Hands Down, This Is Where To Stay In Dublin By Area

If you are searching for where to stay in Dublin, you have come to the right place! We totally love Ireland and have been countless times. Dublin was also the first city that we visited on our first trip abroad. As a result, we have stayed in many different areas in the city! 

Dublin is a city that is full of history and culture. Many beautiful buildings, sculptures, and memorials fill the city. The city is also well-known for its nightlife and restaurants. Dublin is a rather compact city, so no matter where you stay, you will be near cafes, shops, and museums. However, each of these districts offers something that the others don’t. Depending on which is most important to you, certain neighborhoods will be much more appealing than others. 

If you want to stay somewhere where there is always something happening in the streets, then you might want to stay in Temple Bar or on O’Connell Street. If instead, you want to stay somewhere that is a retreat from the bustle of the city, Drumcondra or Phibsborough are both good options. Howth is where to stay in Dublin if you are a lover of the outdoors. No matter what you are looking for, there is an area in Dublin that will fit your needs for your upcoming trip.

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Hands Down, This Is Where To Stay In Dublin By Area

Understanding Dublin Neighborhoods

Dublin is a unique and constantly growing city that welcomes many tourists every year. There are many different neighborhoods and areas in Dublin that tourists choose to stay in during their trip, but this list compiles the best places to stay in Dublin. Dublin is divided by the Liffey River, which offers many beautiful views. On the south side of Liffey, the neighborhoods are more touristy, while the north side is much more residential.

Both of these have their positives and negatives. The city center is on the south side of Liffey, and the closest neighborhoods are Temple Bar, O’Connell Street, and Trinity. Farther south is Portobello, though it is still very conveniently located by some of Dublin’s popular attractions. North of the River Liffey you will find Phibsborough and Drumcondra, from which you can easily reach the city center by public transportation or even by walking.

The neighborhood that is the farthest away from Dublin’s city center is Howth. Howth is to the very east of Dublin, right along the coast. While it is still possible to get to the city center, it will take a bit longer. If you are trying to decide where to stay in Dublin, this article has in-depth descriptions of the best neighborhoods in Dublin.

If you are planning your Ireland road trip according to our itinerary, we recommend spending some time in Dublin! Take a peek at this information to decide where exactly you want that to be! 

Temple Bar Is Where To Stay In Dublin For The Best Nightlife

The first neighborhood on this list of where to stay in Dublin is probably the most famous. It can be found on almost every list of the best places to stay in Dublin, and for good reason. Temple Bar is most known for its nightlife, which is probably the best in the city. Even if you don’t want to spend your night exploring the many bars that they have to offer, there are also some other attractions that can be experienced. 

The neighborhood is filled with art galleries, pop-up markets, craft shops, and some excellent restaurants. While this neighborhood definitely deserves a visit during your time in Dublin, it might not be the best place to stay for all travelers. When deciding where to stay in Dublin, keep in mind that the nightlife that makes this neighborhood famous, also keeps it busy late into the night. If you are planning on going to sleep early, consider staying in another neighborhood and planning a visit to Temple Bar. It is also one of the most popular places to stay in Dublin, so it can be pricier than some of the other areas.

Best Hotels In Temple Bar

Affordable: Temple Bar Inn

Located in Dublin’s best area for nightlife, Temple Bar Inn is a great place to stay during your time in Dublin! It is conveniently located, with O’Connell Street and Trinity College both less than a three-minute walk away and Dublin Castle is less than 1,000 feet away. The hotel offers a terrace and a lounge as well, and both are excellent places to relax after touring the city.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Brooks Hotel

When looking for accommodation on the finer side, consider staying at Brooks Hotel. Brooks Hotel is a designer boutique hotel that offers stylish rooms, as well as a drawing-room. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk from popular sites like Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College. The fitness center also offers high-tech equipment and a sauna. 

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Luxury: The Westbury Hotel

The Westbury Hotel offers luxurious and elegant accommodations that are sure to impress any traveler. The hotel is near plenty of delicious restaurants and hosts two of its own, The Gallery and Marble Bar. The hotel is gorgeous, so spending the afternoon enjoying The Gallery’s afternoon tea or a drink from Mable Bar could be a relaxing option. The hotel is also located on Dublin’s Grafton Street, so it is also very convenient for you to go and explore the surrounding area.

