When planning a trip to Dublin, Ireland, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning natural beauty, Dublin is a city that has something to offer for every kind of traveler. However, with so many great neighborhoods and areas to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide on the best place to stay. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland.
Get ultimate traveler plannerOverview of Dublin’s Neighborhoods
Dublin is a relatively small city, but it’s packed with unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. From the lively pubs and bars of Temple Bar to the elegant Georgian townhouses of Merrion Square, there’s a neighborhood to suit every taste and budget. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best places to stay in Dublin, including:
City Center: The Heart of the Action
The city center is the hub of Dublin’s activity, with many of its most famous landmarks and attractions within walking distance. Staying in the city center puts you right in the middle of the action, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Temple Bar: Dublin’s Party Capital
Temple Bar is Dublin’s nightlife capital, with its narrow streets packed with pubs, bars, and clubs. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the noise, Temple Bar is a great place to stay.
Merrion Square: Elegant and Upscale
Merrion Square is one of Dublin’s most elegant neighborhoods, with its beautiful Georgian townhouses and tranquil gardens. Staying in Merrion Square puts you close to the city center, but with a more relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
Ballsbridge: A Quiet Oasis
Ballsbridge is a charming neighborhood located just south of the city center. With its tree-lined streets and picturesque canals, Ballsbridge is a peaceful oasis that’s still within easy reach of Dublin’s main attractions.
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into each of these neighborhoods, exploring the best hotels, B&Bs, and apartments to stay in, as well as the top attractions and activities to enjoy in each area.
Best Places to Stay in Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, the charming capital city of Ireland, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals. When planning a trip to Dublin, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With so many amazing neighborhoods and areas to choose from, it can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
City Centre
The City Centre is the heart of Dublin, and staying here puts you in the midst of all the action. You’ll be within walking distance to many of Dublin’s top attractions, including Trinity College, Temple Bar, and St. Stephen’s Green.
Some popular hotels in the City Centre include:
- The Westin Dublin, a 5-star hotel located on Westmoreland Street
- The Merrion Hotel, a 5-star hotel located on Upper Merrion Street
- The Temple Bar Hotel, a 4-star hotel located on Fleet Street
Pros of staying in the City Centre:
- Central location, close to many attractions
- Plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from
- Easy access to public transportation
Cons of staying in the City Centre: (See Also: Best Places To Stay Near New York City)
- Can be noisy and busy
- Parking can be a challenge
- Prices for accommodations tend to be higher
Rathmines
Rathmines is a charming suburb located just south of the City Centre. It’s a popular area for tourists and locals alike, with a mix of Victorian-era homes, trendy cafes, and boutique shops.
Some popular hotels in Rathmines include:
- The Uppercross House Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Upper Rathmines Road
- The Rathmines Park Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Rathmines Road Lower
Pros of staying in Rathmines:
- Quieter and more laid-back than the City Centre
- Plenty of affordable accommodations to choose from
- Easy access to the City Centre via public transportation
Cons of staying in Rathmines:
- A bit farther from the main attractions
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared to the City Centre
Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge is an affluent suburb located just south of the City Centre. It’s known for its beautiful parks, embassies, and upscale homes.
Some popular hotels in Ballsbridge include:
- The Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, a 4-star hotel located on Merrion Road
- The Herbert Park Hotel, a 4-star hotel located on Herbert Park Lane
Pros of staying in Ballsbridge:
- Quieter and more residential than the City Centre
- Beautiful parks and green spaces to explore
- Easy access to the City Centre via public transportation
Cons of staying in Ballsbridge:
- A bit farther from the main attractions
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared to the City Centre
Portobello
Portobello is a charming neighborhood located just south of the City Centre. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, trendy cafes, and boutique shops.
Some popular hotels in Portobello include: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Cairns)
- The Portobello Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Portobello Road
- The Jackson Court Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Harcourt Street
Pros of staying in Portobello:
- Vibrant atmosphere with plenty of cafes and shops
- Easy access to the City Centre via public transportation
- Affordable accommodations to choose from
Cons of staying in Portobello:
- Can be noisy and busy
- Parking can be a challenge
Drumcondra
Drumcondra is a charming neighborhood located just north of the City Centre. It’s known for its beautiful parks, historic homes, and vibrant atmosphere.
