Where to Stay in Dublin (Best Places & Areas)

10 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in Dublin

Dublin is bisected by the Liffey River, which is also home to many of Dublin’s top attractions like the EPIC immigration museum and the city’s famous bridges.

In general, staying within walking distance of the river is advisable.

Note that you may hear others refer to Dublin’s neighborhoods by the city’s 24 postal codes. The top areas in this guide fall within Dublin 2, 7, or 8, but we’ll refer to areas by their local names for greater clarity. 

O’Connell Street

👉 Best Area For First-time Visitors | ✨ Best O’ Connell Street Hotels: Riu Plaza The Gresham • Motel One Dublin • Wynn’s Hotel

O’Connell Street is where to stay if it’s your first time in Dublin and you want a central location. It’s walking distance to most of the major attractions, plus near transportation hubs. 

Our top hotel recommendation in the area is Riu Plaza The Gresham, which blends modern comforts with historical charm in a central location.

Wynn’s Hotel is another elegant option.

Or, if you’re on a budget, the Motel One Dublin is a highly-rated hotel that offers very good value. 

The area around O’Connell Street has several shopping centers, international restaurants, grocery stores, and pubs. For coffee, be sure to check out Insomnia Coffee, a local Irish chain and my go-to when I lived in Dublin.

Pros of Staying on O’Connell Street

• Central location makes for a great starting point
• Many tours start from here
• Plenty of restaurants and pubs

Cons of Staying on O’Connell Street

• Can be noisier and more crowded than other areas

Temple Bar

👉 Best Area For Nightlife | ✨ Best Temple Bar Hotels: NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch • Wren Urban Nest • The Chancery Hotel • The Fleet • The Temple Bar Inn

Temple Bar is the most famous area of Dublin, and a nightlife center. Tons of traditional and modern Irish pubs line its narrow cobblestone streets, including The Temple Bar. 

Besides bars and pubs, there are also significant historic sites nearby, such as Dublin Castle, the Dublin City Council, and the Ha’Penny Bridge. Overall, it’s a very central area and easy to get just about anywhere in the city by foot. 

Our top hotel NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch has a perfect location right in the middle of Temple Bar, plus stunning modern rooms. When our writer Abigail stayed there, she said “the location couldn’t have been better.” Abigail talks about her stay at minute 30:17 of our Ireland podcast episode.

Other highly-rated options include The Chancery Hotel, a luxurious boutique catering to couples, and Wren Urban Nest, whose cozy rooms balance quality and value.

For a more traditional stay, The Fleet offers elegant interiors or The Temple Bar Inn features a unique aesthetic that blends traditional Celtic motifs with modern sensibilities.Overall, Temple Bar is the place to stay for short stays or to experience Dublin’s pub culture and nightlife. While ambling around Temple Bar, keep an eye out for a plaque on Fishamble Street marking the site of the first performance of Handel’s Messiah!

Pros of Staying in Temple Bar

• Very close to the Dublin city center
• Highly walkable 
• Lots of live music venues
• Plenty of restaurants, bars, etc.
• Close to many major attractions

Cons of Staying in Temple Bar

• More expensive than in other regions
• Feels more touristy than other neighborhoods
• It can be more crowded and noisy at night, especially on weekends
• Some hotels may be noisy (ask for a room facing away from the street)

The Dublin Docklands

👉 Best Area For Luxury & Quiet Stays | ✨ Best Docklands Hotels: Anantara-The Marker • The Spencer Hotel • The Mayson

Locals refer to Dublin’s business district as “Silicon Docks,” the Irish counterpart to America’s Silicon Valley. This is where Dublin’s thriving tech industry lives. Here, you’ll find more modern architecture than in other areas of the city. 

The Dublin Docklands is just a short walk east of O’Connell Street along the river, close to the attractions but away from the crowd. It’s a convenient location for staying close enough to walk, but to have a quiet area to retreat to at the end of the day. 

Nate loved his 9-night stay at Anantara-The Marker, one of the most luxurious hotels in Dublin. From the plush furnishings to the turn down service and the gorgeous rooftop, Nate’s review says this was really one of the best hotels in all of Ireland. It’s situated on a quiet corner of the Grand Canal, next to several restaurants, a brewery, and a theatre.  

You could also check out The Mayson, featuring a heated pool, a sauna, and rooms that blend the best of modern and Victorian aesthetics.

