Packed with fun and excitement, Dublin nothing short of a traveller’s paradise. This small city’s reputation precedes it all over the world. People talk about the vibrant pub scene, historic landmarks, and extraordinary Irish charm.
But with more than 200 hotels and hostels on offer, it can be overwhelming figuring out exactly where to stay in Dublin. The city is divided into a number of different neighborhoods, with each area offering a different kind of Irish magic.
This special city has a lot to offer you and I want to give you a head start. I’ve listed the best places to stay in Dublin and broken them down to suit different travel styles. I’ve also HAND-PICKED top accommodation and things to do in each area, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
So you can get to the top of Dublin Castle, back down to get round the pubs, and experience the best of traditional Irish hospitality, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s get into it!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for the places to stay in Dublin on your Ireland adventure.
Unique River Side Apartment | Best Airbnb in Dublin
When you’re exploring Dublin, there’s nothing better to come back to your riverside apartment. Relax with stunning city views while you cosy up and recharge your batteries. This amazing Dublin Airbnb sleeps 4 guests with all the amenities you deserve. It’s within Dublin’s cultural Quarter, around the corner from Dublin Castle and within walking distance of O’Connell Street Spire and Camden Street.
Abbey Court | Best Hostel in Dublin
This place is easily one of the best hostels in Ireland and ideal for backpackers discovering Dublin for the first time. Providing a super-cool base to explore the city, the atmosphere is a blend between social and laid-back, with sleek designed rooms including a cinema room and hammock room. It’s perfect to meet other cool travellers! Choose between shared dorms and private rooms, so you can find something that suits your travel style.
Ashling Hotel | Best Hotel in Dublin
The Ashling Hotel is our favourite hotel in Dublin. It has spacious rooms and an on-site bar, and a hot breakfast is offered daily. Located in central Dublin, this modern and stylish four-star hotel is close to shops, restaurants and Dublin’s top attractions like O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, St. Stephen’s Green and The Grand Canal. It’s one of the best luxury hotels in Dublin with comfortable rooms, a great location and beautiful modern architecture.
City Centre
The city centre is our pick for where to stay in Dublin you’re visiting for the first time. Packed with shops and boutiques, parks, pubs and clubs, everything you need is at your front door. It’s one of the places to stay in Dublin, Ireland, for first-time visitors.
Trinity
Located on the south side of the River Liffey is the stunning Trinity neighbourhood. Home to the world-renowned Trinity College Dublin, this neighbourhood is brimming with historic buildings, iconic architecture, green spaces, and extraordinary history.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is far and away the most famous neighbourhood in Dublin. It is located on the south banks of the River Liffey and our pick for where to stay for Dublin nightlife area.
Phibsborough
Tucked away north of the city centre is Phibsborough, one of Dublin’s up-and-coming and coolest neighbourhoods and one of the best places to stay in Dublin.
Portobello
Portobello is a trendy and cosmopolitan city-suburb located south of Dublin’s city centre. One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the city, Portobello is jam-packed with charming bars and pubs, innovative restaurants, and chic shops.
Dublin is the vibrant capital and largest city of the Republic of Ireland. It’s famous for its classic pubs, cobblestone streets, rich history, and literary giants. There’s plenty to see and do when you visit Dublin, from seeing the historic architecture and iconic landmarks to enjoying amazing dishes and partying (hard).
The city of Dublin is divided in two by the River Liffey. On either side, there are a number of interesting and unique neighborhoods just waiting to be explored around Dublin city centre.
The centre of Dublin is the prime destination for most travellers. It’s home to the city’s main shopping and entertainment areas, as well as a variety of historic and cultural landmarks. If you’re visiting Dublin for the first time, this is the best place to get to know the city.
If you’re backpacking Dublin on a budget, you’ll find Trinity to have more affordable accommodation. This is a student area home to the university, so you’ll have more wallet-friendly prices to choose from.
Temple Bar is Dublin’s nightlife hub. This energetic destination is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars, pubs, and clubs in central Dublin.
Phibsborough sits just north of the centre, slightly further out from the main tourist scene in central Dublin. It’s a more authentic neighborhood, home to hipster hangouts, trendy cafes, and quirky boutiques.
