Cultural center of Ireland, home to Jameson whiskey and Guinness beer, and a place known for warmth and hospitality, Dublin is an ideal vacation spot. Full of galleries, museums, and monuments alongside a long coastal area that feels more subtropical than Northern European, the Irish capital has it all. So you’re traveling to Dublin, where to stay? In this guide, we will explore the top places to stay in Dublin, Ireland, discuss their main draws, and list a few accommodation options.
Overview of Dublin's Neighborhoods
Where to stay in Dublin if you want to explore all the major landmarks on foot? What are the best places to stay in Dublin for a budget-friendly vacation? In this part, we will investigate the top neighborhoods in the Irish capital for an amazing holiday.
City Center
Among the best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin is the city center, comprising a number of smaller areas, each with its unique vibe and character. To explore these neighborhoods and learn what secrets they’re hiding, join the free tour in Dublin.
St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street
If you would like to stay in the center but avoid noisy party crowds, St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street are a great choice. From imposing Fusiliers’ Arch looming over the neighborhood’s skyline to the ornamental O’Connell Bridge offering a perfect swan-gazing spot. This central area is filled with greenery, parks, and lakes, with the largest three-acre lake providing a peaceful retreat across its small islands, gorgeous rocks, and adorable ducks and swans.
Spread throughout St Stephen’s Green are numerous statues depicting historical figures of the Irish past, including the Guinness heir Lord Ardilaun, a revolutionary Countess Markievicz, and the 1798 rebellion leader Wolfe Tone. The park also features a Victorian-style bandstand where you can catch a concert or another cultural event, or stop by for a picnic. Additionally, there is plenty of boutique shopping near Grafton Street to purchase upscale clothing and accessories, as well as handmade artisanal items.
Pros: prime location in the center of the city, endless shopping opportunities, access to most major tourist attractions.
Cons: expensive lodging and dining, can get quite crowded, especially during high season.
Perfect for: first-time visitors and luxury travelers.
Hotels in St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street
The Grafton Hotel is one of the most popular luxurious options near St. Stephen’s Green, offering elegant accommodations, delicious Grafton restaurant, and Bartley’s Cocktail Bar. The Fitzwilliam Hotel is another beloved location with a modern interior full of vivid colors and energetic ambiance. For a more budget-friendly stay, consider Arthaus Hotel, a stylish Bauhaus-inspired building boasting 41 rooms.
Merrion Square
Among the best places to stay in Dublin is the famous Merrion Square and a nearly 50,000 square meter park. The neighborhood exemplifies the height of Georgian architecture in Dublin City, dating back to 1762. Full of family-friendly restaurants near Merrion Square, the area is home to an Oscar Wilde Memorial Sculpture, a WWII air raid shelter, and endless gorgeous greenery.
Additionally, the district is known for stunning Georgian architectural elements, in particular, doors. Dotted around the square, Georgian doors rose to fame in the 1970s when a poster with these doors was placed in New York City to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. The doors immediately gained recognition and drew attention, solidifying their status as an unofficial emblem of Dublin abroad.
Pros: Georgian architecture, peaceful gardens and parks, safe and walkable.
Cons: limited nightlife and dining options, expensive accommodation.
Perfect for: culture and architecture enthusiasts.
Hotels in Merrion Square
The Leinster has recently entered the lodging scene in Dublin and has already become a hotspot for luxury accommodation and dining. Offering 55 rooms, this 5-star hotel towers over Merrion Square, opening incredible sights. For a more affordable option, head to the Mont, a boutique hotel with some Georgian elements, boasting a sports pub and a fitness center.
Temple Bar
The buzzing nightlife in Temple Bar is truly iconic, brimming with traditional pubs, live music events, and clubs. Arguably one of the most well-known areas in the city, Temple Bar is home to numerous cobbled streets of the Old Town, offering countless spots for strolling, shopping, and pub-crawling. Come to Temple Bar to marvel at the Dublin-symbolizing landmarks like Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral, join the local social life, and enjoy the Irish musical and cultural scene.
Don’t miss the iconic Palace Bar, memorialized by writer Patrick Kavanagh as the “most wonderful temple of art”. The Auld Dubliner is another popular spot in Temple Bar, boasting a rich menu with traditional Irish cuisine and beer. Finally, stop by the area’s namesake, The Temple Bar, a tourist pub with endless rows of refreshing Guinness and delicious snacks.
Pros: endless nightlife options, live music scene.
Cons: expensive dining and pubs, can be quite crowded, may feel like a tourist trap in some areas.