Pros of Staying in the Dublin Docklands

• Higher-end hotels and restaurants
• Right next to central Dublin, but not as crowded
• Lots of attractions
• Stunning walks along the river and Grand Canal

Cons of Staying in the Dublin Docklands

• Prices mean this is really an exclusive area for the luxury crowd

Portobello

👉 Best Area For Foodies | ✨ Best Portobello Hotels: Maldron Hotel Kevin Street • Aloft Dublin City • Clayton Hotel Charlemont

Tired of the tourist-trodden parts of town? Book a place to stay in Portobello! This neighborhood offers a much more relaxed, local vibe despite being just a 10-15 minute walk to the city center.

The pubs here tend to attract more locals than tourists, so it’s a great place to mingle with the denizens of Dublin. Food and lodging tend to be cheaper here than in the more central areas, too.

The laid-back, local feeling also makes Portobello a hidden gem for foodies looking to explore local fare minus the crowds. Camden Street is the best place to find restaurants and pubs. Portobello is also considered to be one of the safer central neighborhoods in Dublin.

Nate enjoyed his 5-night stay at Aloft Dublin City. For Marriott Bonvoy fans, options are pretty limited in Ireland but this is the best of the bunch. The breakfast is served on the hotel’s modern rooftop, featuring great views of the city. And the rooms, though small, are stylish, clean, and offer all the amenities you really need. Nate was especially impressed the hotel offered to wash an entire bag of laundry for only 29 euros! 

The Aloft Dublin City is located in a very quiet residential area near Portobello, but just a 10 minute walk to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and only 15 minutes to Temple Bar or Grafton Street. 

Clayton Hotel Charlemont is another great place to stay here, located along the Grand Canal and featuring bright, clean rooms, and a fantastic on-site bar and restaurant. The Maldron Hotel Kevin Street is one of the most budget-friendly properties in Portobello.

Pros of Staying in Portobello

• Quieter than other central Dublin areas
• Lots of restaurants and pubs, especially for breakfast/brunch
• Easier to get to know locals here
• Considered to be the safest central neighborhood

Cons of Staying in Portobello

• Fewer daytime attractions
• Abundant street art may not be to everyone’s taste

Merrion Square – St. Stephen’s Green

👉 Best Area For Families | ✨ Best Merrion-St. Stephen’s Hotels: Iveagh Garden Hotel • Stauntons on the Green • The Mont • The Shelbourne Hotel

Moving further south and east from the Trinity College area, you’ll come to Merrion Square Park and St. Stephen’s Green. These parks are great places for picnics or letting the kids run around a little. This part of town tends to feel less touristy than the more central areas, too.

There’s plenty to see around Merrion Square, though. The National Gallery of Ireland and the National Concert Hall are excellent additions to a day’s exploration of Dublin. The brick houses here, with their brightly-colored doors, add to the already charming atmosphere. 

St. Stephen’s Green also has a must-see hidden gem for fans of Irish music–O’Donoghue’s. This pub features sessions of traditional tunes every night. Locals love it and, although often crowded, it still feels cozy and never feels touristy (a minor caveat of some of the more central pubs). This was my #1 favorite place in Dublin when I was there, so I highly recommend it!

Properties in this area are some of the most elegant in Dublin, with the art-deco-inspired Iveagh Garden Hotel being one of the most popular. This property offers well-appointed rooms ranging from the simple city pod (perfect for solo travelers!) to the lavish Presidential Suite.

Stauntons on the Green is the best property in this area if you’d prefer a more Victorian-era elegance instead of the modern sleekness of other nearby hotels.

Or if you’re a fan of boutique hotels, check out the stylish The Mont or the posh The Shelbourne Hotel.

Pros of Staying Near Merrion Square

• Quieter than other central Dublin locations
• The parks are great places to relax
• Lots of options for higher-end accommodations
• Charming aesthetics

Cons of Staying Near Merrion Square

• Cheap hotels are hard to find, especially in peak season.
• Not as much going on at night

Trinity College Area

👉 Best Area For Budget Travelers | ✨ Best Trinity College Area Hotels: Trinity City Hotel • Trinity Townhouse Hotel • Trinity College Campus Accommodation

The Trinity College area, just east of Temple Bar, offers budget stays plus a treasure trove of Irish cultural treasures. Here, you’ll find the famous Book of Kells, a 7th-century illuminated Gospel famous for its intricate illustrations. The Old Library, where the Book is kept, breathes sophistication with its towering bookshelves and dark, hushed ambiance (though the books have been removed for preservation purposes).

Trinity College opens its dorms to tourists during the summer months. The rooms themselves are simple, but what hotel can match the prestige of a centuries-old, world-renowned university? Book early, though, as lodging at Trinity College sells out rapidly!

Consider the Trinity City Hotel if you’d prefer a more traditional hotel setting. The property is right across the street from Trinity College and features spacious rooms, stately Georgian-style lounges, and an informal restaurant for light lunches and coffee.

