Dublin is a city full of character, history and unforgettable experiences. But if you want to discover a different side of the Irish capital, look beyond the usual tourist hotspots and spend 48 hours in Dublin 7.
Home to the creative neighbourhoods of Smithfield and Stoneybatter, Dublin 7 brings together historic landmarks, street art, independent cafés, traditional pubs and some of the city’s most interesting food and drink experiences.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a friends’ getaway or your first visit to Dublin, this neighbourhood has plenty to keep you exploring.
And with The Hendrick Smithfield as your base, you’ll have local favourites on your doorstep and Dublin city centre within easy reach.
Here’s how to make the most of two days in Dublin 7.
Why Visit Dublin 7?
Dublin 7 is one of the city’s most interesting areas to explore, combining a strong sense of local community with a lively food, arts and cultural scene.
From Smithfield Square and Jameson Distillery Bow St. to the independent cafés of Stoneybatter and the green spaces of Phoenix Park, the area offers something for every type of visitor.
What Makes Dublin 7 Special?
- Creative neighbourhoods: Discover Smithfield’s street art, contemporary culture and lively atmosphere.
- Independent cafés and restaurants: Enjoy everything from casual brunch to memorable evening dining.
- Traditional Irish pubs: Experience live music and authentic local hospitality.
- Historic attractions: Explore Jameson Distillery, Collins Barracks and nearby landmarks.
- Excellent transport connections: Smithfield’s LUAS Red Line stop makes exploring Dublin convenient.
You don’t need a packed sightseeing schedule to enjoy Dublin 7. Sometimes the best experiences come from wandering its streets, finding a great coffee shop or settling into a local pub.
Day 1: Discover Dublin 7’s Food, History & Traditional Irish Music
Your first day is all about exploring the character of Stoneybatter and Smithfield, with delicious food, local history and traditional Irish music along the way.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Slice, Stoneybatter
Start your Dublin 7 adventure with breakfast at Slice, a popular neighbourhood café in Stoneybatter.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and thoughtfully prepared food, Slice is a great place to begin the day with a coffee and a hearty breakfast.
Its location on Manor Place makes it a convenient starting point for exploring Stoneybatter.
Take your time, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a day of discovering Dublin beyond the usual tourist trail.
10:30 AM – Explore Phoenix Park
After breakfast, make your way towards Phoenix Park, one of Dublin’s most impressive green spaces.
This expansive park offers beautiful walking routes, historic landmarks and plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature without leaving the city.
Keep an eye out for the park’s famous wild fallow deer, which can sometimes be spotted grazing in the open grasslands.
For visitors who enjoy photography, walking or cycling, Phoenix Park is a wonderful place to spend a morning.
You can also visit Dublin Zoo, located within the park, if you’d like to extend your visit.
Local tip: The deer are wild animals. Admire them from a safe distance and never feed them.
1:00 PM – Lunch at Ryan’s of Parkgate Street
After exploring Phoenix Park, stop for lunch at Ryan’s of Parkgate Street.
This traditional Victorian-style pub offers a distinctive Dublin atmosphere and a convenient location between Phoenix Park and the Smithfield area.
It’s a great choice for visitors looking to enjoy a relaxed meal while experiencing the character of a historic Dublin pub.
Whether you’re in the mood for a substantial lunch or a leisurely drink, Ryan’s provides a welcome break before your next stop.
2:30 PM – Discover Collins Barracks
Continue your afternoon at the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, located at Collins Barracks.
Housed in a former military barracks, this museum explores Irish history, design, decorative arts and military heritage.
From historic objects and clothing to exhibitions highlighting different periods of Irish life, it’s a fascinating destination for visitors interested in culture.
General admission is free, although special exhibitions may have separate arrangements.
The museum is also conveniently located close to Smithfield, making it an easy addition to your Dublin 7 itinerary.
6:30 PM – Dinner at Fish Shop, Smithfield
After a day of exploring, it’s time to enjoy one of the area’s most popular dining experiences.