Finally, the upmarket residential neighborhood of Portobello is great for families visiting Dublin. This area of the city is full of cute cafes and eateries but has a quieter, more laid-back vibe than Dublin city centre.
Still not sure where to stay in Dublin? Read on for a breakdown of each of these places below! As well as the best hostels, hostels and Bed and Breakfasts in Dublin.
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5 Best Places to Stay in Dublin
Now, let’s take a detailed look at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Dublin. If you’re looking for a city break or you’re backpacking on a budget, different areas will suit your trip to Dublin more than others. Each neighborhood is a little different from the last, so be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you!
1. City Centre – Where to Stay in Dublin for the First Time
Central city Dublin is bursting with an exciting mix of history and Irish culture. With so many places to visit in Dublin, it’s the best place to stay if it’s your first time in the city.
This is also one of the best places to stay in Dublin if you love to shop. The central district is where you’ll find everything from independent shops and local boutiques to high-street fashion and high-end designers. With so many things to do in Dublin, you’ll want to stay at the heart of things!
Unique River Side Apartment | Best Airbnb in City Centre
When you’re exploring Dublin, there’s nothing better to come back to your riverside apartment. Relax with stunning city views while you cosy up and recharge your batteries. This amazing Dublin Airbnb sleeps 4 guests with all the amenities you deserve. It’s within Dublin’s cultural Quarter, around the corner from Dublin Castle and within walking distance of O’Connell Street Spire and Camden Street.
Abbey Court | Best Hostel in City Centre
This award-winning hostel is ideal for backpackers discovering Dublin for the first time, providing a super-cool base to explore the city. The atmosphere is a blend between social and laid-back, with sleek designed rooms including a cinema room and hammock room – perfect to meet other cool travellers. Choose between shared dorms and private rooms, so you can find something that suits your travel style.
Ashling Hotel | Best Hotel in City Centre
On the edge of the River Liffey is this modern and stylish four-star hotel. It’s walking distance of the tourist hub and Dublin’s top attractions. It offers spacious rooms with great views of the city, an onsite bar, and a hot breakfast is served daily. There are also family rooms are available.
Things to See and Do in City Centre:
- Visit the Guinness Storehouse and enjoy it at its finest. 😉
- Shop around the Henry Street area, one of the oldest and most famous shopping districts in the city.
- Eat a traditional Irish steak at FX Buckley Steakhouse.
- Grab a drink and listen to live music at Whelan’s.
- See the O’Connell Monument, a memorial to the 19th-century nationalist leader, Daniel O’Connell.
- Take a guided tour to get to know true Dublin.
- View the 120 meters high Spire of Dublin, one of the world’s tallest sculptures on O’Connell Street.
- Visit St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral and be amazed at its stunning interior.
- Learn about Irish folklore and myth at the National Leprechaun Museum.
- Get a taste of the finest whiskey (in the world?) at Jameson’s Distillery.
2. Trinity – Where to Stay in Dublin on a Budget
Located on the south side of the River Liffey is the stunning Trinity neighborhood. Home to the world-renowned Trinity College Dublin, this area is brimming with historic buildings, iconic architecture, and extraordinary history.
Another perk of Trinity is its close proximity to Dublin Temple Bar. You’ll be just a short walk away from plenty of bars and pubs, but will be able to escape the chaos for a good night’s rest.
Mulligan Hotel Deluxe Room | Best Airbnb in Trinity
This simple boutique hotel is perfect for budget travellers who need a conveniently located bed in Dublin. Between Trinity College and Temple Bar, this room sits above a cool pub with the friendliest staff who give the best recommendations. It comes with free wi fi, a comfy bed, and a kettle. Downstairs you’ll get pub food, drinks, and live music – in true Irish style.
Ashfield Hostel | Best Hostel in Trinity
This hostel offers comfortable and spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms. It’s situated within walking distance of Dublin’s main attractions so you can save money on public transport, and is very close to bustling Temple Bar. Best of all, the hostel provides free breakfast and daily guided tours!
Trinity City Hotel | Best Hotel in Trinity
This boutique hotel may be slightly more costly, but worth every penny. Guests can enjoy a four-star service in a very convenient location, within easy reach of shops, restaurants, Dublin Castle and public transport. There’s an onsite restaurant and bar, and a number of room options to choose from to suit every traveller.
