Where to Stay in Dublin 🇮🇪: Best Areas in Dublin

Whether you’re visiting Dublin for the first time or returning to one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, finding the perfect neighborhood and hotel is key. The array of options can seem overwhelming at first. Where do you even begin to look for accommodation in a city famed for its warm pubs, atmospheric streets, and cultural attractions?

Oup pick of the best hotels in Dublin 🔝

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: The Merrion Hotel
• 🔮 Boutique Hotel: The Dean Dublin
• ✨ 5-Star: The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
• 🏨 4-Star: Camden Court Hotel
• 💸 Budget-friendly: Jacobs Inn Dublin
• ✈️ Near Airport: Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
• 🌇 Best Views of the City: Anantara The Marker Dublin
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Ashling Hotel Dublin

Families prioritize safety and proximity to kid-friendly sites. Backpackers on a budget seek hostel dorms or shared houses near public transportation hubs. Some travelers simply want to spend their holiday cozied up in a plush hotel located in the heart of the action.

I’m here to make your Dublin stay perfect for your style and needs. In this guide, I’ll recommend hand-picked neighborhoods and accommodations ranging from quaint and cozy to modern and sleek.

Quick Dublin Neighborhood Guide 📋

• 🔥 For the First Time: O’Connell Street
• 💃 For Nightlife: Temple Bar
• 🛍 For Shopping: Grafton Street
• 💸 Budget-friendly: Trinity College
• 🕊 For Quiet Stay: Merrion Square

1. O’Connell Street (Dublin City Center) – Best Place to Stay in Dublin for the First Time 👀

🌉 Central hub: O’Connell Street is a must-see area for visitors. As one of Dublin’s main thoroughfares, it connects the city north and south and is home to many iconic landmarks.

🚶‍♂️ Walkable access: To the south, stroll just 5 minutes to find the River Liffey, Ha’penny Bridge, and Temple Bar. Heading north leads you to cultural sites like the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, and the Dublin Writers Museum.

🚌 Well-connected: Getting around O’Connell Street is very convenient thanks to its central location. Many bus routes pass through the area and the red line Luas tram runs along its length. Useful services nearby include:

• Hop on Hop off tourist buses
• Bike rental stations
• Taxis lined up on side streets

🗼 Notable landmarks: The area landmarks you don’t want to miss are:

• The Spire – The 120m monument towers over O’Connell Street.
• General Post Office – Scene of the 1916 Easter Rising and still operating post office.
• O’Connell Monument – Statue honoring politician Daniel O’Connell.
• Clery’s Clock – Iconic clock overlooking the north end of the street.

🛍️ Shopping & pubs: O’Connell Street has a mix of modern stores and historic pubs. You’ll find major shopping centres such as Easons, Penneys, and Dealz on the street. Dip into side alleys to discover cozy pubs like The Celt and The Lord Edward.

All hotels in Dublin City Centre →

Where to stay in Central Dublin? 🏨

Expensive Hotels:

• Arlington Hotel O'Connell Bridge – elegant Georgian-style hotel with panoramic views of the River Liffey, offers luxurious accommodation and a high level of service.
• Staycity Aparthotels Dublin City Centre – Modern spacious apartments in the heart of Dublin, with fully equipped kitchens and lounges.
• Point A Hotel Dublin Parnell Street– stylish designer hotel with ultra-modern rooms, located in the heart of Dublin.

Medium price category:

• Moxy Dublin City – modern city center hotel with a bright interior, offers comfortable accommodation at a reasonable price.
• Cassidys Hotel – a cozy hotel in a Georgian building, known for its traditional Irish hospitality.
• Castle Hotel – A mid-range hotel with good value for money, conveniently located near the airport.

Budget Hotels:

• Clink i Lár – a mini-hotel with basic amenities at an affordable price, located in a historic building in the heart of the city center.
• Jacobs Inn Dublin – simple and inexpensive hostel with friendly staff, popular with young people.

2. Temple Bar – Where to stay in Dublin for Nightlife 🍸

🍀 Iconic hub: Temple Bar is an iconic neighborhood located right in the center of Dublin, within easy walking distance of many major attractions. It is bordered by the River Liffey to the north and Dame Street to the south.

