of endorphins just as you're heading back to the office. 10. Get a manicure Book yourself an appointment, sit back and relax while your nails are filed, polished and buffed to within an inch of their lives. You'll spend the rest of your afternoon admiring your shiny new nails as they fly over the keyboard.   This article is brought to you by JUST EAT. Over 150 new lunchtime takeaway partners are now "open for lunch" on JUST EAT around the country. The full range of new lunchtime options can be found here.