Where to stay in Dublin
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is a fascinating city with many faces. Its cobbled streets resonate with traditional music, its centuries-old pubs tell the story of centuries of history, and its neighbourhoods each have their own distinct personality. But given all this diversity, one question naturally arises before you book your accommodation: where should you stay in Dublin to make the most of your stay? Whether you’re looking for a lively nightlife, refined Georgian architecture, an authentic atmosphere off the beaten track or a quiet area ideal for families, Dublin has the answer. This comprehensive guide will help you identify the ideal area to base your suitcases, according to your profile and your desires.
Ireland’s capital is a city on a human scale, which is particularly pleasant to explore on foot. Even before choosing your district, you should be aware that it is naturally divided into two large areas separated by the River Liffey: the Southside, which is more residential and elegant, and the Northside, which is more popular and authentic. If you want to visit Dublin in the best possible conditions, let our advice be your guide.
Also read the Dublin guide:
- Top 10 Dublin culinary specialities
- Top 10 things to do in Dublin
- Drinking a beer in Temple Bar Dublin
- Top 5 hotels to stay in Dublin
- How to get to Ireland by ferry from France
1. Temple Bar: for nightlife and Dublin excitement
It’s impossible to talk about where to stay in Dublin without starting with Temple Bar, the most famous and liveliest district in the Irish capital. Nestling on the south bank of the River Liffey, between Ha’penny Bridge and Dublin Castle, this area of cobbled streets and colourful facades is the beating heart of the city’s cultural and nightlife scene. It’s hard to miss the neon signs, the packed pubs and the lively terraces that go on well into the night, even on weekdays.
Temple Bar is the perfect place for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the typically Irish festive atmosphere. Its alleyways are home to dozens of traditional pubs, gourmet markets such as the Temple Bar Food Market (Meeting House Square, Dublin 2, rated 4.5/5 on Google with over 2,500 reviews) and contemporary art galleries. The Temple Bar Pub, at 47-48 Temple Bar, is a must: its photo-covered walls, live music and selection of Irish beers make it one of Ireland’s most photographed pubs. Lovers of live culture will also appreciate the Project Arts Centre (39 Essex St E, Dublin 2, rated 4.6/5 on Google for over 500 reviews), which stages exhibitions and shows throughout the year.
During the day, the district is transformed: designer boutiques, independent bookshops and art galleries fill the alleyways, offering a very different atmosphere from the feverish nightlife. It’s also just a stone’s throw away from two of the major monuments you’ll want to put on your list: Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral, two must-sees when visiting the city.
Temple Bar is ideal for: young travellers, groups of friends, party-goers and anyone who wants to be at the heart of the action. On the other hand, if you’re looking for peace and quiet to sleep in, this busy night-time district is not the most suitable. Choose a room on a high floor, or bring earplugs! Youth hostels are particularly well represented here, alongside numerous hotels of all categories.
2. Trinity College, Grafton Street & St. Stephen’s Green: for historic sites and shopping
Would you like to stay in Dublin at the heart of history, within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions? The area formed by the triangle of Trinity College, Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green is undoubtedly the most central and the most complete for a first stay in the Irish capital. This area, to the immediate south of the River Liffey, brings together the best of what Dublin has to offer in terms of monuments, shopping and city life.
Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I, is Ireland’s oldest university and one of the finest in Europe. Its green lawns, Old Library and precious Book of Kells attract visitors from all over the world. Just across the road, Grafton Street is the city’s most iconic pedestrian shopping street, lined with shops ranging from the big names to local designers. A few streets further on, St. Stephen’s Green, a vast 9-hectare park in the heart of the city centre, offers a welcome break from the greenery after a busy day’s sightseeing.
You can also visit the statue of Molly Malone, the symbol of Dublin, at the entrance to Grafton Street. For your local shopping experience, make a diversion to George’s Street Arcade, a Victorian covered market that has been open since 1881, selling vintage, handicrafts and curios of all kinds.
When it comes to restaurants and pubs, this area is full of quality addresses. In the evenings, O’Donoghue’s pub (15 Merrion Row, Dublin 2) welcomes musicians every night for a session of authentic traditional Irish music – an experience not to be missed if you want to understand the soul of Dublin. If you’d like to be guided through all these treasures in a fun and independent way, the Navaway audio tour of Dublin takes you step by step to discover all these iconic places.