Grafton Street connects Trinity to the St. Stephen’s Green area to the south. If you’re looking for high-end shopping, be sure to check out the shops here. There are also plenty of gift shops on Grafton Street. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, the atmosphere makes it well worth a stroll. Grafton Street has some of the best street musicians in Dublin, too!

Pros of Staying near Trinity College 

• Within walking distance of the city center
• Great shopping opportunities on Grafton Street
• Live street music on Grafton Street
• Lodgings here are often more affordable than elsewhere

Cons of Staying near Trinity College

• Often crowded
• Student-oriented pubs may be too crowded/noisy for some

Stoneybatter – Smithfield

👉 Best Area For Hipster Vibes | ✨ Best Stoneybatter-Smithfield Hotels: McGettigan’s Townhouse • Ashling Hotel Dublin • The Hendrick Smithfield

Stoneybatter-Smithfield is the place to stay if you want to get a taste of Dublin’s trendier side. This is Dublin’s “hipster” area with many establishments sporting more modern aesthetics. Many venues have live music, from traditional tunes to a variety of modern genres. 

The Hendrick Smithfield is one of the most popular hotels here, with bright, modern aesthetics that complement the industrial-chic feeling of the neighborhood. McGettigan’s Townhouse is another excellent choice. The boutique aesthetic of the rooms and on-site bar and restaurant harken back to old-fashioned hotels from the turn of the last century.

Stoneybatter lies on the western edge of the city center and doesn’t get quite as crowded as the most central neighborhoods. Phoenix Park, the largest of Dublin’s inner city parks, borders Stoneybatter to the west. There’s even a local herd of deer living in the park! Be advised, though, city laws forbid feeding them.

If you want to sample some of Ireland’s most famous libations, Stoneybatter can’t be beaten. The Guinness Storehouse and its rooftop bar lie a short walk south of Stoneybatter across the River Liffey. The Jameson Distillery stands closer at hand in Smithfield.

Pros of Staying in Stoneybatter-Smithfield

• Great restaurants, pubs, and cafes
• Less crowded than other areas
• Close to Phoenix Park and the Dublin Zoo

Cons of Staying in Stoneybatter-Smithfield

• Not as many lodging options
• Prices are higher here
• Pubs are often crowded, so not the best place for a quiet drink

Phibsborough

👉 Best Area For Local Charm | ✨ Best Phibsborough Hotels: Eccles Townhouse • Maldron Hotel Parnell Square • Dublin One

This neighborhood in northern Dublin has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. It combines an everyday neighborhood simplicity with a growing number of hip restaurants, cafes, and pubs. You won’t find high-end attractions and establishments here, but that’s why people have been drawn to it.

The Maldron Hotel Parnell is one of the most popular properties in Dublin, thanks to its central location and helpful staff. Dublin One is one of the most affordable properties in the area, and the on-site restaurant has options for several alternative diets.

If you’re looking for quick eats, it’s easy to find something in Phibsborough. Whether it’s fish and chips or more foreign fare, Phibsborough has it all. Like Stoneybatter, there’s a hip vibe, and there’s lots of street art here. At the same time, it has more of a local neighborhood feel than Stoneybatter. 

Want to catch a game of football (“soccer” for us Americans)? Dalymount Park, the home of Bohemian FC, is here in Phibsborough. Dublin’s major sports stadium, Croke Park, lies just across the Royal Canal from the northeastern end of Phibsborough.

Pros of Staying in Phibsborough

• Charming atmosphere
• Tons of casual dining options
• Still close to many main attractions.

Cons of Staying in Phibsborough

• Hard to find a good parking space

Ranelagh

👉 Best Area For Peace & Quiet | ✨ Best Ranelagh Hotels: The Devlin Dublin • Morehampton Townhouse • Donnybrook Hall • Hilton Dublin

Consider staying in Ranelagh for an even more “local” experience than Portobello. The neighborhood of Ranelagh, located further from central Dublin than Portobello, offers a real taste of everyday life in Dublin. It’s about 15 minutes by bus or LUAS to the Dublin city center from Ranelagh, so staying here means you are still not too far away.

Herbert Park in nearby Donnybrook offers plenty of space for picnics and walks. The Ranelagh Gardens are also well worth a stroll. Travelers from the United States will appreciate the fact that the US Embassy is in Donnybrook in case the need arises for any services.

Donnybrook Hall fits the neighborhood atmosphere well, offering a more home-like feeling than many other properties. This Victorian-themed guest house is a great option for couples or anyone who prefers old-fashioned elegance to sleeker modern vibes.

The Devlin Dublin is a great, affordable choice for staying in Ranelagh. Not only that, it features a sophisticated rooftop bar and restaurant (most properties with this feature are considerably more expensive!).

