Where To Stay in Dublin: Best Areas and Accommodations

When I think of Dublin, I think of charming streets, lively pubs, and of course, Guinness. With world-class parties, fascinating history, and some of the warmest people around, Dublin is a must-see city on any Europe trip, and is definitely one of the top places to visit in Ireland.

This accommodation guide will help you choose where to stay in Dublin — whether you’re only spending a weekend in the city, or a week.

I spent two months living in south Dublin near the Ballsbridge and Beggars Bush area. This Dublin neighborhood is excellent for longer-term stays since it’s easier on the budget and still close to dozens of fun restaurants and pubs.

During those two months, Dublin absolutely charmed me. Whether you’re visiting Dublin for a day, a month, or if you’re planning to move here, I’m sure it’ll leave its mark on you as well!

I spent many afternoons simply walking around the quaint villages and streets, looking for as many vibrantly colored doors as I could find.

I made friends with locals easily and spent my days trying new cafes and bars (and there are so many it would take a lifetime to see them all!) 

And even after visiting for several weeks, I still felt like there was more to Dublin to see. It’s one of those cities with many layers to discover, and I’m sure you’re going to have a blast getting to know Dublin too.

First, you’ll need to get to Dublin city center. Learn how to get from the airport to Dublin center, here. Or, check out this bus pass which will get you to the center in no time!

Where to stay in Dublin: the best neighbourhoods and accommodations

The neighborhoods south of the city center are excellent options for longer-term stays, or if you’re planning to move to Dublin. But if you aren’t able to stay for an extended period of time, you’ll probably want to stick to a more central location like the ones outlined below.

This will ensure that you have as much time as possible to see Dublin’s many notable attractions.

Quick Look: Best Areas to Stay in Dublin (click to jump down the page)

• Temple Bar: Best for Nightlife
• Trinity College: Best Place to Stay in Dublin for Your First Time
• Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green: Best for Luxury, Art & History
• O’Connell Street: For Shopping 
• Portobello: For Foodies and Residential Vibes
• The Docklands: Upscale Business Area
• Stoneybatter: The Coolest Place to Stay in Dublin (Hipster vibes)
• South Dublin: Best for Quiet, Longer Stays in Dublin

Temple Bar (best place to stay for nightlife)

Everyone who visits Dublin should see Temple Bar at least once.

With cobbled streets, packed bars, upbeat music, and a joyful atmosphere, I’m convinced this is one of the most fun neighborhoods in the world.

Temple Bar is known for being the main party area in Dublin. It’s where you can find some of the best traditional pubs and wild nightlife scenes for locals and visitors alike. There’s always something on here.

Click here to find Temple Bar on the map.

Notable Attractions in the Temple Bar neighborhood:

• Enjoy the Nightlife! Make sure to go to the Temple Bar Pub for a pint — there’s a good atmosphere all day.
• Walk across the historical Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian bridge near Temple Bar.
• Catch live music at The Workmans Club.
• Have a drink on the roof terrace at Bad Bobs Temple Bar.
• Visit the Dublin Castle which dates back to 1204!

While the Temple Bar area can be a bit noisy at night, it’s a great place to stay if you want to be just steps away from a good time.

Best places to stay in the Temple Bar area

Here are a few of the top places to stay in Dublin city center.

The Morgan Hotel: Located just down the street from the Temple Bar Pub, this highly-rated hotel is also an easy walking distance from Grafton Street and the Dublin Castle.

Guests love the fabulous location and the clean and modern design of the rooms. The Morgan Hotel is also highly rated for its breakfast and on-site bar.

The Fleet: The Fleet Hotel is tucked perfectly between Temple Bar and Trinity College. With pubs, historical attractions, and the River Liffey all just a short walk away, it’s no wonder The Fleet has top marks for location on Booking.com.

The Fleet Hotel has modern comforts and updates but with a historic twist. Guests rave about the vintage-inspired decoration of the lobby and bar area, as well as the professionalism and kindness of the staff.

