Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Dublin
Summary: If you're retiring in Dublin, here are some of the best neighborhoods in Dublin for retirees.
Moving to Dublin, offers retirees and expats a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty. With its diverse neighborhoods, Dublin provides plenty of options for retirees to settle in and enjoy their golden years. Here are eight of the best neighborhoods for retirees to live in Dublin, Ireland.
Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge is an affluent and charming neighborhood known for its Georgian architecture and embassy belt. Retirees can enjoy leisurely walks along the Dodder River or explore the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) grounds, which hosts various events. The area is home to numerous art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, offering a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 3 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,500 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €3,500. Purchase prices vary, with 2-bedroom apartments starting at €500,000 and 3-bedroom apartments at €700,000.
Healthcare: St. Vincent's University Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: Roly's Bistro, The Chop House, and The Old Spot are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: The area is home to the Royal Dublin Society, founded in 1731, which has played a significant role in Ireland's economic and cultural development.
Volunteer Organizations: The Royal Dublin Society offers volunteering opportunities in various fields.
Parks: Herbert Park is a popular green space in Ballsbridge, offering tennis courts, a lake, and walking paths.
Ranelagh
Ranelagh is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Retirees can enjoy various activities, from visiting the weekly farmer's market to participating in local clubs and events. The area is known for its independent boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 2.5 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,200 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €3,000. Purchase prices start at €450,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €600,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: St. Vincent's University Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: Dillingers, The Butcher Grill, and Tribeca are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Ranelagh Gardens, which opened in 1742, was a famous pleasure garden known for its concerts, fireworks, and masquerades.
Volunteer Organizations: Ranelagh Arts Centre offers volunteering opportunities in various fields.
Parks: Belgrave Square Park is a small but well-maintained green space in Ranelagh.
Dalkey
Dalkey is a picturesque coastal village known for its stunning views, beautiful walks, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as golfing, sailing, or visiting the local heritage center. The area is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and independent shops, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 13 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,000 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €2,800. Purchase prices start at €400,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €600,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: St. Michael's Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: The Guinea Pig, Jaipur, and Ouzos are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre offers insight into the area's rich history, including its role as a Viking settlement.
Volunteer Organizations: Dalkey Tidy Towns is a community-based environmental group that welcomes volunteers.
Parks: Sorrento Park offers stunning coastal views and walking paths.
Howth
Howth is a charming fishing village known for its stunning cliff walks, beautiful harbor, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, or visiting the local castle. The area is home to numerous seafood restaurants, cafes, and independent shops, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Northside of Dublin, about 15 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,800 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €2,500. Purchase prices start at €350,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €500,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: Beaumont Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: The Oar House, Aqua, and The Brass Monkey are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Howth Castle, built in the 15th century, offers insight into the area's rich history and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Volunteer Organizations: Howth Tidy Towns is a community-based environmental group that welcomes volunteers.
Parks: Howth Head offers stunning cliff walks and panoramic views of the Irish Sea.
Malahide
Malahide is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beach, picturesque marina, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as golfing, sailing, or visiting the local castle. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and independent shops, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Northside of Dublin, about 18 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €1,700 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €2,300. Purchase prices start at €300,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €450,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: Beaumont Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: Bon Appetit, Old Street, and The Greedy Goose are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Malahide Castle, built in the 12th century, offers insight into the area's rich history and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Volunteer Organizations: Malahide Tidy Towns is a community-based environmental group that welcomes volunteers.
Parks: Malahide Demesne Regional Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
Blackrock
Blackrock is a vibrant and affluent neighborhood known for its beautiful coastal views, bustling village center, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various activities, from visiting the local market to participating in local clubs and events. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and independent shops, offering a lively atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 6 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,300 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €3,200. Purchase prices start at €450,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €650,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: St. Vincent's University Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: Liath, Riba, and The Pepper Pot are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Blackrock Park is home to a historic obelisk and the remains of a 16th-century castle.
Volunteer Organizations: Blackrock Tidy Towns is a community-based environmental group that welcomes volunteers.
Parks: Blackrock Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities, with stunning coastal views.
Sandymount
Sandymount is a charming and picturesque neighborhood known for its beautiful beach, scenic promenade, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as swimming, walking, or visiting the local nature reserve. The area is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and independent shops, offering a relaxed atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 4 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,100 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €3,000. Purchase prices start at €400,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €600,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: St. Vincent's University Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: BuJo, The Strand, and Dunne & Crescenzi are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Sandymount is featured in James Joyce's Ulysses, with the Martello Tower and Sandymount Strand playing significant roles.
Volunteer Organizations: Sandymount Tidy Towns is a community-based environmental group that welcomes volunteers.
Parks: Sandymount Strand offers a scenic promenade and a designated nature reserve.
Rathmines
Rathmines is a lively and multicultural neighborhood known for its bustling high street, beautiful architecture, and rich history. Retirees can enjoy various activities, from visiting the local library to participating in local clubs and events. The area is home to numerous restaurants, cafes, and independent shops, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
Location: Southside of Dublin, about 3 km from the city center.
Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment is around €2,000 per month, and a 3-bedroom is around €2,800. Purchase prices start at €350,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and €500,000 for a 3-bedroom.
Healthcare: St. Vincent's University Hospital is nearby, along with various clinics and healthcare facilities.
Where to Eat: The Bowery, Voici, and Manifesto are popular eateries in the area.
Interesting History: Rathmines Town Hall, built in the 19th century, is a historic landmark that now serves as a library and community center.
Volunteer Organizations: Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership offers various volunteering opportunities.
Parks: Belgrave Square Park is a small but well-maintained green space in Rathmines.
Each of these neighborhoods offers a unique blend of history, culture, and community, making them excellent choices for retirees looking to settle in Dublin, Ireland.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Dublin
- Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Dublin
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Dublin
- Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Dublin
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Dublin
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Dublin
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Dublin
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Dublin
- Public Transportation in Dublin
- Best Markets in Dublin
- Retire in Dublin Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Dublin
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dublin
- Driving in Dublin
- Cost of Living in Dublin
- Health Care in Dublin
- Discover the Best of Dublin
- Moving to Dublin
- 5 Neighborhoods to Consider in Dublin, Ireland
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ireland
- Best Places to Live in Ireland
- Real Estate in Ireland
- 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Ireland
- What It's Like Living in Dublin
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ireland 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Ireland


