Ultimate Dublin Guide by Neighborhood

What do you know of Ireland? The land of the Celtics? The home of red-headed beauties? A poetic place built by myth and legend? practically everyone who's not from here has their own version of what Ireland really is. And when you actually have to stay in this country, you'll realize that it's a lot more different than you could have ever imagined. Even in Dublin, the country's capital. Sure, from movies and TV you probably can get the sense of what it's like to stay here. But that's just what it is—a sense. The neighborhoods here might paint a totally different picture!

 

Donnybrook

One of the best parts about moving to a different city is getting to absorb and immerse yourself into its culture. So much so that you'll feel as if you've lived there all your life, when in fact, you've only been there for a month and you'll probably only star there for about a year or two. Either way, it pays to understand the local lifestyle of where you've moved to. And if you moved to Dublin, a great neighborhood to really educate you on what normal life is like here is Donnybrook. With its strong sense of community and preservation of centuries-old tradition, you can't get any more Irish here even if you tried! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Drumcondra

Drumcondra is a picturesque neighborhood in Dublin that has many Instagram-worthy spots. But that's not what has drawn many people to visit or even move here! In recent years, this quaint little district in the Irish capital is becoming one of the country's best havens for foodies. Practically every corner you go to, you'll find a dozen fascinating establishments worth your time and money. Whether you'll go for a more traditional meal or an Irish twist to another country's sumptuous cuisine, your taste buds will thank you for choosing to stay here. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Dún Laoghaire

Even if it's far from what you've pictured Dublin (or even Ireland) to be, the city is actually beside a sea, the Irish Sea. And if you're one to stay in coastal towns, try checking out the beautiful neighborhood of Dún Laoghaire. But throw away your expectations of a coastal town when doing so. This place isn't exactly Cannes or Mykonos, but it is. however, a peaceful area that's so easy to call home. A quaint community where you can buy fish & cops at about any corner you turn to, it has a rather homely and slightly nostalgic feel to it. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Howth

In terms of beauty, no other neighborhood in Dublin can quite match the likes of Howth. This painstakingly picturesque area, which is situated on a peninsula, boasts stunning views as far as the eye can see! Think cinematic coastlines that give off a storybook-like appeal. Flower-ladened gardens that look as sweet as they smell. And rustic villages that make you feel a punch of nostalgia at every corner. If you're drawn to staying at beautiful places, there's no other district quite like it in all of Dublin. And if you're a photographer, it's best if you have your camera with you at all times here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

O’Connell Street

When you first step foot into Dublin, one street that you've probably heard of and went to was O'Connell Street. The busiest one in the city, it's the beating and bustling heart of the Irish capital. It's lined with a massive array of cafes, restaurants, pubs, stores, and more, making it quite the tourist haven too. It even has the distinction of being the busiest and widest urban street in all of Europe. But that doesn't mean you can't stay here too. In fact, many people live her because they want to get in on the action. To soak up all the business as they live their every day lives. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Portobello

Just by looking at it from afar, you can already get a sense of what makes Dublin's Portobello neighborhood so special. Here is the city's art district, lined with spray-painted walls and bright buildings that look like artworks themselves. With its community of artist sand bohemians, it's arguably the trendiest area in all of Dublin. And you'll see that with how colorful and cooky the place is. Slightly edgy with its embrace of modern and street art, here is where you'd love to stay if you're a creative. Or if you simply appreciate new and exciting art. 

Source: Flickr.com/ William Murphy

 

Ranelagh

Ranelagh is largely a suburban area near the city center of Dublin. But make no mistake, this isn't a boring place to stay in! It has its own collection of cafes, restaurants, and shops that will keep you entertained throughout your stay here. And it's highly likely that you'll make a lot of friends while you're here too. It has such a strong sense of community, one where you'll likely be incorporated into even if you're just staying for a certain amount of time. And even if it's in close proximity to the city center, it still has a homely feel to it. 

Source: Geograph.ie

 

Rathmines

The exciting neighborhood of Rathmines has the prestigious distinction of being voted as one of the top places to live in Ireland. And it deserves it too! No other place in Dublin has the harmonious mix of being a homely suburb whilst being an exciting hub of bars and restaurants too. The type that, when you stay at home, you can still enjoy some peace and quiet. But when you step outside, there's an exciting and bustling lifestyle waiting for you. Imagine living in a nice village that's a hop and skip away from the urban life of a city. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Southern Georgian Dublin

Even if it might not seem like it, Dublin is rich with historic culture. And if you want to live within it, there's only one neighborhood you should consider: the Southern Georgian Dublin. Just exploring into this area is like you're walking into a history book, full of landmarks and monuments that are significant to Ireland's rich history. It's also the hub for the city's cultural spots, including The National Gallery of Dublin and the National Concert Hall, among many others.  It's also where you can find The Oscar Wilde House, a hub devoted to the famous author.

Source: Geograph.ie/ Joseph Mischyshyn

 

Temple Bar

Finally, there's Temple Bar. It's no secret that the Irish are heavy drinkers. It's their best or worst quality, depending on how you look at it! And here in Dublin, there's one area where you can go to the best pubs in the city: Temple Bar. Named after an actual bar within the area, it's a tourist haven that offers the best of nightlife within the Irish capital. Just about every night, this district becomes the biggest party in the country, with bars and nightclubs free-flowing drinks. Though it's one of the busier neighborhoods on this list, it's still a nice area to stay in! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

The capital of Ireland, Dublin, is by far one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe. Maybe even in all fo the world. There's no end to the excitement and thrills that you'll get if you stay here! Whether for one month, one year or for the rest of your life, you won't go bored here!