Dublin is a compact city but with hundreds of hotels spread across different neighbourhoods, choosing from all the accommodation Dublin has to offer can be overwhelming! Our guide to where to stay in Dublin shows you our top picks for the best hotels in the city.
Where to stay in Dublin
Considering it is one of Europe’s smaller capitals, Dublin packs a mighty reputation. It is lively and buzzing city, with one of the Europe’s premier nightlife spots in Temple Bar as well as the home of the famous Guinness Storehouse. Even so, it has far more to offer than boozy evenings. Being the seat of Trinity College as well as the home city of many of the worlds great literary names, Dublin is today an eclectic city that mixes old and new with aplomb.
For booking your room or apartment in Dublin, we highly recommend Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined where you’ll find the best deals for your next trip.
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Where to stay around Temple Bar, Trinity College and Grafton Street
Dublins compact centre is located just south of the River Liffey. It features three of the big names of Dublin – Trinity College for academia, Grafton Street for shopping and Temple Bar for nightlife. This is not the cheapest part of the city – or the quietest – but it is one of the best places to stay in Dublin to be right in the middle of the action.
Our top pick > The Merchant House
The Merchant House is a gorgeous early Georgian building, located steps away from the Liffey. It offers 5-star accommodation for a very reasonable price, with individually decorated suites and rooms named after some of Irelands literary greats. All rooms are soundproofed (which can be an advantage when staying in Temple Bar!). Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > The Westbury Hotel
Located on Grafton Street, the Westbury is a five-star luxury Dublin hotel with much to boast about. As well as tastefully decorated rooms and suites, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Gallery. There are also two restaurants serving up contemporary cuisine and the 1930’s styled cocktail bar is the place to partake in an after-dinner tipple. If all that sounds like over-indulgence, then you can work it all off in the onsite fitness centre. Check the latest price on Booking.com or HotelsCombined.
Mid-range > The Norseman (formerly Farringtons of Temple Bar)
Dating back to the 1500’s, the Norseman claims to be the oldest pub in Temple Bar. As well as the bar with a fine selection of whiskeys and live music, and an elegant restaurant on the second floor, the property offers 5 ensuite luxury rooms as well. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Budget > Barnacles Temple Bar House
The price of truly cheap hotels in Dublin city centre won’t buy you a private room but it will get you a bed in a shared dorm. One in a fantastic central location, in what has been voted the best hostel in Ireland. Barnacles offers tons of freebies including breakfast, Wifi, walking tours, in-house events and a shared kitchen, making it a top budget hotel in Dublin. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Check out some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:
- Skip the Line: Guinness Storehouse Entrance Ticket
- Dublin Historical Walking Tour
- Irish Food Walking Tour of Dublin
Where to stay around Docklands
East of the city centre and spanning both banks of the Liffey, Docklands is the area of Dublin that links the Royal Canal and the Grand Canal with the Liffey, and close to where the river meets the sea. Today, it is the thriving financial centre of Dublin. Recent developments have made it much sought-after as a place to live.
Our top pick > Maldron Hotel Pearse Street
On the south side of the Liffey and only a ten minute walk away from Irelands National Gallery, the Maldron Hotel Pearse Street is great value for a hotel so close to the city centre. It has bright rooms with all amenities, and an onsite restaurant/grill offering Irish and international cuisine. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > Spencer Hotel
The Spencer Hotel is a four-star luxury accommodation that also features a spa with sauna and hot tub, and indoor swimming pool. Rooms have air conditioning and rainforest power-showers. The hotel also has an onsite Asian restaurant and bar that serves signature cocktails. Check the latest price on Booking.com or HotelsCombined.
Mid-range > Grand Canal Hotel
A family run, 4 star hotel south of the Liffey, with 142 standard and deluxe rooms and located within easy distance of the city centre. The Grand Canal also has an onsite bar, restaurant and coffee shop. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Budget > Isaacs Hostel
Dublins only hostel with a sauna, Isaacs Hostel has previously featured in Lonely Planet and is one of the top-rated hostels in the city. The hostel offers clean rooms, great security including lockers and free WiFi for all guests. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Check some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:
- ‘Game of Thrones’ Film Location Tour from Dublin Including Giant’s Causeway
- Dublin Viking Duck Tour
- Dublin Smiles Air Tour
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Where to stay around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square
The area south of Trinity College around Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square feature Dublins finest Georgian architecture as well as being one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in the city for residential properties. Quiet, and yet still close to the city centre, for all these reasons this is one of the places to stay in Dublin where you are opting for chic rather than cheap.
Our top pick > Latchfords Townhouse
Offering reasonably priced, spotless and fully equipped self-catering studios and apartments within walking distance of Grafton Street, Latchfords Townhouse is a our top pick for the most classy neighbourhood in Dublin. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > The Merrion Hotel
Five star hotel, featuring the only restaurant in Ireland to hold two Michelin stars, and multiple awards are just some of the reasons that the Merrion Hotel is consistently listed among the best hotels in Dublin Ireland. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Mid-range > House Hotel
If the Merrion Hotel is (understandably!) out of your price range, then the House Hotel is a more reasonably priced bed and breakfast Dublin has to offer in the same vicinity. Located just on the other side of Fitzwilliam Square, the House Hotel features cosy but very stylish rooms. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor.