This area is ideal for families, first-time visitors, culture lovers and shoppers. Hotels are plentiful but often expensive; the streets around Nassau Street and Kildare Street offer the best accommodation options in this popular area.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Dublin on foot and on your own
To make the most of all these areas without relying on a guided tour, Navaway offers a complete audio tour of Dublin. In 20 carefully selected stages, this walking tour takes you from Merrion Square to the Temple Bar district, via Trinity College, the Ha’penny Bridge and many other must-sees. Each place is accompanied by a fun audio commentary combining history, anecdotes and a few mysteries unique to the Irish capital. Available on the Navaway app, this itinerary is perfect for discovering Dublin at your own pace, whenever you like, with no time constraints.
3. Merrion Square: for art, Georgian architecture and elegance
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Dublin that combines refinement, culture and serenity, Merrion Square is the obvious choice. Located to the east of the city centre, this incomparably elegant Georgian quarter is one of the most beautiful in the Irish capital. Its 18th-century red brick buildings, with their sober facades and distinctive coloured doors, give the area an atmosphere that is both historic and lively.
Merrion Square Park, with its manicured lawns and sculptures, is a popular place for Dubliners to take a stroll. The park is also home to the statue of Oscar Wilde, shown reclining on a rock in a casual, colourful pose – a mischievous nod to the writer’s ironic tone. Just a stone’s throw away is Oscar Wilde’s house, where the author of The Picture of Dorian Gray grew up and which bears witness to the bourgeois Georgian environment in which he grew up.
Merrion Square is also home to Dublin’s major cultural institutions. The National Gallery of Ireland (Merrion Square W, Dublin 2, rated 4.7/5 on Google for more than 11,000 reviews) offers an exceptional permanent collection of Irish and European works, free of charge. Just next door, the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology (Kildare St, Dublin 2, rated 4.7/5 on Google with over 10,000 reviews) immerses visitors in the history of the island, from the treasures of the Celtic Golden Age to the Viking Age.
This area is one of the safest and most pleasant places to stay in Dublin, whether as a couple, a family or on your own. It has a cosy atmosphere in the evenings, with accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to holiday flats and charming bed & breakfasts. And if you want to explore the whole city from this ideal starting point, don’t forget to download the Navaway tour to make sure you don’t miss out on any of Dublin’s treasures.
This area is ideal for: couples, art and history lovers, and travellers looking for peace and elegance. It is also one of the areas recommended for a first stay or a week in Dublin.
4. The Liberties: for history, beer and Irish authenticity
To the west of Dublin’s historic centre, the Liberties district is one of the city’s oldest. Long considered the stronghold of Dublin’s artisans and workers, it has undergone a remarkable renaissance in recent years, while retaining an authenticity and soul that the more touristy areas have sometimes lost. By staying in the Liberties, you are choosing to experience real Dublin life, away from the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar, while still being within walking distance of the major attractions.
The local landmark is undoubtedly the Guinness Storehouse (St James’s Gate, Dublin 8, rated 4.6/5 on Google out of over 100,000 reviews). This immersive 7-storey museum dedicated to the world’s most famous beer is Ireland’s most visited tourist attraction. A visit is a must, if only to enjoy a freshly drawn pint of Guinness at the top of the Gravity Bar, with breathtaking panoramic views over Dublin. Nearby, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s largest church, stands majestically in the same area, bearing witness to centuries of Irish religious history.
The Dublinia Museum is also nearby, housed in a striking neo-Gothic building adjacent to Christ Church Cathedral. This interactive museum about medieval and Viking Dublin is particularly popular with families. As you explore the area’s bustling lanes, you’ll discover craft breweries, local farmers’ markets and a thriving food scene. All within easy walking distance of the city centre and the other must-sees covered by the Navaway audio tour.
This district is ideal for beer and gastronomy lovers, history buffs and travellers looking for authenticity at a reasonable price. Accommodation here is less expensive than in the tourist centre, with a good range of affordable hotels and flats.
5. Docklands: for modern architecture and business travellers
The Docklands district (Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2) represents a facet of Dublin that you don’t necessarily imagine when you arrive in the Irish capital. Located to the east of the city centre, along the Grand Canal and the quays of the Liffey, this rapidly changing district is a symbol of the economic and architectural dynamism of the modern city. Former factories and port warehouses have been converted into offices for multinationals, designer flats and trendy cultural spaces.