Fish Shop is known for its focus on seafood and quality ingredients.
Its Benburb Street location is associated with fish and chips and a carefully chosen wine selection, making it a memorable option for an evening meal.
If you’re a seafood lover, this is a place worth considering during your weekend in Dublin.
Check the current menu and availability before visiting.
8:30 PM – Traditional Irish Music at The Cobblestone
No Dublin 7 weekend would be complete without experiencing traditional Irish music.
Head to The Cobblestone, one of Smithfield’s best-known traditional Irish pubs.
Famous for its lively music sessions and authentic atmosphere, The Cobblestone is a wonderful place to experience an important part of Dublin’s cultural identity.
Find a comfortable spot, enjoy the music and soak up the atmosphere.
It’s the perfect way to finish your first evening in Dublin 7.
Day 2: Discover Smithfield’s Creative Side, Whiskey Heritage & Local Nightlife
Your second day focuses on Smithfield’s distinctive character, from independent cafés and historic attractions to local restaurants and lively pubs.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Mad Yolks
Start your morning at Mad Yolks, a local favourite in the Smithfield area.
Known for its creative breakfast and brunch offering, it’s a relaxed place to begin another day of exploring.
Whether you’re planning a busy sightseeing schedule or a slower Sunday morning, breakfast in Smithfield is a great way to experience the neighbourhood’s café culture.
Alternatively, enjoy breakfast at The Hendrick before heading out.
10:30 AM – Explore Jameson Distillery Bow St.
One of Smithfield’s most recognisable attractions is Jameson Distillery Bow St.
Located just a short walk from The Hendrick, this historic attraction offers visitors an opportunity to discover the story of Irish whiskey.
Explore the distillery’s heritage through guided experiences and learn more about the craftsmanship behind one of Ireland’s best-known whiskey brands.
Selected experiences may include tastings and cocktail-making activities, depending on availability.
It’s a particularly enjoyable attraction for couples, groups and visitors interested in Irish history.
Local tip: Book popular distillery experiences in advance, especially when visiting Dublin at weekends.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Third Space, Smithfield
For lunch, visit Third Space, a welcoming café in the heart of Smithfield.
Known for its relaxed atmosphere and community spirit, Third Space is a great place to enjoy a casual meal or coffee.
It’s also an excellent spot to watch everyday life in Smithfield Square.
Staying at The Hendrick? Guests can enjoy a 10% discount at Third Space when presenting their room key, subject to the current partner offer.
2:00 PM – Explore Smithfield Square & Its Creative Neighbourhood
After lunch, take some time to explore Smithfield Square and the surrounding streets.
Smithfield has evolved from its historic market roots into one of Dublin’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, combining heritage with contemporary culture.
Look out for the area’s street art, independent businesses and interesting architecture.
You can also discover the Light House Cinema, a cultural favourite showing a mix of independent films, international cinema and special screenings.
If you enjoy art and photography, this part of Dublin offers plenty of inspiration.
Another landmark worth seeing is the historic Smithfield chimney, a reminder of the area’s whiskey-distilling past.
4:00 PM – Coffee, Shopping or a Relaxed Afternoon
One of the best things about spending 48 hours in Dublin 7 is having the freedom to slow down.
Instead of rushing to another attraction, spend the afternoon discovering independent shops, enjoying a coffee or exploring nearby Stoneybatter.
You could visit a local café, browse the neighbourhood or return to The Hendrick for a break before dinner.
For visitors who enjoy discovering Dublin at their own pace, this is often when the best memories are made.
6:30 PM – Dinner Around Smithfield & Stoneybatter
Smithfield and Stoneybatter offer plenty of options for a memorable evening meal.
Explore the area’s independent restaurants, neighbourhood dining spots and traditional pubs.
Depending on your preferences, you could choose a relaxed pub meal, seafood or a more contemporary dining experience.