Perfect for: partygoers and younger crowds.
Hotels in Temple Bar
Right next to the Palace Bar, you can check in at The Fleet hotel, a classy upscale lodging option in the heart of the city. Another hotel offering a central location for first-time visitors is Hard Rock Hotel Dublin, a 2020 modern hotel designed for music lovers. Inside, you will also explore Zampas, a small restaurant serving delectable traditional Peruvian food with Irish twists.
Trinity College
Another ideal central base for sightseeing, Trinity College is located just east of Temple Bar, housing the country’s highest-ranked university. Visit the college to see the precious Book of Kells, a manuscript Gospel book in Latin holding illustrations and symbols of religious figures over its 680 pages. Don’t skip the Long Room in the university library, a 65-meter-long space dating back over 300 years.
The Douglas Hyde Gallery is also worth a visit, offering masterpieces by Irish artists, including Kathy Prendergast and Sam Keogh. Some international works can also be found in this gallery, created by Marlene Dumas, Gabriel Kuri, and others. After the cultural program, stop by one of the local coffee shops to grab a cup of delicious brew and a pastry and embark on a stroll across this magical neighborhood.
Pros: beautiful campus, spacious library, central location.
Cons: limited lodging, busy with tourist groups, academic feel.
Perfect for: history and academia buffs.
Hotels in Trinity College
The Trinity City Hotel is situated right outside the college grounds, offering easy access to the entire Dublin city center. Brimming with innovative restaurants and cafes in the city center, the area is home to outdoor terraces and courtyards with incredible views. Trinity Townhouse Hotel is another tourist favorite with its Georgian ambiance, modern interior, and luxury feel.
Portobello
If you would rather live close to the city center than inside it, Portobello is the optimal option. A residential neighborhood, Portobello the quiet and peace required for a calm and restful night of sleep. Here, you can admire the traditional architecture in Portobello, full of Georgian townhouses, cute bakeries, and street art.
Visit the Irish Jewish Museum to discover memorabilia, documents, and educational materials related to the Holocaust. Established by the son of the country’s first Chief Rabbi, the museum is located on the grounds of the homes where immigrants from Russia in the 1880s were welcomed into the local Jewish community. Nearby, you can marvel at the astonishing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a significant place of worship dating back over 1,500 years.
Stop by the Dublinia to witness a Viking settlement, where you can learn about the medieval history of the place, take a look at the weaponry and armor, and try on Viking clothing. Embark on a walk in the Iveagh Gardens, which originated in the Middle Ages. Lastly, hop on a whiskey-tasting tour at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery to indulge in this iconic smoky beverage.
Pros: laid-back atmosphere, very safe and central.
Cons: fewer tourist sightseeing spots, limited luxury hotels.
Perfect for: travelers seeking authentic experiences and foodies.
Hotels in Portobello
Maldron Hotel is one of the recent additions to the lodging landscape of Portobello, offering comfortable rooms, a central location, and endless amenities. Aloft Dublin City is a part of the Marriott chain, providing chic yet affordable accommodations. For a more luxurious experience, consider Camden Court Hotel, boasting king-size beds, plush bedding, and amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and spa.
Ballsbridge
A tad further from the center, about three kilometers in the southeast direction, is Ballsbridge, a luxurious residential area filled with embassies, stadiums, and Victorian buildings. Within walking distance to top attractions like Dublin Castle and the National Gallery, Ballsbridge offers fast access to the city center without the hustle and bustle of it.
The highlight of the neighborhood is Herbert Park, the site of the 1907 World Fair, redeveloped into a serene city park. Take a stroll through the premises to witness beautifully manicured gardens, play a sports game on one of the pitches, and marvel at a fish pond. After the walk, head to the Orange Goat to grab a cup of delectable coffee and a full Irish breakfast.
Visit the Aviva Stadium to catch a local football or rugby game, or enjoy a live open-air concert. Nearby is the Royal Dublin Society Arena, a large space that hosts equestrian events, including the world-famous Dublin Horse Show. Since 1881, this annual event has taken place in August and attracts the international community of competitors and spectators.
Pros: upscale area with Victorian houses, proximity to the RDS and Aviva Stadium.
Cons: quite pricey, limited budget-friendly accommodation, lack of tourist attractions.
Perfect for: sports fans, house show enthusiasts.
Hotels in Ballsabridge
If you’re looking for family rooms available in Ballsbridge hotels, consider booking InterContinental Dublin, a 5-star lodging near Herbert Park. Next to the luxurious amenities, the hotel grants access to a spa and wellness zone and a courtyard garden. A more reasonably priced accommodation is the Herbert Park Hotel, a stylish spot with spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a fine dining restaurant.
