Next Neighbourhoods: Portobello, Dublin 8, Ireland

Guy Craigie, Director of Residential Sales, Knight Frank Ireland, tells us why Portobello, Dublin is the next hotspot. An area re- gentrified with a boho atmosphere and lined with beautiful homes, it's easy to see why this place is popular with the younger generation.
1 minute to read

Describe the area

Portobello is superbly situated due to its proximity to the city centre, the Camden Street area, and Grand Canal – all within walking distance. It is famous as the birthplace of George Bernard Shaw who grew up on Synge Street, while James Joyce’s fictional protagonist in Ulysses, Leopold Bloom, also lived in the area.

Why is the area up and coming?

A once gritty city centre neighbourhood, Portobello has transformed over the last decade into one of the most desirable places to live in Dublin. It is also of Dublin’s gastronomic hotbeds, with some of the best cafés and restaurants in the city.   

My favourite bits

Take a walking tour through the pretty residential streets from Heytesbury Street to Ovoca Road for breakfast at Bibi’s, full of locals at the weekend. Don’t miss the Bretzel Bakery on Lennox Street for the best bread in Dublin, or a walk along the Grand Canal for dinner at Lock’s – an excellent local restaurant.  

Who’s buying?

Mostly successful young professionals, international buyers or investors taking advantage of Portobello’s central location. There is no need to use public transport if you work in the city centre, and the houses tend to be smaller and less expensive than the neighbouring and historically more salubrious villages of Ranelagh, Ballsbridge and Donnybrook.

What will my money buy me?

Between €650,000 and €1,200,000 for a house in good condition.