Things to See and Do in Trinity:
- Explore the grounds of Trinity College Dublin and see the famous Book of Kells.
- See Dublin Castle, a major landmark and complex of the Irish government.
- Enjoy a sweet treat at Offbeat Donut Co.
- Grab a pint at Mulligan’s, a no-nonsense traditional Irish pub.
- View the statue of Molly Malone, a fictional fishmonger immortalized in song.
- Tour the best bars on a Dublin Whiskey Tour.
- Browse priceless antiquities that date back to the prehistoric and Viking periods at the National Museum of Ireland: Archaeology.
- Visit the Irish Whiskey Museum and cap off your visit with a guided tasting.
3. Temple Bar – Where to Stay in Dublin for Nightlife
Temple Bar is without a doubt the most famous neighborhood in Dublin. By day, Temple Bar is an area teeming with notable institutions including the Irish Photography Centre, the Iris Film Institute, and the Irish Stock Exchange.
But as the sun sets, Dublin Temple Bar becomes the city’s premier attraction for night owls and party animals. Here, you’ll find a large concentration of bars, pubs, restaurants, and clubs. If you’re coming to explore Dublin on a weekend, you’ll get to experience this in all its glory.
Stunning City Apartment | Best Airbnb in Temple Bar
Sleeping up to four guests, this apartment is suitable for families or groups visiting Dublin. Guests can enjoy a full kitchen, bright living spaces and a balcony overlooking the city. Bars and restaurants are within easy reach, with Grafton Street a few minutes away.
Abigails Hostel | Best Hostel in Temple Bar
Just steps from Dublin’s hottest bars, pubs, and clubs is Abigails Hostel. Offering private and shared accommodations, this budget-friendly hostel in Dublin has bright, airy rooms, and comfortable beds. The hostel offers various free activities during the day, so you can get some real bang for your buck.
Temple Bar Inn | Best Hotel in Temple Bar
Temple Bar Inn is a hip and modern three-star hotel. It features an onsite gym, swimming pool, and sauna, so you can enjoy a relaxing break in the heart of all the action. Step outside, and you’ll be surrounded by Dublin’s best bars and clubs.
Things to See and Do in Temple Bar:
- Get to know what the fuss is all about on an Irish pub crawl.
- See great works of contemporary art at Temple Bar Gallery + Studio.
- Grab a pint at Teac Na Céibe, a classic Irish pub.
- Enjoy one of the best parties in Dublin at Mother, an underground queer club.
- Savour a sweet treat at the Queen of Tarts café and patisserie.
- Catch an up-and-coming comedian or a new band at The Workman’s Club.
- Dance the night away at Bad Bobs Temple Bar.
- Listen to great live music and enjoy a few drinks at the Button Factory.
- Dine on delicious dishes and sip European wines at Cleaver East.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Phibsborough – Coolest Place to Stay in Dublin
Tucked away north of the centre is Phibsborough, one of Dublin’s up-and-coming and coolest neighborhoods. The area has long been ignored by tourists and has been regenerated by Dublin’s younger population.
A great combination of urban grit and hipster edge, Phibsborough is teeming with local boutiques, eclectic restaurants, and charming pubs. Here you’ll also find a good variety of nightlife, street art, culture, and fashion.
Northside Loft | Best Airbnb in Phibsborough
This cute apartment in Phibsborough is ideal for couples or solo travellers. Furnishings are bright and modern, with a small but perfectly formed kitchen, and free wi fi included. The raised bed gives lots of space in a small apartment and the space is light and airy. It’s situated in a convenient location close to the centre, with all of Dublin’s top attractions and city life close by.
Gardiner House | Best Hostel in Phibsborough
This awesome hostel in Dublin is set in an old chapel – so the decor is really cool. It’s a short distance from the trendy Phibsborough neighborhood, close to bars, restaurants, and Dublin’s top tourist attractions: you’ll be able to easily walk to the Trinity College and Temple Bar area. The hostel has a family feel with a garden, pool table, cool artwork.
