Explore Dublin’s Best Neighborhoods – Lonely Planet

Dublin is Ireland’s largest and busiest city. It is easy to get around on foot or by bike. So you’ll have no problem discovering the best the city has to offer, wherever you are. That being said, some neighborhoods have little intricacies and quirks to discover that can wonderfully enhance your stay.

Everything in Dublin starts from the meandering midpoint that is the River Liffey, which divides the city into north and south areas. All odd postal districts are on the north side while even districts are on the south side. Sometimes wider areas can simply be referred to by number (ie Dublin 7, Dublin 8) so this can be handy information to help you orient yourself.

Whether you are here for the history, the culture or the crack, Here’s a look at some of Dublin’s best areas for your next stay.

Where working-class Dubliners share the streets with hip newcomers, Stoneybatter in Dublin 7 has become Dublin’s ‘gay quarter’ (although there is a rival claim to Dublin 8’s larger borough). other side of the river). In the heart of the district, Carnew St has become a bit of a celebrity spot for older travellers, famous as a filming location for the Spice Girls’ Stop Musical clip. You might spot super fans making the pilgrimage here to take a selfie, while the locals give puzzled looks.

It’s a great place to eat: the perfect refueling spot for postcards Lilliput Stores should be your first stop, followed by a trip to Love, Supreme for oat milk white dishes and epic sausage rolls. Book a brunch at Slice and dinner at Grano, Ramen Co. or the bustling L Mulligan Grocer. Finish off by stopping at one of the area’s cozy local pubs. Top picks include The BelfryThe Glimmer Man and Walsh’s – a particularly handsome Victorian pub which retains many traditional features and offers one of the best snugs in town.

If you can find accommodation, Stoneybatter is a great place to stay (try Airbnb for starters). The neighborhood is a maze of small, terraced streets – what the houses lack in space they more than make up for by having the city on the doorstep and Phoenix Park as a garden. If you can’t stay here, nearby Smithfield has plenty more options for overnight stays.

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To the east of the city centre, the business district – commonly known as Silicon Docks – spans Dublin’s Docklands, and it has its own merits as a place to explore. Encompassing the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in Dublin 1 and the Grand Canal area in Dublin 2 with the Samuel Beckett Bridge in between, this area has become home to many tech giants, banks and data companies. insurance over the past 20 years. years.

The smell of roasting barley can often be detected on the streets of one of the city’s oldest and most historic areas in Dublin 8. Originally located beyond the protection of the medieval city walls, the area known as The Liberties is ‘Auld Dublin’ completely. Although the area has seen significant changes over the past two decades, an authentic spirit endures.

This famous distillery and brewing district is anchored by the behemoth that is the Guinness brewery, with more than a million visitors passing through the doors of its popular Storehouse (or investigating its more experimental branch, the Open Gate Brewery ) every year. You’ll also find new, state-of-the-art breweries and distilleries such as Teeling Distillery, Pearse Lyons Distillery and Roe & Co.

Meath and Thomas Sts are the main thoroughfares and hotels voraciously devour property here, with new openings every few months, sometimes to the detriment of local cultural and architectural landmarks (although this phenomenon is not isolated to this area of ​​the city). town). Try booking a small, Michelin star-awarded dining room, Variety Jones or the big and beautiful gastropub, Spitalfields, for sumptuous comfort food and warm, friendly service.

Follow a semi-straight line from Dame St to the Grand Canal and you will reach Dublin’s busiest food and drink hub, Portobello in Dublin 8. Aungier and Camden Sts are where you will find many of the restaurants in the town. most popular, modern and effortlessly cool players, such as Uno Mas, Bunsen, Delahunt, Sprezzatura and Mr S. For Asian treats, try Hang Dai, Big Fan Bao Where Pickle.

If you really want a taste of the best Dublin has to offer, a tip: get your spreadsheet out and book early, as you’ll struggle to find space with the locals and evening and weekend tables can be hard to come by. . The Portobello neighborhood is more long-term residential than a base for short stays; look at the neighborhood perimeter for hotels around Charlemont, Harcourt St and Christchurch.

Situated between the city center and the leafier northern suburbs, Dublin 7’s once neglected Phibsborough (Phibsboro) comes into its own, with a diverse set of local residents and an ever-changing food scene. It is located between two large university campuses and a mixture of students, young professionals and families call this neighborhood home. Places to visit include the historic Glasnevin Cemetery and the National Botanical Gardens. Also allow time for a brisk walk along the Royal Canal Greenwaywhich goes to the Docklands.