🚶‍♀️ Highly walkable: Some key spots near Temple Bar:

• Grafton Street – Premier shopping street (5 min walk)
• Trinity College – Historic university (10 min walk)
• Dublin Castle – Medieval fortress (15 min walk)

Temple Bar is highly walkable and most spots are within close proximity. However, here are some tips for getting around:

• Walking – The neighborhood is compact so exploring on foot is ideal
• Taxi – Always available and affordable for short distances
• Bike Rentals – Great way to cover more ground and see sights
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour – Stops located close by

🍻 Lively pubs: Temple Bar is renowned for its lively Irish pubs with live music and traditional food. Historic pubs like The Temple Bar Pub and The Auld Dubliner are filled with visitors and locals alike enjoying good drink, food and atmosphere.

During the day, drop into The Tea Garden, Queen of Tarts or another spot for a traditional Irish tea and pastry.

All hotels in Temple Bar →

Where to stay in Temple Bar? 🏩

Luxury Hotels:

• The College Green Dublin Hotel, Autograph Collection – an elegant boutique hotel in a historic building next to Trinity College, offers luxurious rooms with exquisite décor and views of the college.
• The Clarence – a fashionable boutique hotel partly owned by Bono and Glen Hansard of U2, located in the picturesque Temple Bar neighborhood, offers elegant rooms and personalized service.

Mid-range hotels:

• Temple Bar Hotel – a cozy hotel in the heart of the Temple Bar area, offers comfortable rooms with modern decor at a reasonable price.
• Hard Rock Hotel Dublin – a stylish mid-priced themed hotel with music paraphernalia, located in the city center near Trinity College.

Budget Hotels:

• Wren Urban Nest – budget mini hotel with minimalist room design, conveniently located in the heart of Dublin.
• The Morgan Hotel – an economical hotel with basic amenities at a bargain price, suitable for budget travelers.

3. Trinity College – Best Area to Stay in Dublin on a Budget 🥳

🏛 Historic: Trinity College is an ideal neighborhood for first-time visitors to experience some of the city’s most famous sights. Bordered by the River Liffey to the north and Grafton Street shopping area to the south, Trinity College offers easy walking access to many top attractions.

🏫 Famous university: Prominently situated along the city’s medieval streets is Trinity College itself, Ireland’s oldest university founded in 1592. Top things to see include:

• The Old Library – Home to the legendary Book of Kells, a 9th century manuscript of the four Gospels as well as the 65-meter Long Room which houses 200,000 of the library’s oldest books
• The Science Gallery – Hosts fascinating exhibitions fusing science, art, and technology
• The Douglas Hyde Gallery – Trinity’s contemporary art museum

💎 Historic gems: Beyond the university gates, the neighborhood abounds with sights from the medieval Christ Church Cathedral to the modern Teelings Whiskey Distillery. And the city’s best shopping on Grafton Street is just a 5-minute walk away.

🚊 Well-connected: The Luas tram system has a stop right inside the campus, whisking visitors quickly to other districts. The neighborhood is also very walkable, allowing people to freely explore by foot. And for sights farther afield, there is easy access to bus routes around Dublin.

All hotels near Trinity College →

Where to stay near Trinity College? 🏨

Mid-range hotels:

• The Davenport – elegant Georgian-style boutique hotel with gourmet restaurant and bar, located in the heart of Dublin near Trinity College.
• Staycity Aparthotels Dublin Mark Street – modern apartments with full kitchen and living room, convenient for longer stays, great location.
• The Alex – stylish designer hotel with panoramic views of the city, offers luxurious rooms and personalized service.

Budget Hotels:

• The Mont – cozy hotel in a Victorian building next door to Trinity College, offers affordable rooms with traditional Irish hospitality.
• O'Neills Victorian Pub & Townhouse – authentic Irish pub with hotel rooms, located in the historic center of Dublin, great value for money.
• Trinity Townhouse Hotel – simple and tidy rooms at a reasonable price in the heart of Dublin, ideal for budget travelers.

