Kilmainham
Kilmainham is a historic area close to the city centre, with a good mix of amenities for its residents who are a mix of working professionals, students and a lot of recent newcomers to the area. It is an up-and-coming, laid-back neighbourhood with trendy eating spots, traditional pubs and several popular cultural attractions.
The entire area is dotted with major institutions including the Royal Hospital (now home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art), Kilmainham Gaol and St James Hospital.
Kilmainham is a mix of pretty Dublin redbrick housing, from the cottages to larger homes along the western end of the South Circular Road. There is no defined village centre but there is plenty of neighbourly spirit to be found and living in Kilmainham means you are steeped in Irish history.
This residential neighbourhood is very well connected to the city by bus with excellent public transport options with several bus routes and Heuston station only a few short minutes away.
History & Culture
Kilmainham is an ancient area of Dublin and was home to the first Viking base in Ireland, followed by the English who made it the centre of colonial power, ruling from the Manor of Kilmainham until Dublin Castle took precedence in the 16th century.
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most important locations of the 1916 rising, where many leaders were executed and now serves as one of the most famous museums in the country.
Right across the road is the Irish Museum of Modern Art, housed in the old Royal Hospital Kilmainham. This is regarded as one of Ireland’s premier art galleries, with fantastic grounds it offers the best day out.
Right in the heart of Kilmainham is the War Memorial Gardens, which has plenty of places to stroll, play and relax.
Education
There are three primary schools nearby at
Canal Way Educate Together, St James’s and
Gaelscoil Inse Chor in Islandbridge. The nearest post-primary school is
CBS James’s Street.
Dine & Drink
Urban 8 is a casual bustling neighbourhood bistro serving tasty salads, sandwiches, soups, sharing plates and burgers. In the summer months there is also a spacious outside terreace to enjoy!
Cool Hand coffee shop at 2 Emmet Road is a popular artisan coffee shop with a real passion for coffee. To ensure their coffee is the best, they only work with the best green importerts and roast the beans in house!
Nearby in Inchicore there are two great places to enjoy a good coffee and lunch.
Unfiltered is a cool filter and espresso coffee bar and
Grenville Deli offers great lunch options with quality toasties, sausage rolls, salads and salads.
Wuff offers one of the best full Irish Breakfasts in Dublin and La Dolce Vita serves freshly made food and sauce which they are proud to serve to clients.
Broyage Bar and Bistro can be enjoyed at the Hilton Kilmainham serving upmarket food and drinks options.
There are two main local bars the
Royal Oak and the Patriot Inn which are longstanding establishments in the area.
Shop
Local shopping options are limited but there is a Spar, a bakery and Dublin Food co-op Kilmainham. All the major shopping centres at Blanchardstown, Liffey Valley and Dundrum are all under a short 20-minute drive.
Other Neighbourhood Offerings
With 1,750 acres of the Phoenix Park on the doorstep, this area won’t be beaten for greenspace with more to be enjoyed at the War Memorial gardens and the grounds of the Royal Hospital.
The grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham plays host to one of Ireland’s most popular summer festivals Forbidden Fruit which is a must-see. It is also the perfect place also for a weekend stroll all year round.
With close access to Heuston station, you can grab a train to any of the major cities including Cork, Galway and Limerick.
