There are a few properties between Croke Park and Drumcondra which seem to be good value. I'm talking about Fitzroy ave, Russell Ave, Elizabeth St areas. I can see negative points of not having off-street parking and the railway line (maybe a bit noisey), but I also see positives of being near the city centre and very near Drumcondra train station (and maybe Metro North in the future).
No views as such only that I have been looking at a few properties in teh area myself on the net only to date and was thinking the same way as you.
I therefore hope someone in the know can give us some feedback.
I am from that area and also looking to buy close by. It is an extremely convenient area with town beside you botanic gardens and phoenix park not to far and a 15min drive to the airport. there are also plenty of schools nearby if ever needed. The only hassle is on match days if you go out you are not guaranteed a parking spot on the road when you get back some of the roads are mon-sun disk parking which you will have a permit for so not many other cars will park there. there is talk of a no carzone of 1km on match days. As for the railway line you wouldn’t even notice the noise after a week especially with double glazing.