Dublin is a vibrant city with inviting and hospitable locals, stunningly beautiful green fields that seem to go on forever, and an unmistakable local vernacular full of witty banter that can’t be replicated in any other place. It’s no wonder Dublin has been attracting visitors from all over the world for centuries – it truly is a remarkable destination.
The city has never been more diverse or youthful, as older established families have moved to the countryside. Furthermore, rent prices in Dublin have dropped over the past year, making it an ideal time to move. If you’re considering relocating to Ireland and looking for the best neighborhoods in Dublin, whether you’re an ex-pat seeking a specific neighborhood or just looking to explore your options, this is a great time to do it.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for culture:
Portobello
Dublin’s Portobello neighborhood is a trendy and fashionable destination that offers an ideal mix of modern and traditional experiences. It is an ideal neighborhood for those who are seeking a blend of trendy and cultural experiences, with its collection of artisanal brunch spots and traditional Irish pubs. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious meal, catch a live music performance, or explore the city’s cultural heritage, Portobello is the perfect place for you.
Experience the local after-work scene by grabbing a pint at a nearby canal-side spot or enjoy live music performances at the renowned Whelan’s pub, where Ed Sheeran has performed a secret concert in the past. With the city’s cultural hotspots at your doorstep, Portobello is the perfect place for those looking for a trendy and cultural neighborhood. Whether you want to enjoy a delicious brunch or experience traditional Irish music, Portobello has it all.
Smithfield
Smithfield is a unique neighborhood in the heart of Dublin that has a distinct off-the-beaten-track feel. Known as the artistic quarter, it’s perfect for ex-pats who want to immerse themselves in Irish culture. The neighborhood has modern high-rise apartments available for rent, and it’s easily accessible by the LUAS (Irish subway) which runs right through it, connecting it to the rest of the city.
Smithfield Square is a popular destination that features a wide cobblestone walkway, surrounded by trendy coffee shops, street art, and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery. For those who are interested in experiencing a true taste of Dublin’s culture, the area is also home to traditional “old man pubs” which are a rite of passage for true Dubliners. These pubs offer a unique atmosphere and a chance to experience the local way of life.
The locals in the area are welcoming and diverse, and the lively traditional music that plays most nights makes for a great experience. Visitors can enjoy a pint of Guinness and listen to the sounds of traditional Irish music while mingling with locals and ex-pats alike. The area is also home to a number of street art pieces, giving it a unique and creative vibe.
Smithfield Square is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the true culture and atmosphere of Dublin. The combination of trendy coffee shops, a whiskey distillery, traditional pubs, and street art, make it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the city.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for food:
Ranelagh
Ranelagh is a neighborhood located in Dublin 6 area, which is known to be an upmarket area and is popular among young professionals. However, if you are looking for a modern space, this neighborhood may not be the best fit for you. The housing mainly consists of Victorian terraced houses that can have an eclectic and vintage style.
Ranelagh is known for having cool places to eat and fancy restaurants. If you like trendy places, this is the neighborhood for you! Some good places to try are Rita’s, which has only pizza, beer, and wine, Dillinger’s for brunch with eggs benny, and TriBeCa for their popular wings.
You may not even need to leave the neighborhood as the main street has plenty of shops, bars, and old-school architecture, making it easy to find everything you need.
Merrion Square
Merrion Square is a highly desirable neighborhood that boasts a peaceful, central location, and a green park surrounded by Georgian homes. The neighborhood’s main selling point is its easy access to some of Dublin’s best restaurants.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, take a short stroll over and try the Teppanyaki, where the chefs throw egg rolls at you, it’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy your meal. For a more elegant option, dine at The Cellar Bar, located in the Merrion Hotel. This low-lit basement boasts an atmosphere of cozy elegance, with exposed brick walls and a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The menu offers a variety of classic dishes, expertly prepared and presented, making it one of the most refined dining options in the area.