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O’Connell Is Where To Stay In Dublin For First-Timers

O’Connell Street is located near the center of Dublin and is the widest street in Dublin. It is also very easy to tour the rest of Dublin with O’Connell Street as your home base. The street is well connected to the bus and Luas routes. Luas is Dublin’s tram that runs throughout the city and offers an affordable way to explore.nThis lively area is also a great place to get some shopping done! Tons of shops can be found along the street, as well as Irish pubs, restaurants, and live music.

If you would rather see some of the monuments that O’Connell Street has to offer than you should plan to see The Spire or The General Post Office. The Spire (also known as the Monument of Light) is one the tallest sculpture in the world, reaching 120 meters. Then there is the General Post Office was built in 1818 and is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings on O’Connell Street. A reason that some visitors might not want to stay on O’Connell Street though, is that it is a street that never sleeps. The mix of shops and pubs means that there will always be people exploring the street, even when you are trying to sleep.

Best Hotels In O’Connell

Affordable: Academy Plaza

Located just off O’Connell Street, Academy Plaza is a beautiful retreat from the constant movement on the street. This hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness room, all for an affordable price. It is also conveniently located, and the perfect place to stay if you want to explore the city. The Temple Bar District, Trinity College, and Dublin Castle are all within a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

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Mid-Range: Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

This historic hotel is a gorgeous place to stay during your time in Dublin. The Gresham offers stylish rooms with some giving guests views of O’Connell Street. This hotel is also conveniently located near the heart of Dublin, and a walk away from the River Liffey and the nightlife at Temple Bar.

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For Affordable Accommodations, Stay In Trinity

Trinity is mostly known as the home of Trinity College. The neighborhood is located on the south side of the Liffey River and is full of historic buildings, iconic architecture, green spaces, and extraordinary history. Trinity is also a more affordable option for where to stay in Dublin. It has become very popular with backpackers thanks to the low prices that this area offers. Another perk to staying in Trinity, is that it is close to Temple Bar, the city’s main nightlife, but far enough away that you can escape the chaos when you are ready for the night to be over.

Best Hotels In Trinity

Affordable: Kildare Street Hotel

A great budget option for where to stay in Dublin is the Kildare Street Hotel. It offers comfortable rooms at a great price, with some featuring views of Trinity College. The hotel itself is set within 5 adjoining Georgian townhouses and has been open since 1837. This hotel has the reputation of traditional Irish hospitality and is one of the most unique hotels in Trinity.

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Mid-Range: Trinity City Hotel

Located only a two-minute walk away from Trinity College, Trinity City Hotel is a great location for where to stay in Dublin during your trip! The rooms are stylish and spacious, with some even offering views of the city. This hotel is incredibly convenient and is one of the great places to stay in Dublin.

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Portobello Is A Trendy And Upscale Neighborhood

When looking for some of Dublin’s trendiest restaurants and shops, you will not be disappointed with Portobello. Some of these restaurants have made Portobello where to stay in Dublin for the best brunch! The city is also a great place to get some shopping done, and it offers contemporary galleries and unique shops.

Portobello also has some pretty remarkable history that makes it unique from the other neighborhoods on this list of where to stay in Dublin. In the 19th-century Portobello was a refuge for Jews, and because of this has earned the name ‘Little Jerusalem’. Today, you can learn about this history by visiting the Irish Jewish Museum, which is housed in an old synagogue. If you want to stroll through Portobello, consider walking to St. Stephens Green, a beautiful city park.

Best Hotels in Portobello

Affordable: Portobello Hotel

Portobello Hotel offers convenience and style, both at an affordable price. It is less than a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green, and the city center is easily accessible by bus. If you are hoping to experience some of Dublin’s nightlife, there is also a bar and a nightclub adjacent to the hotel.

Check Prices: Booking.com

Mid-Range: Buswells Hotel

If you are looking for hotels near Dublin Temple Bar, then the Buswells Hotel is a great, and luxurious, option. It is less than a 10-minute walk from some of Dublin’s most famous nightlife, and less than a five-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Green. This hotel boasts beautiful decor that sets it apart from other places to stay in Dublin.

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Luxury: The Fitzwilliam Hotel

If you want your trip to Dublin to be in luxury, then you should stay at the Fitzwilliam Hotel. This 5-star hotel offers beautiful rooms and a restaurant with views of St. Stephen’s Green. Temple Bar is only a 5-minute walk away, so if you are looking for the best nightlife in Dublin, then this is a very convenient location.

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Phibsborough Is For Travelers Looking To Relax In Dublin

Phibsborough is one of Dublin’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and the perfect combination of residential and commercial. Phibsborough is minutes away from the city center, but the area is much more relaxed and there are fewer tourists. This is a great place to escape from the madness of the city, though it might not stay that way for long, as there are constantly more shops and cafes taking over the once abandoned buildings. 