4. Stephen’s Green (Grafton Street) – Best Neighborhood in Dublin for Shopping & Relax 👛

🌳 Peaceful park: Stephen’s Green is an oasis of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital. As one of Dublin’s most renowned public parks, this 22-acre area is a must-see for first-time visitors.

📍 Centrally located: Park provides a glimpse into old Dublin and the layout of the city prior to the 20th century. Its location makes it remarkably easy to access and explore:

• Situated right beside the top cultural and shopping districts like Grafton Street, Henry Street, and Temple Bar
• Walking distance from major transport hubs like Connolly Station and St Stephen’s Green Luas Stop
• Many major museums and attractions like Trinity College, National Museum of Ireland, and Dublin Castle are located less than 15 minutes away by foot

👀 Key sights of this park:

• Fusiliers Arch – a memorial arch honoring soldiers who fought and died in the First World War
• The large artificial pond with its own waterfall, ducks, and swans residing within
• The Victorian-style bandstand where musicians perform during the summer months
• Beautiful rose gardens and rows of flower beds surrounding the central area

🍽️ Cultural hub: In recent decades, Stephen’s Green has also cemented itself as one of Dublin’s top cultural hubs with a mix of bars, restaurants, shops, theatres, and high-end hotels flanking its sides.

All hotels in Stephen’s Green →

Where to stay in Stephen’s Green? 🏩

Expensive Hotels:

• The Fitzwilliam Hotel – an elegant 5-star hotel in a 19th century Georgian mansion with a gourmet restaurant and spa.
• The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection – legendary hotel in the center of Dublin, founded in 1824, popular with celebrities.
• The Westbury Hotel – a chic hotel with luxurious interiors and high level of service, known for its restaurant with pan-Asian cuisine.

Medium price category:

• The Green – cozy traditional Irish-style hotel next to St. Stephen’s Park, offers rooms overlooking the park.
• Stauntons on the Green Hotel – a fashionable hotel located in a historic early 19th century building across from St. Stephen’s Park.
• Brooks Hotel – a comfortable hotel with modern rooms and an Irish pub, well located in the heart of the city center.

Budget Hotels:

• The Dean Dublin – a stylish boutique hotel with a vibrant design, lively atmosphere and reasonable prices.
• PREMIER SUITES Dublin, Leeson Street – affordable apartments with fully equipped kitchens, convenient for longer stays.
• House Bedrooms Dublin – simple and affordable accommodation in a Georgian building, located in the heart of Dublin.

5. Merrion Square – Best Place for Quiet Stay 🕊

Nestled just south of the city center, Merrion Square is one of Dublin’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

🚏 Well-connected: It sits adjacent to St Stephen’s Green and is just a short walk from Grafton Street, Trinity College, and Temple Bar. The LUAS tram runs right through the area, and the city buses stop at the northern end of the square.

🏘 Historic charm: The neighborhood itself is very walkable. Key sights include:

• Oscar Wilde statue and house
• Government buildings
• Natural History Museum

The Georgian-style architecture dates back to the 1760’s when the square was first laid out. Famous former residents include W.B. Yeats, Daniel O’Connell, and Oscar Wilde, who lived at #1 Merrion Square. Today many of the buildings house embassies, offices, and private residences.

🧺 Tranquil oasis: Despite the central location, Merrion Square feels like a sanctuary from the bustling city. It’s a peaceful spot to relax on a bench, picnic on the grass, or let kids run around.

All hotels near Merrion Square →

Where to stay near Merrion Square? 🏨

Luxury Hotels:

• The Merrion Hotel – a historic five-star hotel housed in 4 restored Georgian townhouses with luxurious interiors, fine dining restaurants and spa.
• The Alex – a contemporary premium boutique hotel with exquisite Art Deco rooms, panoramic restaurant, fitness center and conference facilities.

Mid-range hotels:

• The Davenport – a comfortable four-star hotel in a Georgian mansion with a cozy atmosphere, good restaurant and bar.
• The Mont – a modern designer mid-priced boutique style hotel with an excellent location and good value for money.