Furthermore, Merrion Square is an ideal location for those who enjoy the outdoors, with Merrion square park, which is a beautiful Georgian park, in the center of the neighborhood, it’s an ideal spot for a morning walk or a picnic in the summer. The neighborhood is also home to the National Gallery of Ireland and the Natural History Museum, which are great places to visit during the weekend.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for green space:
Stoneybatter
Stoneybatter is a neighborhood close to Smithfield that offers a great balance of city living and suburban charm. It has plenty of properties for rent, with a two-bedroom house with a garden costing around €1700/month, which is affordable for the Dublin market. The best thing about Stoneybatter is that it’s close to Phoenix Park, a big and beautiful park with wild animals, old buildings, and flowers. It’s like New York’s Central Park, you can walk, bike, run, play a sport called Hurling, ride horses, and more. The park is open all the time, so you can enjoy nature whenever you want.
St. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a great destination for those who want to experience the beauty of nature while still being in the heart of the city. The park features well-maintained gardens and picturesque ponds and is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy their lunch. During the summer, there are also many outdoor events held in the park. The Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre is located next to the park, and it is also located near Grafton Street, a popular shopping district. However, it should be noted that this area can be quite busy and may not be ideal for those looking for a quiet location.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for nightlife:
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is known for its lively atmosphere and bustling energy. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a party scene, this is the place to be. Despite its traditional charm, you can also find modern apartments for rent at a high cost in this area. Temple Bar is a popular destination among both locals and ex-pats, famous for its Irish pubs with live music and a welcoming atmosphere. The area is often included on lists of must-see places in Dublin. The streets are pedestrianized and lined with cobblestones, a perfect place to experience the Irish culture and have a good time.
Harcourt Street
Harcourt Street and its surrounding areas are a less well-known, but equally exciting destination for those looking for a nightlife scene. This street is home to some of Dublin’s most popular nightclubs, such as Dtwo and Chelsea Drugstore, where you can find drink deals and fancy cocktails. A must-visit spot among locals is Copper Face Jacks, an iconic nightclub that attracts people from all over Ireland and even the world. However, living in this area can be costly, with many established apartment blocks costing over €2000/month for a two-bed apartment. On the bright side, you will have the convenience of being able to walk home after a night out without worrying about taxi fares.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for schools:
Drumcondra
Drumcondra is a neighborhood with a large young population, due to its proximity to two major universities in Dublin. It has a well-connected bus route, providing easy access to the city center. The area is mostly residential, with narrow streets lined with traditional red brick houses available for rent at affordable prices, as well as student apartment blocks. Drumcondra is considered a suburb, with a peaceful and residential atmosphere, and is home to local schools and colleges of further education. There are multiple libraries, coffee shops nearby to support your study sessions, and a wide range of gyms, restaurants, and pubs. Griffith Park is nearby for those who want to spend time outdoors, and the Tolka River is also a nice spot for a Sunday morning stroll with a coffee.
Rathmines
Rathmines is a neighborhood that is similar to the affluent area of Ranelagh but with more reasonable prices. It is popular among students due to its affordable rent prices, and it is possible to find older-style houses to rent here instead of apartments. The area has good bus connections, and it is a short taxi ride from the city center. Rathmines has a wide variety of restaurants and pubs to choose from, making it a great place to meet new people. The neighborhood also hosts many social events for ex-pats and young professionals. A notable attraction in Rathmines is The Stella Cinema, a restored Victorian building that features large armchairs and serves gourmet snacks and cocktails, providing a luxurious movie-going experience.
The best neighborhoods in Dublin for cheap property:
Phibsborough
Phibsborough is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is still relatively affordable and popular among both students and ex-pats. The area has been named one of Time Out’s coolest neighborhoods in the world, and it offers a unique blend of old and new buildings. The average rent for a two-bed house is €1500/month, but you can save money by sharing a larger place with more people. Phibsborough has a variety of unique and quirky bars, such as The Back Page. It’s also close to Croke Park, a big stadium where important Irish football games happen and it’s a great place to feel the energy on game days.
East Wall
The Docklands is a fancy and expensive area in Dublin. If you want a fancy place to live without spending too much, check out East Wall. It’s a less popular neighborhood and you can find a luxury apartment for €1400/month or a two-bed for €1900/month. East Wall is located a bit further away from the Liffey River but it still has good transportation options, like buses and the LUAS. The area has many high-rise luxury apartment buildings to choose from.
