Christchurch & Francis Street

Christchurch/Francis Street are a cool, centrally located district in an historic part of Dublin and are located 10 minutes from Dublin city centre and Temple Bar.  This entire area is the oldest part of the city and home to Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the old city walls.

This is the place to live for those who want to be in the true heart of Dublin city, close to Grafton street, Trinity College and countless restaurants, pubs and shops.

With its cobbled streets and striking architecture, this area is a perfect base for those wishing to be surrounded by history. Local attractions are plentiful with the Guinness Storehouse, Dublinia and Trinity College all on the doorstep.

Francis Street itself is best known for its longstanding collection of antique shops, vintage shops and galleries, a heaven for unique shopping.

HISTORY & CULTURE

Home to Dublin’s two Medieval Cathedrals named Christ Church and St Patrick’s, both are a must-see.  Christ Church cathedral dates to the 11th century and this 1,000-year-old cathedral has multiple events that take place throughout the year with services, talks and music to be enjoyed.  St Patrick’s cathedral is the tallest and indeed largest in Ireland and serves as a place of worship, a visitor attraction and hosts many events.

SCHOOLS

Francis Street School offers education for boys from second to sixth class and from September 2021 will become a co-educational school.

Warrenmount is a primary school primarily for girls and they are also delighted to announce their change of status to enrol boys from first to sixth class as a co-educational school in 2021.

Secondary school options include Presentation Secondary School and Christian Brothers Secondary School.

DINE & DRINK 

This area is surrounded by endless restaurants, cafes, and bars and there are excellent cafés and eateries in the neighbourhood offering everything from great coffee, to delicious lunches, cakes and treats. More recently the area has seen an array of new restaurants including fine dining and bistro style options.

Mannings Bakery and Cafe on Thomas Street offers excellent coffee, delicious cream cakes, and extensive range of confectionary and savoury foods.   Other independent coffee shops include Caffe Noto on Thomas Street and Ground State on James Street.

Two Pups on Francis Street is a popular choice for first class coffee, quality lunch and weekend brunch.

Tasty 8 on Meath Street offers locally sourced ingredients in a chilled environment. A popular place for lunch with wraps, bagels and specials.

Burdock’s Fish and Chip shop is considered one of Dublin’s traditions operating as the city’s oldest chipper at its original location on Werburgh Street since 1913.

The Bull and Castle has earned a great reputation as one of Dublin’s top steak and seafood restaurants and offering an extensive selection of drinks from the beer hall it’s the perfect place to spend an evening.

For more occasion dining options try Michellin-starred Variety Jones on Thomas Street or gastropub and restaurant Spitalfields on The Coombe.

Traditional bars are plentiful and include Thomas House Pub, Arthur’s and Kennedys. The Brazen Head pub dates to 1198 and being the oldest pub in the city it’s a must see for locals and visitors.

The jug is friendly bar on Francis Street serving great beer, wine and gin.   Other hip options are the Drop Dead Twice Taproom on Francis Street and Lucky’s on Meath Street.

SHOP

Since the 18th century, Francis Street has been a gem for offering the finest furniture and skilled craftsmanship. Today, this continues with its collection of antiques, bric-a-bracs, contemporary art, handmade stationery, artisan foods, antique jewellery and beautiful Irish silver.

Close by at Newmarket Square more than 60 stalls sell vintage clothes, retro furniture and lots of unique finds at its flea market every month.

OTHER NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFERINGS

Teeling Whiskey Distillery is a famous Irish whiskey distillery in Newmarket Square offering fantastic guided tours right through the production process of this famous Irish whiskey. A must for locals and visitors the area.