Where to Stay in Dublin: Best Areas For First-Timers

Dublin is the beating capital of Ireland, a place where live music reigns supreme and history complements modern living. I had the chance to spend a long weekend on my first trip to Dublin, exploring all there is to love.

When visiting, figuring out exactly where to stay in Dublin can be overwhelming, as the city is full of great hotels. I did a lot of research to figure out the best place to stay for a first-timer’s trip to Dublin. With new additions popping up across the city and a selection of great boutique hotels on offer, I’ve rounded up a guide on where to stay. Depending on the style of your trip, you’ll want to consider carefully.

Staying in Dublin as part of our road trip around Ireland, I loved spending time with my family and toddler in Merrion Square. Green spaces and a residential feel make it perfect for our time in the city. Of course, there is so many other neighborhoods to consider as well, so read on below for a look at how each differs. I’ve curated the best places to stay in Dublin, from the lively Temple Bar district to the foodie hotspot of Portobello.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for Where to Stay in Dublin and Things to Do:

Hotels

1. The Fitzwilliam Hotel, for the best boutique luxury hotel
2. The Leinster, for the best new hotel
3. The Clarence, for the best boutique budget hotel

Airbnbs

1. Studio Boutique Apartment near St Stephen’s Green, for the best museum-district base steps from the park and city center
2. 1 Bedroom Serviced Apartment in Temple Bar, for the best hotel-style stay with apartment comforts in a central riverside location

Things to Do

1. Tour Trinity College and Dublin Castle
2. Tour the Guinness Storehouse
3. Tour the Jameson Distillery
4. Visit St Patrick’s Cathedral
5. Visit Christ Church Cathedral

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For more in-depth Ireland resources, don’t miss my ultimate 8 to 10 day Ireland itinerary, Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, and my travel guides to Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, and the Gap of Dunloe! If you’re traveling as a family, check out my guide to visiting Ireland with a toddler.

Travel Tip: While you won’t need a car in Dublin, the best way to explore the rest of Ireland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Ireland is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Ireland) . Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Where to Stay in Dublin for a First-Time Trip

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What to Know Before You Visit

To make the most of your time in Ireland, here are some of my other guides to help you plan your travels:

• The Ultimate Ireland 8 to 10 Days Itinerary
• Your Ultimate Guide to Ireland with a Toddler
• The Best Things to Do in Killarney, Ireland: Travel Guide
• A Slow Traveler’s Guide to Kinsale, Ireland: Things to Do & More
• The Ultimate Guide to the Dingle Peninsula in a Day
• Your Guide to Visiting the Gap of Dunloe

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The Perks of Staying Central

Dublin is easy to get around whether you choose to walk or take advantage of the city’s tram and bus network. Staying in central Dublin puts you right in the heart of the city where you’re just moments from historic and cultural attractions including Trinity College, Dublin Castle, Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Green, and the famous Temple Bar district.

A city that always has something happening and feels incredibly inviting year-round, and choosing a hotel in Central Dublin will ensure you can maximize your time in the city. From uncovering the best pubs and restaurants to enjoying the live music scene the city is so well known for, you can’t beat the convenience and comfort of staying close to the city center.

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Top Pick for First-Timers: St Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street

Those looking to stay close to the action but away from the crowds of Temple Bar are best suited to the area around St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street. The area is full of great dining options, historic pockets, and green spaces, perfectly balancing your time in Dublin. 

It’s easy to walk around Dublin city center to visit the best attractions including museums, The Book of Kells and Trinity College, and numerous entertainment venues. There’s a great selection of hotels in the area for a variety of budgets and travel styles, making it my top choice for first-time visitors and one of the best places to stay in Dublin.

