Where to Stay In Dublin: Best Hotels And Areas

If you are searching for where to stay in Dublin, you have come to the right place!

I love Ireland and have been countless times. Dublin was also the first city I visited on my first trip abroad. As a result, I have stayed in many different areas of the city! 

Dublin is a city full of history and culture. There are many beautiful buildings, sculptures, museums, and memorials. The city is also well-known for its nightlife and restaurants.

Each district offers something different. Depending on what you want, certain neighborhoods will be much more appealing than others. 

If you want to stay where there is always something happening in the streets, then you might want to stay near Temple Bar or O’Connell Street.

Instead, if you want to stay somewhere that is a retreat from the bustle of the city, Drumcondra or Phibsborough are both good options. Howth is great for accommodations outside of Dublin if you love the outdoors.

If this is your first time in Ireland, check out my tips on planning a trip to Ireland!

Get ready to find the best area in Dublin that will fit your needs for your upcoming trip!

Where to Stay In Dublin: Best Hotels And Areas

Understanding Dublin Neighborhoods

Dublin is a unique and constantly growing city that welcomes many tourists every year. There are many different neighborhoods and areas in Dublin.

The city is divided by the Liffey River which offers many beautiful views. On the south side of the Liffey, the neighborhoods are more touristy, while the north side is much more residential.

The city center is on the south side of the Liffey, and the closest neighborhoods are Temple Bar, O’Connell Street, and Trinity.

Farther south is Portobello, though it is still very conveniently located by some of Dublin’s popular attractions.

North of the River Liffey you will find Phibsborough and Drumcondra, from which you can easily reach the city center by public transportation or even by walking.

The neighborhood that is the farthest away from Dublin’s city center is Howth. The Howth Peninsula is to the very east of Dublin, right along the coast. It will take a bit longer to get to the city center.

If you are trying to decide where to stay in Dublin, this article has in-depth descriptions of the best neighborhoods in Dublin.

If you are planning your Ireland road trip, I recommend spending some time in Dublin!

Temple Bar Is Where To Stay In Dublin For The Best Nightlife

One of the famous and cool places in Dublin to stay is the Temple Bar neighborhood.

Temple Bar is most known for its nightlife, which is probably the best in the city. Even if you don’t want to spend your night exploring the many bars here, some other attractions can be experienced. 

The neighborhood is filled with art galleries, pop-up markets, craft shops, and some excellent restaurants.

While this neighborhood deserves a visit during your time in Dublin, it might not be the best place to stay for all travelers.

When deciding where to stay in Dublin, keep in mind that the nightlife that makes this neighborhood famous also keeps it busy late into the night.

If you are planning on going to sleep early, consider staying in another neighborhood.

It is also one of the most popular places to stay in Dublin, so it can be pricier than some of the other areas.

Best Hotels In Temple Bar

Affordable: Temple Bar Inn

Located in Dublin’s best area for nightlife, Temple Bar Inn is a great place to stay!

It is conveniently located, with O’Connell Street and Trinity College both less than a three-minute walk away and Dublin Castle is less than 1,000 feet away.

The hotel offers a terrace and a lounge as well, and both are excellent places to relax after touring the city.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Brooks Hotel

When looking for hotel accommodations in Dublin on the finer side, consider staying at Brooks Hotel.

This designer, boutique hotel in Dublin offers stylish rooms as well as a drawing room. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from popular sites like Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College.

The fitness center also offers high-tech equipment and a sauna, making this one of the best hotels in downtown Dublin!

Check Prices: Booking.com

Luxury: The Westbury Hotel

The Westbury Hotel offers luxurious and elegant accommodations that are sure to impress any traveler.

The hotel is near plenty of delicious restaurants and hosts two of its own, the Gallery and Marble Bar. It is gorgeous! Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the Gallery’s afternoon tea or a drink from Mable Bar.

The hotel is also located on Dublin’s Grafton Street. It is also very convenient for you to go and explore the surrounding area.

Check Prices: Booking.com

O’Connell Is Where To Stay In Dublin For First-Timers

O’Connell Street is located near the center of Dublin and is the widest street in Dublin. It is also very easy to tour the rest of Dublin with O’Connell Street as your home base.

The street is well connected to the bus and Luas routes. Luas is Dublin’s tram that runs throughout the city and offers an affordable way to explore.

This lively area is also a great place to get some shopping done! Tons of shops can be found along the street, as well as Irish pubs, restaurants, and live music.

If you want to see some of the monuments O’Connell Street has to offer, stop by the Spire or the General Post Office.

