‘The Liberties is attracting modern creatives to its cool, casual vibe,’ says iconic title
That’s according to National Geographic, which this week published a travel story on the rapidly evolving neighbourhood.
“The Liberties was established on a foundation of free spirit and resilience, which is what makes it such an alluring home base for creatives,” it says.
These range from “local folk and traditional Irish musicians who play… at Dudley’s to the Irish print artists displaying their work at Jam Art Factory”.
Tips range from community-focused foodie stops like The Fumbally and Hen’s Teeth to creative hubs like La Catedral studios, local distilleries and shops such as Hopeless Botanics.
Mixed-media artist Solus is one of several voices quoted in the feature: “Setting up home here felt like plugging directly into Dublin’s bloodstream,” he says.
The Liberties. Photo: Therese Aherne for Tourism Ireland
It follows the Liberties’ inclusion last September on Time Out’s list of the world’s “coolest neighbourhoods” for 2025.
The area ranked 23rd on a list topped by Jimbochu in Tokyo, and including places like Avondale in Chicago, London’s Camberwell and Antwerp’s Borgerhout.
“It may be one of Dublin’s oldest neighbourhoods, but alongside medieval remnants and terraced houses, the Liberties is home to some of the hottest spots in town,” wrote Nicola Brady, a Dublin-based travel writer who also contributes to the Irish Independent.
“It’s always hotly debated, but we’re certain that if you visit any one of these neighbourhoods, you’ll get to experience the real soul of the city,” said Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out.
While such exposure can inspire tourism, and development can add investment and energy to a place, there have also been debates about gentrification, affordability and the future of the Liberties’ famously close-knit sense of community and place.
Phibsboro was included on a previous Time Out list, for example, coinciding with a 14pc rise in property prices the following year, according to a Sunday Independent survey.
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National Geographic recommends the Point A, Aloft and Hyatt Centric hotels as plays to stay in the Liberties area, and mentions more established attractions like St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse too.
The Liberties’ name dates back to the 12th century, its author says, “and still reflects the initial desire for freedom – just from an influx of modern innovators with an appreciation for the poetic juxtaposition of old and new”.