Maybe you’re done listing all the places you’ll visit in Ireland. In your mind, you could be exploring medieval castles, enjoying a pint of Guinness in a cozy pub, or experiencing a live traditional music session, but the final piece of the puzzle is: where should you stay?
Dublin’s diverse neighborhoods empower you to choose the perfect location for an unforgettable Irish adventure. This time, say goodbye to typical tourist spots and let this guide help you find the perfect neighborhood that matches your travel style.
So, leave behind the tourist crowds and prepare to immerse yourself in Dublin’s true essence. Let’s find the ideal neighborhood for your incredible Irish getaway!
1. Stephen’s Green
St. Stephen’s Green is a 22-acre park, a peaceful oasis amidst the city’s energy. Here, you can wander through manicured gardens, spot ducks in the pond, or take a break and people-watch on a sunny bench.
Across the street, Grafton Street is a pedestrian haven lined with shops, from popular high-street brands to quirky boutiques. Keep an ear out for talented buskers who add to the lively atmosphere.
Pro tip:
Take a picnic lunch at St. Stephen’s Green. Grab some treats from a nearby bakery or grocery store, find a sunny spot on the grass, and enjoy the beautiful park while soaking up the atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Stephen’s Green
1. The Green Hotel
Website: https://www.thegreenhotel.ie/
Address: 1-5 Harcourt St, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact details: +35316073600
Price range: €€
The Green Hotel is a boutique hotel in a prime location for exploring Dublin. Steps away from the vast park, you’re next to Grafton Street, a famous pedestrian walkway known for its shops and buskers.
2. The Marlin Hotel
Website: http://www.marlinhotel.ie/
Address: 11 Bow Ln E, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland
Contact details: +35315222000
Price range: €€
The Marlin Hotel Dublin is a 300-room hotel that offers something for everyone, from cozy king rooms to luxurious suites. Rooms are designed with guest comfort in mind and feature state-of-the-art facilities, sleek furnishings, and luxurious amenities.
3. The Shelbourne
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dubdt-the-shelbourne-autograph-collection/overview/
Address: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35316634500
Price range: €€€
What makes the Shelbourne truly special is its combination of old-world elegance and modern luxury. The hotel has been meticulously restored and boasts beautifully appointed guest rooms, stunning public spaces, and upscale restaurants and bars.
2. Merrion Square
Merrion Square is a jewel in Dublin’s city center, known for its elegant Georgian architecture and expansive park. The square is lined with magnificent 18th-century townhouses, their colorful doors and detailed facades transporting you back in time.
Merrion Square Park is a sprawling green oasis in the city’s heart. You can walk along its paths, admire the flowerbeds, and look out for the Oscar Wilde statue, where you can snap a photo with the literary icon.
Pro tip:
Consider visiting on a weekend when the park comes alive with locals playing sports, families picnicking, and street performers entertaining the crowds.
Where to Stay in Merrion Square
1. The Mont Hotel
Website: https://www.themonthotel.ie/
Address: 1-4 Merrion Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 H525, Ireland
Contact details: +35316073800
Price range: €€
The Mont is a chic 4-star hotel located on the corner of Merrion Square in Dublin city center. It offers a modern hotel experience with designer-led rooms and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the hotel.
2. The Merrion Hotel
Website: http://www.merrionhotel.com/
Address: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact details: +35316030600
Price range: €€€
Housed in four meticulously restored Georgian townhouses, The Merrion Hotel offers a unique blend of history and modern luxury. It has the most extensive private collection of 19th—and 20th-century art in Ireland.
3. The Alex Hotel
Website: https://www.thealexhotel.ie/
Address: 41-47 Fenian St, Dublin, D02 H678, Ireland
Contact details: +35316073700
Price range: €€€
The Alex Hotel on Merrion Square could be a perfect fit if you’re looking for a stylish and centrally located place in Dublin. This 4-star boutique hotel boasts a trendy atmosphere and a design that blends retro chic with modern amenities.
3. The Liberties
The Liberties is a historic neighborhood in Dublin that blends old-world charm with new energy. It’s one of Dublin’s most historic working-class areas, steeped in heritage and character.
Explore its medieval churches like St. Audeon’s, or walk along Slígh Mór, an ancient thoroughfare now home to Thomas Street and James Street. The Digital Hub, a center for tech startups, brings a youthful vibe and boasts a weekend market, Liberty Market.
