Someone asked the following question online on the same day as I visited Francis Street
[Question] I am an American and I plan to attend the Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin I am bringing four young children, and my husband. Some friends recommended that I stay at a hotel on Francis Street but others told me that it is not safe at night. What is your recommendation []
Here is the response: While Francis Street in Dublin has a rich history and is known for its antique shops, there are some valid concerns about staying in the area with young children, especially for St. Patrick’s Day. [Note: I am not sure about some of the alternatives that were suggested]
Concerns about Francis Street:
Reputation: Parts of Francis Street and the surrounding Liberties area have a historical reputation for social problems like drug use and petty crime. While the area has undergone changes, these elements can still be present.
Nighttime activity: The area can get lively at night, especially during events like St. Patrick’s Day, which may not be the most suitable atmosphere for young children.
Limited amenities: Depending on the specific hotel, you may find fewer child-friendly amenities and attractions in the immediate vicinity. Why you might consider staying elsewhere for St. Patrick’s Day
Crowds and noise: The parade route passes through the city centre, and areas surrounding it will be extremely crowded and noisy, which can be difficult to manage with young children.
Safety concerns: While direct risk may be low, large crowds and celebrations can increase the chance of minor issues like getting separated from children.
Alternative Areas to Consider:
Here are some more family-friendly areas of Dublin, still within a reasonable distance of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities:
Temple Bar: Lively, but with lots of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. A bit closer to the parade route. Ballsbridge: A more upscale area with parks and a calmer atmosphere. Good public transport connections to the city center. Smithfield/Stoneybatter: These neighborhoods on the north side of the River Liffey offer a mix of historic charm and trendy spots, with a bit more space than the city center.
About Francis Street:
Francis Street is a historic street in the Liberties area of Dublin. It’s known for its antique shops and its proximity to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. While it’s an interesting area to visit during the daytime, it may not be the most suitable for a family stay during a major festival.
Overall Recommendation
For a comfortable and safe family experience during St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend opting for a hotel in one of the alternative areas mentioned above. This gives you better access to the festivities while providing a more suitable environment for your young children.
Yes, this claim can be largely true, but here’s why it needs some context:
Numbers Can Be Misleading: The raw number of nighttime flights between Dublin and Heathrow can appear stark. However, the size and scale of the airports are massively different. Heathrow is one of the world’s busiest airports, making a direct flight count comparison somewhat unfair.
Noise Restrictions: Heathrow has stricter noise restrictions for night flights due to its location in a densely populated area. Dublin Airport faces less stringent noise controls.
Planning Permission: The number of permitted nighttime flights might favour Dublin Airport. This means that Dublin has a higher legal limit compared to Heathrow.
Flight Types: The types of aircraft flying at night matter. Larger, noisier planes are more likely to be restricted at Heathrow.
Important Considerations:
Relative Impact: While Dublin may have more nighttime flights, the impact of those flights on surrounding communities could be significantly less than the impact fewer flights at Heathrow have due to the airports’ locations and aircraft types.
Current Situation: It’s essential to check the source date of the information. Regulations and situations at airports can change over time.
Where to Find Reliable Information:
Dublin Airport Authority: Check their website for information on flight schedules, noise regulations, and any statements regarding night-time operations (https://www.dublinairport.com/) Heathrow Airport: Visit their website to find noise-related information and their commitment to managing nighttime flights (https://www.heathrow.com/) News Articles: Search for recent news reports that might offer a more updated and nuanced picture of the nighttime flight situation at both airports.