Best hotels in Dublin: where to stay by area

Dublin is a compact, friendly capital of historic pubs, Georgian townhouses and a river that splits it in two, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: the elegance of the south centre around Grafton Street, the nightlife of Temple Bar, Georgian Dublin and its museums, the modern Docklands, the lively north side with Smithfield. The centre is walkable and the Luas trams help, so location matters mostly for the evening noise. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Dublin, area by area

South centre, Grafton Street and Trinity

The elegant heart around Trinity College, Grafton Street and St Stephen's Green. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants everything on foot, with the best atmosphere and the highest prices.

• Trinity College with the Book of Kells
• The shopping of Grafton Street
• The park of St Stephen's Green
• Dublin Castle nearby

For centrality and elegance, look for hotels in the south centre.

Temple Bar

The cultural, nocturnal quarter along the river, among cobbled lanes, pubs and venues. It is the choice for anyone who loves nightlife and live music on the doorstep, allowing for crowds and noise at night.

• The pubs and live music of Temple Bar
• The pedestrian Ha'penny Bridge
• Galleries, markets and restaurants
• Steps from Trinity and the centre

For nightlife and music, see hotels in Temple Bar.

Georgian Dublin

Around Merrion Square and the great museums, this is the Dublin of Georgian facades and colourful doors, elegant and quieter. It is the choice for anyone who loves museums, architecture and a refined centre.

• The National Gallery of Ireland
• The National Museum of Ireland
• The Georgian doors of Fitzwilliam Square
• The gardens of Merrion Square

For museums and elegance, look for hotels in Georgian Dublin.

The Docklands

Modern Dublin on the river, the tech district with contemporary hotels and quieter evenings. It is the practical choice for anyone after newer properties, good value and convenience for the convention centre and concerts.

• The Grand Canal Dock on the waterfront
• The 3Arena for concerts
• The Convention Centre
• Modern hotels and the Luas tram to the centre

For a modern base and value, see hotels in the Docklands.

North side and Smithfield

The north side around O'Connell Street and lively Smithfield, with the Jameson distillery and hip Stoneybatter. It is the choice for anyone after better prices and a local side, while staying handy for the centre.

• The O'Connell Street boulevard with the Spire
• The Jameson Distillery on Bow Street
• The square of Smithfield
• Hip Stoneybatter

For value and local life, look for hotels in Smithfield.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Dublin is one of Europe's priciest capitals for hotels, with big swings around events.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 150-280 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with drinks: about 60-90 euros; a pint of Guinness 6-7 euros, a coffee 3.50-4 euros.
• Transport: with the Leap Card a bus or Luas tram ride costs about 2 euros, with a daily cap.
• Tourist tax: Ireland charges no tourist tax and Dublin has none in force (a levy of up to 5 euros a night is only under consideration); VAT is already included in the price. Still, check the total at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Dublin.

Getting there and around

The airport is Dublin Airport (DUB), about 10 km north, linked to the centre by the Airlink Express and Dublin Express buses in a good half hour; there is no rail link yet. In town the Luas trams, buses and the DART cover everything and the centre is walkable.

A car is unnecessary and parking is expensive and awkward. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few Luas stops away.

When to go

• March-May: mild, with the big St Patrick's Day festival on 17 March, a showery but lovely spring.
• June-August: mild weather, long days, high season and festivals.
• September-October: crisp air, pleasant, fewer crowds.
• November-February: cool and wet, with cosy pubs and Christmas; lower prices except New Year.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The south centre around Grafton Street, or Temple Bar if you want nightlife on the doorstep.

Do I need a car in Dublin? No, the centre is compact and walkable, with the Luas trams; driving and parking are a hassle.

Is there a tourist tax? No, Ireland has none and Dublin has none in force; a tax is only under consideration, and VAT is included.

How far is the airport? About 10 km, with the Airlink or Dublin Express buses in a good half hour.

What is the weather like? Changeable and rainy: bring a rain jacket in every season.

How many days do I need? Two or three nights for the city and perhaps a trip to Howth or the Wicklow Mountains.

The best hotels in Dublin

Below is a selection of real hotels in Dublin among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.