Where to Stay in Dublin (The Best Districts & Hotels)

The Republic of Ireland’s capital is a culturally vibrant city that has fast become a favorite on the European travel circuit. Dublin is the largest city in Ireland, and as such is one of the most intriguing, lively and bustling places to visit in the country.

There is something for everyone in the Irish capital. Culture and history lovers will find opportunities to explore the Georgian architecture the city is famous for as well as the museums and galleries that chart the evolution of the city through the centuries into its modern-day personality.

Those that love a drink or who are looking for an authentic Irish experience can visit the world-famous Guinness Storehouse and Brewery or the Jameson Whiskey Distillery, while those looking for a good night out will find that there is a party every night along the infamous cobbled streets of the Temple Bar area of the city.

While the city center is compact, the rest of Dublin sprawls out on either side of the River Liffey and there are many great areas and neighborhoods where you can base yourself during a trip to the Irish capital. To help you to decide where to stay in Dublin, here’s our guide to the best accommodation options in the city.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Dublin (Travel Guide)

Where to Stay in Dubin: A Guide to the Districts

Table of Contents

Complete Guide on where to stay in Dublin

Temple Bar

Temple Bar is a compact area of cobbled, historic streets that are found on the southern banks of the River Iffley in the city center. This is one of the most famous – and at night time, infamous – areas of Dublin, famous for both its cultural highlights and the huge number of bars that stay open late.

When deciding where to stay in Dublin, Temple Bar is perfect for those looking to really immerse themselves in Dublin’s lively culture or nightlife.

It’s not all bars and pubs, there are cafes, great restaurants, charming shops and plenty of live music events to be found in Temple Bar. There’s a great range of accommodation to be found in the area, from basic backpacker hostels to a few upmarket options, and plenty in the middle.

Here are our top accommodation recommendations: Luxury– The Westbury Hotel, Mid Range– Temple Bar Inn, Budget– Jacobs Inn Hostel and Hostel– Abigail’s Hostel.

St. Stephens Green

St Stephens Green is one of Dublin’s most central areas. This area is named for a beautiful, green, public park that is found on the south side of the river.

The park is in a fantastic location, being next to the busiest shopping streets in Dublin, but offering a more peaceful stay away from the action. The nightlife is further away too, making this a great place to be based for those looking for a quiet night but easy access to all the major sights and attractions.

The park itself is a lovely place to stroll around, with several kilometers of walking trails to be found amongst the leafy pathways, while the surrounding area is known for its elegant Georgian architecture that portrays a sense of the historic nature of the city.

St Stephens Green has some great accommodation options, but most are at the higher end of the scale, with few budget hotels to be found in this upmarket area of the city.

Here are our top accommodation recommendations: Luxury– The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Mid Range– The Dean, Budget– Roxford Lodge Hotel and Hostel– Times Hostel-Camden Place.

Ballsbridge

Ballsbridge is the city’s most upmarket area. If you are looking for lavish exclusivity when deciding where to stay in Dublin, then look no further than Ballsbridge. Found on the southern side of the river, the area is named for Ball’s Bridge which dates back to 1791 and that spans the nearby Dodder River.

This is one of the most expensive places to live in the city and concurrently, hotel prices can be equally inflated. You are set away from the city center, in a beautiful, quiet part of the city and the accommodation options, although not cheap, are very much worth the expenditure if you are looking for an opulent and unique place to stay while visiting Dublin.

Here are our top accommodation recommendations: Luxury– Intercontinental Dublin, Mid Range– Ariel House, Budget– Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, and Hostel– Leeson Bridge Guesthouse.

Rathmines

The suburban area of Rathmines is fast becoming Dublin’s latest hot spot, and not just for travelers but for locals too. This unassuming area is perfectly located between the city center and the outer regions of the city, allowing easy access to Dublin itself but also ensuring it’s far enough away to offer visitors here a unique stay, in quiet surroundings.

This is local Dublin at its best, away from the crowds, with a diverse mixture of cultures and with some leafy green areas along the canal to explore.

Enjoy the restaurants and cafes and simply experience this offbeat part of Dublin during your stay in Dublin, watching life go by and doing little at all. Get in quick though, because prices are on the rise with the area’s increasing popularity, and that will inevitably affect the hotel prices too.

Here are our top accommodation recommendations: Luxury– Hampton Hotel, Mid Range– Uppercross House Hotel, Budget– Harding Hotel, and Hostel– Sheldon Park Hotel.

	Recommended Tours


Highlights of Ireland 9 Days Dublin to Belfast Small Group 10-12 People	Iconic Ireland 9 Days Dublin to Dublin Small Group 10-12 People	Discover Northern Ireland 3 Days Dublin to Dublin Small Group 10-12 People
Check Price	Check Price	Check Price