Some popular hotels in Drumcondra include:
- The Acacia Court Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Upper Drumcondra Road
- The White House Hotel, a 3-star hotel located on Lower Drumcondra Road
Pros of staying in Drumcondra:
- Quieter and more residential than the City Centre
- Beautiful parks and green spaces to explore
- Easy access to the City Centre via public transportation
Cons of staying in Drumcondra:
- A bit farther from the main attractions
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared to the City Centre
How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Dublin
When choosing the best place to stay in Dublin, consider the following factors:
- Location: How close do you want to be to the main attractions?
- Budget: What is your budget for accommodations?
- Amenities: What amenities are you looking for in a hotel or accommodation?
- Atmosphere: Do you prefer a quiet and residential area or a vibrant and lively neighborhood?
By considering these factors, you can choose the best place to stay in Dublin that meets your needs and preferences.
Recap
In this article, we explored the best places to stay in Dublin, Ireland. We discussed the pros and cons of staying in the City Centre, Rathmines, Ballsbridge, Portobello, and Drumcondra. We also provided tips on how to choose the best place to stay in Dublin based on your location, budget, amenities, and atmosphere preferences.
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious 5-star hotel in the City Centre or a budget-friendly option in a charming neighborhood, Dublin has something for everyone. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can find the perfect place to stay in Dublin and make the most of your trip.
| Neighborhood | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre | Central location, plenty of restaurants and bars, easy access to public transportation | Noisy and busy, parking can be a challenge, prices tend to be higher |
| Rathmines | Quieter and more laid-back, plenty of affordable accommodations, easy access to public transportation | A bit farther from main attractions, fewer dining and nightlife options |
| Ballsbridge | Quieter and more residential, beautiful parks and green spaces, easy access to public transportation | A bit farther from main attractions, fewer dining and nightlife options |
| Portobello | Vibrant atmosphere, trendy cafes and shops, easy access to public transportation, affordable accommodations | Can be noisy and busy, parking can be a challenge |
| Drumcondra | Quieter and more residential, beautiful parks and green spaces, easy access to public transportation | A bit farther from main attractions, fewer dining and nightlife options |
We hope this article has been helpful in planning your trip to Dublin. Remember to consider your location, budget, amenities, and atmosphere preferences when choosing the best place to stay in Dublin. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Virginia Wine Country)
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Stay in Dublin, Ireland
What are the best areas to stay in Dublin for tourists?
Dublin is a relatively small city, and most areas are within walking distance to popular attractions. However, some of the best areas to stay in Dublin for tourists include Temple Bar, Trinity College, and O’Connell Street. These areas offer easy access to popular landmarks, restaurants, and pubs. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, consider staying in the Portobello or Rathmines neighborhoods.
Is it better to stay in a hotel or Airbnb in Dublin?
Both hotels and Airbnb options have their pros and cons in Dublin. Hotels often offer more amenities, such as breakfast and fitness centers, and are typically located in central areas. Airbnb options, on the other hand, can provide more space and a home-away-from-home feel, often at a lower cost. Consider your priorities and budget to decide which option is best for you. If you’re traveling with a group or want more flexibility, Airbnb might be the way to go. If you prefer the convenience and services of a hotel, then a hotel might be the better choice.
What is the average cost of accommodation in Dublin?
The average cost of accommodation in Dublin can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation, location, and time of year. On average, you can expect to pay around €100-€150 per night for a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb option. Mid-range hotels and Airbnb options typically cost between €150-€300 per night. Luxury hotels and high-end Airbnb options can cost upwards of €300-€500 per night.
Are there any areas in Dublin that are safe for people with disabilities?
Dublin is a relatively small city, most areas are wheelchair accessible, had ramps and lifts for people with disabilities.p>