Pro tip:
The world-famous Guinness Storehouse sits on the edge of The Liberties, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Ireland’s iconic beer. But there’s more to drink here – explore the area’s traditional pubs to taste Dublin’s pub culture.
Where to Stay in The Liberties
1. Canbe Garden Lane Backpackers Hostel
Website: https://www.canbe.ie/garden-lane-hostel.html
Address: 8 Garden Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 VY00, Ireland
Contact details: +35315515733
Price range: €
Canbe Garden Lane Backpackers Hostel is a contemporary hostel with a relaxed atmosphere. It offers a complimentary breakfast to fuel your mornings, a guest kitchen for preparing meals on your schedule, and a rooftop terrace with a barbecue for socializing.
2. Aloft Dublin City
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dubal-aloft-dublin-city/overview/
Address: 1 Mill St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 XK58, Ireland
Contact details: +35319631800
Price range: €€
Aloft Dublin City is a perfect stay option if you’re looking for a trendy hotel in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties district. Its rooftop bar offers delicious drinks and panoramic views of the city, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
3. Hyatt Centric
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/dubct-hyatt-centric-the-liberties-dublin
Address: Dean St, The Liberties, Dublin, D08 W3X7, Ireland
Contact details: +35317081999
Price range: €€€
The Hyatt Centric is a modern 4-star hotel in the center of Dublin. It boasts a convenient location and offers all the amenities, including comfortable rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and a delicious on-site restaurant.
4. Smithfield
Smithfield is a trendy neighborhood on the north side of Dublin that has transformed from a historic warehouse district into a hub for the city’s hip crowd. Its cobbled center square, Smithfield Plaza, is a hive of activity, like seasonal flea markets and food fairs.
The Old Jameson Distillery, a restored 19th-century whiskey factory, offers tours and tastings. Smithfield is also home to cultural attractions like The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and the Irish Famine Exhibition.
Pro tip:
While Smithfield offers a variety of trendy spots, take advantage of exploring the little streets around the square. You’ll find hidden cafes, quirky shops, and a true sense of Dublin’s local community.
Where to Stay in Smithfield
1. McGettigan’s Townhouse
Website: https://www.mcgettiganstownhouse.com/
Address: 78 Queen St, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 PW67, Ireland
Contact details: +35316993310
Price range: €€
McGettigan’s Townhouse is a charming 11-bedroom townhouse that combines the comfort of a hotel with the atmosphere of a historic pub. Built in 1776, the ground floor features McGettigan’s Pub, where you can sip a Guinness.
2. Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Website: www.maldronhotelsmithfield.com
Address: Smithfield Market, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 RF2Y, Ireland
Contact details: +35314850900
Price range: €€
The Maldron Hotel Smithfield is a 4-star hotel in the heart of Dublin’s Smithfield district. Its relaxed Grain & Grill restaurant serves Irish and European cuisine, a perfect spot to unwind after exploring.
3. Staycity Aparthotels
Website: https://www.staycity.com/dublin/city-centre
Address: Little, Mary St, Dublin, D07 PKW5, Ireland
Contact details: +35315567531
Price range: €
Staycity Aparthotels offers a unique blend of home and hotel. You get the space and privacy of an apartment, with a fully equipped kitchen, dining, living, and working areas, but you also enjoy the convenience of hotel services like a 24-hour reception.
5. Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the beating heart of Dublin’s nightlife scene. Nestled along the south bank of the River Liffey, this area is a maze of cobbled streets lined with historic pubs, trendy bars, and live music venues.
You can also wander the narrow streets and discover a treasure trove of quirky shops, art galleries, and historical sites. Don’t miss the chance to browse the Temple Bar Book Market on a Saturday or Sunday, where you can find hidden gems among the stalls.
Pro tip:
Catch a traditional Irish music performance at a pub like The Oliver St. John Gogarty or The Auld Dubliner. There’s nothing quite like raising a pint and soaking in the lively atmosphere of a pub filled with toe-tapping music and boisterous laughter.
