Dublin Hotels

Best places to stay in Dublin

Dublin feels like a collection of villages, each with its own distinct feel, and the best one to stay in depends on what you’re looking for. The city is divided neatly in two by the River Liffey, with the Northside historically considered less privileged but more down to earth, while the Southside is stereotyped as more affluent.

First-time visitors often make a beeline for the ultra-central Temple Bar/Trinity College area, home to famed pubs as well as the prestigious university and the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells. Also central but less crowded is the Docklands area, where you can find tons of entertainment venues, including the 3Arena and the Convention Centre.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

O’Connell Street is considered the centre of Dublin and is home to the iconic landmark of the General Post Office, the headquarters of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.

If you fancy something a little more scenic, head further south to St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square. These green oases in the heart of the city are surrounded by museums and galleries, including the fascinating Little Museum of Dublin, full of items donated by Dubliners themselves. If you’re visiting to sample Ireland’s most famous export, stay in The Liberties near the Guinness Storehouse, a towering multimedia complex with a top-floor bar where you can enjoy a well-deserved pint at the end of your tour.

Where to stay with your family in Dublin

If you’re visiting Dublin with little ones, the quiet back streets of Portobello are a great option. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the picturesque Grand Canal before stopping off at one of the countless cafes and restaurants for a bite to eat with the family. Try the stylish NYX Hotel for a stay you won’t forget in a hurry.

For even more of a local feel, consider Rathmines or Ranelagh to the south. These upmarket suburbs are less crowded and touristy than the city centre, but still just 15 minutes away by bus or tram. The Devlin in Ranelagh has superb reviews and features a stunning rooftop restaurant.

Where to find cheap hotels in Dublin

There’s no denying that it’s a pricey city, but that doesn’t mean there are no Dublin hotel bargains to be had. Hotel St. George by Nina is surprisingly swanky given its low price point (from £57/night for a double), while easyHotel Dublin (doubles from £59) is an ever-reliable option in hip Smithfield, just a stone’s throw from the Jameson Distillery.

If it’s nightlife you’re after, the Camden Hotel (£86/night) on buzzing Camden Street has scores of pubs and clubs on its doorstep, while Travelodge Dublin City offers peace and quiet in the leafy neighbourhood of Rathmines, a short hop from the city centre, from £75/night.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers will love the Northside neighbourhoods of Smithfield and Stoneybatter. This former warehouse and market district has been transformed in recent years and now boasts independent restaurants, artisan coffee shops, pubs and clubs galore. The Jameson Distillery on Bow Street is a great place to while away the hours enjoying the smoothness of Irish whiskey, while the enormous, 1,750-acre Phoenix Park is on your doorstep to clear your head with a walk afterwards.

Check in to the ultra-cool Generator Dublin, which offers both shared dorms and private rooms. The on-site café/restaurant and bar are the perfect place to meet fellow travellers – if that’s your thing.

Party and nightlife in Dublin

The area around Camden Street and Harcourt Street is a safe bet for a night out, home to legendary venues like Whelan’s, the city’s premier live music spot, and Copper Face Jacks, a mega-club with multiple floors and cheesy anthems aplenty.

The Temple Bar area is another must – try The Workman’s Club, which offers comedy, karaoke and live music, plus an enormous beer garden. If you fancy something more exclusive, make a reservation for cocktails at the Blind Pig, a “speakeasy” that’s unmarked from the street outside, offering Prohibition-era thrills with none of the risks.

The 5 must-sees of Dublin

Explore the heart of Ireland's capital with our guide to Dublin's top 5 must-see attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

• Temple Bar: iconic area with narrow, cobbled streets packed with lively pubs and folk music.

• Phoenix Park: one of the largest parks in Europe, home to herds of deer and Dublin Zoo.

• Kilmainham Gaol Museum: a former prison with a macabre but intriguing history.

• Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story multimedia experience celebrating Ireland’s most famous beverage.

• Jameson Distillery: an entertaining guided tour with the opportunity to sample different varieties of this popular whiskey.

Museums and Cultural Heritage

Immerse yourself in Dublin’s rich tapestry of history and culture with these 10 must-visit museums and heritage sites, each offering a unique insight into Ireland’s past and present.

• National Museum of Ireland: Explore Ireland’s history from ancient times to the modern day across archaeology, history, and natural sciences.

• Little Museum of Dublin: A charming museum telling the remarkable story of Dublin in the 20th century.

• National Leprechaun Museum: Dive into Irish folklore and mythology in this whimsical museum dedicated to leprechauns.

• EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: An interactive museum focusing on the global impact of Irish emigration.

• Irish Whiskey Museum: Discover the history and craft of Ireland’s iconic whiskey with tastings.

• The Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience: Celebrate Ireland’s rock music history in this interactive museum.

• Dublinia Viking Museum: Experience life as it was in Viking and medieval Dublin.

• National Gallery of Ireland: Home to a vast collection of European art spanning the 14th to the 20th centuries.

• St Patrick’s Cathedral: Visit one of Dublin’s most iconic and historic cathedrals.

• Christ Church Cathedral: Explore this stunning medieval cathedral, a cornerstone of Dublin’s history.

Hotels with rooftop bars in Dublin

Located in the heart of the central Docklands area, Anantara The Marker Dublin is an architectural landmark that combines a sleek urban aesthetic with tantalising luxury. It’s hard to imagine a better rooftop bar and terrace: the space flows from inside to outdoors, with 360-degree views extending from the mountains on one side to the Irish Sea on the other.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The 5-star Merrion Hotel is effortlessly elegant, standing proud in a delightful Georgian building tucked between St Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square Park. The hotel boasts three eateries, including Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, the first in Ireland to hold two Michelin stars. The mouthwatering menu offers contemporary Irish cuisine with French classical roots.

Spa hotels

A Dublin institution for almost 200 years, The Shelbourne boasts a spa that lives up to its 5-star billing. It offers signature rituals and treatments created by world-renowned brands, with a full menu of experiences for both men and women. There’s also a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym and salon for good measure.

Exceptional hotels

Few hotels in Dublin boast as rich a history as Wynn’s. Originally opened as a boarding house in 1845, it was here that the Irish Volunteer Army was formed, and the hotel burned to the ground during the 1916 Easter Rising. Starting in 1921, it was lovingly rebuilt and remains popular to this day, having been renovated again in 2006.

Luxury hotels in Dublin

For something a little different, take a short drive out of Dublin city centre to Clontarf Castle Hotel, a picture-perfect setting dating back to 1837. The hotel offers a number of luxury packages, including a three-course dinner for two, breakfast the next morning, and wine and chocolates in your room upon arrival.

Going shopping in Dublin

Running between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green, Grafton Street is Dublin’s hub for mainstream shopping, with a good mix of high street chains and independent boutiques. It’s also where the city’s superb buskers ply their trade.

The charming Victorian venue of George’s Street Arcade houses shops selling vintage clothes, art, jewellery and crafts, plus gourmet food stalls to keep you going. When it comes to markets, the Liberty Market near Christ Church Cathedral is an institution that sells a bit of everything, while bibliophiles will love the Temple Bar Book Market on Saturdays from 10.30 am to 5 pm.