Renovation in the city centre brings specific challenges
Dublin 2 covers some of the most central and densely built parts of the city — from the Georgian squares around Merrion and Fitzwilliam to the residential streets of Portobello, and the apartments and townhouses near the Grand Canal. It is an area where renovation, refurbishment and retrofit works are increasingly common, driven by older building stock, conservation requirements, and rising energy performance standards.
The challenge for Dublin 2 homeowners is that temporary accommodation options in the immediate area tend to be either hotel rooms, corporate serviced apartments, or standard 12-month rental leases — none of which suit the reality of a family or couple relocating for three to six months during building works.
Portobello and the South Circular Road
Portobello sits at the boundary of Dublin 2 and Dublin 8, centred on the Grand Canal. It has become one of the most sought-after residential pockets in the city, with a mix of period terraces, redbrick cottages and canal-side apartments. The area has a strong café and restaurant scene, and the canal itself provides a genuine amenity in the middle of the city.
Renovation activity in Portobello is intense. Many of the smaller terraced houses along the South Circular Road, Lennox Street and surrounding streets are being extended, upgraded or fully refurbished. These are typically homes that have been lived in for decades and are now being brought up to modern insulation, heating and energy standards.
Portobello is within comfortable walking distance of Rathmines, where RenovateStay properties are located. A homeowner renovating in Portobello can be in their RenovateStay property in ten minutes on foot — close enough to pop back to the house to meet the builder or check a delivery.
The Georgian core and Merrion Square
The Georgian terraces around Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square and Baggot Street present their own renovation challenges — protected structures, conservation requirements, and building works that often take longer due to planning conditions and specialist tradespeople. These homeowners need accommodation that can flex with an unpredictable timeline.
A 3-month renewable block with RenovateStay allows for that flexibility. If the conservation works extend by two months — which is not uncommon on protected structures — the stay simply extends. There is no 12-month lease to worry about and no second move to arrange.
How RenovateStay serves Dublin 2 homeowners
RenovateStay properties are currently in Rathmines, Dublin 6 — immediately south of Dublin 2 and connected by multiple bus routes, cycling infrastructure, and the Luas green line. For homeowners renovating in Portobello, Harold's Cross, the South Circular Road or the canal area, the location is within easy walking distance.
Every property is fully furnished with weekly housekeeping, fresh linen and towels, garden maintenance, and all utilities included in a single monthly fee. You move in when the renovation starts and move home when it finishes.
For a full overview of options, see the guide to temporary accommodation during renovations. If you are comparing platforms, the Daft alternative and Airbnb alternative pages explain how RenovateStay differs.