Going on a Shopping Frenzy at O’Connell Street
There’s nothing like a good stroll in Dublin City Centre. The sprawling streets, lined with tall buildings and large restaurants, are a comforting sight after a day’s work.
And truly, there’s no better street to stroll on than O’Connell Street. I still remember the nights during my second year in Dublin when I would frequently pass through the street to get to Temple Bar—those were the days.
Since then, O’Connell Street has continued to be a lovely place to take a stroll or to do a bit of shopping on the weekend. If you’re planning on heading to one of Dublin’s most popular streets, then we’ve certainly got the guide to make your visit worthwhile.
What is O’Connell Street Known for?
O’Connell Street is the premier main street in Dublin City Centre. Here, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and activities for everyone to enjoy as they walk through the small district.
Best Time to Go to O’Connell Street
Most shops and restaurants on O’Connell Street tend to open during or after lunchtime, so it would be preferable if you head around then. If you’re looking to simply stroll through the street, early in the mornings would be more preferable to you.
Things to Know about O’Connell Street
Address: O’Connell Street is split into O’Connell Street Lower and O’Connell Street Upper, which can be accessed through O’Connell Bridge. It’s close to other popular streets such as Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and Smithfield.
Operating Hours: Although the street itself is accessible at any time of day, most shops and restaurants on O’Connell Street tend to open daily around lunchtime. Some spots open later in the afternoon, but you can be sure that most are open at lunch.
Parking: There is no parking on O’Connell Street itself. However, there are several car parks available, such as the one located at the Jervis Shopping Centre or Moore Lane Car Park.
Contact Information: O’Connell Street is primarily managed by Dublin City Council, which can be reached via their mobile number at 01 222 2222 or for emergencies at 01 222 3150. They also have an email at [email protected].
Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on O’Connell Street, except for service animals. Be sure that they are properly leashed and have the necessary documents to prove it, just to be on the safe side.
Accessibility at O’Connell Street
Wheelchair Accessible: O’Connell Street, just like most streets in Dublin, is wheelchair accessible. Most shops have sufficient space to accommodate those who use a wheelchair.
How to Get to O’Connell Street
Car: O’Connell Street is accessible by several routes, with O’Connell Bridge being the main entry point. It will take you to the entrance of O’Connell Street Lower or Parnell Street.
Dublin Bus: There are quite a few different bus routes that travel to or around O’Connell Street. Here are some of the stops and routes that travel closest to O’Connell Street.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 1 | O’Connell Street Lower | Monday to Friday: • 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 11 | O’Connell Street Lower | Monday to Saturday: • 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 9:15 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 13 | O’Connell Street Upper | Monday to Friday: • 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 16 | O’Connell Street Upper | Monday to Saturday: • 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 40 | O’Connell Street Upper | Monday to Friday: • 5:35 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 6:35 AM – 11:15 PM Sunday: • 8:20 AM – 11:15 PM |
| Route 44 | O’Connell Street Lower | Monday to Friday: • 6:45 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: • 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: • 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Route 53 | O’Connell Street Lower | Monday to Friday: • 7:00 AM – 7:45 PM Saturday: • 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: • 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Route 122 | O’Connell Street Lower | Monday to Friday:6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:7:05 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 123 | O’Connell Street Upper | Monday to Friday: • 6:10 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: • 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: • 8:20 AM – 11:30 PM |
Bike: You can easily head to the same roads we discussed in the car section when riding a bike to O’Connell Street. As for bike parking, there is bike parking available at the car parks we listed earlier.
For those who wish to travel here using Dublin Bikes, a station is located on O’Connell Street Lower.
LUAS Tram System: There is a direct LUAS station at O’Connell Street known as O’Connell Station. It’s on the Green Line and can be easily travelled to from any Green Line station you come across.
Taxi: You can easily ride a taxi to O’Connell Street, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City Centre. We recommend using public transport if you’re coming from anywhere other than the City Centre.
Shops at O’Connell Street
O’Connell Street is renowned for its shopping district. As such, we’ve selected some of the more notable shops that have caught our attention. If you ever find yourself on O’Connell Street, be sure to visit these shops and browse their items.
Penneys
Media Credit: Penneys Instagram
Website: https://www.primark.com
Address: 39 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 PY90, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 656 6666
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday:
- 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
I’m sure anyone who lived through or was born in the late 90s to early 2000s should be familiar with Penneys. They’re still staying strong in O’Connell Street, and many visitors, tourists, and locals alike can vouch for the good service at this shop.