The Spire (also known as the Monument of Light) is one the tallest sculptures in the world, reaching 120 meters. The General Post Office was built in 1818 and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings on O’Connell Street.

A reason some visitors might not want to stay on O’Connell Street though, is that it is a street that never sleeps. The mix of shops and pubs means there will always be people exploring, even when you are trying to sleep.

Overall, though, this is one of the best areas to stay in Dublin.

Best Hotels In O’Connell

Affordable: Academy Plaza

Located just off O’Connell Street, the Academy Plaza Hotel is a beautiful retreat from the constant movement on the street.

This hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness room, all for an affordable price. It is also conveniently located, and the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the city.

The Temple Bar District, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle are all within a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

This historic hotel is one of the best places to stay in Dublin for tourists! The Gresham offers stylish rooms with some giving guests views of O’Connell Street.

There are two restaurants on-site as well as room service and a 24-hour gym.

This hotel is also conveniently located near the heart of Dublin, and a walk away from the River Liffey and the nightlife at Temple Bar.

This is one of the best hotels in Dublin for an Ireland honeymoon.

Check Prices: Booking.com

For Affordable Accommodations, Stay In Trinity

Trinity is mostly known as the home of Trinity College. A tour of the college is one of the best things to do in Ireland.

The neighborhood is located on the south side of the Liffey River and is full of historic buildings, iconic architecture, green spaces, and extraordinary history.

Trinity is also a more affordable option for where to stay in Dublin. It has become very popular with backpackers thanks to the low prices this area offers.

Another perk to staying in Trinity is that it is close to Temple Bar, the city’s main nightlife, but far enough away that you can escape the chaos when you are ready for the night to be over.

Best Hotels In Trinity

Mid-Range: The Draper Rooms

Just down the street from Trinity College and close to Merrion Square Park, the Draper Rooms features a restaurant and bar.

The rooms are cozy with a TV, desk, and safe. You will enjoy staying in this lovely lodging in Dublin.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Trinity City Hotel

Located only a two-minute walk away from Trinity College, Trinity City Hotel is a great location for where to stay in Dublin City Center!

The rooms are stylish and spacious, with some even offering views of the city. This hotel is incredibly convenient and is one of the great Dublin accommodations.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Portobello Is A Trendy And Upscale Neighborhood

When looking for some of Dublin’s trendiest restaurants and shops, you will not be disappointed with Portobello. This is the best location in Dublin for a yummy brunch!

Portobello is also a great place to get some shopping done, and it offers contemporary galleries and unique shops.

There is also a remarkable history here that makes it unique from the other neighborhoods in Dublin. In the 19th century, Portobello was a refuge for Jews, and has earned the name “Little Jerusalem.”

Today, you can learn about this history by visiting the Irish Jewish Museum, which is housed in an old synagogue.

If you want to stroll through Portobello, consider walking to St. Stephens Green, a beautiful city park.

This is the best neighborhood to stay in Dublin if you want to be near a lot of things to do.

Best Hotels in Portobello

Affordable: Russell Court Hotel

If you want luxury for an affordable price, book a stay at the Russell Court Hotel. The comfy rooms have cool touches and antique furnishings.

This is a hotel for those looking for a party and nightlife in Dublin. Russell Court hosts a nightclub every day of the week.

If you do not mind noise and a party atmosphere, this is the best place to stay in Dublin!

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Buswells Hotel

If you are looking for hotels near Dublin Temple Bar, then the Buswells Hotel is a great and luxurious option.

It is less than a 10-minute walk from some of Dublin’s most famous nightlife and less than a five-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green.

This hotel boasts beautiful decor that sets it apart from other places to stay in Dublin.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel

If you want your trip to Dublin to be in luxury, then you should stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. This 5-star hotel offers beautiful rooms and a restaurant with views of St. Stephen’s Green.

Temple Bar is only a 5-minute walk away, so if you are looking for the best nightlife in Dublin, then this is a very convenient location.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Phibsborough Is For Travelers Looking To Relax In Dublin

Phibsborough is one of Dublin’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and the perfect combination of residential and commercial.

It is minutes away from the city center, but the area is much more relaxed and there are fewer tourists.

This is a great place to escape from the madness of the city. However, it might not stay that way for long as there are constantly more shops and cafes taking over the once-abandoned buildings. 

Phibsborough is a working-class neighborhood, that for a while, was completely ignored by tourists. However, it has seen a major transformation since the opening of the Luas Cross City Line.

Now it is drawing in Dublin’s younger population who are bringing local boutiques, eclectic restaurants, a variety of nightlife, and charming pubs.

