So, you’re thinking about moving to Dublin? Or maybe you’re already here and trying to figure out why your rent is so high.
Either way, welcome to the eternal question for the newcomers: Where should I live in Dublin?
Now, Dublin isn’t just one big city centre with a few stray suburbs hanging off the edges. It’s more like a patchwork quilt stitched together with family-friendly neighbourhoods in Dublin, leafy suburbs, lively central spots, and a fair bit of local pride.
Ask someone from the southside where to live, and they’ll swear nothing north of the Liffey is worth your time. Ask a northsider and they’ll tell you southsiders are just paying extra for the same pints. The truth, of course, is somewhere in the middle. Dublin is full of neighbourhoods that each shine in their own way.
So instead of just throwing names at you like Rathmines, Clontarf, and Dalkey and calling it a day, I’m actually going to guide you on this as if we were exploring it together. You can take it as me giving you the low-down over a pizza, mixing in practical advice, some insider tips, and yes, even the odd bit of humour to keep it interesting.
Keep reading to learn everything about the best places to live in Dublin that locals recommend!
How to Pick the Right Area Without Losing Your Mind
Before you even start scrolling through Daft.ie and panicking about rental prices (and trust me, you will panic at some point), the first step is figuring out your own priorities. Dublin’s not massive, but choosing the right area makes all the difference between a life you love and a life spent stuck on the M50 questioning your choices.
Let’s start with the budget, because this is usually where dreams meet reality. Dublin rents are notoriously high, and while the numbers shift, here’s the rough lay of the land. In the city centre, like Temple Bar, Docklands, or anywhere within a short walk of Trinity College, a two-bed apartment can easily set you back between €2,000 and €2,600.
If you head a little southside, into leafy Ranelagh, Blackrock, or Dundrum, the numbers rise to €2,300 to €3,000. On the northside, in areas like Drumcondra or Phibsborough, you might land something between €1,700 and €2,200. After exploring these, you’ve got seaside places like Malahide or Dalkey, which can climb to €3,200 (but hey, you get sea views and bragging rights with that price tag).
Budget sorted? Good.
Next up is commuting. Dublin traffic is… how do I put this politely? Character-building.
What looks like a 15-minute drive on Google Maps can morph into 45 minutes of listening to the same radio ads on repeat. This is why the DART (the coastal train) and the Luas (our tram system) are lifesavers. Living near one of those lines will shave years off your life expectancy in stress terms.
Finally, comes the lifestyle. This is where the real fun begins. Do you want seaside walks after work? Or do you see yourself stumbling home from a pub with live trad music every night? Are you moving with a family and need good schools and green spaces? Or are you a student who just wants somewhere lively, affordable-ish, and filled with other students?
Once you know your lifestyle priorities, Dublin’s neighbourhoods start to reveal themselves and you will find the best places to live in.
Sorting Dublin by Lifestyle
Rather than lumping neighbourhoods together, let’s approach this by personality type. You can think of it as “if you’re this kind of person, this is your Dublin.”
For Professionals Who Want City Life on Tap
Let’s say you’re a professional who wants to roll out of bed and be at the office before your coffee gets cold. Or maybe you love the liveliness of the city and the idea that you can finish work and be sitting in a cocktail bar ten minutes later. For you, central Dublin is the obvious choice.
Smithfield is a great example. Once famous for cattle markets (yes, actual cows used to hang out here), it’s now a modern quarter with trendy apartments, an arthouse cinema, and more cafés than you could possibly need. It’s lively without being chaotic, and a two-bed here averages around €1,850, which in Dublin terms feels like a bargain.
The Docklands and IFSC are another option if sleek glass buildings and riverside living are your vibe. This is Dublin’s finance and tech hub, so if you work at Google, Facebook, or one of the big banks, you could literally walk to work. Downsides? It can feel a bit soulless at times, but if convenience is your top priority, it’s hard to beat.
Rathmines deserves a special shoutout when it comes to finding the best places to live in Dublin. Just south of the centre, it’s full of young professionals and students. Streets are lined with quirky pubs, restaurants from all over the world, and even an old-school cinema that feels straight out of the 80s. The area is lively, walkable, and just minutes from the city center.
For Families Who Need Space and Sanity
Families usually have one question: “Where can I live that won’t make me want to scream at traffic, has decent schools, and gives the kids somewhere to play that isn’t the living room?” Thankfully, Dublin has plenty of options.
BlackRock is often the first name that comes up. This seaside suburb is leafy, safe, and packed with excellent schools. It has a strong community vibe, a proper village centre, and it’s on the DART, which makes commuting painless. If you want Sunday morning walks by the water with a coffee in hand, Blackrock might be calling your name.
Dundrum is another popular choice for best places to live in Dublin, and yes, it’s home to the largest shopping centre in Ireland (which either sounds amazing or like a nightmare, depending on how you feel about shopping). Other than the mall, Dundrum has a suburban feel, with green spaces, family homes, and schools everywhere. The Luas runs straight into the city, which means no sitting in endless car queues if you don’t want to.