Budget hotels and apartments:

• O'Donoghue's – an inexpensive small hotel in a two-story Georgian mansion with basic amenities and a warm homey atmosphere.
• Merrion Square Studios – economy apartments with small but comfortable kitchens and living rooms, good for long-term stays and reasonably priced.

6. Portobello – Where to Stay in Dublin for Families 👪

Portobello is one of Dublin’s most delightful neighborhoods. Known for its vibrant local community and hip charm, it provides a perfect base for exploring Dublin.

🌉 Scenic canal: It is situated along the Grand Canal, home to waterside cafes. The neighborhood’s core is Portobello Harbour, surrounded by authentic pubs, indie boutiques, galleries, and eateries.

👟 Walkable: Key attractions within walking distance:

• St Stephen’s Green – 10 minute walk
• Grafton Street shopping area – 15 minutes
• Temple Bar neighborhood – 15 minutes
• Trinity College – 20 minutes

🍴 Foodie central: Foodies flock to Portobello for its diverse cuisine, from Irish staples to global flavors. Top picks include:

• The BOX Tree Cafe – Fresh, colorful dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients
• Slice of Cake – Cozy bakery serving afternoon tea and sweets
• Mr. Fox – Stylish pub with an extensive Irish whiskey menu
• Zaytoon – Vibrant bring-your-own Lebanese BYOB with flavorful mezze spreads & kebabs

🚊 Well-connected: The Luas tram system has a stop right in Portobello, providing quick access to further neighborhoods. On its outskirts, Harristown stop connects to the red line tram towards Connolly Station and Busarus for all train and national bus routes.

Where to stay in Portobello? 🏩

Expensive Hotels:

• Maldron Hotel Kevin Street – a modern hotel with a convenient location near the bustling Kevin Street, offers comfortable rooms and good service.
• Number 59 - Irish Stay Group – an elegant boutique hotel in a Georgian mansion with sophisticated interior design and personalized service.

Medium price range:

• Camden Court Hotel – a cozy hotel in a Victorian building, conveniently located near the city center, offers comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.
• Keavan's Port Hotel – modern hotel with panoramic views of the bay, located in the quiet neighborhood of Portobello, suitable for a relaxing vacation.

Budget Hotels:

• NYX Hotel Dublin – minimalist hotel with basic amenities at an affordable price, good location opposite Tara Station.
• Griffith Halls of Residence – simple and inexpensive apartments for Dublin Institute of Technology students, located within walking distance of the Institute.

7. Stoneybatter – Best Area in Dublin for Local Vibe 🌟

🌉 Old-world charm: Nestled just north of the River Liffey and within walking distance of main attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park, Stoneybatter is a slice of old Dublin seemingly untouched by time.

👣 On foot: Stoneybatter lies just a 20 minute walk from Dublin’s main sights including Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse, Christ Church Cathedral and more. Getting around the neighborhood itself is best done on foot as the area is compact and highly walkable.

📜 Key highlights and attractions:

• Stoneybatter Park – park with monuments, sports facilities, playground, cafe and weekly markets.
• L. Mulligan Grocer – gastro pub famed for artisan beers, whiskeys, and quality Irish fare.
• National Museum of Ireland – housed in former military barracks with exhibits spanning 5,000 years. Free entry.
• Stoneybatter Street Art Trail – Self-guided walking tour of graffiti artworks throughout the area.
• Traditional shopfronts on Manor Street and Kirwan Street – here you’ll find fruit & veg stalls, cafes, barbers, cobblers and more.

It is also well-connected to public transportation with the Luas Red Line, Dublin Bus routes, and plenty of bicycle lanes crisscrossing its narrow streets.

8. Docklands – To See Dublin from the Other Side 🚢

🌉 Riverfront renewal: Docklands has rapidly transformed in recent decades into one of Dublin’s most dynamic areas.

🎭 Cultural hub: While compact in size, the Docklands packs in numerous attractions:

• The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – This performing arts center hosts popular musicals, plays, opera, and ballet.
• The Convention Centre Dublin – This large venue contains multiple event spaces and hosts conferences year-round.
• Epic Ireland – This high-tech museum brings Irish emigration stories to life through interactive displays.
• The CHQ Building – Once part of Dublin’s old docklands, this 19th century building now contains cafés, shops, and cultural exhibits.

