Where to Stay in Dublin: Best Areas & Accommodation

Looking for the best place to stay in Dublin?

Dublin is full of a range of great hotels, hostels, and luxury places to stay. While the hotels in Dublin City Centre are the most popular choices, there are many other neighborhoods to choose from.

I’ve visited Dublin a few times and it’s one of my favorite places. It’s full of culture, museums, and pubs. It’s a city I’ve visited solo and with friends, so I’ve had both perspectives. While I loved enjoying the city alone, it’s a great place for a girls’ trip since the nightlife scene is amazing.

This guide has everything you need to pick the best area in Dublin to stay in when you visit. I’ve outlined the top three neighborhoods and the best hotels in each place!

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Dublin Accommodation Quick Guide

Need to find a place to stay in Dublin quickly? Here are my top three choices around the city.

Budget—Gardiner House Hostel: This is a great place to stay in if you’re traveling solo and want to meet other travelers since they offer mixed dorms and female-only dorms. Breakfast is free with your stay. They also have a kitchen where you can cook and a common room with a pool table and TV.

Mid-Range—The Dean Dublin: This hotel has a great location because it’s just an 11-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and a 7-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green. They offer bikes for free to explore the city or hang out at the hotel’s rooftop bar or cafe.

Luxury—The Westbury: Dublin Castle and the Little Museum of Dublin are less than a 10-minute walk from The Westbury. The rooms are super posh with wool carpets and pillow top mattresses. They also have marble bathrooms and Nespresso machines.

Want to stay at a castle in Ireland for something different and special? There are opportunities to stay in an Irish castle all over Ireland!

aerial view of dublin, best places to stay in dublin

Temple Bar

If you’re traveling to Dublin for the first time, Temple Bar should be your go-to place to stay. It’s pretty touristy, but you are close to all the main attractions and the most visited pubs.

Each block is packed with shops, restaurants, and pubs to visit. Most of the boutiques are owned by locals, so you can stock up on crafts and trendy clothes while supporting the local economy.

Budget—Ashfield Hostel: I would definitely recommend staying here if you’re in Dublin solo. They have 18 people dorm rooms perfect for meeting friends. Breakfast is included, and they have free pub crawls and walking tours. The common room has board games and computers free to use.

Mid-Range—Kinlay House: Right in the middle of all the best pubs, Kinlay House is a hostel with private rooms and dorms. Breakfast is included and there is a lounge room and a full kitchen free to use for all guests. Dublin Castle is only a 2-minute walk away.

Luxury—Temple Bar Hotel: This hotel is full of luxury and is less than 5 miles from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse. You can book a suite to get a sitting room and some even have bunk beds for the kids! The bar on site has live music every night and free afternoon tea.

temple bar, places to stay in dublin ireland

Merrion Square

Merrion Square is one of the fancier neighborhoods in Dublin, so you can expect hotels and hostels here to be a little more expensive than in other neighborhoods. It has a lot of green space since it’s centered around gardens and parks.

You’ll find the National Gallery in this neighborhood. On Sundays, locals sell their artwork in the main garden—the Georgian Square. There is also a famous Oscar Wilde statue in the garden you won’t want to miss.

Budget—Abbey Court Hostel: This hostel is right on the River Liffey’s promenade. You can get to Trinity College and the Temple Bar district in less than ten minutes. They have dorm rooms, private rooms, and full apartments. Breakfast is included.

Mid-Range—Camden Court Hotel: You can reach St. Stephen’s Green in just 8 minutes on foot from his hotel. They have a heated indoor pool, a traditional Irish restaurant, and a bar on-site that plays live music every night called C Central Bar.

Luxury—The Merrion Hotel Dublin: This is one of the most luxurious hotels you’ll find in Dublin. They have a restaurant, garden, a cocktail bar, and a pub on site. It’s only a six minute walk from the National Gallery of Ireland. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have a huge fitness centre and an infinity pool.

trail through merrion square park, best area to stay in dublin

Stoneybatter

Stoneybatter is in the northwest part of Dublin. There is plenty to do here, including visiting pubs, small local cafes, and farmers’ markets. Since it’s a little outside the city center, you will find more locals here and a quieter atmosphere.

Recently, more restaurants and a few clubs have opened in the area. It’s also a hub for Dublin’s LGBT community. If you’re looking for an inclusive neighborhood, this is a great one to consider.

Budget—Tipperary House: If you’re looking to stay in a hostel in Stoneybatter, this is the best choice. They have dorm rooms and private rooms. Breakfast is included as well as access to a kitchen and a lounge room with a TV.

Mid-Range—Phoenix Park Hotel: Right in central Stoneybatter, this hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Dublin Zoo and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The rooms have all the basic amenities you need, and the hotel has a cafe and wine bar lounge.

Luxury—Ashling Hotel Dublin: I found this to be one of the most stylish hotels in Dublin. The rooms are so modern and chic. The location is great as well as the Guinness Storehouse is just a few minutes away. I didn’t get a chance to eat at the on-site restaurant, but a few of my friends said it was the best food they had in Dublin.

street in stoneybatter, place to stay in dublin

Top Things to do in Dublin

Now you know the best places to stay in Dublin, but what about the must-do activities? Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Dublin!

