Dublin’s streets are alive with creativity, telling stories in bold colors and intricate designs. From hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners to massive murals that stop you in your tracks, the city is a canvas for some of Ireland’s most talented street artists.
This self-guided, street art walking tour takes you through some of Dublin’s most vibrant areas, where art and urban culture blend beautifully. To help you navigate, I’ve put together a bespoke Google Map that you can easily follow.
Here is a list of the top Dublin murals that the tour covers:
Whether you’re up for a full afternoon of exploring or just want to check out a few standout pieces, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. So, grab a coffee, put on your walking shoes, and let’s go!
Blooms Hotel, Temple Bar, James Earley
Blooms Hotel, James Earley, photo by Genevieve Kilbride
Located in the heart of Temple Bar, known worldwide for its vibrant atmosphere, Blooms Hotel is an homage to one of the most iconic tales written about Ireland’s capital, James Joyce’s Ulysses.
Towering above Anglesea Street of Temple Bar, this hotel features many of Ulysses’ famous characters brought to life through a radiant style inspired by Art Nouveau, along with an array of swirling floral motifs sure to enchant the eye.
Completed by well known Dublin street artist James Earley, the exterior of Blooms Hotel is a quintessential part of the city’s visual identity, connecting the contemporary with an earlier Victorian past; proving that the past is alive and well in this historic town.
Love Lane (Crampton Court), Temple Bar, Anna Doran
Love Lane, Anna Doran, photo by Genevieve Kilbride
Love Lane, Anna Doran, photo by Genevieve Kilbride
An often unknown but unmissable piece of treasure hidden within Dublin’s city centre is the ornamented Crampton Court, known better locally as ‘Love Lane’.
Nestled into a small alley connecting Dame Street to Temple Bar, tucked just behind the Olympia Theatre, this private gem is a great passage for avoiding the hustle and bustle in what is one of the busiest parts of the city.
Lining the walls of this lane includes dozens upon dozens of tiles covered in both famous romantic sayings and personalised messages to loved ones, along with a number of colourful street art pieces illuminated by glowing neon lights. The bright exuberance of this space offers a joyful escape perfect for exploring with the people you care most about, along with engaging in one of Dublin’s most unique spots.
Though the space was only converted by artist Anna Doran in the past decade, it has already risen in fame as one of the most loved and photogenic places in Dublin.
One of a number of versions created by the street artist Maser, each which are detailed with their own distinct tagline, U Are Alive* is a colourful reminder to appreciate yourself and your surroundings. Reflecting the artists desire for the public to achieve greater awareness of their presence, U Are Alive* by Maser is a colourful reminder on one of Dublin’s most loved streets.
Though the piece takes up only a small portion of a building’s wall, the bright and contrasting display makes a strong pop against the mix of Georgian and modern buildings which line Camden Street in Dublin 8.
This certainly is not, however, the only piece in which Maser has a claim to fame, with him having been regarded as one of the most known Irish street artists worldwide. While the design is simple wording (which reads U Are Alive* *U Are Not Less) rather than a full image, its message is poignant and direct in its ambitions.
Created by one of the most popular street artists of Ireland in recent years, [Subsets] Horseboy by Aches is an iconic mural of Dublin’s north inner-city.
The artist’s unique style, which consists of a holographic appearing colour distortion, is one that is now almost synonymous with Dublin’s street art.
Though there is certainly still an element of realism to the piece, highlighting Aches wide talents and ability, his personal style is instantly recognisable due to the complex patterns and brightly contrasting colours.
The mural itself displays a young man sitting proudly upon the back of a proud white horse, painted on the external facade of a local man’s home. Though the piece has been rife with the controversy that comes with public displays of art on private residences, it is unlikely that this vibrant piece will be removed in the foreseeable future.
The Smithfield Mural, Vadis and Tilf, photo by Genevieve Kilbride
Being a space of cultural buzz on Dublin’s northside, Smithfield is a popular visiting spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are taking a trip to the indie Lighthouse Cinema or popping in for a pint and at the iconic Cobblestones Pub, there is plenty to see and do for all.
Trad music is not the only thing that attracts visitors to the Cobblestones, however, as a large mural decorates one of the external walls of the building complex.
An ode to the pub’s long standing history with the Irish musical community, the mural depicts two musicians with their instruments in hand, surrounded by details inspired by Ireland’s folk past.
Though created in 2013 by two Italian artists, Giuseppe Tilf (Tilf) and Danilo Bolognini (Vadis), the piece is unmistakably Irish in its use of motifs.
Despite the use of a more neutral colour palette than other pieces of street art on this guide, do not be fooled into thinking that it is any less striking. The unique style of the artists, combined with the intricate linework made for a standout work which evokes a sense of Celtic art.