Egans House | Best Hotel in Phibsborough
Egans House is a modern guesthouse situated just outside Phibsborough. There’s a beautiful garden, an onsite restaurant, and comfortable rooms for guests, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring Dublin. There’s good connections to public transportation to get to the top attractions. It’s a great place for couples looking for accommodation in Dublin.
Things to See and Do in Phibsborough:
- Grab a pint at the Porterhouse.
- Rent a bike or take a stroll along the banks of the Royal Canal.
- Sip a coffee or cappuccino at the very hip Two Boys Brew café.
- Take a stroll around the charming and tranquil Blessington Street Basin.
- Enjoy a great breakfast at Woodstock, a jack-of-all-trades-style restaurant.
- Tickle your taste buds at the White Moose Café.
- Root for the home team at a Bohemians football match.
- Dance the night away at McGowans.
- Sample a wide selection of beers at the Back Page.
- Stop and smell the roses at the National Botanic Gardens.
5. Portobello – Best Area in Dublin for Families
Portobello is a trendy and cosmopolitan city suburb located south of the centre of Dublin. One of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, Portobello is jam-packed with charming bars and pubs, innovative restaurants, and chic shops.
A short 10-minute walk from the centre of Dublin, Portobello retains its cosy village-like charm and atmosphere. It’s more laid-back than other districts, perfect if you’re wondering where to stay in Dublin with kids.
Historic Church Apartment | Best Airbnb in Portobello
Families will love staying in this Airbnb. Actually – it’s amazing for any kind of traveller wanting a unique experience! Up to 4 guests can stay in the old church with a medieval feel that creates the most amazing atmosphere and makes you feel really special. There’s a kitchen for home-cooked meals and homey spaces to relax in.
Garden Lane Backpackers | Best Hostel in Portobello
Friendly staff, a great location, and hip décor are just a few of the reasons we love this hostel. Set in Portobello, this hostel has restaurants, shops, bars, and clubs on its doorstep. They offer free breakfast and feature a large kitchen, a relaxed lounge area, and wifi. It’s close by to art galleries, Irish pubs, and the Guinness Storehouse.
Iveagh Garden Hotel | Best Hotel in Portobello
With family rooms, an onsite restaurant, and easy access to the centre of Dublin, this luxury hotel is one of the top hotels in Dublin. Situated at the heart of the Portobello neighborhood, it’s ideal for families. St Stephen’s Green, The Natural History Museum, Trinity College, The National Concert Hall, The Grand Canal are a short walk away. Sightseeing is a breeze from here!
Things to See and Do in Portobello:
- Walk, cycle, or even kayak along the beautiful and leafy Grand Canal.
- Treat yourself to a pastry or two at Bretzel bakery.
- Dine on delicious and innovative Irish fare at Richmond.
- Take a stroll through St Stephen’s Green, a park with lakes, sculptures, playgrounds and a waterfall.
- Sip, snack, and sample your way through the Eatyard food market.
- Visit the Irish Jewish Museum and see artefacts, memorabilia and genealogical records.
- Wander throughout the Iveagh Gardens, a lush urban green space with a spectacular waterfall.
- Tour Dublin’s famous tourist attractions on land and water by taking a Viking Splash Tour.
- Hit the shops on Grafton Street.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Dublin
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Dublin and where to stay.
What To Pack For Dublin
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Dublin
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Dublin
Dublin is a city with so much to offer and is a must-visit for travellers in Ireland. It has an energetic nightlife scene, interesting history, exquisite culture, and delectable cuisine.
No matter your age, travel style, or budget, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Dublin. Even just a cheeky weekend will lighten your life!
It’s a safe city with heaps of cheap hotels and hostels in the centre. So even if you’re on a tighter budget, you can make it work. Dublin airport is also easy to reach and there’s a regular bus that takes you to Dublin’s city center.
If you’re still unsure where to stay, central Dublin is always a good option. Abbey Court Hostel is our top pick for budget travellers, thanks to its cool design, top location, and stunning atmosphere.
If you’re more of a hotel person, The Ashling Hotel provides a great alternative if you’re after something more upmarket. Staying here, you’ll get a calm oasis in the heart of the city.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in Dublin that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Dublin.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Dublin.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Dublin instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Dublin to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Dublin is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Europe.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Europe backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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