Smithfield (Irish: Margadh na Feirme, meaning "Farm 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 Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery and the Observation Tower. Notable businesses include the children's animation studio Brown Bag Films. Historically, Smithfield was a suburb of Oxmantown and lay within the civil parish of St. Paul's.There is no general agreement on the extent of the area known as Smithfield, but it roughly incorporates the area bounded by the River Liffey to the south, Bow Street to the east, Queen Street to the west, and North Brunswick street in the suburb of Grangegorman to the north.

The Square or Market is now officially known as Smithfield Plaza but I am not sure if anyone really knows that or even cares. Unless you have organised to visit the Old Jameson Whiskey Distillery there is no real reason for a visitor to the city to devote any time to exploring Smithfield Plaza unless it is hosting a special event. Over the last two decades there were a number of well-intentioned attempts to redevelop Smithfield Market or Smithfield Square as an attractive urban space and an interesting tourist destination. All such attempts failed to a greater or lesser degree. In my opinion the underlying problem has always been an under-current of anti-social behaviour and this was especially evident when the horse market was active. I had friends who actually owned apartments beside the distillery but they really had no option but to sell-up and move on because of location specific problems. Smithfield Market was laid out in the mid 17th century as a marketplace. At one stage the square was lined with inner city 'farm yards' housing livestock. Smithfield was recently rejuvenated under the HARP (Historic Area Rejuvenation Plan). Contemporary architecture and twelve 26.5 metre gas lighting masts, each with a 2- metre flame, now flank the square. Although the flames are rarely lit [this is a typical failure], the lighting mast shades are regularly to be seen in different colours, reflecting cultural events throughout the year. Up until recently the smell of horses could still be experienced at Smithfield at the Horse Market (held on every first Sunday of the month) and the sight and sounds on these Sundays gave an impression of what Smithfield was once like. Some believed that this was a wonderful tourist attraction but to be honest the horse market was a horrible experience and I was always unhappy about the way the horses were treated by the sellers and buyers. The one good outcome was the closure of the horse market. The old Jameson Distillery Chimney tower, and its observation deck, was closed to the public for many years due to health and safety concerns. I had been advised that this attraction had recently reopened but when I visited today it appeared to be closed and when I visited the associated website I noticed the following message: “Please note the Chimney viewing tower is closed for repair and will reopen again shortly”.

Nice square near the city centre and few steps away from the Luas stop. Many bars and cafés to choose from. And they also have a cinema.

Plenty of cafes, restaurants, pubs and hotels. 5 mns away from Henry st and 10 from temple bar. Great place right in the city centre. The tram (luas) is just there. There is even a cinema. Phoenix park isn't too far either. Enjoy.

Beautiful place, lots of bars, coffee shops,plenty of place to buy food.

Well maintained place...

Visually appealing, has futuristic looks of a rocket-launching site.

Smithfield square is ideally located middle of Stony Bater in central Dublin.Designed as part of a regeneration project in the neighborhood it's a good breather amidst a pretty strong urban dense setting. The Dublin cobble setts on the entire plaza could have ideally had more softer paving in places. And of course still makes you wonder if it could have had a few more trees naturally growing instead of the boxed escofet planters and regimental trees :) Just be watchful of the sea gulls who might he cute till they come at you to snatch your food. Also known to house drifters of some kind during lunch hours you may notice a few rounds by the Gardai!

We stayed in a hotel very near this square around the festive Christmas period. It’s located in the centre of Dublin in between Temple Bar and Stoneybatter. It’s a nice space and has cobble stones throughout. The are bars, restaurants and cafes off the square. The Skyview Tower and Jameson Distillery are also close by.

Great location in heart of city. Was part of large rejuvenation project which worked well. Lots of festivals and weekend attractions. Lots af good quality bars and restaurants. 5 min walk to all the older more famous Dublin drinking spots. I was lucky and landed there the weekend of the Irish music festival completely by chance 😊

Lovely square, very nice pubs and restaurants

Located in Dublin 7 it's a very nice Square has hotels bars and restauran I close the Jameson whisky

Nice open area with a great piece of graffiti of Stormzy which was sadly taken down by the clowns of Dublin city council.

Great space. Especially great for events such as culture night and Bluefire festival as well as many others.

This place is best for watching open air movie and living here is like dream loads of open area and plenty of restaurant to eat. The houses are pretty modern and spacious.

Nice open area with a variety of restaurants and cafes along with other shops. The Jameson Distillery tour is also located here along with The Generator Hostel (one of the best in Dublin). Lots of outdoor seating also and the LUAS line into town is at the bottom of the square.

Lots of restaurants and coffee shops. Good for a walk

It's nice to look at, with cool lighting in the evening, and a playground for kids + some places to sit down, lots of good places to eat/drink nearby, as well as a nice cinema

The outside is great. I grab food from the supermarket there because I was on a budget. And used the free seating there.

Visited here during Halloween and it was pretty.

Great place to hang out. Lighthouse cinema, cafe's, restaurants

In relative terms, for the area where it is located, the shop offers an excellent range of nutritional nibbles, both local and from Poland.. Well organised and clean..