The Dublin neighbourhood of the Liberties has been named as one of the world’s coolest.
Time Out magazine has listed what are, in its view, the 39 most interesting places to live in the world.
The Liberties placed 23rd, with Time Out praising its “medieval remnants and terraced houses”, as well as noting it has “some of the hottest spots in town – from Argentinian bakeries (hello, Bakeology) to classic pubs”.
Other Dublin neighbourhoods that have made the list in previous years include Inchicore in 2024, Smithfield in 2023 and Stoneybatter the year before that.
On Lunchtime Live, Thomas House Pub owner Kevin O'Kelly Jnr said the Liberties has changed over the last decade “dramatically”.
“I think the mix of people in the Liberties is a healthy mix at the moment,” he said.
“With the original old people still there and some new people coming in.
“So, I think that still helps.”
The skyline over the Liberties. Picture by: Alamy.com. Once a traditional working class part of the city, the area is now home to an increasing number of young professionals - drawn by its amenities and closeness to the city centre.
“I think the Thomas House was probably accused of being the start of gentrification in the Liberties,” Mr O'Kelly said.
“I’m not too sure whether that’s a good badge of honour to have or not.
“I think the Liberties is soaked in history - and a rich history.
“For a long time, I think we were leapfrogged for people going towards two of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, the Guinness Store House and Kilmainham Jail.
“I think it was neglected for a long time.”
Statue of Jesus in the Liberties. Picture by: Alamy.com. Out on the streets of the Liberties, locals were both charmed and surprised to hear how well regarded their neighbourhood is.
“The coolest thing is the people - the original people, not the flyby people who come in now,” one man told Newstalk.
While another man struck a slightly more sceptical note.
“I would need to see the rest of the world before I can confirm if it’s the greatest in the one,” he said.
“But I live in it and it’s pretty damn cool.”
Another resident said he had no idea “where you’re getting that from”.
“It’s horrible; you’ve got Meath Street - which is fine,” he said.
“Then you’ve Francis Street - which is gentrified, then there’s the hinterland between it.
“It’s basically all tourists and students.”
Main image: Young men wiht their horses in the Liberties. Picture by: Alamy.com.