Temple Bar Hotel: With some of the best sightseeing, parties, and shopping streets just a few minutes away, the Temple Bar Hotel also has an excellent location.

When you’re not out exploring the surroundings, you can relax in comfort with modern rooms, comfortable beds, and two onsite restaurants serving delicious Irish cuisine.

Trinity College (great place to stay in Dublin for first-timers)

Located just a few streets away from the popular Temple Bar area is Trinity College. The area surrounding Trinity is still close to the action, but it’s generally a bit quieter.

You’ll be close to some of the best historical areas if you stay in this part of Dublin. It’s a good place to stay if you’re visiting Dublin for one night and aren’t interested in being right in the middle of the action, but close by. Click here to find Trinity on the map.

Top attractions near Trinity College, Dublin:

• Walk around the stunning Trinity College Campus.
• Visit the Book of Kells.
• View great art at the National Gallery of Ireland.
• Stop by the famous statue of Molly Malone.

Best places to stay in the Trinity College area

Here are a few of the top hotels around Trinity College, Dublin.

Trinity City Hotel: The Trinity City Hotel is about as close to Trinity College as you can get! Located just across the street from this famous campus, the Trinity City Hotel will allow you to easily walk to some of the top Dublin attractions.

In addition to the impressive location, guests also love the friendly staff and spacious rooms.

Trinity Townhouse Hotel: If you’re looking for an accommodation option that exudes elegance and historical charm, look no further than the Trinity Townhouse Hotel! This stunning Georgian-style hotel is located close to Trinity College in the historical area of Dublin.

The Trinity Townhouse Hotel pays attention to the details. Guests loved comfortable touches like included breakfast, luxurious toiletries, and the attentive staff.

The Mont: Experience top-tier living, Dublin style, at The Mont.  The Mont is located just behind the Trinity College Campus in an area of Dublin that is quiet and well-connected to appealing tourist destinations.

Guests at The Mont can enjoy an onsite bar, top-notch exercise facilities, and modern design elements. If you’re lucky, you might also get to meet Monty, their french bulldog mascot!

Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green (for luxury, art & history)

The area around Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Dublin. These stunning squares are iconic parts of the Dublin landscape, much like Central Park in New York or the Tuilleries Gardens in Paris.

As you can probably imagine, the accommodations in this area are a bit more pricy than in other parts of Dublin, but with high-end options and lush natural surroundings, you might find it’s well worth the cost.

Click here to find Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green on the map.

Top things to do around Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green

• Visit Merrion Square Park where children can play, you can enjoy a nice walk, or you can visit the Oscar Wilde statue.
• Stop by St. Stephens Green, a large public park with water features and sculptures.
• Explore Fitzwilliam Square, a smaller square surrounded by historical Georgian buildings.
• Visit The National Museum of Ireland, the National History Museum.

Top places to stay in Merrion Square and St. Stephens Green area

Here are a few of my top hotel picks around this part of Dublin.

The Merrion Hotel: If you’re planning to splurge on your trip to Dublin, this is the place to do it! 

This highly-rated Georgian-style 5-star hotel has top marks for staff, ambiance, comfort, and attention to detail. Guests rave about the helpful concierge, artwork and decorations, and convenient location. There is even a Michelin-starred restaurant on site!

The Fitzwilliam Hotel: The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a 5-star hotel located directly on St. Stephens Green. From the atmosphere to the staff, this hotel tops the charts in offering a memorable experience in Dublin.

O’Connell Street (where to stay if you’re looking to shop)

If you head across the river north of the Temple Bar area, you’ll find O’Connell Street, which is considered the center of Dublin and is known for being the bustling shopping district.

This area is busy basically all day, except for Sunday mornings. It’s a bit “rough” late at night, but completely fine during the day. Click here to find O’Connell Street on the map.

Top things to do near O’Connell Street:

• Go shopping in Dublin’s top shopping district.
• Eat breakfast at Flannagins.
• Visit the Ha’Penny Bridge.
• See a show at the Abbey Theater.
• Walk by the O’Connell Monument, the iconic start to O’Connell Street.