Budget > There are no budget options in this neighbourhood.
Check out some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:
- Book of Kells Early Access Tour with Dublin Castle
- Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience
- Vegan Dublin Food Tour (Afternoon Crawl, including Afternoon Tea Sampling)
Where to stay around Portobello
Once nicknamed “Little Jerusalem” due to the influx of Jewish migrants from Eastern Europe during the late 19th century, Portobello is where to stay in Dublin if you are looking for a trendy and hip neighbourhood. Numerous brunch hotspots and antique shops make it a local favourite for eating and shopping. It is located on the south side of the city, easily walkable to the city centre.
Our top pick > Camden Court Hotel
The Camden Court Hotel features a wellness centre with a gym, pool, hot tub and sauna, as well as offering hair and beauty treatments. A fabulous location only 500m from St Stephens Green, as well as an onsite restaurant and classy, well appointed rooms make it our top pick for Portobello. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > Hilton Hotel Dublin
A modern, luxury hotel overlooking the Grand Canal offers all amenities including onsite restaurant and gym. Rooms have all amenities – everything you can expect from the world-renowned hotel chain. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Mid-range > Portobello Hotel
First opened in 1793, the Portobello Hotel is something of a local institution. It has spacious rooms and suites available and breakfast is included. The hotel also boasts an on site restaurant and bar, and evening entertainment in the attached nightclub (over 30’s only!). Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Budget > Harrington House Hostel
The en-suite private rooms in this popular hostel may not all be at the budget end of the scale especially during peak times, but the dorm beds are very reasonably priced for such a prime location. Breakfast is included, as well as free bike rental and use of a shared kitchen. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Check out some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:
- North Coast and Malahide Castle Day Tour from Dublin
- Glasnevin Cemetery Tour in Dublin
- Dublin Shore Excursion: Dublin and Glendalough
Where to stay around Stoneybatter
Dublin is home to Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Western Europe, and Stoneybatter is located right next-door to it. A great location for visiting the famed Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson distillery, Stoneybatter is the best neighbourhood to stay if you are looking for a more local experience in Dublin away from the tourist-packed bars and restaurants of Temple Bar and the city centre.
Our top pick > Smithfield Apartments
Modern and spacious apartments accommodate up to 4 adults and are located right on the Liffey. Offering kitchens equipped with washing machine, cooker and fridge, the Smithfield apartments are a great choice if you prefer to do a self-catering break in Dublin. Check the latest price on Booking.com or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > Ashling Hotel
A four star hotel also located by the river, and close to Heuston station, Dublin’s main railway hub. Rooms are tastefully decorated, and the hotel also has an onsite bar and brasserie. Check the latest price on Booking.com or TripAdvisor.
Mid-range > Maldron Hotel Smithfield
The Maldron Hotel is a three-star B&B Dublin hotel offering a great selection of rooms and suites for singles, couples and families. Some also have balconies. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Budget > Generator Hostel
Part of the Generator chain of hostels, this uber-trendy accommodation offers a mixture of dorm beds and private rooms. The hostel also offers free walking tours and an in-house travel shop for trips and excursions. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Check some awesome tours in Dublin with Viator:
- Dublin Traditional Irish Music Pub Crawl
- Blarney Castle and Cork Day Trip from Dublin
- Private Tour: Personal Travel Photographer Tour in Dublin
Where to stay around Ballsbridge
Located on the south side of the city and further outside of the main tourist areas, Ballsbridge is home to Dublin’s embassies and this neighbourhood boasts some of the city’s most exclusive real estate. Ballsbridge also contains Dublins historic Lansdowne Road rugby stadium – now renamed the Aviva stadium.
Our top pick > Premier Suites Plus Dublin Ballsbridge
Four star suites located in the centre of Ballsbridge, ideally located for the Aviva Stadium. One and two-bedroom apartments are available, all are decorated in a contemporary style. Check out the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Luxury > Intercontinental Dublin
Five star accommodation located only a 15 minute walk from the coast of the Irish Sea. With marble bathrooms, landscaped courtyard and onsite wellness centre, this is a great luxury pick away from the hustle of the busy city centre. Check the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Mid-range > Roxford Lodge Hotel
Despite being a three star hotel, Roxford Lodge is a highly rated boutique hotel located in a Victorian building within easy reach of the Grand Canal. The higher priced rooms feature balconies, spa baths and even saunas. Check out the latest price on Booking.com, TripAdvisor or HotelsCombined.
Budget > There are no budget options in this neighbourhood.
One final note – in researching this article it is clear that last minute hotels Dublin has to offer can be scarce and where they are available, expensive. Cheap hotels in Dublin can be difficult to find at the best of times, therefore booking well in advance – particularly during peak periods – is strongly advised.
Whether you are looking to experience Dublin for it’s renowned riotous nightlife or are looking for a quieter or more local cultural experience in the Irish capital, we hope that our where to stay in Dublin guide has shown you that there are plenty of accommodation options available to help you choosing the best Dublin hotel for your stay.
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