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, rated 4.7/5 on Google for more than 12,000 reviews), designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, is one of the city’s leading theatres, hosting Broadway musicals, concerts and operas. Opposite it, the Convention Centre Dublin completes the contemporary architectural landscape of this district, which has forged its own identity over the years. When the weather is fine, the area around the Grand Canal Dock offers beautiful walks along the water, with cafés and restaurants with sunny terraces.
For business travellers in particular, Docklands is a strategic choice: the area is home to the European headquarters of Facebook, Google and Twitter, as well as many modern, well-equipped business hotels. Despite its apparent remoteness, the area is only a twenty-minute walk from the historic centre, and is well served by the DART (coastal train) and Luas (tram). From here, it’s just a few minutes to the Ha’penny Bridge or O’Connell Street.
This district is ideal for: business travellers, lovers of contemporary architecture, couples looking for modern accommodation in a quiet setting yet close to the centre. Hotel prices vary, with a good selection of designer boutique hotels.
6. The Northside & Smithfield: for small budgets and an authentic atmosphere
Crossing the River Liffey and heading for Dublin’s Northside means venturing into a different side of the city, one that is more popular, more authentic and often less expensive. Dublin’s Northside encompasses a number of districts with distinct personalities, including Smithfield, Stoneybatter, Phibsborough and Glasnevin, all of which are well worth a visit and provide excellent bases for exploring the Irish capital without breaking the bank.
In Smithfield, the covered market and Jameson Distillery Bow St. (Bow St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, rated 4.6/5 on Google with over 28,000 reviews) are the star attractions. A tour of the distillery will immerse you in the secrets of Irish whiskey making, including a tasting session – an authentic and memorable experience. Nearby,O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main thoroughfare on the Northside, leads to the Famine Memorial sculpture, a moving tribute to the victims of the Great Irish Famine of 1845-1849.
Further north, Phoenix Park (Dublin 8, rated 4.8/5 on Google for over 55,000 reviews) is one of Europe’s largest urban parks, twice the size of New York’s Central Park. Its 700 hectares of greenery are home to Dublin Zoo, the official residence of the Irish President (Áras an Uachtaráin) and herds of free-roaming fallow deer. A haven of nature and serenity not to be missed. Sports fans won’t want to miss the legendary Croke Park (Jones’s Rd, Dublin 3, rated 4.7/5 on Google for over 20,000 reviews), the home of Gaelic football and hurling.
In practical terms, accommodation on the Northside is considerably cheaper than on the Southside, with a wide range of options from traditional guesthouses to affordable chain hotels. Public transport links are good, with several bus routes and access to the Luas. To explore the whole city from this base, don’t forget to download theNavaway app and its audio tour of Dublin – you can reach the route in less than 20 minutes on foot or by bus.
This area is ideal for: budget travellers, backpackers, solo travellers and those who want to live like a Dubliner away from the usual tourist circuits. Beware, however, of certain streets on the outskirts of the city, which deserve extra vigilance in the evenings.
7. Portobello & Rathmines: for families and the local way of life
For those looking for a quiet, residential area to stay in Dublin without straying far from the city centre, Portobello and Rathmines are two particularly attractive options. Situated to the south of St. Stephen’s Green, these two adjoining areas offer a relaxed and authentic atmosphere, away from the tourist hustle and bustle of Temple Bar yet within walking distance of the city’s major attractions.
Portobello owes much of its charm to the Grand Canal (Grand Canal, Portobello, Dublin 8) that runs alongside it. Its leafy banks, lined with colourful Victorian houses and moored barges, provide an enchanting backdrop for morning strolls. The district is also renowned for its independent gastronomic scene, with trendy cafés, local restaurants and delicatessens abounding. Coffee lovers will particularly appreciate the many independent establishments that have made Portobello a veritable hub for speciality coffee in Dublin.
Rathmines, on the other hand, is a popular area for students and young professionals, giving it a positive energy and a wide range of restaurants. Its main thoroughfare, Lower Rathmines Road, is lined with shops, supermarkets and restaurants from all over the world. The atmosphere is decidedly friendly, and rents and accommodation rates are lower than in the city centre. The area is served by several frequent bus routes that take around 20 minutes to reach the centre.
