Overview
Capel Street runs north‑south from Ormond Quay to Bolton Street, linking the historic quays with Dublin’s city centre. In May 2022 the street was fully pedestrianised, making it the longest traffic‑free road in the capital – a change that has turned the thoroughfare into a spacious, sun‑lit promenade for shoppers, diners and street‑musicians. The street is a microcosm of modern Dublin: a vibrant mix of independent retailers, ethnic food markets, historic pubs and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, all set against a backdrop of 17th‑century architecture.
History
The name Capel derives from the chapel of St Mary’s Abbey (Latin capella), though the later influence of Arthur Capell, 1st Earl of Essex, is also noted. Sir Humphrey Jervis laid out the street in the late 1600s after purchasing Abbey lands in 1674. Jervis also built Essex Bridge (now Grattan Bridge) in 1676 to connect his new development directly with the old city and Dublin Castle, instantly raising the street’s commercial appeal.
Originally a residential boulevard of freestanding mansions with private gardens, the 18th century saw those houses replaced by two‑bay commercial buildings. Notable historic moments include the opening of a royal mint in 1689 at 27 Capel Street – a venture that survived the Battle of the Boyne and is a predecessor of the modern Irish Mint – and the birth of actor Thomas Sheridan in the same building in 1719. The street also hosted the Capel Street Theatre in the 1700s and later the Torch Theatre (1935‑1941).
Today, the street’s heritage is visible in the surviving “Dutch Billy” houses and the 14‑bay terrace at 105 Capel Street, now the Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre. Long‑standing businesses such as Louis Copeland & Sons (tailors since 1908) and Lenehan’s Hardware (operating since 1890) sit alongside newer cultural hubs, illustrating the seamless blend of old and new. The specialist electronic‑music shop Sounds Around remains, while the long‑standing Goodwins Music closed in July 2024 after more than 50 years of service.
Pedestrianisation and Impact
In 2021 a trial weekend‑evening pedestrianisation was introduced, later extended after strong public support. A formal public consultation in early 2022 attracted 1,776 submissions, with 91 % in favour of a permanent traffic‑free zone. On 20 May 2022 the council officially opened the 400 m pedestrian and cycle area from Parnell Street/Ryder’s Row to Strand Street – longer than both Grafton Street and Henry Street.
Key details:
- Delivery windows: 06:00‑11:00 am daily; after 11:00 am retractable bollards block vehicle access.
- Cyclists: Full‑width cycle markings give priority to cyclists throughout the street.
- Emergency vehicles: Unrestricted access at all times.
- Partial traffic: A short section between Strand Street and the quays remains open to traffic to serve a new hotel development and local residents.
- Public response: Over 7,000 submissions were received during the consultation, with 95 % of respondents saying the measure improved their experience of the street.
The pedestrianisation has been credited with boosting footfall, encouraging outdoor dining and creating a “continental‑style” streetscape that locals and visitors alike now enjoy.
Recognition & Awards
Capel Street’s reputation extends beyond Dublin. In 2022 the global travel magazine Time Out placed it 22nd on its list of the world’s coolest streets, praising its “whirl of culture” and “some of the best food in Dublin”. The Irish Times highlighted the same accolade, noting the street’s eclectic mix of food, fashion and community as the key factors behind the ranking.
What to See & Do
Food & Drink
Capel Street is a culinary playground. Asian supermarkets dominate the eastern side – Super Asian Foods offers an unrivalled range of ingredients, while Moldova brings Eastern‑European staples, and Ayla Foods supplies Turkish delights and baklava. Hidden behind Super Asian Foods is the “secret” restaurant White Rabbit, praised by Time Out for its inventive dishes that blend Asian street‑food flavours.
For sit‑down meals, the street hosts a dizzying array of ethnic eateries:
- Aobaba – fresh Vietnamese fare
- Arisu – Korean BBQ
- Musashi – Japanese sushi and noodles
- Hilan – Chinese comfort food
- Real Brasil – Brazilian street snacks on the corner of Great Strand Street (home to the city’s biggest watermelon on display at Moldova)
- Brother Hubbard – a beloved café serving scratch‑made brunch and pastries
- All Bar Chicken – chicken burgers, wings and more
- Krewe – Instagram‑worthy loaded fries and the classic Irish spice bag
- Haza Izakaya – a cosy wine‑bar for Japanese‑inspired small plates
- The Boar’s Head – traditional Irish pub food with a historic interior
- Slattery’s – a long‑standing pub famous for its Guinness and live music
The bar scene is equally diverse. Pantibar, the iconic LGBTQ+ venue run by drag queen Panti Bliss, throws the city’s biggest post‑Pride street party each summer. Across the road, Jack Nealon’s (open since 1905) charms with an open‑hearth fire and gilded ceiling. Traditional music finds a home at J. McNeill’s, a pub that also houses a music shop, while 1661 offers a cocktail‑focused experience since 2019 and is billed as Ireland’s first poitín bar. For a more relaxed vibe, the Black Sheep dive bar serves comfort food and a rotating selection of IPAs. Nearby LGBTQ+ spots such as Penny Lane, Street 66 and the legendary The George are just a short walk across the river on Parliament Street.
