Finding calm in the heart of Mountjoy Square in Dublin
Mountjoy Square is a wonderful place to relax amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin City. I’ve been known to frequent the square as it’s such a peaceful place to be, and it’s quite a way away from the city centre.
The square itself is a lovely neighbourhood that has been home to many notable figures in Dublin’s history. These include James Joyce, Seán O’Casey, and John O’Leary. The square is also one of the five Georgian squares located in Dublin City.
If you’re looking to explore the square and wondering what you might expect, then we’ve got the guide for you. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a peaceful afternoon in one of Dublin’s most tranquil spaces.
What is Mountjoy Square Known for?
Mountjoy Square is a small community constructed around a park. It has been home to many prominent figures in Ireland’s history and is also one of the few Georgian squares located in Dublin City.
Best Time to Go to Mountjoy Square
The best time to go to Mountjoy Square is during the early morning hours. The serene atmosphere, enhanced by the cold morning air and the sight of other people simply enjoying the small park, is one of the most peaceful sights you will see in Dublin.
Things to Know about Mountjoy Square
Address: Mountjoy Square is situated in Mountjoy, Dublin. It is close to other notable heritage sites (Custom House, Croke Park, and the Convention Centre Dublin).
Operating Hours: Mountjoy Square is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week.
Parking: There is no car parking at Mountjoy Square. However, you can park your cars beside the residential areas, as long as they aren’t being used by the residents themselves. There are no car parks that are close to Mountjoy Square.
Contact Information: You can contact the Mountjoy Square Society via their mobile number at +353 1 855 4030 or through the Dublin City park email at [email protected].
Pets: Pets are allowed at Mountjoy Square, as it is a popular spot for owners to take their pets out for a walk. You will need to keep your pet on a leash, as this is a park policy.
Accessibility at Mountjoy Square
Wheelchair Accessible: The entire park is wheelchair accessible. The pathways are all level and can be easily navigated by a wheelchair user independently.
How to Get to Mountjoy Square
Car: Getting to Mountjoy Square is quite easy. It’s accessible by either the R802 or R101 road. You can also access this location via Grenville Street, Gardiner Place, and Charles Street.
Dublin Bus: The easiest way to get to Mountjoy Square is through the Dublin Bus system. Here are the closest routes that are near Mountjoy Square.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 7 | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:5:45 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:50 AM – 11:15 PM |
| Route 7A | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:6:00 AM – 11:15 PM Saturday:6:15 AM – 11:10 PM Sunday:8:10 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 33 | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:4:45 AM – 12:40 AM |
| Route 41 | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Sunday:4:00 AM – 3:30 AM |
| Route 41B | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:6:20 AM – 10:45 PM Saturday:8:20 AM – 10:45 PM Sunday:11:40 AM – 10:45 PM |
| Route 41C | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:7:00 AM – 11:15 PM Saturday:6:15 AM – 11:15 PM Sunday:9:15 AM – 11:15 PM |
| Route 41D | Mountjoy Square West, Stop | Monday to Friday:9:00 AM – 5:20 PM |
Bike: It’s also quite easy to get to Mountjoy Square, as you can simply traverse through the same streets that we recommended in the car section. There is also bike parking available at Mountjoy Square Park itself. However, the number of spaces is limited.
If heading via the Dublin Bikes system, there are two different stations located at the square. One is located at Mountjoy Square East, while the other is located at Mountjoy Square West.
Luas Tram System: The closest Luas stop to Mountjoy Square is the Parnell Luas Stop, located on the Green Line. This is a short walk to Mountjoy Square.
Taxi: Mountjoy Square is a well-known street among locals. It shouldn’t be difficult to find a taxi that will take you there. It will be quite expensive depending on where you’re coming from.
Amenities at Mountjoy Square
Football Pitch
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A well-maintained football pitch is available for visitors to use at Mountjoy Square. The pitch can be used in any weather, as it was designed as an all-weather facility. It’s one of the many highlights for locals who visit Mountjoy Square.
Basketball Court
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There is a small Basketball Court located at Mountjoy Square. It has one basketball ring and is usually used by the government for local sports events. It’s free to use for the public and is quite beloved by the residents of Mountjoy Square.
Table Tennis Court
A small table tennis court can also be found at Mountjoy Square. The court features several tables and is equipped with everything you may need for playing table tennis. It’s located near the basketball court and the football pitch.
Playground
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A small playground is available for children to use when visiting Mountjoy Square. The playground features all the typical attractions you can find. These include a slide, a swing set, and several climbing structures.
Green Park Area
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The rest of the park features a few green areas where visitors can sit. There are also park benches located across the park that are perfect for those who want to sit down and enjoy the scenery.
Where to Eat When Heading to Mountjoy Square
After a quick stroll through Mountjoy Square, I bet you’d be looking for somewhere close by to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’re in luck, as we’ve got a few different locations for you to check out once the hunger pangs hit.
Lovinspoon
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/lovinspooncafe/?hl=en
Address: 13 Frederick St N, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 W9X4, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 86 360 5653
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday:
- 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lovinspoon is a small restaurant that serves generous portions of good Irish cuisine at a reasonable cost. Lovinspoon is a quaint establishment that boasts a home-like aesthetic, making dining there a comfortable experience for its guests.