Phibsborough is a working-class neighborhood, that for a while, was completely ignored by tourists. However, it has seen a major transformation since the opening of the Luas Cross City Line. Now it is drawing in Dublin’s younger population who are bringing local boutiques, eclectic restaurants, a variety of nightlife, and charming pubs.  Phibsborough is becoming a completely different neighboorhood, making it one of the great places to stay in Dublin. 

Best Hotels In Phibsborough

Affordable: Charleville Lodge Hotel

An affordable option for where to stay in Dublin is Charleville Lodge Hotel. This hotel offers colorful rooms that are affordably priced. The rooms are also decently sized and have large bathrooms. Unlike the other two hotels in Phibsborough on this list though, Charleville Lodge Hotel is located directly in the neighborhood, instead of right outside.

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Mid-Range: Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

Right outside of Phibsborough is Maldron Hotel, a stylish and bright hotel that offers comfortable rooms for a reasonable price. It is very conveniently located, with Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, and Trinity College all under a 10-minute walk away. There is also a restaurant at the hotel, and there you can order pizzas to take to your room after a long day of exploring.

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Luxury: Maples House Hotel

Located just a short walk from the residential neighborhood of Phibsborough, Maples House Hotel is a beautiful Edwardian-era hotel. This hotel can be found in a prestigious residential area, and it offers beautiful rooms and a delicious restaurant. There is also a bus stop located nearby that gives guests easy access to the rest of the city. 

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Drumcondra Is For Foodies

Only a 20-minute walk away from the heart of Dublin, Drumcondra is filled with history and culture. The most famous landmark in Drumcondra is Croke Park, which was the site of massacre known as Bloody Sunday during the Irish War of Independence. Now, the park is used for cultural celebrations, as well as many other events throughout the year.

Drumcondra is one of the older residential suburbs of Dublin. It is in north Dublin, and is a relatively quiet and safe section of Dublin, with small businesses being the main draw. Drumcondra is also a paradise for foodies. More restaurants are constantly popping up, and no matter what you are looking for, Drumcondra is bound to have it.

Best Hotels In Drumcondra

Affordable: Gardiner House

Located in a 200-year-old converted Victorian chapel, Gardiner House offers a unique experience at a very affordable price. The Dublin city center and Trinity College are only a mile away from this hostel and can be easily walked to. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and stylish, and Gardiner House is a great place to spend your time when you are not out exploring Dublin.

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Mid-Range: The Croke Park Hotel

This stylish hotel is a great option for where to stay in Dublin. The Croke Park Hotel is located only a 15-minute drive away from the airport, and the rest of the city can be easily reached by walking or taking public transportation. Their stylish rooms are comfortable and offered at an affordable price.

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Howth Is Where To Stay In Dublin For Tourists Who Love The Outdoors

East of central Dublin, Howth is one of the most picturesque places to stay in Dublin. The village of Howth is charming, and the Howth Peninsula is one of the most photogenic landscapes in the east of Ireland. Howth Castle is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets and is the most iconic feature of this stunning landscape. Howth Castle is also home to expansive rhododendron gardens that are in bloom from March to June every year, and provide a rather remarkable sight.  If you are a nature lover, be sure to plan a visit to Ireland’s Eye while in Howth. This island is uninhabited by humans and provides a sanctuary for sea birds.

Best Hotels In Howth

Mid-Range: King Sitric

Offering views of the Howth Peninsula, and fresh seafood at the onsite restaurant, King Sitric is a great place to stay during your time in Howth. The rooms are bright and comfortable, and the views are absolutely beautiful. Howth Castle is around a mile away from this guest house and getting to Dublin’s city center will take about 20 minutes on the DART rail system.

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Luxury: Tara Hall

This luxurious hotel is stylishly designed with beautiful pieces, and the rooms boast four-poster beds. Tara Hall will be one of the highlights of your trip to Howth, between the exquisite decor, the magnificent views, and a beautiful garden. Tare Hall is also 1.6 miles away from Ireland’s Eye, making a visit rather easy.

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When planning your trip to Dublin, it can be difficult to decide where to stay. The hardest part of picking where to stay in Dublin is which district you want to stay in. This article gives you all of the information that you need to decide which district will be best for your trip and recommendations for some of the best hotels in each district, making your decision much easier! With so many options, you will find where to stay in Dublin that is best for you.