Islandbridge

Islandbridge is an area in Dublin 8 close to the city centre. It is located to the south of Phoenix Park and has an abundance of amenities nearby including War Memorial Gardens, Kilmainham Gaol and The Irish Museum of Modern Art.

The community is said to have the longest history of high-rise living in Dublin with apartment complexes built since 1960 so is there is no shortage of apartments in the area. In more recent years there has been a lot of renovation work completed across apartment developments, and the addition of new luxury complexes such as Clancy Quay offering residents city life with village living.  The area is now home to a wonderful mix of all nationalities and professionals.

The area is conveniently positioned, approx. 3km from the city centre, 5km east of the M50 and only a few minutes’ walk from Heuston Station and the Luas Red line. This area is also close to St James’s Hospital, Thomas Street, and the Liberties.  There is a cycle and walkway along the Liffey that runs the whole way to the village of Chapelizod referred to as one of Dublin’s best kept secret.

HISTORY & CULTURE

The War Memorial Gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe and are dedicated to the memory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the First World War. The rose gardens and abundance of trees make for a very enjoyable visit in any season. The quiet atmosphere here makes it a popular place to relax and reflect.

With 1,750 acres of the Phoenix Park right on the doorstep and this area won’t be beaten for greenspace to be enjoyed. Open seven days a week it is a haven for dog walking, running, and a chance to see the wild deer.

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most important locations of the 1916 rising, where many leaders were executed and today serves as one of the most famous museums in the country to be enjoyed.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed in the old Royal Hospital Kilmainham, regarded as one of Ireland’s premier art galleries, and with fantastic grounds it offers a great day out.

EDUCATION 

Primary schools in the area offering Catholic mixed education are Gaelscoil Inse Chor, St James’s and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Canal Way Educated Together offers multidenominational, mixed learning.

St. John of God School caters for pupils aged four to eighteen with learning disabilities.

Post primary school options include Christian Brothers, Presentation, Warrenmount and Mercy Secondary School.

DINE & DRINK

There are several pubs, restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area serving great food and drinks options.  

Storyboard is a trendy neighbourhood café that offers seasonal dishes and a great place to chill. They serve hearty breakfasts and lunches and wonderful coffee so the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The Kemp Sisters Cafe is in the basement of Imma on Military Road offer homemade food and great service in a very relaxed setting.

La Dolce Vita in Kilmainham is a family-owned restaurant providing the best Italian experience with freshest and locally sourced ingredients. A popular spot since 2002.

Nancy Hands Bar & Restaurant is a gastrobar at Parkgate Street offering great food options and an extensive drinks menu.

Harkin’s Bar & Bistro is a traditional pub serving a perfect pint of Guinness in a real Irish pub setting and a favourite for locals.

Ryan’s of Parkgate Street is an original Victorian pub located near the front gate of the Phoenix Park which has been fully refurbished, offering some of the best bar food in Dublin with options of steak sandwich, beef and Guinness pie and a selection of tapas.

SHOP

There are several convenient stores dotted around the area for grab and go options. 

The Yard is a grocery store at Clancy Quay that is focused on bringing our customers the best quality food and service while offering an extensive range of fresh homemade product prepared daily.

For a larger shop there is a Supervalu at Heuston South Quarter and nearby at Kilmainham there is a Spar, a bakery, and Dublin Food co-op.