Dublin - Area Guide

Dublin is made up of Dublin City and suburban Dublin County. Dublin City is split by postcodes as outlined below and Dublin County has been split into several administrative areas  - Fingal in north county Dublin and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin in the south county.

Most visitors using this site will want to stay amongst the heart of the action in the city centre. The postal code system for Dublin is relatively simple. Odd numbers make up addresses on the North side of the River Liffey. Even numbers are on the south side (except for parts of Dublin 8, which encompasses part of the Phoenix Park). Dublin 1 is the North City Centre. Dublin 2 is the South City Centre. Generally the larger the number then the further away from the city centre you are.

Dublin 1 & 2 and parts of 7 and 8 basically make up the city centre. Dublin 3 and Dublin 4 are a few minutes cab or bus ride from the city centre. Most tourists to Dublin prefer to stay in Dublin 2 and Dublin 1, but there are many other reasons to stay elsewhere.

Dublin 1 encompasses the inner city centre to the north and runs along the River Liffey. It is well serviced by buses, taxis, the Luas (tram) and the DART (train) and contains sites and streets such as the GPO, O'Connell Street, the Spire, the IFSC (the business district), Parnell Street, Busarus (central bus station), Connolly Station, the Customs House, Henry Street, Arnotts department store, the Gate theatre, the Abbey theatre and the Peacock theatre and the Hugh Lane Gallery. The Point Depot  or Point Theatre as it is also known hosts many of Dublin's concerts and is next to the IFSC. Most of Dublin city centre is within a short walk of anywhere in Dublin 1.

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Dublin 7 is situated directly west of Dublin 1 and runs along the river right down to the Phoenix Park. Dublin 7 is serviced by the LUAS (tram), taxis and buses. Dublin 7 has been undergoing urban redevelopment in recent years and was traditionally the markets area of Dublin. Sites and streets that are well known in Dublin 7 include the Jameson Distillery, the Four Courts and Smithfield.

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Dublin 2 is on the opposite side of the River Liffey to Dublin 1 and encompasses the inner city centre running along the south of the river and runs to Dublin 8 in the west and Dublin 4 to the southeast. Dublin 2 is well catered for transport wise with the LUAS (tram), DART (train), taxis and many buses. Dublin 2 is the first place that many tourists think of when considering a stay in Dublin. It is within walking distance of all the main shopping areas, the pubs and clubs, most of the famous sites, museums, the concert hall and galleries. The infamous Temple Bar is in Dublin 2, as is Dame Street, Trinity College, College Green, the shopping areas of Grafton Street, Dawson Street, Kildare Street and St. Stephen's Green, the tourist attractions of Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty library, the Olympia theatre, the Natural History Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. Baggot Street and Leeson Street then head off south east from St. Stephens Green towards the Grand Canal which marks the boundary between Dublin 2 and Dublin 4.

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Dublin 8 is to the west of Dublin 2, if you were to walk directly away from Trinity College on Dame Street you would come to Dublin Castle and then Dublin 8. Transport in Dublin 8 is mainly in the form of buses and taxis, the main urban train station is also here. The most famous sites in Dublin 8 are the Guinness Brewery and Gravity Bar at St. James's Gate and the impressive Christchurch Cathedral with the Dublinia exhibition. Most of the trains heading west and south from Dublin leave from Heuston Station in D 8. Kilmainham Gaol and the Royal Hospital Kilmainham which hosts exhibitions are near to Heuston Station. Vicar Street, which is host to many comedy acts and intimate gigs throughout the year is also here.

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Dublin 3 borders Dublin 1 and is a couple of kilometres from the city centre and is on the road to the popular suburbs of Howth and Malahide, it is generally an affluent suburb and made up of Clontarf and Fairview. Dublin 3 is serviced by the DART, many bus services and taxis. Think seaside walks, nice restaurants and pubs and a wonderful facility for outdoor activities on the large sandbank in Dublin Bay known as Bull Island, it is great for walkers, kite surfing, golf and fresh air in general. Bull Island is a nature reserve and beloved by all Dubliners alike. The GAA (Gaelic Association) have their headquarters in Dublin 3 in the form of the highly impressive Croke Park stadium that can take in excess of 82,000 spectators. This is home to the biggest amateur sports events in the world as players battle it out for the All Ireland title in Gaelic football and hurling (not for the faint hearted). Croke Park is now the temporary home to international rugby matches while Lansdowne Road is being renovated.