Phibsborough is becoming a completely different neighborhood, making it one of the great places to stay in Dublin. 

Best Hotels In Phibsborough

Affordable: Leevin Hostel Mountjoy

Hostels are a great way to save money and meet friends while traveling. If you have ever wanted to stay at a hostel, book a bunk bed at the Leevin Hostel Mountjoy, located in an old church.

The female and male-separated dorms feature modern bunk beds with built-in storage and privacy curtains. Hang out with people in the lounge and play pool or foosball.

Set in a great location near many attractions, this hostel is one of the top cheap places to stay in Dublin!

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

Right outside of Phibsborough is Maldron Hotel, a stylish and bright hotel that offers comfortable rooms for a reasonable price.

It is very conveniently located, with Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, and Trinity College all under a 10-minute walk away.

There is also a restaurant at the hotel, and there you can order pizzas to take to your room after a long day of exploring.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Luxury: Maples House Hotel

Located just a short walk from the residential neighborhood of Phibsborough, Maples House Hotel is a beautiful Edwardian-era hotel.

Found in a prestigious residential area, it offers beautiful rooms and a delicious restaurant. There is also a bus stop located nearby that gives guests easy access to the rest of the city.

This is one of the cool Dublin hotels you will love to stay at.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Drumcondra Is For Foodies

Only a 20-minute walk away from the heart of Dublin, Drumcondra is filled with history and culture.

The most famous landmark in Drumcondra is Croke Park, which was the site of the massacre known as Bloody Sunday during the Irish War of Independence.

Now, the park is the site of a stadium used for cultural celebrations, as well as many other events throughout the year.

Drumcondra is one of the older residential suburbs of Dublin. It is in north Dublin, and is a relatively quiet and safe section of Dublin, with small businesses being the main draw.

Drumcondra is also a paradise for foodies. More restaurants are constantly popping up, and no matter what you are looking for, Drumcondra is bound to have it.

Best Hotels In Drumcondra

Affordable: Gardiner House

Located in a 200-year-old converted Victorian chapel, Gardiner House offers a unique experience at a very affordable price.

The Dublin city center and Trinity College are only a mile away from this hostel and can be easily walked to.

The rooms are clean, comfortable, and stylish, and Gardiner House is a great place to spend your time when you are not out exploring Dublin.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: The Croke Park Hotel

This stylish hotel is a great option for where to stay in Dublin.

The Croke Park Hotel is located only a 15-minute drive away from the airport, and the rest of the city can be easily reached by walking or taking public transportation.

Their stylish rooms are comfortable and offered at an affordable price.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Howth Is Where To Stay In Dublin For Tourists Who Love The Outdoors

East of central Dublin, Howth is one of the most picturesque places to stay near Dublin.

The village of Howth is charming, and the Howth Peninsula is one of the most photogenic landscapes in the east of Ireland. This is where to stay with kids in Dublin since you will be away from the city noise.

Howth Castle is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets and is the most iconic feature of this stunning landscape. It is also home to expansive rhododendron gardens that are in bloom from March to June every year.

If you are a nature lover, be sure to plan a visit to Ireland’s Eye while in Howth. This island is uninhabited by humans and provides a sanctuary for sea birds.

Make sure to visit the Baily Lighthouse as well! The Howth Cliff Walk is one of the best hikes in Ireland, too!

If you are looking for where to stay outside of Dublin, Howth is an awesome choice!

Best Hotels In Howth

Mid-Range: Gleann Na Smol

Gleann Na Smol is a darling bed and breakfast with a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. You will love the continental breakfast each morning with a variety of fresh pastries, fruit, and warm dishes.

Other amenities include free Wifi, on-site parking, free toiletries, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen you can use.

This is where to stay near Dublin if you want a more local feel while being close to beaches and nature.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: King Sitric

Offering views of the Howth Peninsula, and fresh seafood at the onsite restaurant, King Sitric is a great place to stay during your time in Howth.

The rooms are bright and comfortable, and the views are absolutely beautiful.

Howth Castle is around a mile away from this guest house and getting to Dublin’s city center will take about 20 minutes on the DART rail system.

You will agree this is one of the top places to stay outside Dublin!

Check Prices: Booking.com

When planning your trip to Dublin, it can be difficult to decide where to stay.

This article gives you all of the information that you need to decide which district will be best for your trip and recommendations for some of the best hotels in each district, making your decision much easier!

With so many options, you will find the best part of Dublin to stay for you.

Next, read up on some cute towns in Ireland!