Ranelagh & Rathmines
For the best area to stay in Dublin for a more suburban stay, look into areas of Ranelagh & Rathmines, charming districts with parks, cafes, and red brick townhouses. Take a stroll in the Ranelagh Gardens Park, a lush green space established in the 1700s. The park and the neighborhood were named in honor of Lord Ranelagh and are known as a site where the first Irishman flew a hot air balloon in 1785. Walk around the area to explore the numerous great pubs and restaurants in Ranelagh.
Adjacent to Ranelagh is Rathmines, a hun for young professionals and students, full of affordable pubs and brunch places. Stop by the Rathmines Church of Our Lady of Refuge, an impressive architectural marvel with stained glass windows and mosaics. Check out the Rathmines Town Hall, a beautiful Victorian-era building hosting regular cultural events. The local vibe in Rathmines and Donnybrook is laid-back, allowing visitors to enjoy a quiet stay only half an hour away from the city center.
The area is also commemorated by its connection to James Joyce, who was born in Rathmines in 1882 and spent his childhood years here. In fact, this factoid is depicted in the author’s most famous novel, Ulysses. Another iconic cultural landmark is the Stella Theater, a 1923 institution housing the biggest cinema in the entire country and one of the best cocktail bars in the neighborhood.
Pros: village feel amid modern establishments, countless restaurants and bars, affordable dining options.
Cons: limited tourist destinations, requires public transport connections to reach most sightseeing spots.
Perfect for: budget travelers, tourists with children.
Hotels in Ranelagh and Rathmines
A great budget-friendly accommodation option in Ranelagh is Uppercross House Hotel, a 3-star lodging with free parking, a restaurant, and live entertainment. The Devlin offers a more upscale stay with gorgeous rooms, comfortable king-sized beds, and a rooftop restaurant. Clayton Hotel is another popular location in the area with over 500 rooms catering to different budgets and tastes.
Stoneybatter & Smithfield
Stoneybatter and Smithfield are exceptional residential neighborhoods located near the center of Dublin. Stoneybatter has transformed from a village to a modern space housing the largest LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. In fact, a few years ago, Time Out magazine named it at the top of the 40 coolest neighborhoods in the world.
Embark on a leisurely walk to explore the Phoenix Park, home to monuments, statues, and Áras an Uachtaráin, a presidential residence. The Park also holds the famous Dublin Zoo, an 1831 area spanning over 28 hectares (69 acres) and boasting 400+ animals. Walk around the district to discover St. Michan’s Church, an 11th-century church housing an ancient pipe organ, several mummies from the 1600s, and the death mask of the revolutionary Wolfe Tone. Stoneybatter is also where Kilmainham Gaol is located, a prison with a tumultuous history that kept political prisoners, including Henry Joy McCracken. The historic prison was a place of holding those awaiting the send-off to Australia.
While Stoneybatter made the list of coolest neighborhoods, Smithfield crushed it, taking the honorable second place after Medellín in Colombia. Home to the Jameson Distillery, the area is the perfect destination for those who would like to visit the production, learn more about its history, and taste delicious Irish whiskey. A few minutes away is the Guinness Storehouse that offers an insightful brewery tour with tastings at the rooftop bar. When here, also pay a visit to the Light House cinema with arthouse film screenings, Brown Bag Films producing award-winning animations, and Bow Street Academy.
Pros: trendy neighborhoods with traditional pubs, the Old Jameson Distillery, and an incredible food scene.
Cons: not many nightlife options, requires transportation to reach the city center.
Perfect for: whiskey and Guinness enthusiasts, theater lovers, budget travelers.
Hotels in Stoneybatter and Smithfield
Looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Smithfield? The Hendrick offers affordable rooms with necessary amenities in the heart of the neighborhood. Ashling Hotel is a luxury option with upscale dining experiences and a stylish bar. McGettigan’s Townhouse is another popular lodging spot with seven spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a local feel.
Drumcondra
Situated further away from the center is Drumcondra, one of the city’s main student Dublin neighborhoods and home to Dublin City University. Perfect for budget traveling, the area boasts a wide array of affordable eateries, including delicious Middle Eastern treats. Drumcondra is a quiet and safe district nestled between the urban center and the outskirts.
