When you stroll through Dublin’s bustling streets, it’s easy to get lost in the charm of Georgian doors, cozy cafés, and the hum of city life. But behind that postcard-perfect image, there’s a reality we can’t ignore: homelessness is at an all-time high.

As of October 2025, over 16,614 people in Ireland are homeless, and most of them are in Dublin. That includes thousands of children growing up in hotel rooms and emergency accommodation instead of a stable home. Imagine trying to do homework in a cramped B&B room or celebrate a birthday without a proper kitchen. It’s heartbreaking—and it’s happening every day.

One of the hardest parts of this crisis is its effect on kids. Growing up without a stable home can affect education, mental health, and future opportunities. Imagine trying to study for exams in a noisy hotel room or never having friends over because you don’t have a “home” to invite them to.

The reasons are complex, but here are the big ones:

Sky-high rents: Dublin is one of Europe’s most expensive cities, and wages aren’t keeping up.
Not enough homes: Ireland needs tens of thousands of new homes every year, but building has lagged for over a decade.
Short-term fixes: Emergency accommodation helps in the moment, but it’s not a long-term solution.

It’s not always what you think. Yes, some people sleep rough on the streets, but most are in temporary accommodation such as hotels, hostels, or even couch-surfing. Families often spend months, even years, in these situations. For kids, that means no space to play, no privacy, and constant uncertainty.

Behind every statistic is a story. A single parent working two jobs but still unable to afford rent. A teenager leaving care with nowhere to go. A family evicted because the landlord sold the property. These aren’t isolated cases, they’re everyday realities.

What Can Be Done?

Focus Ireland has a clear plan called “5 Steps to End the Housing and Homelessness Crisis”. Here’s the gist:

Build enough homes – Over 55,000 homes a year, including 15,000 social homes.
Build the right homes in the right places – Smaller units for singles and big homes for families.
Prevent homelessness before it happens – Better supports for renters and families at risk.
Provide long-term solutions, not just emergency beds – Housing First programs that give people a permanent home.
Make housing policy about people, not politics – Consistent, accountable action

Homelessness isn’t just a statistic; it’s a human story. Behind every number is a person who deserves safety, dignity, and a place to call home. Dublin is a city full of heart, let’s make sure that heart beats for everyone.

What Can I Do To Help?

There are many ways in which you can support Secret Street Tours. You can take one of our tours here to experience Dublin alongside one of our fantastic guides. You can support us by making a donation or make a regular donation by becoming a patron here.

Sharing our Tours with friends and family or on social media is another great way to spread the word about the work we are doing.

We would like to also say a huge thank you for your ongoing support and contributions.

Written by Molly Hunt, 12th November 2025