How to Make the Most of a Day in Ranelagh (and Nearby)

Learn about a one day Dublin City itinerary focused on non-touristy places in Ranelagh and along Camden Street. Explore favorite places that locals recommend in Dublin Ireland.

In this post, we'll spend the day exploring Dublin's Ranelagh neighborhood plus nearby Camden Street. Discover all that Ranelagh has to offer for a day out in Dublin City.

About This Dublin City Itinerary

One Day in Dublin City Itinerary Rating: Leisurely
This Dublin itinerary is recommended for people with the following interests: food, music, non-touristy experiences

Ranelagh and Camden Street Itinerary in Brief

1. Breakfast at Nick's in Ranelagh
2. Browse The Company of Books
3. Lunch at Cinnamon
4. Stroll Ranelagh Gardens Park
5. Seek out the swans of Portobello
6. Pub Stop
• The Barge
• The Portobello
7. Dinner on Camden Street
• Camden Rotisserie
• Neon
• Camden Kitchen
• BóBós
8. Catch a gig at Whelan's

Explore other one day Dublin City itineraries here.

Ranelagh and Camden Street Detailed Itinerary

This one day out in Dublin itinerary covers Ranelagh and Camden Street, both neighborhoods that are popular with locals. If you're looking for a non-touristy experience in Dublin, this is it. 

Places in Ranelagh and Camden Street are often featured in hip Lovin Dublin, a great source of ideas for a visit to Dublin City.

Start with coffee at Nick's which is situated in a kiosk right on the high street in Ranelagh. Browse for something to read, an Irish author perhaps, at the Company of Books. 

Have an early lunch at Cinnamon (their motto is: the best things in life are sweet) and then take a stroll around the pond in Ranelagh Gardens Park which is tucked away under the LUAS tracks. Make your way to the Grand Canal and keep an eye out for the swans that tend to congregate near Portobello. 

If you're feeling adventurous, sign-up for an afternoon of kayaking the Grand Canal. Afterwards, stop for a leisurely pint or two at The Barge, or The Portobello. 

The Barge is a great choice on a sunny day when revelers spill outside to drink alongside the canal. You'll find some great Irish craft beer from J. W. Sweetman on draft. 

The Portobello is your bargain choice with pints of Guinness on offer for less than 5 EUR.

Enjoy dinner at one of several choices along Camden Street. If you're looking for something fairly casual, consider Camden Rotisserie, Neon, or BoBos. 

Camden Rotisserie offers rotisserie chicken (of course!), burgers, and a variety of wraps that you eat at large community tables. Order the delectable sweet potato fries or opt for a side of greens rather than fries if you are feeling healthy. 

Neon on Camden Street offers one thing that can be hard to find in Dublin...spicy food! The decor is shabby chic. Bowls and hot pepper flakes stand at the ready on each table. 

Order a selection of spicy Thai dishes which are served in Asian-style take-out boxes. You'll get an ice cream cone free with your meal to cool things down after the main event. Serve yourself some soft serve to finish off the meal.

BoBo's is a classic choice for burgers. Other burger joints have popped up up and down Camden Street but BoBo's is the original. You can choose from a variety of toppings, the usual sides, and craft beer or wine. BoBo's feels a bit like an American diner on the inside.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale on Camden St. consider making a reservation at Camden Kitchen. From a table next to the open kitchen you can watch the staff scurrying about preparing victuals for the waiting guests. 

The menu typically includes dishes like seeded and cheesy bread, beetroot and goats cheese salad, salmon with cauliflower, peas, and mustard and chicken with bacon and parisienne potatoes. 

The mains are amazing but save room for the grand finale: a warm chocolate fondant served with a signature cleaver cookie and salted caramel on the side. Heaven! You'll want to go back for the ooey gooey chocolate cake alone.

After dinner, head to Whelan's. You'll find free music in the bar upfront and paid gigs on the bigger stages in the back or upstairs. The walls are lined with posters from past gigs. 

Many of the acts who got their start at Whelan's have gone on to record with major record labels. One of our favorite gigs was Natalie Merchant (from 10,000 Maniacs) who sang with a local trad band. We also love bluegrass and We Banjo 3 put on a fab show.

Map of This Dublin City Itinerary: Ranelagh and Camden Street

Click on the image of the map below to open up an interactive version in Google Maps to help you plan your itinerary centered on Dublin's Ranelagh neighborhood.

Guide to Sidewalk Safari Dublin City Itineraries

• Leisurely: No need to get up super-early to start this itinerary which is always good if you experienced a little too much of Dublin's famous craic the night before. Take your time exploring the sights on these itineraries or take detours that you discover on your own in the process of following my suggestions.

• Intermediate: You should be able to comfortably fit in the activities recommended even if you don't get an early start. There is a fair amount of walking involved in these itineraries to get from place to place.

• Ambitious: Lots to see plus a lot of walking. Make sure to get an early start or you won't make it to everything on the list.

The perfect formula for a day out in Dublin City includes: breakfast/coffee, morning activities, lunch, afternoon activities, a pub stop, dinner, and evening fun.

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