Where to Stay in Temple Bar
1. The Apache Hostel
Website: http://apache-hostel-dublin.top/
Address: 29 Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 F635, Ireland
Contact details: +35316779158
Price range: €
The Apache Hostel is a perfect option for budget-minded travelers seeking a lively location in Dublin’s Temple Bar district. The hostel offers a social atmosphere and easy access to the heart of Dublin’s nightlife.
2. Temple Bar Inn
Website: https://www.templebarinn.com/
Address: 40-47 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 NX25, Ireland
Contact details: +35314845010
Price range: €€
The Temple Bar Inn is a modern hotel in the heart of Dublin’s vibrant Temple district. The area is also known for its lively pubs, cafes, and restaurants, so the buzz of Dublin nightlife will surround you.
3. The Clarence
Website: https://www.theclarence.ie/
Address: 6-8 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 HT44, Ireland
Contact details: +35314070800
Price range: €€€
Staying at The Clarence puts you in the center of the action, with all the fun, food, and music Dublin offers just steps away. It is often called Dublin’s original rock n’ roll hotel and boasts a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
6. O’Connell St.
O’Connell Street is constantly alive with street performers, musicians, and people from all over the world. You’ll never be short of entertainment. The street is lined with critical historical buildings like the General Post Office.
From O’Connell Street, getting around Dublin is a breeze. The Luas tram system runs along the street, and numerous bus stops allow you to explore the city further.
Pro tip:
While O’Connell Street is lively, some parts can be crowded, especially at night. If you prefer a quieter stay, consider a hotel on a side street just off O’Connell Street.
Where to Stay in O’Connell St.
1. Abbey Court Hostel
Website: https://www.abbey-court.com/
Address: 29 Bachelors Walk, North City, Dublin, D01 AX90, Ireland
Contact details: +35318780700
Price range: €
Abbey Court Hostel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a social and centrally located place to stay in Dublin. This award-winning, family-run hostel offers a variety of room options, like dorms with en-suite bathrooms, private rooms, and family rooms.
2. Arlington Hotel
Website: http://www.arlington.ie/
Address: 23-25 Bachelors Walk, O’Connell Bridge, North City, Dublin 1, Ireland
Contact details: +35318049100
Price range: €€
The Arlington Hotel is known for its traditional Irish atmosphere and prime location. One of the things that makes this hotel special is its nightly Celtic Nights dinner and dancing show, the longest-running traditional Irish performance in Dublin.
3. Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Website: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/ireland/dublin/hotel-riu-plaza-the-gresham-dublin/
Address: 23 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C3W7, Ireland
Contact details: +35318746881
Price range: €€€
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is a historic hotel built in the early 1900s. It has spacious rooms overlooking the bustling O’Connell Street. The property features a restaurant named Toddy’s and a bar for guests to relax and unwind.
7. The Docklands
The Docklands area of Dublin is a new and vibrant neighborhood on either side of the River Liffey. Once an industrial port, it has been transformed in recent decades into a modern hub with a unique blend of history and contemporary city living.
The Docklands boasts stunning modern architecture alongside restored historical buildings, offering an attractive streetscape. This area is a haven for business travelers with its abundance of corporate offices and the International Financial Services Centre.
Pro tip:
The Docklands is excellent for renting a bike and exploring the neighborhood’s many pedestrian and cycling paths. This is a flat and accessible area that can be navigated on two wheels in a scenic way.
Where to Stay in The Docklands
1. Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Website: https://bookings.claytonhotelcardifflane.com/offers
Address: Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin Docklands, Dublin, D02 YT21, Ireland
Contact details: +35316439500
Price range: €€
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is a modern 4-star hotel perfect for leisure and business travelers. It’s just a short stroll from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Dublin’s city center, so you’ll be close to all the action.
2. Grand Canal Hotel
Website: https://www.grandcanalhotel.ie/en/
Address: Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, D04 X5X7, Ireland
Contact details: +35316461000
Price range: €€
The Grand Canal Hotel is excellent for those seeking a comfortable and convenient base to explore Dublin. Beyond the rooms, the hotel features an on-site restaurant and a bar with live music, providing options without leaving the hotel.
3. Anantara The Marker Dublin
Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/the-marker-dublin
Address: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
Contact details: +35316875100
Price range: €€€
Anantara The Marker Dublin is a sleek and contemporary landmark overlooking the waterfront of Grand Canal Square. It offers a prime location for business travelers close to the International Financial Services Centre and the Convention Centre Dublin.
8. Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge is a posh neighborhood in Dublin combining a charming village feel and upscale city amenities. Herbert Park offers a green escape, perfect for picnics or walks along the scenic trails.
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) hosts year-round events, from agricultural shows to horse racing and concerts. Ballsbridge is also a stone’s throw from Aviva Stadium, a must-visit for sports fans.
Pro tip:
Pack comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing. While Ballsbridge is well-connected by public transport, exploring the charming streets and parks is best done on foot.
Where to Stay in Ballsbridge
1. Pembroke Hall
Website: http://www.pembroke-hall.ie/
Address: 76 Pembroke Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 PY89, Ireland
Contact details: +35316689993
Price range: €€
Pembroke Hall is a unique boutique guesthouse located in the heart of Ballsbridge. Housed in a stunning four-story listed Georgian townhouse, it offers a luxurious stay combining historic charm and modern amenities.
2. Mespil Hotel
Website: https://www.mespilhotel.com/
Address: 50-60 Mespil Rd, Dublin 4, D04 E7N2, Ireland
Contact details: +35314884600
Price range: €€
The Mespil Hotel is a four-star hotel located on the banks of the Grand Canal. It is within walking distance of Dublin’s most popular destinations, including Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, Merrion Square, and Aviva Stadium.
3. InterContinental
Website: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/dublin/dblic/hoteldetail
Address: Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin, D04 A9K8, Ireland
Contact details: +35316654000
Price range: €€€
The InterContinental is a perfect place to stay if you want a luxurious and elegant hotel experience. It’s the capital’s only true five-star urban resort, boasting two acres of landscaped gardens and a peaceful yet close-to-the-city center location.
9. Drumcondra
Drumcondra is a charming residential neighborhood on Dublin’s northside. It offers a mix of traditional pubs and trendy bistros, catering to locals and visitors.
This neighborhood is a haven for Gaelic games fans. Croke Park, the national stadium for Gaelic football and hurling, is here. Catch a game and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere.
Pro tip:
If you prefer a quieter stay, avoid match days at Croke Park. Take the Croke Park Skyline Tour for stunning panoramic views of Dublin city.
Where to Stay in Drumcondra
1. Dublin Skylon Hotel
Website: https://www.dublinskylonhotel.com/
Address: Skylon Hotel, stop 44, 27 Drumcondra Rd Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 V1Y2, Ireland
Contact details: +35318843900
Price range: €€
The Dublin Skylon Hotel is a family-run establishment in the heart of Drumcondra village. It blends classic Irish culture and modern amenities, offering guests a comfortable and welcoming stay.
2. The Croke Park Hotel
Website: https://www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-croke-park-hotel
Address: Jones’ Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, D03 E5Y8, Ireland
Contact details: +35318714444
Price range: €€
The Croke Park Hotel is a 4-star hotel in Dublin’s Drumcondra neighborhood. It is directly across from Croke Park Stadium, so you are steps away from the action, whether it’s a major Gaelic football or hurling match, a concert, or another event.
3. Bonnington Dublin Hotel
Website: http://www.bonningtondublin.com/
Address: 9 Swords Rd, Whitehall, Dublin 9, D09 C7F8, Ireland
Contact details: +35318373544
Price range: €€
The Bonnington Dublin Hotel is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Drumcondra. Guests can unwind in the hotel’s leisure center, which features an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room.
10. Malahide
Malahide, a charming coastal village, offers a unique blend of history, nature, and vibrant local life. Malahide Castle, a 12th-century structure with stunning gardens, is the area’s crown jewel.
Malahide is a haven for families. The ample green spaces, the calmness of the village, and the proximity to the beach make it ideal for creating lasting memories with your loved ones.
Pro tip:
Take a walk along the scenic Malahide Coastal Walk, a 4-kilometer trail that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass by Velvet Strand beach and historic Martello towers.
Where to Stay in Malahide
1. The Grand Hotel Malahide
Website: https://www.thegrand.ie/en/
Address: Grove Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, K36 XT65, Ireland
Contact details: +35318450000
Price range: €€
The Grand Hotel Malahide is an iconic four-star hotel nestled in the picturesque village of Malahide. It boasts a charming location by the sea and combines the elegance of an 1830s seaside hotel with chic, contemporary rooms with views of the Irish coastline.
