The Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin date back to 1795, and are a popular tourist attraction. Other green spaces are supplied by Griffith Park on Botanic Avenue and Ellenfield Park in Whitehall. Sports clubs include Na Fianna GAA club on Mobhi Road, Homefarm Sports Ground off the Swords Road in Whitehall, and Glasnevin Tennis Club. There’s a 25m pool nearby in Ballymun Leisure Centre (D11), as well as in St Vincents CBS School on the Finglas Road in Glasnevin.

Hampstead Park between Ballymun Road and DCU, has tennis courts and for GAA matches and the GAA museum, Croke Park, in Dublin 3, is nearby.

The Helix at Dublin City University is the main theatre. Drumcondra and Glasnevin are popular for eating out, with good pub grub at Fagan’s pub (01 836 9491). Drumcondra has a few fine eateries with Italian restaurant Il Corvo (01 837 5727), the Independent Pizza Company (01 830 2044) and Andersons Food Hall & Café (01 837 8394) off The Rise in Glasnevin, a trendy cafe and wine bar. Nearby Washerwoman’s Hill Restaurant (01 837 9199) is also worth a visit.