The Docklands is also close to landmarks like the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, the 3Arena entertainment venue, and the famous Samuel Beckett Bridge.

🚇 Well-connected: The LUAS Red Line runs along Mayor Street, while the DART suburban rail and Dublin Bikes scheme have stations minutes from key sites. Local bus routes crisscross the district as well.

Where to stay in Docklands? 🏩

Luxury Hotels:

• Anantara The Marker Dublin – a modern 5-star premium hotel overlooking Dublin Bay. Equipped with a spa and fitness room.
• Hilton Garden Inn Dublin City Centre – an elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Dublin. Has a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the city.
• The Gibson Hotel – a stylish boutique hotel with colorful interior design. Features a restaurant serving modern Irish cuisine.

Mid-range hotels:

• Beckett Locke – comfortable industrial-style apartments near the harbor. Has a fitness room and restaurant.
• The Spencer Hotel – a cozy Victorian-style 4-star hotel overlooking the bay. Offers gourmet breakfasts and tea ceremonies.
• The Ferryman Townhouse – a welcoming boutique hotel in a 19th century Georgian building. Situated in a quiet location close to the waterfront.

How to Get Around Dublin 📍

Walk or take transit to see sights. Dublin is very walkable with great bus and tram connections. It allows you to avoid traffic and expensive taxis.

Explore neighborhoods like Temple Bar on foot. Wandering Dublin’s winding streets lets you discover hidden cafés, shops, street performers, and historic buildings.

Use hop-on, hop-off bus tours when first arriving to get your bearings in Dublin without getting lost.

Use rideshares at night. Dublin’s nightlife doesn’t really get going until after public transportation stops running.

Consult maps and friendly locals if lost. Bars and shops usually have free maps on hand. Also use Google Maps on your phone to find transit routes.

Best Hotels near Dublin Airport 🛫

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

Located just a 7-minute drive from the airport, Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport offers contemporary rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities.

The hotel features a relaxed restaurant serving Irish and international cuisine, a stylish bar, a fitness center, a free airport shuttle, and on-site parking.

Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport

Situated a mere 3-minute drive from Dublin Airport, Radisson BLU Hotel Dublin Airport provides upscale accommodations with amenities like free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and mini-fridges.

You can enjoy Irish cuisine at the on-site restaurant, unwind at the bar, access the fitness center and sauna, and utilize the complimentary airport shuttle service. On-site parking is available for a fee.

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Positioned near the airport, Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport offers modern rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffee/tea makers.

The hotel boasts a bar for drinks and snacks, a fitness center, a business center, and a complimentary airport shuttle service. On-site parking is provided at no additional cost.

Best Areas & Hotels in Dublin on a Map 🗺

FAQs about Visiting Dublin ❔

Where to stay for the first time in Dublin?

For your first visit to Dublin, a great place to stay is in the city center, near popular attractions like Temple Bar, Trinity College, and St. Stephen’s Green. This central location provides easy access to many landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it convenient for exploring the city.

Where to avoid staying in Dublin?

It’s advisable to avoid staying in certain areas known for higher levels of nightlife noise, like the Temple Bar area, if you prefer a quieter stay. Additionally, some neighborhoods around the outskirts of the city center may lack the same vibrancy and accessibility, so it’s worth researching specific locations to ensure they align with your preferences.

Is Dublin a walkable city?

Dublin is generally a walkable city, especially in the central areas. However, if you plan to venture to more distant locations, public transportation options, such as buses or the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit), are available and efficient.

What is the safest part of Dublin to stay in?

When considering safety, areas like Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Sandymount are known for their tranquility and are considered some of the safest parts of Dublin. These neighborhoods offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing convenient access to the city center.

Can you stay in Dublin airport overnight?

While Dublin Airport is open 24 hours, staying overnight inside the terminals might not be the most comfortable option. However, there are nearby hotels offering shuttle services, making it more convenient if you have an early morning flight or a layover.