2. Beechwood Country House
Address: Blackwood Ln, Beechwood, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35318463855
Price range: €€
Beechwood Country House is a luxurious Georgian-style house offering bed and breakfast accommodation in Malahide, Dublin. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a comfortable and stylish place to stay near Dublin Airport and Malahide Castle.
3. Pebble Mill Bed & Breakfast
Address: Posey Row, Kinsaley, Malahide Rd, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35318461792
Price range: €
Pebble Mill Bed & Breakfast offers a tranquil escape while close to the action. This beautiful, elegant house sits on a four-acre property with landscaped gardens and even grazing land for a pony and a horse.
11. Howth
The star of Howth is its picturesque harbor, with colorful buildings lining the waterfront, many housing excellent seafood restaurants. You might even spot some resident seals bobbing around the docked boats.
Howth Head, the peninsula on which Howth sits, offers stunning cliff walks with wildflower meadows and dramatic views. It’s also home to the Howth Castle, standing on its grounds for over 750 years, which is a reminder of the area’s long settlement.
Pro tip:
Skip the fancy restaurants on the waterfront and head to the harbor, where you can buy fresh seafood directly from the fishermen. Then, enjoy a delicious and authentic picnic on the pier.
Where to Stay in Howth
1. King Sitric
Website: http://kingsitric.ie/
Address: 6 E Pier, Howth, Dublin, D13 F5C6, Ireland
Contact details: +35318325235
Price range: €€
King Sitric isn’t just accommodation; it’s a seafood lover’s paradise combined with a comfy stay on the harbor. Their restaurant prides itself on showcasing the freshest local catches, from oysters to perfectly grilled fish.
2. Gleann-na-Smol B&B
Website: http://i.bookinghotel.site/
Address: Kilrock Rd, Howth, Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35318322936
Price range: €€
If you’re looking for a charming and authentic stay in Howth, a quaint village near Dublin, look no further than Gleann-na-Smol B&B. This family-run bed and breakfast offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking a comfortable home base.
3. Marine Hotel
Website: http://marinehotel.ie/
Address: 13 Sutton Cross, Burrow, Sutton, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Contact details: +35318390000
Price range: €€€
Established in 1897, the Marine Hotel boasts a rich history and a warm atmosphere. This seafront hotel offers stunning views of Dublin Bay, and its 48-bedroom hotel provides a tranquil escape, just a short walk from the beach.
12. Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire
Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire are charming coastal towns, offering a unique blend of history, scenery, and vibrant local life. Dalkey, the smaller and more affluent of the two, boasts a rich Viking heritage.
Dún Laoghaire, a bustling port town, offers a different perspective. You can stroll along the lengthy pier, a favorite pastime for Dubliners, and explore the National Maritime Museum to learn about Ireland’s maritime past.
Pro tip:
Consider purchasing a DART pass for unlimited travel within the greater Dublin area. This is a cost-effective way to explore Dalkey Dún Laoghaire and Dublin City.
Where to Stay in Dalkey and Dún Laoghaire
1. Haddington House
Website: http://haddingtonhouse.ie/
Address: 9-12, 9-12 Haddington Terrace, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 F2R9, Ireland
Contact details: +35312801810
Price range: €€
Haddington House is a collection of beautifully restored Victorian townhouses on the seafront in Dún Laoghaire. This unique hotel combines the charm of its 19th-century origins with modern amenities.
2. Rochestown Lodge Hotel
Website: https://www.rochestownlodge.com/
Address: 164 Rochestown Ave, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 ETY8, Ireland
Contact details: +35312853555
Price range: €€
The Rochestown Lodge Hotel is a 3-star hotel. It boasts a convenient location just outside of Dún Laoghaire town itself, with easy access to Dublin City Centre, the picturesque coastal villages of Killiney and Dalkey, and even Dublin Airport via the M50.
3. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Website: https://www.fitzpatrickcastle.com/
Address: Killiney Hill Rd, Scalpwilliam Or Mount Mapas, Killiney, Co. Dublin, A96 N125, Ireland
Contact details: +35312305400
Price range: €€€
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is a 4-star luxury castle that offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Dating back to the 18th century, the hotel boasts panoramic views over Dublin Bay, making it an extraordinary place to stay.