The 2025 Ultimate Guide to Street Art in Dublin
When you hear of street art, what’s the first place that you think of? You imagine Paris or New York or even the well-painted walkways of Melbourne. You don’t consider Dublin a bustling art oasis.
So, if you’re heading to Dublin and none of the normal free things to do pique your interest, make sure to look around you for the creative beauty of graffiti. Dublin is an evolving space for breath-taking street art.
Top Street Art Locations in Dublin
Temple Bar and Cow’s Lane
In the heart of Dublin, Temple Bar is bursting with colour — from the stunning Blooms Hotel mural to the romantic hidden corner of Love Lane.
Smithfield and the Liberties
Head north to Smithfield for Aches’ dazzling Horseboy and the musical tribute at the Smithfield Mural, perfect for photos and a pint nearby.
Portobello and Camden Street
Stroll through Portobello’s charming streets, then catch Maser’s bright and bold U Are Alive on Camden Street — a must-see for any street art and graffiti lover.
Docklands and Grand Canal
Dublin’s modern Docklands offer a fresh canvas, with large-scale murals bringing splashes of colour to the sleek glass skyline along the water.
Top Street Art Pieces to See in Dublin
“Pass Freely”
by Asbestos
Since the start of the pandemic, street artist Asbestos has been consistently painting the town with all sorts of colours. He dedicated his “Protect Us” piece, a close-up painting of a medical worker wearing a mask with their eyes covered with blue-gloved hands, to underpaid nurses. “Pass Freely,” on the other hand, is a “stick” figure of a person looking up. Up close, you’ll see that it’s made up of 4,989 burnt matches to represent each person in Ireland who died from COVID-19. Completed in 10 days, Asbestos revealed that he repeated Joseph Beuys’ “pass freely from one level of existence to another” quote every time he painted a match.
“The Year-Ahead”
by Emmalene Blake
This bright-coloured number in Tallaght Village shows a woman in a black dress holding out three tarot cards: The Hermit, Strength, and The Sun. Blake, who was decidedly uninspired at the onset of the pandemic, used her art to motivate others to persevere, stand together, and hope for a better day. “I wanted to paint something to give people hope and encourage everyone to persevere, without being patronising or making little of what people are going through. I hope I’ve managed to do that with this piece,” she writes on her Instagram. The mural was commissioned by Ireland’s Arts Council – a series of initiatives to give hope to people.
“Marvin Gaye”
by Kevin Bohan
Prolific artist Kevin Bohan took inspiration from Marvin Gaye’s 50-year-old What’s Going On album, which discussed war, poverty, drug abuse, high taxes, economy, crime, and the environment. Its striking blues and purples perfectly complement the spirit of the legendary soul singer. This street art piece also represents how nothing much has changed between the release of this album and today.
“U Are Alive”
by Maser
Al Maser is one of the most popular street artists in Ireland. He’s painted this piece four times and uses it in numerous artworks as well. However, it develops new meaning amid the current global context. For its most recent iteration, Maser adds “U Are Not Less.” Maser also expands his concept via a promotional video featuring BBDO and Caitriona Ennis. The primary message is to empower the homeless community with hope.
“Ballerina”
by Solus
These boxer-ballerina artworks are perhaps Solus’ most popular works. He paints the series all over Dublin. Depending on how you see them, they either represent the strength and discipline behind dance or the delicacy of boxing. His speciality is stencil art and coloured with spray paint. He employs vibrant colours to contrast the gracefulness of his murals.
“Metamorphosis”
by Kathrina Rupit
Mexican-born Kathrina Rupit or Kinmx is a freelance artist known for her depiction of women and her homage to Mexican culture. This large mural on the side of a building at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay features her strengths, from the captivating colourway to the way she highlights the power of gender. Often compared to Frida Kahlo, her work is brave, seductive, but also gentle, achieving a provocative and breathtaking effect.
Check out her art here.
James Earley
at Grangegorman
James Earley’s style is influenced by stained glass windows, his family’s business. Like most street artists, he started with letter-based, spray-painted pieces but evolved to discover more depth into his art. His works are subtle but distinct.
Street Art Tours in Dublin
Street art and graffiti are always fascinating because they always feel representative of the pulse and mood of the area. And what’s the best way to explore this pure and organic form of art? By getting up close and personal with a fun walking tour. Here are some options you can take while exploring the best of Dublin.
Alternative Dublin’s Street Art Walking Tour
The Alternative Dublin's Street Art Tour is a two-hour walking tour offering a different glimpse of Dublin. Taken fully on foot, the tour is limited to 14 people at a time. It begins around Temple Bar and takes you through around 20 pieces of street art in the capital.
Great Runs’ Dublin Street Art Tour
Why walk when you can run? This “runseeing” street art tour starts at St. Stephen’s Green and finishes at Parliament Square – a comprehensive 9.4 kilometers. What’s fascinating about this tour is that it doesn’t just cover contemporary Dublin murals but also all kinds of artworks you’ll see along the way.
Artful Tours’ Street Art Tour of Dublin
For an even deeper dive into Dublin’s vibrant street art scene, this Artful Tours walking tour takes you beyond the usual hotspots of Temple Bar and Portobello, weaving together stories of Ireland’s literary roots, rich music heritage, and the evolving world of contemporary street art. As you stroll through hidden corners and well-known murals, you’ll also gain thoughtful insights into Ireland’s current social conversations, making this 5km, 2.5-hour tour a perfect way to explore the city’s creative pulse while seeing Dublin from a fresh perspective.
Trinity College’s Self-Paced Street Art Walking Tour
If you’d prefer to explore Dublin’s dynamic street art scene at your own pace, this self-guided walking tour offers the perfect flexible option, whether you’re visiting for a few days or living locally. Following a custom Google Map, you’ll discover some of the city’s most iconic murals — from James Earley’s vibrant Blooms Hotel facade in Temple Bar, to Maser’s uplifting U Are Alive on Camden Street, and Aches’ mesmerising Horseboy in Smithfield. With plenty of opportunities to stop for coffee, take photos, or linger at your favourite pieces, this DIY tour lets you soak up Dublin’s creative energy whenever it suits you.
FAQs About Dublin Street Art
Where can I find the best street art in Dublin?
Temple Bar, Smithfield, Camden Street, Portobello and the Docklands all offer a colourful mix of Dublin murals, graffiti, hidden gems and local favourites.
Can I take a guided street art tour in Dublin?
Yes! Join a guided tour or explore at your own pace. We cover both options in our article. They offer great insights into Dublin’s ever-evolving street art scene.
Who are famous street artists in Ireland?
Look out for works by Asbestos, Solus, Maser, Aches, Subset Collective and James Earley — each bringing their own unique style to Dublin’s streets.
Your Perfect Base in Dublin
If you’re planning a one-of-a-kind trip to Dublin, make yourself extra comfortable at a four-star Maldron Hotel. After all, you need proper relaxation after walking all over the city all day!
Staying in Dublin?