If you’re looking to buy some of the latest trends in fashion at a reasonable and affordable price, then Penneys might be the shop for you when visiting O’Connell Street.
Carroll’s Irish Gifts
Media Credit: Carroll’s Irish Gifts Instagram
Website: https://carrollsirishgifts.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrollsIrishgifts
Address: 57-58 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 KF76, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 873 5709
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday:
- 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Monday:
- 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Are you unsure what to bring your loved ones after a trip to Ireland’s beloved capital? Well, you’re in luck as Carroll’s offers a variety of gifts to choose from that you’d be spoiled for choice.
Their Aran Knitwear Collection is what keeps us coming back here. You can purchase Aran jumpers, Aran blankets and throws, as well as accessories. You also don’t miss their curated Irish hampers for that home aesthetic.
Eason
Media Credit: Eason Instagram
Website: https://www.easons.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EasonIreland
Address: 40 O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin, D01 PY90, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 858 3800
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday:
- 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
For the booklovers out there, here’s something special for you. Whether you’re looking to buy your run-of-the-mill copy or if you’re looking to snag a special edition, Eason has a large selection of books at your disposal for you to purchase.
This shop also offers premium writing instruments, including those from renowned brands such as Parker, Sheaffer, Lamy, and Caran d’Ache.
Decathlon
Website: https://www.decathlon.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decathlon.ie
Address: Clery’s Quarter, 18-27 O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01P2Y0, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 268 8821
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Wednesday:
- 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Decathlon is a worldwide brand that has established itself as one of the more reliable shops on O’Connell Street. For those who are unaware, Decathlon is your one-stop shop for everything related to outdoor activities.
We appreciate the shopping convenience, with their 365-day return policy on all online orders. Their 2-year guarantee on all Decathlon products is another top-notch offer.
Foot Locker
Media Credit: Foot Locker Instagram
Website: https://stores.footlocker.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FootLockerDublinDublin
Address: 49 Lower O’Connell Street, North City, Dublin, D01 CK02, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 569 1038
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
There’s something special for the traditional athletic types at O’Connell Street, as you can find a Foot Locker at Lower O’Connell Street. Foot Locker is known for its shoes, clothing, and accessories tailored to athletic types, and it certainly has a wide selection.
The products offered are on the high-end side. You can purchase ASICS, Converse, Under Armour, and more. But if you can’t go to the physical store, sign-ups through their website can bring you great deals.
Restaurants at O’Connell Street
While it isn’t Temple Bar, there are still some wonderful restaurants and pubs that can be found surrounding O’Connell Street. Here are some we highly recommend you visit.
Flanagan’s Bar & Restaurant
Media Credit: Flanagan’s Instagram
Website: https://www.flanagansrestaurant.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flanagansdublin
Address: 61 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 Y274, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 873 1388
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Flanagan’s is a casual restaurant that serves some of the most wonderful and comforting Irish dishes. Having been a family business since the 1980s, they’ve been a beloved restaurant that you can easily rely on when you find yourself on O’Connell St.
Something that truly amazed us during our visit was their beef lasagna, served with a side of salad and fries. While that might sound unusual, it’s a perfectly balanced meal that is ultra-comforting to eat.
Grand Central
Media Credit: Grand Central Instagram
Website: https://grandcentral.ie
Address: 10-11 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 XY61, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 872 8658
Price Range: €10 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Grand Central offers a unique pub experience with decor that you wouldn’t really associate with a pub. The place was once a bank, but has been transformed into a stylish pub that combines traditional pub reliability with fashionable, old-money decor.
If you’re looking for something filling without feeling too full, you can try their mini Irish breakfast. It has everything that you might be looking for in an Irish breakfast, but served in more reasonable portions.
Murray’s Bar
Media Credit: Murray’s Bar Instagram
Website: https://www.murraysbar.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murraysbardublin
Address: 33-34 O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 E0W2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 215 0399
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:
- 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Murray’s is a traditional Irish bar that is perfect for those who want to lounge around and enjoy a nice pint of Guinness while they chat with their mates. With live TV blasting across the bar, you’ll certainly find yourself falling for the Irish bar charm.
While it might sound a bit indulgent, we suggest trying their Truffle Parmesan Burger. It’s a unique take on the burger that adds a few extra ingredients to elevate the whole dish.
