To mark the 25th anniversary of Car Free Day, 26 streets across Dublin will be temporarily closed to traffic for 3 hours on Sunday, September 21.Getty Images
To mark the 25th anniversary of Car Free Day, Dublin City Council has launched 26 Play Streets across the city—transforming neighbourhoods into vibrant, traffic-free zones where children and families can play, connect, and celebrate community life.
The initiative was officially launched by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, on Harold’s Road in Stoneybatter, Dublin 7.
What to Expect
On Sunday 21st September, from 1pm to 4pm, 26 streets across Dublin will be temporarily closed to traffic, giving residents the chance to enjoy:
- Safe outdoor play for children
- Neighbourhood-led activities
- A chance to meet and connect with neighbours
- A celebration of sustainable, people-first urban spaces
Where It’s Happening
Here are the streets participating in Play Streets 2025:
Dublin 7
Annaly Road
Cabra Drive (Northern & Southern Sections)
Great Western Villas
Fontenoy Street
St Ignatius Road
Ellesmere Avenue
Shandon Drive
Harold Road
Norfolk Road
Dublin 9
St Brigid's Road Lower
St David's Terrace
Dublin 17
Woodlawn Walk
Dublin 3
Haverty Road
Melrose Avenue
Dublin 6
Wasdale Park
Church Gardens
Dublin 8
Sandford Avenue
Donore Road
Swifts Alley
Garden Lane
Margaret Kennedy Road
Gray Street
Bulfin Gardens
Mountshannon Road, Mayfield Road & Maddison Roads
Warren Street
Ovoca Road
Why Play Streets Matter
Play Streets revive the tradition of street play—once a common part of growing up in Ireland.
These events promote:
- Children’s independence and wellbeing
- Physical activity and creativity
- Safer, more inclusive public spaces
- Reduced reliance on cars in urban areas
- Please check the list of road closures listed in your area
Please check the list of road closures listed in your area.