Best places to stay near O’Connell Street area

Here’s a list of some of the top places to stay in Dublin near O’Connell Street.

Wynn’s Hotel: Combine historical elegance with modern comforts and you get Wynn’s Hotel. This iconic spot is located just a short walk from the Ha’Penny Bridge, the O’Connell Shopping Street, and the famous Abbey Theater.

Guests love the included breakfast as well as the charming bar and lounge area. Staying at Wynn’s Hotel is a unique way to enjoy a piece of Dublin’s history.

Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin: The highly-rated Hotel Riu Plaza is also located in a historical building right near O’Connell Street. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and spacious. The breakfast, location, and staff make this hotel a preferable option for tourists visiting Dublin.

Arlington Hotel O’Connell Bridge: If you want sweeping views of the River Liffey, the Arlington Hotel at O’Connell Bridge is a great choice! Here, you’ll be close to Temple Bar, world-class shopping, Trinity College, and other historic sights.

The Arlington Hotel is also home to a popular dinner and dancing show where guests can experience traditional Irish food and entertainment.

Portobello (where to stay in Dublin for foodies and residential vibe)

Located directly south of the Temple Bar area is a trendy neighborhood called Portobello. Even though this is a more residential district, there are plenty of quirky local spots to check out if you’re passing through. Click here to find Portobello on the map.

Things to do in Portobello:

• Take a walk through the Iveagh Gardens.
• Grab a delicious brunch at the Brother Hubbard Cafe.
• Get the classic Irish pub experience at The Barge Gastro Bar on the Canal.
• Enjoy the more laidback Portobello atmosphere.
• Eat at one of the many stunning restaurants along the Canal.

Best places to stay in Portobello 

Here are a few top places to stay in Dublin around Portobello neighbourhood.

Harrington Hall: This is a great place to stay in Dublin if you’re looking to be close to bars and pubs, yet far enough out of the city center to have some residential vibes too. All of the top sights are nearby, and with a great breakfast served onsite, Harrington Hall is a great option.

Camden Court Hotel: The Camden Court Hotel in Portobello is packed with comfortable amenities. Guests can use the sauna, steam room, pool, and hot tub, as well as enjoy meals at the highly-rated onsite restaurant. The Camden Court Hotel is located close to several public transportation lines, but you could also walk to many attractions if you wanted to.

Clayton Hotel Charlemont: This fresh new hotel has Grand Canal views, a lively lounge, an onsite restaurant, and stylish design features. Guests love the buffet breakfast and the close proximity to public transportation options.

The Docklands (an upscale, seaside area)

Head east from the City Center and you’ll find an upscale neighborhood called The Docklands.

Also known as the tech sector, The Docklands is where you’ll find luxurious highrises and stunning sea views. The Docklands is the business and technology epicenter of Dublin. Click here to find the Docklands on the map.

Top things to do in the Docklands:

• Enjoy the more upscale atmosphere.
• Go to a show at the famous 3Arena.
• Get a drink and dinner at MV Cill Airne – the floating restaurant and bar in the middle of the River Liffey.

Where to stay in The Docklands neighborhood 

These are some of the best hotels in the Docklands.

The Spencer Hotel: The Spencer Hotel is a clean, fresh, and modern accommodation overlooking the river and the docks. If you’re looking for amenities, the Spencer Hotel has an onsite bar, restaurant, fitness center, and pool area.

Guests love the location, staff, and well-appointed rooms. If you’re looking for an extra special experience, make sure to book a balcony room!

The Marker Hotel: The Marker Hotel definitely has that “wow” factor! In addition to comfortable rooms and stylish design, the Marker Hotel also has an impressive rooftop lounge area with sweeping views of the city, docks, and sea.

The Mayson: If you’re looking for something charming and unique, you can’t go wrong with The Mayson.

Their rooms feature design elements like exposed brick walls, elaborate woodwork, and natural light. The Warehouse Suite room even has a copper soaking tub!

Even though the rooms are a bit on the small side, guests love the cute decorations, delicious on-site restaurant, and general atmosphere of The Mayson.

