Grafton Street

Grafton Street is the premier up-market shopping street in Dublin. Running from Stephen’s Green in the south to College Green in the north, Grafton Street is one of the busiest streets in Ireland and one of Dublin’s most prominent shopping districts. The street is named after Henry Fitzroy, 1st Duke of Grafton, the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England, who owned land in the area.

Grafton Street is full of high street and up-market shops, department stores and nearby shopping centres. It is the perfect place to stroll along as you window shop or pause to watch one of the many buskers and street performers who make the bustling shopping district so alive and vibrant. Take a chance to stop by and enjoy a coffee in the flagship Bewley’s, built in the 1840s and a tourist attraction in itself, or if you feel like treating yourself this pedestrianized high street provides some of the best shops in Dublin. A visit to Grafton Street is one of the top things to do while in Dublin and is an essential stop for anyone who wants some retail therapy while in the city.

Fun Fact

Many of Ireland’s biggest music acts such as internationally renowned singer/ songwriter Damien Rice, Academy Award Winner Glen Hansard and popular Anglo-Irish band Keywest started out busking on Grafton Street. Christmas Eve on Grafton Street is fast becoming a major annual event with many of these artists including U2 frontman Bono returning to busk on the famous street.

Getting There:

Hop off the CityScape Tour at: Stop 23 College Green (see Route Map)