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.
Howth is located on the peninsula of Howth Head, which begins around 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) east-north-east of Dublin’s GPO, on the north side of Dublin Bay.
The village itself is located just over 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) by road from Dublin city centre (the ninth of a series of eighteenth-century milestones from the Dublin General Post Office (GPO) is in the village itself).
The settlement spans much of the northern part of Howth Head, which was once an island but now is connected to the rest of Dublin via a narrow strip of land (a tombolo) at Sutton. Howth is located in the administrative county of Fingal, within the traditional County Dublin.
The village is bounded by the sea and undeveloped land except along two roads, one rising towards the Summit, one running at sea level near the coast, towards Sutton Cross.
Howth is at the end of a regional road (R105) from Dublin. One branch of the DART suburban rail system has its physical terminus by the harbour, the other northern terminus being Malahide’s station, which is actually on a through line for mainline rail towards Belfast.
Under the bus route network for Dublin overseen by the National Transport Authority, Dublin Bus serves Howth with route H3, and the local route 290 which goes over the hill and through Sutton to Sutton DART station.
For decades prior to 2021, Howth was served by the 31 series of routes. There was previously also a tram service. Howth, in addition to its fishery harbour, hosts a substantial marina, and seasonal boat service to the uninhabited Ireland’s Eye. Howth is also a waypoint for aircraft approaching Dublin Airport.