Things to do in Phibsboro
So you’re Dublin and want to see more of the Phibsboro (or Phibsborough if you’re posh) neighbourhood. It’s a great choice as the bustling wee hotspot features a lot of the capital’s best sights, from St. Peters to the stunning canal.
As a more than 70-year-old Phibsboro institution, we feel like we’ve gotten to know this part of town rather well, and so are here to give you a rundown of some of the sights there are to see in this lovely little area.
So for starters – Where is Phibsboro?
Phibsboro is located in northern Dublin, and it’s a lively little area where you’re not too far away from anything.
It also has plenty of things to see and do too, so let’s have a look at a few options:
The Local Flea Market
Le Zeitgeist Flea Market has been holding monthly pop ups in Phibsboro For some time now, and offers visitors a chance to pick up art, clothes and nic-nacs from local artists and vendors.
There is also food and music to keep you fueled throughout the day, and it’s a great opportunity to see the local area’s lively culture.
Keep up with their socials to see when they’ll next be popping up so that you can plan your trip to line up.
The Royal Canal
Phibsboro is where you’ll find much of Dublin’s charming Royal Canal. It stretches all the way from Dublin to Shannon, but our little area has one of the best waterside walk routes, where you’ll be able to kick back at one of the many bank locks and enjoy the serene sights.
Depending on the time of year, you might even get a chance to see the little cygnets bobbing along the canal!
St. Peters Church
Originally built as a school in the 1800s, St. Peters is a large church that you’ll struggle to miss if you’re in Phibsboro. While it’s not quite St. Pauls, it’s not far off and it has its own rich history that you’ll be able to learn about.
The nearly 200-year-old building has stunning stained glass windows that art lovers won’t want to miss. You’ll also find some gothic gargoyles if that’s up your road.
Classical music lovers might want to pop into a mass too, as there’s an organ that dates all the way back to 1910.
Going further afield? Try These:
One of the great things about Phibsboro is how close it is to some of Dublin’s other popular hotspots, making it not only a great place to visit but also a convenient place to stay. Nearby you’ll find just some of the following fun hotspots.
Croke Park
The iconic Croke Park can be found just 20 minutes from the centre of Phibsboro. We have our own stadium, Dalymount Park, where Bohemian F.C play, so if you want to get a good look into Dublin’s Gaelic and football culture, why not pop your head into both?
Croke also has a museum where you can learn more about Gaelic specifically, and its history in Ireland.
Dublin Zoo
If you’re going the opposite way from Croke Park, you’ll be headed towards Dublin Zoo, which is a fantastic option if you’re out with family (dont forget that kids are welcome at Mcgowans till 9pm if you are in need of a pre or post zoo visit meal)
Elephants, tigers, penguins, great apes, they’re all here and make for a brilliant and memorable day out.
Botanic Gardens
Every city has a stunning botanic garden, and Dublin is no different. We have our National Botanic Gardens just north of Phibsboro.
There’s a full day of things to do, including tours where you can learn about Ireland’s native flora and fauna, and regular art and horticulture exhibitions.
Grab a pint at McGowans to top it all off
We’re confident you’ll have nothing short of a great time in our lovely part of town thanks to its rich culture and vibrant sites. If you’re making your way through Phibsboro, grab a refreshment in our beer garden.
Or, pop in after a day on the town to get a bite to eat, and if you’re one for the nightlife stay a while, we have a full drinks menu and a busy schedule of DJs who’ll play into the early hours.
Whatever your plans in Phibsboro, we hope you have a grand day, and we’re more than happy to have any and all-comers stop by!