If you’re looking for somewhere casual after a busy day, The Hendrick Bar also offers pizzas, toasties and sharing options.
8:30 PM – Discover Dublin 7’s Pub & Cocktail Scene
Finish your weekend by exploring the local nightlife.
Dublin 7 offers an exciting mix of traditional Irish pubs, independent bars and contemporary cocktail venues.
Some local favourites include:
- Bonobo: A popular Stoneybatter bar with a relaxed atmosphere and beer garden.
- Frank Ryan’s: A character-filled Dublin pub known for its distinctive interior.
- Fidelity: A Smithfield bar combining music, cocktails and craft beer.
- The Hendrick Bar: A comfortable place to unwind with cocktails after exploring Dublin.
Prefer to stay close to your room? Return to The Hendrick and enjoy 2 cocktails for €22, available daily under the current bar offer.
Where to Stay in Dublin 7: The Hendrick Smithfield
Looking for the perfect base for your Dublin 7 adventure?
Located in the heart of Smithfield, The Hendrick Smithfield combines contemporary design, local street art and a relaxed atmosphere with convenient access to some of Dublin’s best attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend city break, a special occasion or a few days exploring Ireland’s capital, The Hendrick offers everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Stylish, Newly Refreshed Bedrooms
Our compact, thoughtfully designed bedrooms offer modern comfort and practical features for city travellers.
All rooms include:
- Comfortable King Koil mattresses
- Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
- Chromecast-enabled Smart TVs
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- GROHE Power & Soul showers
- Rituals toiletries
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- Blackout blinds
- Convenient under-bed storage
Explore Dublin From Your Doorstep
Stay close to Jameson Distillery Bow St., Collins Barracks, Light House Cinema and the independent cafés and restaurants of Smithfield.
The Smithfield LUAS Red Line stop also provides convenient connections towards Heuston Station, Dublin city centre and the Docklands.
Relax at The Hendrick Bar
After a busy day of sightseeing, return to our welcoming lobby and bar.
Enjoy a cocktail, catch up with friends or grab something to eat before heading out again.
With our 2 cocktails for €22 offer, it’s a great place to begin or finish your evening.
Start Your Morning Right
Fuel your next Dublin adventure with our Full Irish Hot Breakfast or continental breakfast options before heading out to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dublin 7
Is Dublin 7 worth visiting?
Yes. Dublin 7 is a great area to explore for visitors interested in local culture, independent cafés, traditional Irish pubs, street art and historic attractions. Smithfield and Stoneybatter are particularly popular neighbourhoods.
What are the best things to do in Dublin 7?
Popular activities include visiting Jameson Distillery Bow St., exploring Smithfield Square, discovering Collins Barracks, enjoying traditional music at The Cobblestone and visiting cafés and restaurants in Stoneybatter.
Can you explore Dublin 7 in 48 hours?
Yes. Two days is enough to enjoy many of Dublin 7’s main attractions, local restaurants and pubs while leaving time to explore Smithfield and Stoneybatter at a relaxed pace.
Is Smithfield a good area to stay in Dublin?
Smithfield is a convenient location for visitors who want to experience a creative Dublin neighbourhood while remaining close to city-centre attractions and public transport.
How far is Smithfield from Dublin city centre?
Smithfield is within walking distance of several central Dublin attractions. The LUAS Red Line also provides convenient connections to other parts of the city.
What is Stoneybatter known for?
Stoneybatter is known for its independent cafés, neighbourhood restaurants, traditional pubs and strong local character. It’s a popular area for visitors who enjoy exploring Dublin beyond the main tourist streets.
Where can I find traditional Irish music in Dublin 7?
The Cobblestone in Smithfield is one of the area’s best-known venues for traditional Irish music. Check the venue’s current session schedule before visiting.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Dublin 7?
The Hendrick Smithfield is a convenient base for exploring Smithfield, Stoneybatter and Dublin city centre, offering modern bedrooms and a welcoming bar in the heart of the neighbourhood.