Dublin Neighborhoods: Introducing Smithfield

A trip to New York City wouldn’t be complete without exploring the cafes of the West Village or the art galleries of Chelsea. The same can be said about Dublin; there is much more to discover beyond the city center where many of the top attractions are located. Of course, visitors must take a walk down Grafton Street, take a seat on a bench in St Stephens Green, and attend a traditional music session at a pub – but exploring neighborhoods is another way to escape the tourist crowds and get to know the real Dublin.

I’ve already written about Ranelagh and the nearby villages of Dun Laoghaire and Howth, but another neighborhood to explore is Smithfield. Located on the northside of the River Liffey, this neighborhood is an easy walk from the center of the city (or you could climb aboard the LUAS tram system) to reach it. Many tourists come here for a tour of the Jamieson Distillery (where the Irish whiskey is made) but there are lots of other reasons to explore Smithfield.

If you’ve taken the walk from the center of Dublin, you might need a refreshment. The Cobblestone Pub, located right on the old square, is a great place to start. You never know what kind of music will be playing at this pub. If you’re looking for an alternative night on the town, look into the art cinema of Smithfield, the Lighthouse Cinema. This cinema also has a bar where you can grab a drink with artistically-minded Dubliners before or after the show.

One of my favorite reasons to go to Smithfield is the weekend market. This neighborhood was originally laid out as a marketplace in the 17th century, and now after regeneration, a weekend market is back. Vegetables and flowers can be found on the weekend in the main square, and if you’re lucky, you might even see the horse market on the first Sunday of the month. You never know what you might stumble upon in the massive central square of this neighborhood: concerts, poetry readings, markets, and more.

Address: Smithfield Square, Dublin 7. (map)

Photo Credit: Jessica Colley