Hotels Near St Stephen’s Green & Grafton Street

1. The Fitzwilliam Hotel ($$$) — Overlooking St Stephen’s Green, this modern, sleek hotel is full of vibrant colors and an energetic atmosphere. A manicured garden offers additional green space, and some rooms feature balconies. A highlight is Citron, the hotel restaurant set on the mezzanine in the atrium. Glovers Alley is the in-house fine dining restaurant that’s perfect for special events.
2. The Westbury Hotel ($$$) — There’s a sense of grandeur about The Westbury. Perfectly positioned in the entertainment quarter of Dublin, it’s close to green spaces and the best shopping and restaurants in the city. Rooms are light and spacious with luxurious furnishings, and the marble bathrooms benefit from heated floors too. Afternoon tea and all-day fine dining are available at the hotel’s restaurants, and the 1930s-style bar is a hit.
3. The Grafton Hotel ($$$) — Having undergone refurbishment in 2021, there is a definitive impression of 1920s Art Deco throughout. Central to major sights including The Book of Kells, Temple Bar, and The Guinness Storehouse, location is a major drawcard. The mood-lit Bartley’s Cocktail Bar is a hit and the Grafton restaurant serves great pub-style dishes. Rooms range from doubles to rooms that sleep up to six, making it great for families and groups.
4. Arthaus Hotel ($$) — Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the styling of this newer boutique addition to Dublin’s hotel scene is full of clean lines and geometric shapes. The property’s 41 rooms are styled in monochromatic palettes of navy, teal, or burnt orange with wooden accents to give a warm and inviting appeal. Tucked away in a quiet street, it’s centrally located but provides a restful night’s sleep.

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Top Pick for Families: Merrion Square

If you’re traveling as a family, Merrion Square is a great place to choose as your base. Green space is coupled with charming Georgian facades in a residential pocket of Dublin’s city center. It’s a great area for a relaxed stay, with family-friendly restaurants and cafes, and streets for morning or afternoon strolls.

Being on this side of town puts you in close proximity to galleries and museums, and it’s also where several walking tours of the city begin, making a great way to uncover more of Dublin’s history. Public transport connections are available nearby, making it easy to explore other areas of the city.

Hotels Near Merrion Square

1. The Leinster ($$$) — A new addition to Dublin’s hotel scene in 2024, The Leinster is a new hotspot for five-star service and fine dining in the city. There are just 55 rooms at this 5-star property overlooking Merrion Square Park. Rooms have a sense of luxury in a boutique way, adding warm and a homely atmosphere. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace bar.
2. The Mont ($$) — There’s a distinctly Mid Century-meets-Industrial Chic at the Mont. Occupying a corner by Marrion Square Park, the building retains some Georgian features from before its renovation into a boutique hotel. Within walking distance of many of Dublin’s top sights, there’s an Irish Sports Bar on-site and a fitness center for guests to use.
3. The Davenport ($$) — Behind a spectacular Neo-classical facade is a modern hotel in a convenient location. Close to the National History Museum and green spaces, keeping the family entertained is easy. There are suites and triple rooms available, making it a great option for those with children.

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Top Pick for Nightlife: Temple Bar

Temple Bar is perhaps the most iconic area in Dublin. Known for its traditional pubs, music scene, and nightlife, it’s a top choice for those who are looking for a buzzy, social atmosphere. Cobbled streets and historic architecture provide a charming setting during the day where talented street performers and buskers add to the energy of the area.

In addition to great restaurants and bars, Temple Bar is also home to several historical landmarks, including Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral. Events are held in this corner of Dublin throughout the year, including the Temple Bar Tradfest, which celebrates Irish music and culture. If you want to be at the heart of Dublin’s social scene, this is the place to be.

Hotels in Temple Bar

1. Hard Rock Hotel Dublin ($$) — A recent addition to Hard Rock International’s hotel scene, the winter 2020 opening welcomed modern design on one of Dublin’s oldest streets. Temple Bar is the perfect home for Hard Rock, with music lovers able to explore the local music scene throughout the bars and pubs in the area. Zampas, the in-house restaurant serves Peruvian cuisine with a touch of Irish influence, and is the perfect place for dinner with friends.
2. The Clarence ($$) — Overlooking the Dublin quays and River Liffey, The Clarence has a chic-yet-cool interior where bush pink and teal velvet lounges are at home in the 1852 Regency building. There are just 50 rooms, giving this boutique hotel a chance to focus on fashion and style. Cleaver East, the in-house restaurant is open for four sittings throughout the day including breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner.
3. The Fleet ($$) — Located in a great location central to Dublin’s entertainment district full of pubs, restaurants, and shopping, The Fleet is a great economical choice. Rooms are contemporary and feature all the modern amenities you’d expect. Cafe Bar 1920 is a great place to grab a drink before heading out or to end your day.
4. Temple Bar Inn ($$) — A budget-friendly option right in the heart of Temple Bar, the namesake hotel is a convenient choice for this lively corner of Dublin. Great for young travelers, there’s a terrace and communal lounge with tea and coffee, as well as a tour desk and luggage storage facilities.

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Top Pick for Walkability and Cost: Smithfield

Smithfield combines historic character with a modern vibrancy that makes it a great neighborhood. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly accommodation that’s still within walking distance of the city’s best sights, Smithfield is a top choice. 