If you’re heading to Lovinspoon, then you have to try The Big. It’s a massive plate of the full Irish breakfast that will surely fill up anyone ordering it. There’s also a build-your-own sandwich section that is perfect for those looking for some customisation.
Lovinspoon is a short walk from Mountjoy Square Park, around 11 minutes of travel time through Denmark Street, Great and Grenville Street.
Bleecker Street Bar
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/BleeckerStreetBar
Address: 68 Dorset Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 KT22, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 85 850 6858
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Monday:
- 3:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday:
- 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday:
- 2:00 PM – 12:30 AM
- Saturday:
- 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Bleecker Street Bar is a small bar and cafe that will surely charm tourists and locals alike with its good food and cosy interior. Inside, you’ll find a collection of memorabilia paired with sturdy wooden tables and a spacious bar.
Their bangers & mash is truly magnificent, as it pairs simple ingredients, such as mashed potatoes and sausages. It has a creamy and succulent red wine onion gravy that epitomises comfort food.
Bleecker Street Bar is a short walk to Mountjoy Square Park, approximately 10 minutes away via Dorset Street Lower and Gardiner Street Upper.
Chapter One
Media Credit: Chapter One Instagram
Website: https://chapteronerestaurant.com
Address: 18-19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, Ireland
Contact Details: 01 873 2266
Price Range: €85 – €250
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday:
- 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Thursday to Friday:
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Chapter One is a Michelin part of the Michelin Guide and has earned it with flying colours. Here, you’ll be given a fine dining experience unlike any other. The menus are carefully curated by the head chef, who works with locally sourced produce.
If you’re looking for a filling meal, then you have to try their three-course lunch menu, as they offer two different options for each course. We highly recommend trying their addle of Wicklow Sika Deer. It doesn’t taste gamey and is perfectly tender.
Wallace’s Asti
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Website: https://www.wallacewinebars.ie/asti
Address: 15 Russell St, Drumcondra, Dublin 1, D01 VW02, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 884 7500
Price Range: €20 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday:
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday:
- 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wallace’s Asti is a small Italian restaurant serving some of the finest Italian cuisine in Dublin. Here, you will find locally sourced ingredients, which they combine with high-quality Italian imports to make some of their most signature dishes.
Wallace’s Asti’s Spaghetti al ragu is simply a showstopper of a meal. It’s a simple bolognese that’s paired with Irish beef and pork ragu, yet the flavours are strong and absolutely delicious.
One Society
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Website: https://www.onesociety.ie
Address: 1 Gardiner Street Lower, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 P9Y1, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 537 5261
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday:
- 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday:
- 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
One Society is a small restaurant that offers an extensive brunch menu, with some of its ingredients sourced from the owner’s sister’s farm. It’s the perfect place for those who want a quick breakfast or brunch after their stroll.
If you’re looking for a light breakfast, then the house special pancakes are just for you. They offer an option for either blueberry or salted caramel, both of which are good choices.
Where to Stay near Mountjoy Square
If you’re looking to stroll through Mountjoy Square for most of your trip, then you’d be looking for a place to stay that’s nearby. Here are a few hostels and hotels that we recommend for your stay in Mountjoy Square.
Castle Hotel
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Website: https://www.castle-hotel.ie
Address: Gardiner Row, Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 R640, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 874 6949
Price Range: Starts at €199
The Castle Hotel features a Georgian townhouse exterior and is ideal for those seeking a comfortable stay. Here, you’ll be greeted with elegantly painted walls and antique furniture that is perfect for a cosy stay in Dublin.
It is a short walk from Mountjoy Square Park, which can be reached in approximately 8 minutes on foot. If you prefer riding a bus, there is the Route 13 bus that will take you to Mountjoy Square South bus stop.
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre
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Website: https://www.ihg.com
Address: 28-32 O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 T2X2, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 878 8099
Price Range: Starts at €209
The Holiday Inn Express, situated in Dublin City Centre, is ideal for those seeking a modern hotel offering stylish rooms at competitive rates. We love them due to their ease of access when it comes to booking and staying at their hotel.
If heading to Mountjoy Square Park, you can ride the Route 7 or 7A bus from Parnell Square East to Mountjoy Square Stop. It should take around 5 minutes.
Dublin One Hotel
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Website: https://dublinonehotel.com
Address: 493-511, 493-511 N Circular Rd, Dublin 1, D01 A2Y5, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 556 7170
Price Range: Starts at €132
Dublin One offers the comforts of a modern hotel while providing a few extra amenities. You’ll find a wonderful cafe and bar alongside a spacious courtyard for you to admire and soak in the culture of Dublin’s creative neighbourhoods.
If you head through Belvedere Place, it should take you around 6 minutes to walk from the hotel to Mountjoy Square Park.
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
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Website: https://www.maldronhotels.com
Address: Parnell Square W, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 HX02, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 871 6800
Price Range: Starts at €154
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square is ideal for those seeking proximity to the city’s extensive public transport network, including bus routes and the Luas. It’s a beautifully stylish hotel that offers a modern aesthetic at an affordable price.
You can easily head to Mountjoy Square park from the Maldron Hotel via the Route 13 bus, which should take around 11 minutes.