Overview
Capel Street runs north-south from Ormond Quay to Bolton Street, linking the historic quays with Dublin’s city centre. Since May 2022, it has operated as Dublin’s longest traffic-free thoroughfare, stretching roughly 400 metres from Parnell Street down to Strand Street. The pedestrianisation trial was met with overwhelming public support, and the permanent closure to cars has transformed the route into a spacious, sunlit promenade. Without the rumble of traffic, street musicians, outdoor café seating and spontaneous pop-up markets now define the daily rhythm. It’s a place where Dublin’s working-class northside heritage collides with a fiercely independent, multicultural present.
A Street With Layers of History
The street’s origins trace back to the late 1600s, when Sir Humphrey Jervis purchased Abbey lands and laid out a grand residential boulevard. Originally lined with freestanding mansions and private gardens, the street was named after the nearby chapel of St Mary’s Abbey (Latin capella), though political favour toward Arthur Capell, 1st Earl of Essex, likely played a role. Jervis also commissioned Essex Bridge in 1676 – today known as Grattan Bridge – to connect his new development directly with Dublin Castle and the old city, instantly boosting the area’s commercial potential.
By the 18th century, those grand houses gave way to two-bay commercial buildings, and Capel Street evolved into a bustling trade route. Notable historic milestones include the 1689 opening of a royal mint at number 27 by James II to produce “gun money” to finance his campaigns during the Williamite War, which closed following the Battle of the Boyne. Actor Thomas Sheridan was born in that same building in 1719. The street also hosted the Capel Street Theatre in the 1700s and the Torch Theatre from 1935 to 1941. Today, architectural remnants like the surviving “Dutch Billy” houses and the 14-bay terrace at 105 Capel Street (now the Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre) quietly mark the street’s layered past.
Food & Drink: A Global Menu
Capel Street’s culinary scene is as diverse as the communities that call it home. The eastern side is dominated by independent ethnic grocers that supply both locals and professional kitchens. Super Asian Foods stocks ingredients rarely found elsewhere in the city, with a discreet “secret” restaurant called White Rabbit tucked around the back. Further up, Moldova offers an extensive selection of Eastern European staples – and claims to house the city’s largest watermelon – while Ayla Foods specialises in Turkish delights, baklava and borek. Real Brasil on the corner of Great Strand Street brings Brazilian snacks like coxinha and brigadeiros to the street.
For sit-down meals, the street is packed with independent eateries. Brother Hubbard has built a devoted following for its scratch-made brunches and pastries, inspiring author Garrett Fitzgerald’s critically acclaimed cookbook. Asian flavours dominate the restaurant strip: try Aobaba for Vietnamese pho, Arisu for Korean barbecue, Musashi for sushi and noodles, or Hilan for Chinese comfort food. If you’re after something lighter, Krewe serves loaded fries and the classic Irish spice bag, while Haza Izakaya offers Japanese-inspired small plates in a cosy setting.
The pub and bar scene is equally varied. At the southern end, Pantibar stands as a cornerstone of Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community, famous for its neon sign and the massive post-Pride street party that spills onto the pavement every summer. Directly opposite, Jack Nealon’s has been pouring pints since 1905, featuring an open-hearth fire and a gilded ceiling. Midway up, J. McNeill’s (established in 1834 as a musical instrument shop and famous for crafting the Balaclava bugle) is today a traditional music venue housing nightly trad sessions. For modern cocktails, 1661 operates as Ireland’s first dedicated poitín bar, while The Boar’s Head and Slattery’s keep traditional Irish pub culture alive with live music and hearty food.
Independent Shopping & Local Character
Franchise retailers are noticeably absent here. Instead, Capel Street thrives on long-standing independents and niche specialists. Louis Copeland & Sons has been cutting bespoke suits on the street since 1908, now in its fourth generation of family ownership. Lenehan’s Hardware has supplied tools and DIY essentials since 1890. Music lovers still visit Sounds Around for specialist electronic equipment, though the long-running Goodwins Music closed its doors in July 2024 after five decades. Other unique finds include a dedicated hemp-product retailer, a haberdashery, and Shauna’s Pet Shop, one of Dublin’s last independent animal supply stores. Charity shops and vintage outlets line the route, adding a thrift-friendly, community-focused dimension to the retail mix.
The street’s character is heavily shaped by its student population. SEDA College at the northern end draws English language learners from Brazil, Italy, Spain, France, Japan, China and Korea. This influx of international students fuels the multicultural atmosphere, turning Capel Street into a living exchange of languages, cuisines and cultures.
Practical Information & Getting Around
Because Capel Street is a public pedestrian zone, there are no admission fees or set opening hours. Shops, cafés and pubs operate on their own schedules, typically opening between 8 am and 11 pm, with late bars and venues staying open until the early hours.
- Vehicle access: Deliveries are permitted between 6 am and 11 am daily. After 11 am, retractable bollards block motor vehicles. Cyclists have priority and may use the full width of the street. Emergency services retain unrestricted access at all times.
- Public transport: The closest Red Line Luas stop is Jervis (on Upper Abbey Street), a 4-minute walk from the street. The Smithfield Luas stop is about a 10-minute walk west. Several Dublin Bus routes also run along the adjacent O’Connell Street and Parnell Street corridors.
- Parking: The Smithfield Car Park on the north side of the Liffey offers short-stay spaces. Check on-site signage for current rates and availability.
- Accessibility: The pedestrianised surface is level and wheelchair-friendly, with wide footpaths and step-free access to most ground-floor businesses.
The Abbey Theatre is a short walk away for those wanting to catch a performance at Ireland’s national stage, while Smithfield Square and its weekly market provide a lively complementary stop. Plan your visit for a weekday morning to browse the independent shops without the evening crowds, or head down after 6 pm when the outdoor dining terraces fill up and the street’s social energy peaks.