Finding your perfect first home is exciting... but also daunting.
There's so much to take into consideration, but settling on an area is half the battle.
We have partnered with AIB to bring you the ‘Livin' Dublin’ series because we back your belief to find a home in Dublin.
Kilmainham in Dublin 8 provides the best blend of city living and working with the comfort of suburban life.
(Psst! Make sure you try AIB's handy mortgage calculator here to find out how much you're eligible to borrow!)
Here are nine reasons why Kilmainham should be your new neighbourhood:
1. Royal Hospital Kilmainham
A perfect spot for a weekend stroll that has a deep history in Irish culture, and if it's ever off limits, it's only because there's a really cool concert playing on the grounds.
It's also home to the Irish Museum of Modern Art and is a massively popular tourist attraction.
"As we gather in the chapel here, in old Kilmainham jail."
2. Heuston Station
Want to go on a really long adventure but don't fancy driving? Pack your suitcase, walk down the road, hop on a train and pick any destination in Ireland.
When you live in Kilmainham, you're only ever a few minutes away from a world full of adventures.
3. The Old Royal Oak
This is the most underrated pub in Dublin and it's definitely up there as one of the smallest in the county, too.
When you pass the narrow little Kilmainham Lane on a hot summer's day, there's no better sight than seeing 40-odd people sitting out in the beer garden.
You'll be happy to call this your local.
4. Kilmainham Gaol
Living in Kilmainham means you are steeped in Irish history.
Kilmainham Gaol is one of the most important locations of the 1916 rising, where many leaders were executed.
It now serves as one of Ireland's most famous museums and having it on your doorstep means that historical enlightenment is never too far away.
5. Blessed Amongst Shopping Centres
You're a 15 minute drive from Blanchardstown, a 10 minute drive to Liffey Valley and if you want to head to Ireland's largest shopping centre, Dundrum is just 20 minutes down the road.
Therefore, if you live in Kilmainham, you're in the middle of a shopper's heaven triangle.
6. Lime Tree Café
One of the hardest things about starting somewhere new is trying to find a coffee spot that you like.
Lime Tree Café will make that transition much easier and the cheap, cheerful and satisfying café also has tasty breakfast and lunch menus if the coffee plan turns into something more.
7. Sports Facilities
No matter what your favourite sport is, Kilmainham has you covered. There's a GAA club (Liffey Gaels), a golf society, a boat club, a basketball club to name but a few so you won't be stuck for something to do.
And of course, the mighty St. Patrick's Athletic F.C. are based just down the road.
8. Wuff
If you're feeling bold and want one of the best full Irish Breakfasts in Dublin, this place is what you're looking for.
9. The Finest Schools On Your Doorstep
In 2018, The Irish Times released a definitive list of the best schools in Ireland and a number of them were a short distance from Kilmainham.
Castleknock College or Mount Sackville could be the place where your child makes amazing memories.
Are you thinking about buying your first home? We've got your back. We've teamed up with AIB to bring you all you need to know about applying for a mortgage and buying your first home in our one-stop-shop mortgage hub. Keep an eye on the mortgage hub to guide you through your journey.
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