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Dublin 4 is to the southeast of the city centre, just a few minutes taxi or DART ride away and borders Dublin 2. D4 as it is known is the most affluent and desirable suburb in Dublin. Famous areas include Ballsbridge, the RDS exhibition centre, Herbert Park, Lansdowne Rugby Stadium, Sandymount and the RTE studios (national radio and tv) in Donnybrook. There are many wonderful pubs and restaurants in Dublin 4 and it is home to many of the top businesses head quarters. Everybody feels comfortable in D4 and it is an enjoyable area to stay in.

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Dublin 6 is to the west of Dublin 2 and 8 and contains the well known suburbs of Terenure, Ranelagh and Rathgar.

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Dublin 9 is in the north of the city and borders Dublin 1 and 7. Well known suburbs include Glasnevin (home to the Botanic Gardens) and Drumcondra.

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Dublin 11 borders on to Dublin 9 and is further northwest. Well known areas include Santry and Ballymun.

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Dublin 15 is to the west of Dublin and borders the Phoenix Park, one of the world's largest city parks. Much of the urban sprawl to the west of Dublin has taken part in Dublin 15. Well known areas within Dublin 15 include the attractive and highly sought after suburb of Castleknock, Tyrrelstown is a newer suburb and Blanchardstown is home to one of the countries largest shopping centres and the National Aquatic Centre.

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Dublin 18 is home to one of Dublin's fastest growing business and industrial areas, Sandyford. It also has one of the most prestigious shopping centres called Dundrum Shopping Centre.  The affluent suburb of Foxrock and the Leopardstown Race Track.

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Dublin 20 borders the Phoenix Park which is one of the largest city parks in the world. The main suburb withing Dublin 20 is Chapelizod

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Dublin 22 is the extreme West of Dublin and runs into County Kildare. The main arterial route to the South of Ireland (the Naas road M7/M9) runs through here. Liffey Valley Shopping Centre is in Dublin 22 and is one of the biggest shopping centres in Dublin.

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Dublin 24 is one of the biggest suburbs in the City and County of Dublin. It is made up of Tallaght and borders the Dublin/Wicklow mountains to the south of the city.

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County Dublin

Balbriggan
A rapidly growing seaside town in the furthest reaches of north county Dublin. Once a sleepy village, then a commuters town now developing into a self sufficient large town in its' own right. On the main Belfast-Dublin line and has regular trains serving Dublin as a result.

Portmarnock
Seaside village in the north county that is best known for its famous golf links. Has wonderful beach walks and only 10 minutes from the airport. Has good links to the city centre with the DART which only takes 25 minutes or so.

Howth
Delightful north county fishing village that has soared in popularity over the years and is now one of the most sought after addresses in Dublin, popularity is due to its' convenience to the city and its many activities and local amenities. Beaches, cliff walks, golf, hill walks, the harbour, restaurants, pubs and shops - Howth has it all. Great connections to the city centre via Dart and buses.

Swords
One of the fastest - if not the fastest - growing towns in Ireland. They just can't build the houses in this north Dublin suburb fast enough. It is the nearest town to Dublin Airport and has a multitude of pubs and restaurants to eat and drink in. Transport to the city centre can be a pain as only buses and taxis serve Swords, it is however on the Metro line that will be completed with a few years.

Dublin Airport
Dublin International Airport is in north county Dublin and is about 9 miles (15km) from the city centre. At the moment it is served by buses and taxis but the metro will reduce the journey time to 20 mins when complete.

Lucan
West county Dublin suburb that has enjoyed the success of the Celtic Tiger with unprecedented growth.

Saggart
West county Dublin suburb that is home to one of Ireland's largest conference and business hotels - Citywest and the main arterial route out of Dublin to the South West.

Dun Laoghaire
This south county suburb is known to many in Britain as it is a ferry port serving Holyhead in Wales. Lovely seaside walks, handy transport connections to the city with the Dart and buses. Loads of pubs and restaurants.

Killiney
Home to many of Dublin's rich and famous including Bono of U2 fame. This is the must have address for aspiring South County Dubliners and has lovely panoramic views and walks on the beach.

Bray
Most of Bray is actually in County Wicklow, but it is also at the farthest reaches of south county Dublin. Famous for its seaside promenade and games, it was always a popular haunt for young Dublin families to go and spend a day.

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