The main draw of the neighborhood is the vibrant live music scene close to Croke Park. Inside the park, you’ll find the biggest stadium in the country, hosting regular concerts and sports events. Fans of traditional Irish sports like Gaelic football and hurling will be pleased to catch a match at the stadium that can accommodate up to 83,000 people. The stadium also opens its doors to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), allowing visitors to learn about Ireland’s national sports.
The best area to stay in Dublin for nature enthusiasts, Drumcondra lets you embark on a longer walk and reach the Glasnevin Cemetery, a final resting place of many local figures, including Michael Collins and Daniel O'Connell. Among other things to do for free in Dublin are the Botanic Gardens. Hidden in Drumcondra, they offer access to over 20,000 living plants and millions of dried ones. Finally, take a look at Griffith Park, a tranquil retreat with affable flower gardens, beautiful lakes, and endless lush greenery.
Pros: close to Croke Park and its stadium, affordable accommodation and dining.
Cons: limited attractions, requires transport to reach the center.
Perfect for: sports fans, budget travelers, nature lovers.
Hotels in Drumcondra
Skylon Hotel is located in the north of the neighborhood and offers modern amenities paired with classic Irish cuisine. The Croke Park Hotel is a bit closer to the center and provides comfortable rooms within its 4-star walls. You can choose between classic, deluxe, and family options to select a lodging option that fits your requirements and financial capabilities.
City Center vs. Outskirts
While staying in the city center of Dublin provides a broad selection of advantages, the suburban area of the Irish capital can be quite underrated. The center is brimming with major attractions like Trinity College, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, and the Guinness Storehouse, full of cultural significance, delicious food and drinks, and architectural beauty.
Areas near pedestrianized Grafton Street offer an unparalleled shopping experience, from fast fashion shops to high-end boutiques. The Temple Bar is perfect to explore the local pub culture, socialize with locals and guests, and indulge in diverse Irish beers and ales. However, these conveniences come at a price: the accommodation costs in the central areas can be extremely high.
Outskirts neighborhoods can unlock substantial savings of up to 50% compared to the city center. Drumcondra, Rathmines, and Ranelagh offer more serene and secluded experiences, cultural immersion, and suburban greenery. Lodging in these spots is also more likely to facilitate better parking availability in each area, fitness centers, gyms, and spas.
Although Drumcondra and Rathmines are located a bit further outside the center, Dublin’s exceptional public transportation system makes them highly accessible. The extensive metro system paired with buses, trams, and DART trains allows guests who stay on the outskirts to enjoy all the city’s major destinations at the blink of an eye.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay
- What’s the best area for a short stay in Dublin?
For a short stay, it’s recommended to stay in central locations to enjoy quick access to tourist destinations like Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the National Gallery. Even though the prices are quite high if you’re looking to stay here for two to three days, consider St Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, Merrion Square, and other central districts.
- Where can I find the best value hotels?
The best equilibrium between cost and value can be found in Drumcondra and Rathmines. Located just 15 to 20 minutes away from the city center, these neighborhoods combine convenience, quiet, and affordability. Both residential neighborhoods, they also offer a wide range of bars, restaurants, and other food options.
- Is Temple Bar a good place to stay?
Temple Bar is situated in Dublin city center, holding numerous cultural spots, traditional pubs, art galleries, and tourist attractions. From here, you’re always a few minutes away from some iconic sightseeing spot. The downside of the Temple Bar and other central neighborhoods is elevated noise pollution and relatively high prices for lodging and dining.
- What is the safest area in Dublin?
Although Dublin is a relatively safe city in general, the highest-ranked neighborhoods in terms of safety have long been Ballsbridge. Additionally, Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green are very safe areas, as well as Merrion Square, Temple Bar, and O’Connell Street. If you avoid being solo outside after dark and keep an eye on your belongings, you will be safe in virtually all of Dublin’s neighborhoods.
- What is the best place to stay with kids?
The best areas for kids are those with many parks, gardens, and playgrounds, offering little travelers plenty of activities. Drumcondra is a neighborhood with several parks, along with Ballsbridge with its Herbert Park, Ranelagh and its Gardens Park, and Portobello with Iveagh Gardens. If you don’t mind being located far from the city, consider the South Coast, offering sandy beaches around Dublin and dramatic cliffs.
Final Tips & Summary
Dublin is a beautiful and safe city with endless lists of what to do and see for travelers of any age, budget, and interests. The best part of Dublin to stay in depends on many factors, including your financial possibilities and itinerary. If you’re into cultural and historical exploration and if budget allows, choose central areas like Trinity College, Merrion Square, and Ballsbridge. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat and would like to stay within a budget, consider Drumcondra, Stoneybatter, and Rathmines.