Madigan’s
Media Credit: Madigan’s Instagram, Madigan’s Facebook
Website: https://www.madigansdublin.com
Address: 19 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 E796, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 874 3692
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Madigan’s is another traditional Irish pub that serves some of the best Irish delicacies that you can have for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here, you’ll find yourself enjoying some live music as you munch on your desired meal.
They offered a few choice favourites that we sampled during our visit, and the one that stood out is their pork ribs. The tender and juicy ribs pair perfectly with the well-seasoned fries, which are simple yet incredibly comforting.
Fujiyama Izakaya
Media Credit: Fujiyama Izakaya Instagram
Website: https://fujiyamajapanese.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fujiyama.dublin
Address: 11 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin 1, D01 A2K0, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 889 9975
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 12:30 PM – 10:00 PM
While you aren’t in Japan, you might find yourself craving some tasty Japanese delicacies. Well, if you want to sample a few different dishes rather than committing yourself to a whole meal, then this might be the restaurant for you.
While you might gravitate towards their sushi, we’d suggest getting the stewed pork in either ramen or udon format. The broth is incredibly rich, and the meat is tender, pairing well with either noodle.
Where to Stay When Heading to O’Connell Street
You can be sure that a range of accommodations is available for all types of tourists around O’Connell Street. Here are some of the most notable ones that we’d recommend.
Arlington Hotel
Media Credit: Arlington Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.arlington.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheArlingtonHotelOConnellBridge
Address: 23-25 Bachelors Walk, O’Connell Bridge, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 804 9100
Price Range: Starts at €149
The Arlington Hotel is a chic establishment that offers comfort and a traditional Irish hospitality experience. Their decor might remind you of a rich person’s manor, and it certainly lives up to such an experience.
Since opening its doors, it has also hosted Celtic Nights. It’s a traditional music and dance evening. We tried it once, and it was so fun that we will surely return.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre
Media Credit: Holiday Inn Express Instagram
Website: https://www.ihg.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089940824516#
Address: 28-32 O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T2X2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 878 8099
Price Range: Starts at €209
Holiday Inn Express is ideal for those seeking a familiar hotel that can be found anywhere in the world. In fact, this hotel is renowned for its elegance and user-friendly design, providing an exceptional experience.
What we like about this hotel is that it’s within walking distance of The 3Arena, Convention Centre, and Aviva Stadium.
Cassidy’s Hotel
Media Credit: Cassidy’s Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.cassidyshotel.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassidysHotel
Address: Upper, Cavendish Row, O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 V3P6, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 878 0555
Price Range: Starts at €189
Cassidy’s Hotel might make you skeptical due to its neutral colors and cheap accommodations, but there’s nothing like a neutral room that will easily help you fall asleep.
It’s famous for quirky stories, like being home to eccentric chemist Richard Kirwan and even hosting The Beatles after their 1963 Dublin show.
Leonardo Hotel
Media Credit: Leonardo Hotel Instagram
Website: https://www.leonardo-hotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leonardo.hotels.chain
Address: Plaza, Moore St, North City, Dublin, D01 E0H3, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 878 4900
Price Range: Starts at €220
Leonardo Hotel is a modern hotel that provides some of the most modern amenities that you might be looking for in your stay. The hotel has 253 rooms with the signature Dream bed and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and fitness area.
You can even relax with a cocktail or a Lavazza coffee in the bar. Then, go ahead and grab some comfort dishes like fish and chips and homemade soups.
Tips When Visiting O’Connell Street
You might be rushing to head to O’Connell Street after reading our guide, but hold your horses for a bit as we’ve got a few tips that might interest you.
Rely On Public Transport
Public transport and walking are the two main ways to get around Dublin City. As a walkable city, you might find yourself spending a huge sum of money on taxis and Uber when you can easily save that when riding buses or the tram system.
Visit Grafton Street
O’Connell Street might not have everything you’re looking for. If you find that your shopping itch has yet to be scratched, then we’d suggest heading south towards Grafton Street and perusing those shops as well.
Visit Temple Bar
O’Connell Street is located just a few roads away from Temple Bar. If none of the restaurants on O’Connell Street tickle your fancy, then we’d suggest heading to Temple Bar, as there’s a wider range of choices there.
Visit At Night
O’Connell Street is quite serene in the evenings and is perfect for those who want to stroll through Dublin in the cold of the night. We’d advise that you bring a few layers as it does tend to get quite chilly, especially in the winter.