Pros of Staying in Ranelagh

• Peaceful, local neighborhood atmosphere
• Not as touristy as the more central areas
• Easier to mingle with locals

Cons of Staying in Ranelagh

• Not as many options for hotels and restaurants
• Apartments can be expensive
• Further from the main attractions

Dun Laoghaire

👉 Best Area For Scenery | ✨ Best Dun Laoghaire Hotels: Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel • Royal Marine Hotel • Haddington House

One of Ireland’s most beloved features is its pristine natural beauty. Dublin, while charming in its own right, is a city of brick and stone. Its parks are pleasant but pale in comparison to the natural areas outside the city. A great way to combine natural beauty and still stay in the Dublin area is to explore the coast south of the city.

The neighborhood of Dun Laoghaire (pronounced lee-ree) and the nearby village of Dalkey serve as ideal bases for seeing these sights. Along with the natural beauty, there are several noteworthy man-made attractions here. 

Aficionados of Irish literature will want to visit the James Joyce Tower & Museum, and the harbor here is quite scenic in its own right. Dalkey Castle offers entertaining living history tours, showing what life was like in medieval Ireland. 

Another castle, the sprawling Fitzpatrick Castle, offers accommodations fit for royalty, and at prices that are often lower than many “ordinary” hotels! The Royal Marine Hotel is another great choice for a luxury stay near the coast, featuring a sauna and an indulgent day spa, along with other top-tier amenities.

Pros of Staying in Dun Laoghaire

• Stunning scenery
• Closer to nature
• Very quiet compared to the city center

Cons of Staying in Dun Laoghaire

• Fewer options for dining and lodging
• Far from the city center

Tips for Staying in Dublin

Here are some tips for making the most of your stay. Also, take a moment to check out our article on travel tips for Ireland in general.

Know Your Budget When Traveling to Dublin

Dublin has lots of options, but tends to be on the more expensive side. This is especially true during the summer. Decide how much you want to spend on your trip and go from there.

Book Accommodation in Advance

Some accommodations book up quickly (such as the Trinity College dorms). It’s always a good idea to reserve a room in advance. Booking your stay early also allows you more flexibility with change or cancellation policies. In general, hotels will not offer that option on last-minute bookings.

👉 Need a Rental Car? Check out our Dublin airport car rental guide.

Decide What You Want to See in Dublin

Despite being a smaller city, Dublin has a ton of things to do and see. It can be easy to get overwhelmed and maybe miss out on some attractions.

Figure out what you most want to see and plan your Dublin itinerary from there. This can also help you decide where it will be most convenient for you to stay.

Prepare for Dublin’s Weather

Ireland’s climate is similar to that of the Pacific Northwest. The Irish have even delineated nearly a dozen different “kinds” of rain! It’s always a good idea to have a raincoat or umbrella handy. Having an extra layer or two is also a good idea, especially outside the summer months.

For more, see my guide to the best time of year to visit Dublin.

Consider Travel Insurance for Ireland

Dublin is safe for travel, as a general rule. But a lot can happen when going overseas. Check out our article on the best Ireland travel insurance to learn about your options, or get a quote from VisitorsCoverage now.

Book a Private Tour

Private tours are the best way to see the sights and learn about the rich local history. There’s something for everyone, but a few of my top recommendations include the following:

• Walking tours and pub tours in Temple Bar tell the story of Dublin’s most famous landmarks and historic pubs.
• Early-access tours of the Book of Kells are the best way to beat the lines at Trinity College’s Old Library.
• Several tour packages in Stoneybatter will take you through the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery.

Dublin Accommodation FAQs

Is Dublin safe for tourists?

Overall, Dublin is a safe city and all of the areas mentioned above are safe to stay. Of all the central Dublin neighborhoods, Portobello probably has the best reputation for safety. 

Where should I avoid staying in Dublin?

In general, central Dublin is safe. There are some outer areas that have a rougher reputation like Ballymun and Darndale, but there isn’t much tourist accommodation there anyway.

If you don’t like rowdy partying (hey, this is Ireland after all) consider staying away from the Temple Bar nightlife district.

Is Dublin a walkable city?

Many famous tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other and of hotels. During our stays in Dublin, we primarily relied on walking and only rarely used taxis or public transportation.

Where is the lively part of Dublin?

The Temple Bar area on the south bank of the Liffey River is by far the liveliest place in Dublin. Stoneybatter also draws large crowds and O’Connell Street never seems to sleep except on Sunday mornings.

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Thanks for reading! Next up, see Abigail’s list of the best tours & excursions in Ireland. Many of them are based in Dublin!

–Nate Hake contributed to this post