Phoenix Park is close by, which is great for those wanting to enjoy time outdoors. Art lovers will enjoy the numerous galleries, studios, and creative spaces that are popping up in the area. This neighborhood is also home to the Jameson Distillery, so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s whiskey history. 

Hotels in Smithfield

1. Maldron Hotel Smithfield ($$) — Sleek, contemporary styling combined with comfort is the main focus at the Maldron Hotel. Close to a tram stop and with plenty of parking if you’re visiting Dublin with a car, it is just a short walk from the heart of Dublin and its top attractions. There’s a selection of great restaurants and bars within walking distance, making for a convenient stay just outside the city center.
2. The Hendrick Smithfield ($) — The Hendrick has a fresh and youthful vibe. There’s an on-site bar and terrace, making it perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. There are various room options, including bunks making it great for groups. A 15-minute walk from Temple Bar by the River Liffey, it’s a great option for those who want to be close to the action without being in the thick of it.
3. McGettigan’s Townhouse ($$) — Enjoy a stay at a local inn which is more B&B than conventional hotel. With paneled walls and wooden details, rooms feel cozy and homely. There’s plenty of character at McGettigan’s Townhouse. Downstairs is a local pub and tram connections to the city center are just as easy as the short walk into the town center.

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Top Pick for On a Budget: Trinity College

For an ideal base that doesn’t break the bank, the area around Trinity College places you within walking distance of many of Dublin’s favorite attractions. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, you can visit the Book of Kells, take a tour of the university grounds, and explore the stunning Long Room library. 

There’s a youthfulness in the area, with some great coffee shops as well as traditional Irish pubs. While there is plenty to see and do within walking distance, the area is also well connected by public transport including buses and the Dublin trams.

Hotels Near Trinity College

1. The Trinity City Hotel ($$) — Centrally located just outside the grounds of Trinity College, it’s an easy walk to Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and the River Liffey. Styling is eclectic, with exposed bricks, floral wallpapers, and plenty of purple accents. Outdoor spaces include a courtyard and front terrace, with several dining and drinking options on site too.
2. Trinity Townhouse Hotel ($$) — Blending Georgian ambience with contemporary styling, Trinity Townhouse is a great option that’s within 10 minutes of Dublin’s most popular attractions. A great budget-friendly option that feels more luxurious than you’d expect, there’s a coziness about the property. The bus stop for the bus to Dublin Airport is also just a 2-minute walk away.

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Top Pick for Foodies: Portobello

Best known for its bohemian atmosphere, Portobello is an area full of young professionals and creatives. It also attracts its fair share of top dining hotspots. From trendy cafes to cozy pubs and high-end dining, you’re spoiled for choice of where to eat while you’re in this area. 

Brunch away at Brother Hubbard or Bibi’s Cafe for some of the best morning spots in the city, or head to Locks for Irish fine dining or I Monelli for a great Italian meal.

Located by the picturesque Grand Canal, green space makes way for cycling paths and walking routes. Portobello is also a great place to check out local boutiques, theaters, and galleries, contributing to its relaxed-yet-residential vibe.

Hotels in Portobello

1. Camden Court Hotel ($$) — A large scale hotel with plenty of amenities including a sauna, steam room, and fitness center just a short walk from St Stephen’s Square and tram stops. Rooms are brightly decorated with all the modern conveniences you’d expect. Iveagh Restaurant serves modern European cuisine, and there’s also an on-site bar.
2. Keavan’s Port Hotel ($$) — Spread across eight renovated Georgian townhouses, Heaven’s Port Hotel features bright rooms, a courtyard, and a chapel. The light-filled atrium is a highlight of the hotel’s interior, as are the stained glass window features. There are a range of rooms, including family rooms at some of the most affordable options for their occupancy in the city.
3. Number 59 Dublin ($$$) — Chic styling in blush pink, salmon, and gray are hallmarks of Number 59’s contemporary aesthetic. A small boutique property on lively Camden Street, you’ll be within walking distance of great restaurants and cafes to make the most of Dublin’s foodie scene. From welcome to check out, the personal touches during your stay will be a highlight.
4. The Dean Dublin ($$) — This boutique hotel set among a cluster of Georgian townhouses is great for young travelers looking for style to combine with the city’s nightlife. Floral wallpaper and hints of moody styling are accented by a retro vibe. Expect DJs on weekends and a cozy bar in the main building. Just a five-minute walk from Grafton Street and a short walk from St Stephen’s Square, it’s perfectly located for easy access to some of the city’s best foodie spots.

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