Then you’ve got Malahide, which feels like a postcard coming to life. With its marina, castle grounds, and safe, small-town feel, it’s a brilliant place to raise kids. After that, slightly closer to the city, Clontarf also deserves a mention. Thanks to its seaside promenade, parks, and schools. It’s one of those rare places where you get sea air and city access in one package.
For Students and Young Creatives
Ah, students. I know you’re not here for Georgian mansions or leafy suburbs. You want somewhere affordable, lively, and within a stumbling distance of campus or a decent pub. If you have a similar scenario, enter Phibsborough.
Phibsborough has long been a student haven to live in Dublin, and with good reason. It’s close to universities, cheaper than the southside, and filled with character. Quirky pubs, old-school shops, and affordable housing (by Dublin standards) make it perfect for student life.
If you’re feeling a bit more upscale, Ranelagh is where you’ll find brunch spots, wine bars, and young professionals everywhere you look. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you love café culture and want to be five minutes from town on the Luas, it’s worth it.
And then there’s Stoneybatter, Dublin’s hipster paradise. The place has artisan coffee shops, vintage stores, and artsy events with a real sense of old-school Dublin grit. It’s a mix that somehow works perfectly, and it’s no wonder the area has exploded in popularity in recent years.
For Expats Who Want Luxury and Prestige
Some people don’t just want a place to live. They want leafy streets, sea views, embassy neighbours, and maybe even a celebrity or two down the road. If that sounds like you, welcome to Ballsbridge, Dalkey, and Killiney.
Ballsbridge is the embassy district, filled with Georgian houses, tree-lined streets, and a calm, upscale vibe. It’s central enough to be convenient, but far enough removed to feel peaceful. Of course, rents here are among the highest in Dublin, but if prestige is your priority, this is the place.
Dalkey and Killiney, meanwhile, are coastal places where you’ll find cliff walks, historic castles, and stunning views. Bono lives here. Enya lives here. Enough said. It’s a bit of a commute into town, but when you’re sipping your coffee overlooking the sea, you probably won’t care.
For People Who Want Balance
Not everyone fits neatly into one box. Maybe you want somewhere affordable, but not too far from the centre. Somewhere with a community vibe, but still lively. For you, there are neighbourhoods that strike a balance.
Drumcondra is a great all-rounder as one of the best places to live Dublin. It’s affordable, close to the city, and filled with families, students, and professionals alike. It has a strong sense of community and plenty of amenities.
Portobello, just south of the canals, is another gem. It has historic charm, lively pubs, and trendy restaurants, all within walking distance of the city. It’s central, but not overwhelming.
Glasnevin offers something slightly different. Famous for its Botanic Gardens, it’s greener and quieter, perfect for those who want a more laid-back lifestyle without losing city access.
Northside vs Southside and The Friendly Rivalry
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Dubliners love to debate the northside versus the southside. Traditionally, the southside was seen as wealthier and posher, while the northside had a more working-class reputation. These days, though, those lines are blurred.
The northside has trendy areas like Phibsborough and Stoneybatter, seaside beauty in Clontarf and Malahide, and a generally more affordable price tag. The southside still boasts prestigious areas like Ballsbridge, leafy suburbs like Blackrock, and café culture in Ranelagh. At the end of the day, the choice comes down to lifestyle, not postcode pride.
Insider Tips for Finding a Place
Now, let’s get practical. Dublin’s rental market moves at lightning speed. Listings go up, and within hours, there are 50 people queuing for viewings. If you’re serious, have your documents ready like references, proof of income, deposit and the works.
Daft.ie is the go-to website, but don’t ignore Facebook groups or word of mouth. Some of the best places never even make it online. If you’re new to the city, consider short-term rentals first. Airbnb, serviced apartments, or even a house share can give you breathing space while you figure out which neighbourhood actually feels right.
And here’s my golden tip: always check commute times at rush hour.
Because that dreamy apartment that looks “15 minutes from town” might become your personal purgatory every morning when traffic grinds to a halt.
Wrapping It Up
So, where’s the best place to live in Dublin? Honestly, it depends on you.
Students will thrive in Phibsborough or Stoneybatter. Families might love Blackrock, Dundrum, or Malahide. Professionals will be happy in Smithfield, Rathmines, or the Docklands. Expats who want luxury will swoon over Ballsbridge, Dalkey, or Killiney. And if you just want balance, places like Drumcondra, Portobello, or Glasnevin are great bets.
The beauty of Dublin is that it has something for everyone. It’s small enough that you can explore a handful of neighbourhoods in a weekend, but big enough that each area feels unique.
My advice? Take a day, hop on the Luas or the DART, wander around, grab a coffee, and imagine yourself living there. Because the right Dublin home isn’t just about rent or location, it’s about where you’ll feel like you belong.
And if all else fails, just remember, no matter where you end up, you’ll still be paying too much for rent. But at least you’ll have good craic while you do it.