Shopping & Craft
Capel Street’s retail mix is deliberately independent. Music lovers can browse the specialist electronic‑music shop Sounds Around. Louis Copeland & Sons remains a benchmark for bespoke tailoring, and Lenehan’s Hardware still supplies tools and DIY essentials. Niche stores include a hemp‑product shop, a dedicated electronic‑music equipment retailer, and Shauna’s Pet Shop, one of Dublin’s last independent pet stores.
Charity and vintage shops add a thrift‑friendly dimension: Dublin Vintage Shop offers antiques and retro fashion, while nearby charity outlets provide affordable clothing and support local causes.
Community and Cultural Highlights
The street’s multicultural character is evident in its student population – SEDA College at the northern end draws large numbers of Brazilian, Italian, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese and Korean learners. This linguistic diversity fuels the street’s eclectic food scene and creates a lively, youthful atmosphere.
Capel Street also features cultural landmarks such as the Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre (105 Capel Street) and the historic Chapter House remnants of St Mary’s Abbey nearby. Street musicians, pop‑up markets and seasonal festivals animate the pedestrian promenade throughout the year. The annual post‑Pride street party at Pantibar and regular live‑trad sessions at J. McNeill’s are highlights for both locals and visitors.
Events & Celebrations
- Post‑Pride Street Party (Pantibar) – Held each summer, this is Dublin’s biggest LGBTQ+ street celebration, featuring drag performances, live music and a vibrant crowd.
- Family Fun Day (September 2022) – To mark Capel Street’s inclusion in Time Out’s coolest‑streets list, Dublin City Council organised a free family‑friendly event on 25 September 2022 with face‑painters, an 80’s/90’s disco, stilt‑walkers, giant Jenga, giant chess and the Mega Buzzer.
- Pop‑up Markets & Street Performances – Throughout the year, the pedestrian zone hosts regular markets selling crafts, vintage items and street food, alongside spontaneous music and theatre acts.
Practical Information
Capel Street is fully pedestrianised; cars are prohibited from 20 May 2022 onward, providing a safe, traffic‑free environment for strolling, outdoor seating and street performances. The council received almost 1,800 public submissions before the change, with 91 % in favour.
Pedestrian‑zone details – The traffic‑free stretch runs roughly 400 m from Parnell Street/Ryder’s Row at the northern end to Strand Street in the south, making it longer than both Grafton Street and Henry Street. Deliveries are permitted from 6 am to 11 am daily; after that time, retractable bollards block vehicle access. Cyclists are allowed to use the full width of the street, with dedicated cycle‑friendly markings and a clear right‑of‑way. Emergency vehicles have unrestricted access.
Public Transport & Parking
- Luas – The Red Line stop at Smithfield is a two‑minute walk away. The Luas line crosses the street at Abbey Street, with a short east‑west traffic corridor for trams.
- Bus – Several Dublin Bus routes serve the nearby O’Connell Street corridor (including routes 46A, 123, 145). Check the Dublin Bus website for the exact numbers serving stops on O’Connell Street or Smithfield.
- Car Parking – The Smithfield Car Park on the north side of the Liffey offers short‑stay parking for visitors. Opening hours vary; please check signage or the car‑park operator for the latest information.
- Accessibility – The pedestrianised surface is level and wheelchair‑friendly, with curb cuts at major intersections. Sidewalks are wide enough for mobility aids, and most ground‑floor shops have step‑free entry.
Because the street is a public thoroughfare, there is no admission fee and no formal opening hours – shops and venues operate on their own schedules. Most cafés and restaurants open from early morning until late evening, while pubs typically serve drinks from midday until the early hours of the morning. For specific opening times, check individual business websites or social media pages.
For up‑to‑date event listings, street performances and pop‑up markets, the Dublin City Council website and the official Capel Street feature page on Dublin.ie provide current information.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re on Capel Street, consider a short stroll to the historic Grattan Bridge, the nearby Dublin Castle, or the lively Smithfield Square with its weekly market. The iconic Abbey Theatre is also within easy walking distance, offering a chance to catch a performance at Ireland’s national stage. All are within easy walking distance and complement the street’s vibrant atmosphere.
Capel Street offers a rare blend of Dublin’s layered past and its forward‑looking present. Whether you’re hunting for a vintage jacket, sampling a hidden sushi bar, or simply soaking up the buzz of a street that has been voted one of the world’s coolest, a walk down Capel Street feels like stepping into a living museum of Irish urban life.