The best places to live in Dublin

As with all cities, the areas and suburbs in Dublin that you choose to live in can completely change your lifestyle. From the laid-back beaches in North Dublin to the hustle and bustle of city-centre living, there are many areas for you to pick from.

When deciding where to settle in Dublin, you should consider the area's proximity to your workplace, good schools and public transport. Traffic is surprisingly heavy for such a small city, and commutes of an hour or more both ways are not unheard of.

While popular areas like Seapoint, Killiney, Ranelagh and Clontarf are well-known, you might also consider The Liberties, Stoneybatter, Phibsborough and Drumcondra. These neighbourhoods offer unique atmospheres, from historic charm to trendy, up-and-coming vibes.

Dublin has also seen significant changes recently. Increased diversity has brought new cultures and cuisines to the city. As a hub for tech and innovation, Dublin attracts young professionals, and sustainability efforts promoting cycling, public transport use, and green spaces are popping up everywhere. However, housing costs have risen, making city-centre living a challenge.

Below are some of the best areas and suburbs in Dublin. 

Seaside areas in Dublin

Seapoint, Dublin by Guiseppe Milo

Seapoint

Seapoint Beach is a fantastic place to live. It’s perfect for swimming and features the historic Martello Tower, which offers great views. The area tends to be pricier than the city centre, but there are beautifully restored Georgian properties if you prefer to rent a house rather than an apartment. The DART service connects you conveniently to central Dublin every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours.

One benefit of living close to the beach is being able to walk or swim every morning. On Sundays, enjoy regular community events like the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Festival and the Dún Laoghaire Market.

Killiney

Killiney offers stunning natural scenery, with Killiney Hill Park providing vistas of Bray Head, the Wicklow Mountains and Dublin Bay. Killiney Beach curves inward with dramatic peaks of the Sugarloaf Mountains in the background. It’s a more expensive area, but you’ll find beautifully restored Georgian homes. The DART service connects Killiney to central Dublin, making commuting easier. Living here means you can enjoy the picturesque setting and vibrant community, though at a higher cost than other parts of Dublin.

Howth

Howth marks the beginning of the northern beaches. It’s a beautiful area with a strong sense of community. The DART service connects Howth to central Dublin. It’s a great place to live if you enjoy outdoor activities and the seaside atmosphere.

Howth offers a range of activities, including sailing, swimming, and walking along the seafront. It’s a safe area, but be cautious of slippery rocks and always lock your vehicle when visiting the beach.

Malahide

Malahide is another excellent seaside area with a welcoming community, making it ideal for families. As with other seaside areas, DART links the neighbourhood to the rest of the city. Malahide is known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant community events. The area is generally safe, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Upmarket suburbs in Dublin

Ranelagh, Dublin by William Murphy

Ranelagh

Located on the south side, Ranelagh is a favourite among expats. It’s just 10 minutes from the city centre and has exceptional public transport links. The area boasts a lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants. Parks like St Stephen's Green are also plentiful. Houses here are beautiful, spacious and perfect if you want a garden, parking, and privacy.

Clontarf

Clontarf, situated on the north side, is another popular choice. Like Ranelagh, it’s close to the city centre and offers good public transport. Clontarf has a more relaxed vibe with a strong community feel. The nightlife is lively too, and there are beautiful houses with ample space for families. The Bull Wall seafront promenade is a major draw – you can walk, run, or just take in the smell of the ocean from this five-kilometre-long sea wall.

Ballsbridge

Ballsbridge caters to a more settled crowd. It’s home to many embassies and exudes an upscale, sophisticated atmosphere. With its location near the picturesque River Liffey, Ballsbridge is known for its elegant houses and green spaces. It’s a bit quieter but offers a high standard of living. Thanks to the abundance of restaurants, cafés, and high-end boutiques, it's easy to find something to do without leaving the neighbourhood. It's worth noting, though, that Ballsbridge is one of the most expensive areas in Dublin.

Donnybrook

Donnybrook, close to Ballsbridge, is another upmarket suburb. It has a similar ambience to Ballsbridge with high-end homes and a more tranquil setting. Yet, the closer you get to Baggot Street, the livelier it becomes. It’s perfect if you want a combination of peace and proximity to city amenities and nightlife.

City life in Central Dublin

Smithfield, Dublin by William Murphy

Smithfield

Smithfield has become one of Dublin's most desirable areas. It's currently undergoing significant development, including the revitalisation of Smithfield Square and the conversion of The Chocolate Factory into a mixed-use space. These projects enhance the area's charm and the practicality of living here.

Renting in Smithfield can be pricey, higher than in some other central areas, but less than in places like Ballsbridge. The variety of shops and services is impressive, from independent boutiques and high-street brands to vibrant restaurants, cafés and bars.

The Luas tram line ensures efficient and convenient travel. Trams run frequently, and the network connects seamlessly with other public transport services, making commuting around Dublin straightforward.

Temple Bar

If you want to be immersed in Dublin's nightlife and cultural attractions, consider the famous Temple Bar area. Housing here is likely to be expensive and compact, but the neighbourhood's central location, plethora of lifestyle offerings, and charming cobblestone streets tend to make up for the high rents and the swaths of tourists who pass through Temple Bar at all times of the year.

Areas to avoid in Dublin

While Dublin is generally considered safe, some areas have higher crime rates where extra caution is advised. Ballymun is one such area, known for drug-related violence and vandalism. Tallaght also has a reputation for being one of the less safe parts of the city. Both areas can usually be navigated safely during the day, but are best avoided at night.

Pearse Street and Blanchardstown are other high-crime areas. The North Inner City and South Inner City can feel less safe, particularly in less crowded or poorly lit locations. Sheriff Street has historically had issues with drug abuse and gang activity, making it another area where caution is necessary.

Despite the higher crime rates in these areas, efforts are underway to improve safety through community development and regeneration projects. Always stay informed about current conditions and exercise caution when necessary. Overall, Dublin remains a vibrant and generally safe city, but awareness of these higher-risk areas can help ensure a safer experience.

Which areas and suburbs do expats recommend in Dublin?

"In Dublin, it really depends on what housing you can afford. The North is slightly more affordable, but many people would consider it as being a bit more on the “rough” side of the city. If you’re willing to commute into town, Portmarnock and Malahide are lovely seaside areas. In town itself, Dublin 8, Castleknock, Rathfarnham and Rathmines are popular.

"To the south of Dublin, there are plenty of lovely areas with lots of parks, greenery, and little seaside spots to live in. Dundrum, Cabinteely, Stillorgan, Dún Laoghaire and further out Bray (into the next county) are all great." 

Read our interview with South African expat Caro about Dublin. 

Further reading

►See Getting Around in Dublin for more on transport in the city

Photo credits: Seapoint, Dublin by Guiseppe Milo, Ranelagh, Dublin and Smithfield, Dublin by William Murphy. All sourced from Flickr.

Are you an expat living in Dublin?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Dublin. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.