One of city’s most affluent suburbs, Ballsbridge, Dublin is the epicentre of football, rugby, and live music in the capital.
Ballsbridge, on Dublin’s south side, holds a reputation as one of the most affluent areas in all of Ireland. Of course, this affluence appeals to some people more so than others.
That said, Ballsbridge also attracts sports and music fans from across the county and, indeed, the world.
So, if you find yourself visiting this Dublin neighbourhood, make sure to check out our guide to the best activities, hotels, and pubs in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Ireland Before You Die’s top tips for visiting Ballsbridge, Dublin:
- Irish weather can be temperamental. Always consult the forecast and pack a raincoat, just in case!
- Ballsbridge is a good base for exploring Dublin city centre and the greater Dublin area. Public transport between Dublin and Ballsbridge is good, but should you wish to rent a car, check out our handy guide.
- The Wicklow Mountains Forest Park is just a 40-minute drive from Ballsbridge.
- Accommodation books up fast in this area. Always book well in advance to secure the best deals and avoid disappointment.
- Ballsbridge is home to the RDS Arena and the Aviva Stadium. Check out gig listings and football or rugby fixtures ahead of your visit.
Activities – what to do in Ballsbridge
Visit Herbert Park
Herbert Park spans 32 acres, divided by an eponymous road. A lap of the park’s perimeter is just short of a mile, so a walk at Herbert Park can be as leisurely as you like.
The park has various sporting amenities at which visitors can participate or spectate. These amenities include football pitches, tennis courts, and bowling greens. There is also a playground for children.
Address: Herbert Park, Dublin, Ireland
Watch a football or rugby match at the Aviva Stadium
Just north of Ballsbridge, Dublin, you’ll find the home of Irish football and rugby – Lansdowne Road. Now known as the Aviva Stadium for sponsorship purposes, the stadium stands on the site of the old Lansdowne Road, which it replaced in 2010.
Ireland’s national football and rugby teams both call this stadium home, and the atmosphere for matches is unrivalled in the country.
The Aviva Stadium has also hosted important domestic and continental football matches, including the 2011 UEFA Europa League final. It is also used as a concert venue, hosting the likes of Rihanna, Harry Styles and AC/DC in recent years.
Address: Lansdowne Rd, Dublin 4, Ireland
See a legend of music at the RDS Arena
The RDS Arena is Leinster Rugby’s home stadium, and also regularly hosts show jumping events.
Furthermore, it has sporadically hosted football matches for both the Irish national team, Shamrock Rovers, and St Patrick’s Athletic.
However, the RDS Arena is most renowned as an iconic music concert venue. Such luminaries as Prince, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, and Paul McCartney have graced its stage on more than one occasion.
Address: Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 AK83, Ireland
Hotels – where to put your head down in Ballsbridge
Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
The Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, is ideally located for those visiting the RDS Arena – the hotel is a mere three-minute walk from the venue and has some excellent facilities on site.
This Victorian-style building houses 335 rooms with all modern conveniences, as well as a secure car park with over 200 spaces.
The onsite Grandstand Bar serves a great array of drinks and bar snacks and shows major sporting events on three screens. Meanwhile, the adjacent restaurant serves excellent seasonal and local cuisine accompanied by a selection of wines.
The Clayton Hotel offers family rooms, luxury suits, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness centre.
Address: Merrion Rd, Dublin 4, D04 P3C3, Ireland
Herbert Park Hotel
The Herbert Park Hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the eponymous and aforementioned park and offers the peace, tranquillity, and stunning views of both the park and the River Dodder you’d expect with such a setting.
This four-star hotel is an excellent base for both the Aviva Stadium and the RDS, but also offers great access to the rest of the city, being so close to the Lansdowne Road DART station.
The Pavilion Restaurant offers a menu that mixes international and local, contemporary and traditional. The Terrace Lounge serves food that is equally beautiful in a more casual setting.
Address: Ballsbridge Terrace, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 R2T2, Ireland
The Sandymount Hotel
The Sandymount Hotel caters to both Ballsbridge and the nearby coastal neighbourhood of Sandymount.
Run by the Loughran family since 1955, the hotel boasts picturesque private gardens, a beautiful library, the Line Out Bar, and Whitty’s Restaurant.
You can avail of complimentary parking on a first-come-first-served basis, five e-car charging points, and an eight-seater shuttle bus for attending nearby events. It should be noted that the car park can get busy on event days.
Address: Herbert Road, Dublin, D04 VN88, Ireland
Pubs & restaurants – where to get a pint and some grub in Ballsbridge
Paddy Cullen’s
If you don’t get a ticket to the football or rugby, Paddy Cullen’s is a great alternative for watching the match – this place will be full of fans for that big game atmosphere. They also broadcast live GAA fixtures on their screens, which also draw a crowd.
It serves an excellent Guinness but also has a range of other drinks on draught if you don’t fancy a pint of the Black Stuff. Furthermore, locals and visitors alike rave about their casual food menu.
Address: 14 Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 T3Y7, Ireland
The Bridge 1859
The Bridge 1959 is owned by former Irish rugby players. As such, it’s favoured by many rugby fans on match days and non-match days alike.
The pub grub in The Bridge 1859 is excellent, including the Irish favourite fish and chips. Pair your grub with a wide selection of beers, wines, and whiskies.
The very attentive and knowledgeable staff are at your beck and call in The Bridge 1859, especially in the private rooms that lend a feeling of exclusivity.
Searsons
Searsons prides itself on its excellent service and food menu, including steaks and seafood options.
Naturally, it boasts a range of pints, but the icing on the cake at Searsons is the array of Irish whiskies on offer.
The pub collaborated with Midleton Distillery to produce a 28-year-old Irish whiskey, a bottle of which costs €3500! Thankfully the rest of the options – while expensive given the area – aren’t quite as high as this.
Address: 42-44 Baggot Street Upper, Dublin 4, D04 V210, Ireland
Other notable mentions
Roly’s Bistro: Roly’s Bistro is one of the best-loved restaurants in the city. Dishes here are relatively simple, but the high quality of ingredients sets their taste apart.
Avoca: You’ll find this fresh food market on Shelbourne Road. There is a deli counter, butcher, cheesemonger, patisserie, and charcuterie.
InterContinental Dublin: The InterContinental Dublin is another great accommodation choice in the Ballsbridge area. This luxurious 5-star hotel is ideally located within walking distance to the Aviva Stadium and has a wonderful spa to relax in.
Your questions answered about Ballsbridge
If you’ve still got some questions about Ballsbridge, you’re in luck! In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the Dublin suburb.
Why is it called Ballsbridge?
The name Ballsbridge derives from a three-arch stone bridge that crosses the River Dodder called Ball’s Bridge. The bridge got its name from the Ball family, who built and owned the original bridge.
Is Ballsbridge north or south Dublin?
Ballsbridge is on the south side of Dublin.
What is the richest part of Dublin?
The postcode Dublin 4 – which includes Ballsbridge – is one of the richest parts of Dublin. You’ll find some of the most expensive properties in the country on Ballsbridge’s Shrewsbury Road and Ailesbury Road.
