Smithfield
Smithfield is a small and trendy city suburb on the Northside of Dublin city. Accessed effortlessly on foot, bus or Luas, this neighbourhood features a unique square, which is the central hub of activity. The square is a large, cobblestone plaza which has been transformed into a collection of small independent restaurants and cafés. It is also home to the famous Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery.
Regarded as one of Dublin’s coolest neighbourhoods and home to bars, contemporary cafes, authentic pubs and one of Dublin’s best alternative cinemas; it comes full of life for locals and visitors. The Generator Hostel in the square is the first choice for many international travellers who want to make friends along their journey.
Smithfield is nestled between Temple Bar, Phoenix Park and Stoneybatter and is the perfect location to really get to know every nook and cranny the city has to offer. It has an abundance of modern apartment complexes and small terraced houses so something for those looking for a real city living vibe.
History & Culture
Back in the 17th century, Smithfield was established as a marketplace and it was the main fair for farmers to come to sell their goods. Until recently the farmers market took place on the square every second Tuesday of the month.
During the last boom, the square was extensively redeveloped with swanky apartments, ground floor retail, and grand plans for a new urban quarter.
Education
There are five primary schools nearby:
D7 Educate Together in Grangegorman (multidenominational, mixed);
Presentation on Halston St (Catholic, mixed);
Stanhope Street Convent (Catholic, mixed);
St Gabriels (Catholic, mixed); and
Brunswick Street CBS (Catholic, boys).
There are two secondary schools:
St Pauls CBS (Catholic, boys) and
St Josephs (Catholic, girls).
Dine & Drink
Value for money breakfast can be found at Third Space offering simple yet nutritious food. Lunch options include Christophes, My Meat Wagon and Wuff, all offering their own unique taste and settings worth checking out.
Fish Shop on Queen Street serves a fresh, four-course seafood menu which changes daily according to the catch. For lunch, they offer a high-end fish and chip shop around the corner on Benburb Street.
My Meat Wagon is a decent barbecue joint if you enjoy large servings of meat and for something small and delicious, try
Proper Order for great coffee and doughnuts.
Bonobo is a great new bar at the bottom of Constitution Hill, which serves craft beers and cocktails with excellent pizza and a large outdoor area.
There are two great pubs in the area for traditional music.
The Cobblestone is the famous one, but real locals go to
M Hughes in the markets for a session. Other string favourites include Dice Bar, PantiBar, The Brazen Head, Frank Ryan and Son, Oscars Café Bar.
Shop
There’s a Fresh supermarket on the square and a Lidl on Brunswick Street. There’s also Tesco and Lidl at the top of Prussia Street in Stoneybatter, all close by.
Other neighbourhood offerings
Jameson’s Distillery is Dublin’s home to some pretty iconic spirits and brews and the new-look Jameson Distillery Bow Street is fast becoming the go-to place for locals to enjoy a Jameson.
Across the Liffey is St. James’ Gate. Home of the Black Stuff, where you can take an extensive brewery experience tour with tastings and a rooftop bar.
Token is a fun retro arcade, bar and restaurant where hours of fun can be had.