Stoneybatter (the cool, hipster area)

Stoneybatter, the close-knit, friendly neighborhood west of the Dublin City Center, is also known as the “hipster” area of Dublin. With a mixture of students, families, and small businesses, many residents love calling Stoneybatter home.

Stoneybatter is also close to many famous Dublin attractions. Travel south across the River Liffey and you’ll be near the Guinness Storehouse. You can easily get to the city center, and the Jameson Distillery as well. Click here to find the Stoneybatter area on the map.

Top things to do in Stoneybatter:

• Take a Guinness Storehouse Tour (click here to read our post, and click here to get your tickets online).
• Take a tour of the Jameson Distillery (click here to read our post, and click here to get your tickets online). 
• Visit the sprawling Phoenix Park and search for the deer!
• Explore the National Museum of Ireland.

Where to stay in Stoneybatter, Dublin

With many options for places to stay in this area, here are a few of my top picks.

Ashling Hotel Dublin: The Ashling Hotel is the place to stay if you want a touch of luxury in the Stoneybatter area. Guests can enjoy views of the River Liffey and a convenient location near the Guinness Storehouse, and public transportation options.

The Hendrick Smithfield: The Hendrick Smithfield is a modern and stylish hotel option in the Smithfield neighborhood of Stoneybatter. Guests give The Hendrick excellent reviews for cleanliness, comfort, and value for money.

Generator Hostel Dublin: If you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin on a budget, the Generator Hostel is a great accommodation option that’s easy on the wallet. The Generator Hostel is located close to the Jameson Distillery and the public transportation system. You can also walk to the Dublin Castle and the Guinness Storehouse in 10-15 minutes.

South Dublin (for a quiet, longer stay in Dublin)

South Dublin is a quieter, family-friendly area comprised of several cozy neighborhoods. If you stay near Ballsbridge, Beggars Bush, or Donnybrook, you’ll still have plenty of places to eat, drink, and grab a coffee with friends, even though the atmosphere is much more laid-back.

This area is great for longer-term stays or if you’re looking for a more residential community atmosphere. Click here to find Beggars Bush on the map. 

South Dublin highlights:

• Grab a pint at Slattery’s or The Bath Pub in Beggars Bush.
• Watch a rugby or soccer match at the famous Aviva Stadium.
• Explore the park-lined canal.
• Eat a traditional Irish meal at The Old Spot.

Best places to stay in South Dublin

Have a look at these great accommodation options in South Dublin.

Roxford Lodge Hotel: The Roxford Lodge is a boutique hotel in Ballsbridge with opulent design features. Guests love the clean rooms with stylish touches, and many noted how peaceful and quiet the location is. If you’re looking for something a bit different in a relaxing area of Dublin, give the Roxford Lodge Hotel a look.

Pembroke Hall: The Pembroke Hall is a top-of-the-line hotel located between Ballsbridge, Beggars Bush, and the famous Aviva Stadium. Unlike many larger hotels, Pembroke Hall makes guests feel like they are living in a stunning home. You’ll love the quiet location and the Georgian architectural elements of this accommodation.

Hampton Hotel: The Hampton Hotel is located in the Donnybrook neighborhood of South Dublin. Donnybrook has no shortage of charming pubs and restaurants, and staying at the well-reviewed Hampton Hotel is a great way to experience them for yourself.

Enjoy Your Time In Dublin!

As you can tell, there are so many great neighborhoods to explore during your stay in Dublin.

One of the best things about Dublin is that it’s a very walkable city. If you enjoy walking, there’s a good chance you get to most of the places you want to see on foot. And, if you’re interested in being even more active during your stay, there’s some great hiking around Dublin as well. 

If you do need to go a bit farther than your feet can take you, Dublin also has an excellent public transportation system. Busses, trams, and taxis are widely available, making this an easy destination to navigate.

Need some more Dublin inspiration? Make sure to check out this post about how to spend the perfect weekend in Dublin and this local guide about free Dublin things to do you don’t want to miss. And, check out this map which lists the neighbourhoods in an “interesting” way.

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