Smithfield, Dublin

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Smithfield (Irish: Margadh na Feirme, meaning "Farmers' Market") is an area on the northside of Dublin. Its focal point is a public square, formerly an open market, now officially called Smithfield Plaza, but known locally as Smithfield Square or Smithfield Market. Notable landmarks include the The Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and Observation Tower. The area also has a seasonal ice rink. There is no general agreement on the extent of the area known as Smithfield, but it generally incorporates the area bounded by the Liffey to the south, Bow Street to the east, Queen Street to the west, and North Brunswick street to the North.

Chimney with observation decks in Smithfield

[edit] History

Smithfield Market was laid out in the mid 17th century as a marketplace, the quiet cobbled area was a welcome breathing space after the hustle and bustle present in the rest of the city. The first Sunday of every month was its 'Busy Time' with the traditional Horse Market. The horse market still takes place, albeit on an informal basis.

The Smithfield area is also home to the Dublin City Fruit Vegetable and Flower Market, one of Dublin's best kept Victorian architectural secrets. The Council recently demolished the adjacent Fish Market building and plan to redevelop the rest of the site.

Debateably Smithfield may include the satellite Museum district to the west and the Four Courts district to the east. These districts are largely residential and combined with the area around Smithfield square they comprise the main Liffey river frontage of Dublin 7

Recent commercial, residential and cultural developments have led to the area becoming newly fashionable in the first decade of the 21st Century with venues like The Dice Bar and The Voodoo Lounge proving a hip alternative to the city centre clubs and Park Inn Hotel becoming increasingly popular as a conference venue as well as for tourist accommodation.