Drury Street, Dublin’s Creative Quarter Gem

Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s Creative Quarter, Drury Street is a short stretch with a big personality. It’s a delightful clash of old and new. We’ve curated a list of our favourite spots from food to fashion.

A Little History of Drury Street

Originally appearing as “Little Boater Lane” in the 17th century, the street became known for Dublin’s bustling rag trade, packed with clothing factories and workshops (the building that now houses Drury Buildings restaurant started life as a garment factory in the 1940s). As the textile industry faded, creative entrepreneurs moved in, transforming utilitarian spaces into stylish boutiques and cafés. Today, Drury Street remains true to its fashionable roots, effortlessly blending vintage charm with modern buzz.

Where to Eat & Drink on Drury Street

Drury Street can satisfy nearly any craving, be it a morning caffeine fix, a casual cheese and wine nibble, or a full-on dinner and cocktails. Here are a few of our must-visit spots for food and drink:

Drury Builidngs

Right opposite No.19, Drury Buildings is hard to miss – the entire exterior is covered in a bright, can’t-look-away mural by renowned international street artists, adding a splash of color to the historic bricks. This owner-operated venue is elevated by an outdoor garden terrace. Come for the atmosphere and you’ll stay for the menu: their mixologists shake up reimagined classics in a dedicated “cocktail kitchen” (homemade syrups and all). This is our favourite spot for an after-work tipple.

(Insider tip: The street-art facade was part of a project called “Streets of Colour” – those vibrant, genderless faces painted by artists Okuda San Miguel and Alby Guillaume represent love, life and freedom gazing back at the city.)

Loose Canon

Loose Canon Cheese & Wine is easy to miss but impossible to forget – a cozy hole-in-the-wall wine bar at 29 Drury Street with just a handful of stools inside and a couple of barrels outside for perching your glass. In fact, it’s so petite that folks often spill onto the curb, sipping natural wines and tucking into oozy toasted cheese sandwiches, and cheese platters in the open air. This unpretentious spot earned international fame when Condé Nast Traveler named it one of the world’s best bars in 2021 – not bad for a place with only six stools and a single tiny counter!

ROOTS

Roots – our favourite breakfast spot: For a more casual daytime bite on Drury Street, Roots brings healthy hedonism to the neighbourhood. Formerly a beloved food truck, Roots set down, well… roots, here with its first brick-and-mortar café. Their specialty is açai bowls, perfect for breakfast or an energy boost while shopping. Grab your açai to go, or snag a seat by the window for some prime people-watching on Drury Street. It’s a great way to start your day of exploring, with a wholesome treat that still feels a bit cheeky.

La Maison

La Maison - Our favourite dinner spot, located just around the corner from no.19, has been a cornerstone of authentic French dining for over 20 years. With a focus on classic French dishes crafted from locally sourced Irish produce, they are a celebration of tradition and innovation.

(And a quick nod for the thirsty: if you fancy a pint or another tipple beyond what Drury’s establishments offer, you’re a stone’s throw from dozens of pubs and bars in the surrounding area – but honestly, between Drury Buildings’ cocktails and Loose Canon’s wine, you might be set!)

Shopping & Style on Drury Street

If retail therapy is your passion, prepare your wallet (and your willpower). Drury Street is a treasure trove of independent shops and Irish design. The street’s creative legacy lives on in a range of boutiques that are elegant, quirky, and distinctly Dublin. Here are some highlights for the discerning shopper:

Om Diva

Om Diva is every fashion magpie’s fantasy come to life, flamboyantly perched at 27 Drury Street in a hot-pink storefront you can’t miss. This boutique – run by the lovely Ruth Ní Loinsigh – has been a fixture here for over two decades, championing Irish fashion with a playful, tongue-in-cheek flair. Upstairs, Atelier 27 hosts rotating collections from up-and-coming local designers – a launchpad for Ireland’s next big style names.

Industry & Co

Just across the road, Industry & Co beckons design lovers inside a large, loft-like space filled with beautifully curated home goods. This award-winning lifestyle store is known for its eclectic mix of homewares – everything from handcrafted Irish ceramics to mid-century style lighting and chic Scandinavian furniture pieces.

The Irish Design Shop

The Irish Design Shop is a must-visit for lovers of genuine Irish craftsmanship. This bright and airy boutique (run by two jewellers who are passionate about local design) showcases the best in design-led Irish craft, from jewelry and textiles to pottery and prints. Everything here is made in Ireland and carefully selected – you’ll find delicate silver necklaces, hand-thrown ceramic vases, woolen scarves from Donegal, and quirky art prints with Irish wit. If you’re hunting for a special Dublin souvenir or a gift that’s both authentic and chic, this is the place.

John Farrington

For a truly dazzling experience, pop into John Farrington at number 32. In this wood-paneled shop, discover unique jewelry in the finest metals and gemsstones. John and his expert team will guide you in your choice. It’s like a mini museum of precious things, except you can take the exhibit home if your heart desires (and your wallet allows).

Asia Market

Asia Market, which is immediately beside No.19 is a treasure trove for home cooks and culinary adventurers alike. Step inside and you’ll find aisles packed with everything from Thai curry pastes to Korean snacks. This place is an absolute gem – and yes, they even have a fresh produce section bursting with bok choy, dragon fruit, and lemongrass. Just don’t go in hungry - you will leave with a bubble tea and warm bao bun.

George’s Street Arcade

While not technically on Drury Street, the entrance of George’s Street Arcade is right in the middle of it, and it would be remiss not to mention it. Stepping through the iron gates of the Arcade is like stepping back to 1881 – the red-brick walls house a maze of independent stalls and tiny shops that are utterly enchanting.

At this point, you may need to drop off your shopping bags at your hotel – shopping on Drury Street has a way of pleasantly escalating!

Brooks Hotel

For a stylish stay, we recommend Brooks Hotel, right on Drury Street itself. This boutique four-star gem has recently refreshed its rooms, lobby, and dining areas. Start in the elegant 62 Drury Street Bar & Brasserie, which offers all-day dining with locally sourced, seasonal dishes, an extensive wine list, craft Irish gins, whiskeys, and creative cocktails. Feeling fancy? Brooks even has a private cinema for exclusive screenings in luxurious leather seating for up to 26 guests. Finish your evening in a supremely comfortable room, each featuring air‑conditioning, smart TVs, in‑room coffee, and plush bathrooms—before drifting off knowing you’re perfectly placed to dive into more Drury Street delights tomorrow.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat - may the road rise to meet you – as you explore Drury Street. This quirky little stretch captures the very soul of Dublin: historic, creative, full of heart, and always up for a bit of mischief. And truth be told, we’ve only scratched the surface. From cute cafés to makers, stylists, and storytellers in every doorway, there’s always something (or someone) new to discover here. We’re proud to call this neighbourhood home – and even prouder to share it with such a brilliant bunch of neighbours.

Dublin’s Creative Quarter