Lost Lane woke up earlier than usual this morning and invited its regular fan base to frequent the establishment for something a little different than €7.50 vodka blacks and sticky Doc Martens. Alternative Dublin, an artist collective that hosts events and parties throughout the city, held a vintage flea market from 12pm to 5pm this Saturday, welcoming independent vendors from across Dublin. I rocked in at around 1pm, missing the promotion where the first fifty guests get a free goodie bag, and was met with a different crowd than the tourists knocking you over with umbrellas that Grafton Street usually graces one with on a Saturday afternoon. Instead, two jolly millennials assaulted me with a stream of bubbles and insisted that I come to the market. Luckily, I already had plans to attend, otherwise I would have promptly spun around on my heel and teetered down the stairs to M&S next door.
After waiting in the queue for around ten minutes, I was allowed up the stairs to the top floor of Lost Lane to the adorable set-up. The main room included vendors such as And Again Vintage, carrying fur coats and Harley Davidson tees. There were a few jewellery vendors as well. It wasn’t too crowded, thanks to the heavily monitored queue that I had just waited in.
In the room over with the bar, there was a vendor selling used Doc Martens that was very nice. I’ve Been Bricks Vintage takes up most of that room, with the vendors being very helpful and attentive. While I am not a fashion expert myself, I can confirm the clothes were cute and frankly what you would expect from an event like this.
While this specific event isn’t recurring, Alternative Dublin hosts flea markets in Lost Lane occasionally every year, the next one probably being this summer. However, as you might have gathered from the semi-ironic tone I have adopted, I would not recommend attending. I understand the appeal of having a flea market that is as central as Lost Lane on Grafton Street, but it isn’t worth the crowd, the queue, and the cramped nature of the whole experience. To try and end on a more positive note, I’ll throw in an alternative that occurs more often and is frankly more enticing.
Le Zeitgest in Phibsborough occurs one Sunday a month from 11am until 5pm, announcing details on their Instagram. It is in a warehouse but includes vendors in the outdoor entrance area. With much more space to work with, and a much less abrasive and over-excited staff, the event is perfect for hobbling over after grabbing a pastry from Eliot’s across the street.
While Alternative Dublin is haunted by its millennial vibe, the group has fun events from time to time and ultimately has an admirable mission of promoting independent artists and community involvement. While this event wasn’t ideal, I’m yet to write of Alternative Dublin events entirely because sometimes a painting class or a pizza crawl is welcome after bathing in cynicism all week in the Arts Block.
