Overview
Phibsborough (often written Phibsboro) sits just under two kilometres north of Dublin’s historic core, in the postal district Dublin 7. The neighbourhood is anchored around the busy crossroads of Phibsborough Road and the North Circular Road – locally known as Doyle’s Corner – and is bounded by Glasnevin to the north, Drumcondra to the east, Grangegorman and Cabra to the west, and the King’s Inns to the south. Its location on the North Circular makes it a natural gateway between the city centre and the northern suburbs, while the Royal Canal skirts its northern edge, providing a leafy promenade that separates Phibsborough from Glasnevin.
History
The name derives from the 17th‑century Lincolnshire settler Richard Phibbs (sometimes spelt Phipps), whose family held land in the area. Early maps record the settlement as Phippsborough (1792). In the 19th century the arrival of the Royal Canal and the Midland Great Western Railway transformed the once‑rural fringe into a bustling industrial hub. Broadstone Station, with its grand Egyptian‑style façade, became the terminus for the railway and the headquarters of the Royal Canal Company. The canal’s former branch to the Broadstone harbour was later filled in and is now a linear park known as the Royal Canal Bank.
Victorian red‑brick terraces sprang up along Phibsborough Road, many of which survive today alongside converted churches, former flour mills and the imposing Phibsborough Shopping Centre (opened 1969). The area also nurtured notable figures – James Joyce lived on St Peter’s Road, revolutionary Harry Boland was born here, and Éamon de Valera once called Phibsborough home.
What to See & Do
Dalymount Park – The ‘Bohs’ Home
Dalymount Park, on the western side of the shopping centre, is Ireland’s oldest football stadium and the historic home of Bohemian FC. The ground, opened in 1901, still hosts the famed ‘Dalymount Roar’ and offers a glimpse into Dublin’s sporting soul. Development plans announced in 2016 aim to modernise facilities while preserving its community feel.
Royal Canal Walk & Cross Guns Bridge
The Royal Canal provides a tranquil 11‑mile tow‑path that passes under the historic Cross Guns Bridge and along the high‑banked eastern side of Phibsborough Road. Walkers and cyclists can spot swans, historic lock‑houses and the occasional public artwork (e.g., the bronze statue of Brendan Behan). The canal’s original route to the Broadstone harbour is now a linear park, perfect for a leisurely stroll, jog or bike ride.
Blessington Street Basin
Originally built between 1803‑1810 as a municipal reservoir (the Royal George Reservoir), Blessington Street Basin was decommissioned in the 1970s and regenerated as a public park in 1993. The 120 m × 60 m basin now hosts an artificial island that attracts waterfowl, and its quiet benches make it a favourite spot for families and bird‑watchers. Contact: +353 01 222 5278.
St Peter’s Catholic Church & All Saints Church of Ireland
St Peter’s, erected in 1862, dominates the streetscape with its Gothic Revival tower and stained‑glass windows. All Saints Church, completed in 1904 on Phibsborough Road, showcases a high‑church tradition and was restored after a 1968 fire. Both buildings are architectural highlights and host regular services.
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital & Mater Private Hospital
The Mater complex, situated on the southern edge of Phibsborough, is a major teaching hospital and a landmark of modern Dublin healthcare. Its distinctive red‑brick façade is visible from the surrounding streets.
Bohemian FC Museum & Phizzfest
Phibsborough’s cultural calendar includes Phizzfest, a community arts festival launched in 2010 that brings together local writers, musicians and visual artists. The festival’s pop‑up events often take place in the back garden of the former Bohemian Picture Theatre, now a mixed‑use building.
Food, Drink & Nightlife
Phibsborough boasts a thriving independent food scene. Highlights include:
- The Bald Eagle – Beer & Food Co (craft beers, award‑winning comfort food).
- The Back Page (hand‑made pizzas, sports screens, ping‑pong).
- The Hut (traditional Victorian bar with stained‑glass décor).
- Cumiskeys (historic stone‑built pub with bespoke cocktails).
- Elliot’s (micro‑bakery on North Circular Road, famed for Basque cheesecake and maritozzi).
- Bang Bang Café (maximalist coffee shop and grocery with locally roasted beans). These venues reflect the neighbourhood’s blend of old‑school charm and contemporary creativity.
Nearby Attractions
Because Phibsborough sits only a short walk from several of Dublin’s flagship sites, visitors can easily add the following to their itinerary:
- National Botanic Gardens (Victorian glasshouses, 15 000 plant species, free entry).
- Glasnevin Cemetery (historic burial ground with guided tours).
- Croke Park & GAA Museum (Ireland’s premier Gaelic games stadium, 20 min by Luas).
- Phoenix Park (one of Europe’s largest urban parks, home to Dublin Zoo and the President’s residence).
Practical Information
Getting There
Phibsborough is exceptionally well‑served by public transport. Dublin Bus routes 11, 11b, 23, 24, 38, 38a, 38b, 38d, 70n, 88n, 120, 122, E1 and E2 pass through the area, providing direct links to the city centre and northern suburbs. The Luas Green Line stops at Phibsborough (between the North Circular Road and Cabra Road) and at Broadstone, offering easy interchange with the Red Line via the Luas Cross City extension (operational since December 2017).
Opening Hours & Fees
- Blessington Street Basin – Open year‑round, free entry; no specific opening hours listed.
- National Botanic Gardens – Open daily, free entry (guided tours may have a fee).
- Dalymount Park – Match days only; tickets purchased via Bohemian FC website.
- Pubs & Cafés – Generally open from mid‑morning to late night; check individual websites for exact times.
Accessibility
Most of the public spaces (Royal Canal tow‑path, Blessington Street Basin, Botanic Gardens) are wheelchair‑friendly, with smooth paths and level entrances. The Luas stations provide step‑free access via lifts.
Contact Details
- Blessington Street Basin: +353 01 222 5278.
- Phibsborough Shopping Centre: 24 October 1969 opening date; currently under redevelopment (no public contact listed).
Useful Links
- Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phibsborough
- Dublin Bus route planner: https://www.dublinbus.ie/
- Luas service information: https://luas.ie/
- Botanic Gardens: https://www.botanicgardens.ie/
- Bohemian FC: https://bohemians.ie/
- Phizzfest (community arts festival): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/phizzfest/
With its mix of historic architecture, green corridors and a buzzing local culture, Phibsborough offers visitors a genuine slice of Dublin life – whether you’re chasing a football match, strolling along the canal, or simply enjoying a pint in a Victorian‑styled pub.