Situated a stone’s throw from bustling Temple Bar and Grafton Street, and right next to popular attractions such as Christchurch Cathedral and Dublin Castle, getting to The Liberties from the city centre is easy. In fact, we think of ourselves as a village in the heart of the city. So why not take a stroll through our great neighbourhood and enjoy a slice of authentic Dublin life!
Walking and cycling are perfectly viable options for getting here. There are a number of stations for the popular Dublinbikes scheme in the area. If you’re coming here from farther afield, then bus, train and Luas stops are all close by. And there is ample parking both on-street and in a number of commercial carparks.
The Liberties is compact and the best way to explore it is on foot. The main spine through The Liberties is High Street- Thomas Street- James's Street, an ancient route that has been the main western approach to the city centre for centuries. Francis Street and Meath Street are commercial streets which run south from Thomas Street. To the south of the area, Cork Street and St Luke's Avenue is another busy route into the city centre. Newmarket lies to the south of St Luke's Avenue. Check out our handy map and guide to help you explore.
The Liberties allows for a pleasant cycle to/from any part of the city centre and biking is highly encouraged. Dublin Bikes is the city’s popular bike rental service. There are now 100 stations throughout the city, for which you can purchase a 3-Day Ticket for just €5. If you’re staying around longer, you can enjoy the many benefits of an annual card for just €20. Dublin Bikes stations within The Liberties include High Street, Francis Street, John Street West, Oliver Bond Street, James Street, Market Street South, and St. James’s Hospital. Bicycle lanes are present throughout the Liberties and there are plenty of cycle parking racks.
The Liberties is well connected by a range of Dublin Bus routes making getting here by bus straightforward. Remember, drivers only take coins for payment (no notes), so have some change ready! You can also avail of short-term Leap Visitor Cards, which can be used on all public transport and are available at tourism centres and Dublin Airport. Look for bus numbers and Real Time Passenger Information on street signage. Most buses run from 06.30am to 11.30pm with a Nitelink service on Friday & Saturday nights through to 04.00am.
Heuston Station is Ireland’s primary transport hub, with rail services serving the west and south, and is located just to the north of The Liberties. Lines serving Heuston are mainly regional routes, but also serve some outer suburban areas. Luas (Red Line), Dublin Bus and Dublin Bikes also connect at Heuston Station. Take the short Luas ride to Connolly Station for trains to the north and suburban DART services.
Luas is Dublin’s tram system which gives you a frequent and reliable service throughout Dublin. The fare paid is based on the number of zones being travelled. There are two Luas lines – the Red Line and the Green Line. The Luas Red Line runs from Tallaght to The Point and from Saggart to Connolly. Stops on this line within or close to The Liberties include Rialto, Fatima, James’s and Heuston Station. There are also park & ride facilities at certain stops on the Red Line.