The Best Things To See And Do In Phibsborough Dublin

Edgy, urban and far from most tourists’ expectations of Dublin, Phibsborough is an accessible, working-class glance at Ireland‘s capital. It probably won’t inspire you with its architecture or its tourist must-sees, but there’s plenty to take from absorbing another angle on the city, and taking in a different sense of what modern day Ireland is like for a lot of people. That, and Phibsborough can be a whole lot of fun.

Here are our top tips.

1. Watch Bohemians play football

With something of a punk element, and (for now) still playing in the tumble-down former national stadium at Dalymount Park (where two sides of the ground are so decrepit they can’t be opened), there’s always an air of ‘just surviving’ to Irish top-tier soccer club Bohemians, but they’re also by far the most interesting club Ireland has to offer. Formed in 1905, the Phibsborough club is known as ‘the Gypsies’ or simply ‘Bohs’ and has a bitter rivalry with south-side rivals Shamrock Rovers. It has a hippie buzz, and a member once played a key role in saving Spanish giants Barcelona. Allow a bit of time to take photos of the artwork outside the stadium doors, and get a sense of that rivalry below.

Dalymount Park, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, Ireland. +353 18680923

Walk the banks of the Royal Canal

One of the biggest Irish folk songs, ‘The Auld Triangle’, is all about the dubious but heartfelt romance of inner-city Dublin, with the Royal Canal at its core. The flawed wonder of the old locks leading up through Phibsborough via Croke Park and the modernity of the business-led IFSC are an essential stroll if you want a sense of Dublin away from the tourist heartlands. Explore the towpaths with their sporadic statues, grotty feel and prison-side walks and you’ve escaped glossy Dublin and soeaked up the gritty reality instead.

2. Find silence in the city at Blessington Street Basin

Park

This strange little hideaway is little-known to many locals, tucked away in the heart of the urban sprawl and a former water supply source for much of this part of the city. Blessington Street Basin dates back to the 19th century and supplied water until the 1970s. Today it’s a little-explored park, though the reality involves mostly some exotic plants and a narrow path around the waters: it isn’t exactly a place to roam. Nevertheless, the basin, which holds 15 million litres of water, is an unlikely quiet corner of the city complete with birds, fish and glorious peace and quiet.

Blessington Street, Dublin 1, Ireland.

Blessington Basin | © William Murphy/ Flickr

3. Explore 'hipster Phibsbrough' at Woodstock

Restaurant

A cool-to-the-point-of-chilled venue that’s all concrete floors and exposed beams, Woodstock is Phibsbrough’s hipster heart, a restaurant that does a little bit of everything, from vegan to takeout. They serve a carvery and a hefty breakfast, but also plenty of fresh vegetables and classy desserts, all in substantial portions, and displayed in a pick-it-yourself buffet. It’s been called ‘a jewel in the jungle’, which is a nice summary of this shiny local stand-out.

156 Phibsbrough Road, Dublin 7, Ireland. +353 18300265

4. Stroll the National Botanic Gardens

Technically just outside of Phibsborough in neighbouring Glasnevin (but an easy walk from Phibsborough itself), the National Botanic Gardens are an often-missed north Dublin attraction, and a perfect spot for a quiet few hours strolling and sipping coffee (there’s an on-sight café). The spectacular greenhouses hold plants from all over the world, as well as little pieces of art and history. There are regular tours, and even the main outdoor gardens seem to defy the local climate and go global on the expansive selection of plants to explore. Mellow, and beautiful.

Botanic Road, Dublin 9, Ireland.

National Botanic Gardens, Dublin | © William Murphy/ Flickr

5. Drink in the Porterhouse

Bar, Pub

The Porterhouse is a small chain of pubs spread across Dublin, but the Phibsborough one is a far cry from its Temple Bar cousin. While the Temple Bar offering is crammed with tourists, the Phibsborough local presents the same fantastical selection of brews in a more compact and local-leaning pub. As well as their own selection of eight or 10 on-tap ‘Porterhouse-only’ beers, there’s an international bottle menu which extends to unlikely corners of the earth, featuring beers from Thailand to Brazil, Russia to Mexico.

Cross Gunns Bridge, Dublin 9, Ireland. +353 18309884

6. Glasnevin Cemetary

Cemetery, Museum

Another one that’s technically just outside Phibsborough’s borders, but definitely worth the short stroll, Glasnevin Cemetary hosts very much a who’s who of the key figures in Ireland’s history, particularly when it comes to the revolution. Famous characters buried here include revolutionary leaders Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell, Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera, as well as star of popular trad act The Dubliners Luke Kelly. It’s also the sight of a mass grave linked with the notorious Magdalene Laundries, former ’employers’ of ‘fallen’ Irish women, as well as an ‘angels’ plot’ for stillborn babies. They hold regular tours, which are a quick-fire education on Irish history.

Finglas Road, Dublin 11, Ireland. +353 18826550

Glasnevin Cemetary | © William Murphy/ Flickr

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.