Named 27th in the top 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out magazine this lively spot in Dublin 7 is full of coffee shops, restaurants, bistros, and pubs. The area is well known for its strong community spirit, the redbrick terraces, Dalymount Park, and the Mater Hospital.
It is a cool urban village with the retro Phibsborough Shopping Centre and lots of independent shops. Doyle’s Corner is a well-known establishment right in its centre at the crossroads and joins the numerous pubs in the area.
The Royal Canal is perfect for a leisurely stroll and Blessington Street Basin (a former water supply source for much of the city) today offers locals a tranquil hideout and secret garden to be explored.
The much-loved Community organisation Phizzfest host regular theatre, literature, comedy, music, and film events throughout the year. Croke Park is also nearby in Drumcondra is the place to go for avid GAA fans so there is no shortage of things to do here.
Phibsborough is bordered by Glasnevin, Cabra, Grangegorman and Drumcondra and it is close to the city centre so lots of choice on the doorstep. A brisk walk will get you to Henry street in about 20 minutes or the new Luas takes less than 10 minutes into town. The area is well served by Dublin bus routes with 4, 9, 38/A/B, 46A, 83, 83a, 120, 122 and 140 all passing through. Drumcondra railway station is a 20-minute walk away serving Dublin and many commuter towns.
HISTORY & CULTURE
It has a long history with St Peter’s Church built in 1862, and many of the area’s landmark Victorian pubs followed soon afterwards. It is home to one of the first shopping centres built in the City in the 1960s at Phibsborough Shopping Centre.
SCHOOLS
There is one primary school in Phibsborough St Peter’s, a Catholic mixed school. Nearby options in Cabra include Broombridge Educate Together, a mixed national school, All girls' schools are Dominican Convent Girls and Christ the King Girls National School. St. Catherine’s Infant School is mixed, and Christ the King Boys National School offers all boys education.
Secondary school options are St. Declan’s College, St. Pauls CBS and St. Vincent’s offering Catholic boys’ education. Stanhope Street Girls Secondary School and St. Dominic’s College offer girl’s education. For mixed there is Cabra Community College.
DINE & DRINKS
The White Moose Café is a must-see quirky brunch and breakfast style café on North Circular Road.
Bang Bang is the neighbourhood deli and café and a top spot for brunch in the heart of Phibsborough. Woodstock café, now Monck’s Green has been around since the ‘90s serves great brunch, lunch and dinner options. Two Boys Brew is a very popular weekend spot serving great coffee, brunch, and lunch with great service in a chilled space. The Back Page is a popular sports bar offering a warm welcome while serving great pizza and decent drinks.Woodstock is a very chilled space with concrete floors and exposed beams and this restaurant offers a lot with breakfast, carvery, and vegan options.
The Brian Boru in Glasnevin is a vibrant pub with weekly music, large sport screens and great food and drink.Other great options include the Hut, a Victorian pub serving a great pint of Guinness, the Bohemian, a favourite for locals and the Porterhouse serving an extensive selection of brews and beers.SHOPPING
Phibsborough Shopping Centre has a Tesco, pharmacy, fish and chip shop and gym. For a weekly shop options there is a Tesco at Cabra, Lidl in Glasnevin and a Lidl and Aldi on Parnell Street.
OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD OPTIONSClose by the National Botanic Gardens offer a perfect spot for a quiet few hours strolling and a chance to see remarkable greenhouses and gardens. Another neighbouring option for a nice day out include Glasnevin cemetery.
