Things to do in Phibsboro
Are you visiting Dublin and ready to explore Phibsboro (or Phibsborough as it’s officially known)? Well, it’s a fantastic part of the Irish capital, a bustling hotspot nestled in the northern part of the city that features an array of excellent tourist attractions.
As a more than 70-year-old Phibsboro institution, we feel like we’ve gotten to know this part of town rather well, and that’s why we have decided to give you a rundown of some of the sights there are to see in this delightful pocket of Dublin.
First Things First – Where is Phibsboro?
Phibsboro is located in North Dublin, and it’s a lively little area where you’re not too far away from anything.
On top of that, it boasts plenty of things to see and do, so let’s have a look at a few of the many magnificent 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 nik-naks 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 immerse yourself in Phibsboro’s buzzing 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 building is nearly two centuries old and features stunning stained glass windows that art lovers won’t want to miss. You’ll also find some gothic gargoyles if that’s up your street.
Classical music lovers might want to pop into a mass too, as there’s an organ that dates all the way back to 1910.
Planning to Head Further Out? Try These:
One of the great things about Phibsboro is the location, namely 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 some fun hotspots.
Croke Park
The iconic Croke Park can be found a mere 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 by?
Croke also has a museum where you can learn more about Gaelic specifically, and its history in Ireland, gaining a fascinating education into the culture of the country.
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 day out that will live long in the memory.
Botanic Gardens
Every city has a stunning botanical garden, and Dublin has one of the finest. We have our National Botanic Gardens just north of Phibsboro, making it a convenient and short distance away.
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.
Finish with a pint at McGowans
We’re sure that you will have a truly glorious 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 pint and enjoy it 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 for longer. We have a full drinks menu and a busy schedule of DJs who’ll play into the early hours.
Whatever your plans in North Dublin, we hope you have a grand stay, and we’re more than happy to welcome you to McGowans with open arms!