Trinity College Dublin: Trinity College is one of the oldest universities in Europe. Most people go to tour the library that sprawls across two floors with thousands of books. You can also see the Book of Kells—a medieval illustrated book of the four Gospels.
St. Stephen’s Green: Dublin has tons of green space and parks, with St.Stephens Green being the most popular. There are sculptures throughout the park of famous figures in Ireland’s history. It’s a perfect place to take a stroll and relax. It’s also a popular spot amongst locals for picnics and small outdoor parties.
National Gallery of Ireland: Take a self-guided tour through some of Ireland’s most famous artworks. You’ll find works from local artists as well as some famous names. They have rotating and permanent exhibits. The workshops are also cool if you’re interested in learning more about a specific artist or exhibition.
Dublin Castle: This castle used to be the headquarters of the British administration before Ireland became an independent republic. While it’s a castle, you’ll also see parliament buildings on the property. You can take a self-guided audio tour and go inside the castle and grounds.
The Little Museum of Dublin: Many people ignore this museum because it’s small and not as popular of an attraction as some of the other things on this list. That will be a mistake if you enjoy museums! Tickets include a guided tour. They also have ticket packaging where you can buy as a family rather than individually. It’s a great place to bring the kids and learn more about the history of Dublin.
Drink some Guinness: No trip to Dublin is complete without hitting a few of the pubs for a pint of Guinness. You will be able to find pubs on every street, so you can easily pop into a few. The pubs in Temple Bar are where most of the tourists are. Check out the pubs in Stoneybatter for a more local feel. Read more in this post on the best Dublin pubs!

How to Get to Dublin

Dublin has an international airport (DUB) with daily domestic and international flights. You may find direct flights to Dublin from your city. However, since Dublin’s airport is smaller than London and Paris, the flights can often be more costly.

I flew into London from the United States and then took Ryanair to Dublin because it was much cheaper. Check both ways to see what the best option is for you.

If you’re already in Europe, you can fly into Dublin for super cheap. My flight from London to Dublin was only $13.

How to Get Around Dublin

Dublin is a very walkable city. I walked most places using Google maps to direct me. Dublin also has a bus and tram system that is very reliable and quick.

The tram is often a better option if where you want to go is on the route. Buses are subject to traffic which can get especially bad when everyone is going to and leaving work.

dub bus, best places to stay in dublin ireland

When to Visit Dublin

The best time to visit Dublin is during the summer, from June until August. Because of Dublin’s coastal location, it usually doesn’t get very hot. So, keep that in mind, even during the summer. When I went in the summer, I wore long pants, a rain jacket, and a light scarf. Always be prepared for rain!

Dublin is nice during the holidays as well, even though it’s cold. The city is quite festive with decorations and celebrations. The pubs often have live bands playing Christmas tunes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to visit Dublin but still have a few questions? Here are the answers to the most asked concerns!

Is Dublin Safe?

Dublin is a large European city, so there is some crime, just like in any other big city. I always felt safe moving around Dublin by myself, though.

If you’re a solo traveler, take care walking around alone at night unless it’s in the Temple Bar area, where there are always tons of tourists out and about.

What is the Best Place to Stay in Dublin for the Weekend?

If you’re only in Dublin for a few days, I recommend staying close to Temple Bar so you can walk to most attractions or take a short bus ride to get to other parts of the city. Merrion Square is also a nice place to stay for the weekend.

dublin spire, best area to stay in dublin

What Should I Know Before Visiting Ireland?

Dublin and much of the rest of Ireland are very modern and casual. You can wear whatever you’re comfortable in. They do drive on the left side of the road, so make sure to look to the left when you want to cross the road.

Driving can take some adjustment if you’re used to driving on the other side of the road. That’s why I preferred to take the bus. But you can rent a car if you’re comfortable driving! Many are manual shift, so make sure you request an automatic if you do require one.

You should also always be prepared for rain, even if the forecast says sun. It can rain even when the sky is clear and the sun is out. Always bring a rain jacket or umbrella!

Where Should I Stay in Dublin Near the Airport?

If you have an early morning flight, you might want to stay near the airport. The airport is pretty far out of town, so you won’t be close to much except for a few restaurants.

Check out Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport or Holiday Inn Express Dublin Airport. They have 24-hour shuttles to the airport for a small fee.

What Will You Choose for the Top Place to Stay in Dublin?

Now you know all the best places to stay in Dublin. It’s tough to choose, isn’t it?

Dublin is an amazing city for any type of travel. It’s perfect for families and large friend groups, with all the hotels offering suites! You can also easily see Dublin on a solo trip and stay in one of the hostels or budget hotels.

Dublin also has endless activities making it a great destination for a short weekend trip or for a long vacation. It’s also well connected to the rest of Europe so you can include Dublin as part of a European tour.

What will be your top choice?