South city centre
Dublin 2 is a vibrant area of the city and includes Dublin’s finest hotels, restaurants, shops, museums and parks. Filled with impressive Georgian architecture, this area is primarily an exclusive business and shopping zone. Parks include the much loved St. Stephen's Green and the Iveagh Gardens. This area borders Dublin 4 and 8.
Just some of the focal points include Temple Bar, Dame Street, Trinity College, College Green and the major shopping streets including Grafton Street and St Stephens Green.
Tourist attractions are plentiful and include Dublin Castle, the Olympia Theatre, Leinster House and some of the country’s leading museums.
The entire area is serviced by every bus route, with Luas stops at St Stephen’s Green for green line and Abbey Street for red line access. Dublin city bikes are dotted around this area and it is close to all major bus and train stations. Given the central location to everything, you can easily get around on foot.
Top Areas
Temple Bar is Dublin’s most famous neighbourhood with live music to be enjoyed every night. It is best known for being the place to be after dark. Visitors and locals hit the cobblestone streets looking for entertainment right in the centre of the city. Before it became developed this area was previously a small artist district in the city centre and there are plenty of creative businesses to discover by day.
The Old city dates from Viking and medieval times and is still apparent on the cobblestone district of the historic Old City which includes Dublin Castle, the remains of the city’s original walls, Christchurch and St. Patrick’s cathedral. Recently, Old City has also gained a status for its hip boutiques run by local designers. This area encompasses Dublin 8 zone also.
Georgian Quarter Dublin spans from St Stephens Green to Merrion Square and beyond, and this area is charming and rich in heritage. This area is home to Dublin’s most famous landmarks and cultural spots, including the National Concert Hall, The National Gallery of Dublin and The Oscar Wilde House.
Camden Street is bursting with independent shops, bars and restaurants. Great food can be enjoyed at Camden Exchange and Pickle, and always a great buzz at the traditional pubs Flannerys, Devitts and the Bleeding Horse. Local markets still line the streets offering flowers and an array of fresh fruit and vegetable options.
History & Culture
Dublin Castle was once the seat of the
British government's administration in Ireland and is now a major Irish government complex, conference centre and tourist attraction. Located off Dame Street visitors can enjoy informative self-guided tours.
St Stephen’s Green Park is a historical much-loved park and garden, located in the centre of Dublin city. The park is an important public resource in the area and provides an oasis of green calm in the middle of a bustling city. Its four centuries of history are very visible throughout. The park hosts many important sculptural monuments to Irish history. Many species of birds and plants also call the park their home. Public facilities at St Stephen’s Green Park include a playground and a garden for the visually impaired.
Trinity College was established in 1592, stands right in the centre of Dublin 2 at College Green. It is Ireland's oldest surviving university and is widely considered the most prestigious university in Ireland, and one of the most leading academic institutions in Europe. It has a beautiful campus and home to 17,000 students across all major disciplines.
Iveagh Gardens is also known as Dublin's 'Secret Garden' is one of Dublin's finest parks. Designed in 1865 it was fully restored in 1995 with wonderful features including maze in box hedging with a sundial as its centrepiece. It holds a number of boutique events throughout the year in its charming setting.
Schools
Loreto College, St Stephens Green.
Catherine Mc Auley national school and Scoil Chaitriona on Baggot street.
City Quay Boys national school on City Quay.
CBS Westland Row.
Institute of Education, Leeson Street.
Dine & Drink
Temple Bar is home to the famous Temple Bar pub, Bad Ass Café, the Auld Dubliner, Piglet wine bar to name just a few of its countless offerings. Bunsen is one of the best burgers in town with a lively atmosphere and well-priced food.
Camden Street offers some of the city’s coolest options with every food type on offer. The popular Camden Exchange offers innovation through its original style of food, and exclusive cocktails. Traditional food and drink options are found at Devitts and the Bleeding Horse. Popular eateries include fresh food choices at Green 19, brilliant Asian food at Neon, and exceptional Indian food at Pickle restaurant.
A must-see and a national treasure is the newly renovated Bewleys Cafe on Grafton street to enjoy a wide selection of coffees and teas with excellent table service. Occasion options close to Grafton Street are Fire restaurant and Lounge, the Greenhouse, The Ivy, Marco Pierre White, and Cliff Townhouse and Wilde.
Shop
Grafton Street and St Stephen’s green area is dedicated to shopping and you'll get everything from the essential high street stores to unique boutiques and vintage shops.
Grafton Street is the most principal shopping street in Dublin city centre and an absolute must-visit for any shopping lover. Home to the exclusive Brown Thomas department store, and countless retail stores with much-loved brands.
Musicians and street artists perform unique shows accompanying tourists and residents along the busy pedestrian streets so it’s the perfect place to be.
