Navigating Dublin’s Numbered Districts When Choosing a Neighborhood

Dublin’s numbered districts can be confusing at first, but understanding them is key to choosing the right area to live in. Whether you're a healthcare professional relocating for work, a student, or a family seeking the best schools and amenities, Dublin’s diverse neighborhoods offer something for everyone. This guide breaks down the city’s numbered districts, helping you navigate your options based on commute time, affordability, lifestyle, and access to healthcare facilities.

Understanding Dublin’s Numbered Districts

Dublin is divided into postal districts, with odd-numbered districts (Dublin 1, 3, 5, etc.) generally located on the north side of the River Liffey and even-numbered districts (Dublin 2, 4, 6, etc.) on the south side. Some areas are more residential, while others are better suited for professionals who want to be close to work and city life.

1. City Centre & Nearby (Dublin 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8)

Best for: Young professionals, easy commuting, vibrant social life.

Downsides: Higher rent, busy areas.

Dublin 1 (North Inner City)

• Central location with access to shops, restaurants, and public transport.

• Close to Mater Hospital and Rotunda Hospital.

• Affordable apartments but can be noisy and crowded.

Dublin 2 (South Inner City)

• Trendy and expensive, home to Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and Trinity College.

• Close to St. James’s Hospital and corporate offices.

• Ideal for professionals who want to be in the heart of the city.

Dublin 3 (Clontarf, Fairview, Marino)

• Seaside district with a quieter atmosphere and parks.

• Good balance between city life and residential living.

• Close to Beaumont Hospital and Mater Hospital.

Dublin 4 (Ballsbridge, Sandymount, Donnybrook, Ringsend)

• Affluent area with embassies, upscale housing, and green spaces.

• Home to St. Vincent’s Hospital.

• Higher cost of living, but excellent amenities.

Dublin 7 (Smithfield, Stoneybatter, Phibsborough)

• Phibsborough: Close to Mater Hospital, great for healthcare workers.

• Stoneybatter: Hip, up-and-coming area with independent shops and cafes.

• Smithfield: Modern apartments, close to transport links.

Dublin 8 (Kilmainham, The Liberties, Inchicore, Portobello)

• Kilmainham & Inchicore: More affordable, close to St. James’s Hospital.

• The Liberties: Historic and undergoing regeneration, full of character.

• Portobello: Trendy and expensive, known for its nightlife and cafes.

2. South Dublin Suburbs (Dublin 6, 6W, 14, 16, 18)

Best for: Families, professionals wanting quieter living.

Downsides: Higher rental costs, but more space.

Dublin 6 (Ranelagh, Rathmines, Rathgar, Milltown)

• Ranelagh & Rathmines: Social hotspots, great for professionals.

• Rathgar & Milltown: More suburban, quiet but pricey.

Dublin 6W (Terenure, Harold’s Cross, Templeogue)

• Family-friendly, lots of parks and good schools.

• Close to St. James’s and Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

Dublin 14 (Dundrum, Goatstown, Clonskeagh, Windy Arbour)

• Near UCD (University College Dublin), great amenities.

• Dundrum has excellent shopping and transport.

Dublin 16 (Ballinteer, Knocklyon, Rathfarnham)

• Quiet, residential, ideal for families.

• A bit further from city hospitals but still commutable.

Dublin 18 (Sandyford, Stepaside, Carrickmines, Foxrock)

• Near tech hubs (Google, Microsoft), modern apartments.

• Sandyford is more urban, Stepaside & Carrickmines are quieter.

3. North Dublin Suburbs (Dublin 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17)

Best for: More affordable rents, good public transport, access to hospitals.

Downsides: Longer commute if working in the south of the city.

Dublin 5 (Raheny, Artane, Coolock, Kilbarrack

• Raheny: Coastal, quiet, great for families.

• Artane & Coolock: Affordable housing, growing communities.

Dublin 9 (Drumcondra, Santry, Whitehall, Beaumont)

• Drumcondra: Great for Mater Hospital employees, well-connected.

• Santry & Beaumont: Close to Beaumont Hospital, family-friendly.

Dublin 11 (Finglas, Glasnevin, Ballymun)

• Glasnevin: Near Botanic Gardens, a mix of historic and modern homes.

• Finglas & Ballymun: More affordable, but fewer amenities.

Dublin 13 (Clongriffin, Sutton, Howth, Baldoyle)

• Sutton & Howth: Coastal, scenic, more expensive.

• Clongriffin & Baldoyle: Growing areas, good transport links.

Dublin 15 (Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Clonsilla)

• Blanchardstown: Affordable, excellent shopping and amenities.

• Castleknock: Higher-end housing, near Phoenix Park.

4. Commuter Towns (Co. Dublin & Greater Dublin Area)

Best for: More space, quieter living, cheaper housing.

Downsides: Longer commute times, reliance on trains/buses.

• Malahide & Portmarnock: Coastal, affluent, great schools.

• Lucan: Affordable, large housing developments.

• Swords: Near Dublin Airport, growing community.

• Bray (Co. Wicklow): Coastal, 45-min train ride to Dublin.

• Maynooth (Co. Kildare): University town, affordable rent.

Finding a Home in Dublin

• Rental Websites: Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie.

• Facebook Groups: “Dublin Rental Properties,” “Expats in Dublin.”

• Tenant Rights: Know your rights via Threshold.ie.

• Short-Term Housing: Consider Airbnb or serviced apartments while searching.

Final Tips for Choosing a Neighborhood

• Consider commute times to your workplace.

• Budget accordingly – shared housing can be an option.

• Visit the area before signing a lease.

• Look for local amenities that fit your lifestyle.

• Ask other healthcare professionals where they live and recommend.

Dublin Has Something for Everyone

Dublin has a district for every lifestyle and budget. Whether you want city life, a quiet family-friendly suburb, or an affordable commuter town, understanding Dublin’s numbered districts makes all the difference. Need more help?