For families with children in particular, Portobello and Rathmines offer the advantage of tranquillity and security, with parks, playgrounds and a reassuring residential atmosphere. Staying in this area also means that you are ideally placed to reach other parts of Dublin by foot or by public transport. And to structure your days out, the Navaway audio tour for Dublin is an excellent way to discover the city in a fun and independent way with all the family.
This area is ideal for: families, couples, travellers wanting to immerse themselves in Dublin neighbourhood life, and anyone who prefers a quiet setting to an ultra-central location. There are also plenty of holiday flats on offer, ideal for stays of a week or more.
Which Dublin district should you choose according to your travel profile?
To sum up, where to stay in Dublin depends above all on your expectations and your travel style. Each area has its own particular strengths, and none of them are really bad – the city is small enough that all of them can be reached on foot or in a few minutes by public transport.
If you’re a party animal or a young traveller looking for a nightlife extravaganza, Temple Bar is your playground. If you are visiting Dublin for the first time and want to be close to all the major sites, the Trinity College / Grafton Street / St. Stephen’s Green triangle offers the ideal location. Fans of Georgian art and architecture will be delighted in Merrion Square, while beer lovers and Irish history buffs will be delighted in the Liberties, a stone’s throw from the Guinness Storehouse and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
For a modern, designer approach, the Docklands offers contemporary accommodation in a spectacular architectural setting. Budget-conscious travellers in search of authenticity will opt for the Northside, with its Smithfield and Stoneybatter districts. Finally, families and lovers of neighbourhood life will prefer Portobello and Rathmines, which are residential, quiet and yet well connected to the centre. Whichever you choose, don’t forget to take theNavaway audio tour to make the most of your Dublin days!
FAQ – Where to stay in Dublin?
What’s the best area for your first stay in Dublin?
For a first stay, the area around Trinity College, Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green is the most recommended. Ideally located, it is within walking distance of most of the major tourist attractions and offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Which part of Dublin is the safest to sleep in?
On the whole, Dublin is a safe city for tourists. The quietest areas and those considered safest are Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green, Portobello and Rathmines. Temple Bar can be hectic at night due to the nightlife, and some outlying areas of the Northside deserve extra vigilance after midnight.
Cheap accommodation in Dublin
For affordable accommodation in Dublin, look to the Northside (Smithfield, Stoneybatter, Glasnevin) or residential areas such as Rathmines. These areas offer significantly lower prices than the tourist centre, with good public transport links. The cheapest hostels are often in or near Temple Bar.
Where to stay in Dublin with your family
Families with children will feel at home in the quiet, residential areas of Portobello, Rathmines and Merrion Square. These areas offer a serene atmosphere, with parks and local shops. The Northside is also an attractive option because of its proximity to Phoenix Park and Dublin Zoo.
Which part of Dublin is the busiest at night?
Temple Bar is undoubtedly Dublin’s liveliest district at night. Its many pubs, bars and concert halls attract an international crowd every night. Camden Street (between Portobello and the city centre) is also very popular for its trendy bars and trendy local clientele.
When is the best time to visit Dublin?
The best time to visit Dublin and take full advantage of the city’s districts is from May to September. Temperatures are milder (between 15 and 20°C), days are longer and the city is at its liveliest. St Patrick’s Day (17 March) is also a legendary date for experiencing Dublin’s incomparable party atmosphere, but make sure you book your accommodation early.
How do you get around Dublin?
Dublin is a pleasant city to walk around, and most of the tourist areas can be reached in less than 30 minutes’ walk from the centre. For longer distances, there is a dense Dublin Bus network, the Luas tramway serves the Southside and the centre, and the DART connects the coastal areas. Dublinbikes self-service bicycles are also a great way to get from one area to another.
In conclusion, choosing where to stay in Dublin is a decision that depends above all on your travel priorities. This city on a human scale has the invaluable advantage of making all its districts accessible, whatever your base. Whether you opt for the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar, the Georgian elegance of Merrion Square, the residential gentility of Portobello or the modern dynamism of Docklands, you won’t go wrong. The most important thing is to make the most of every street, every pub and every monument that Dublin has to offer. To structure and enrich your discovery of the Irish capital, consider downloading the Navaway audio tour to visit Dublin on your own – a fun and immersive way to get to grips with the city, at your own pace and to your heart’s content.
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