Where are the best places to stay in Dublin? Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. With its unique city culture, rich historical heritage, beautiful natural environment, and leisurely pace of life, it has become an ideal destination for many people to travel or live in.
In this blog, we’ll discuss where to stay in Dublin. Whether you’re looking for the best areas in Dublin to stay or the best hotels in Dublin, Ireland that offer an unforgettable experience for your trip, here’s what you need to know.
Best Places to Stay in Dublin: 5 Wonderful Neighborhoods
Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital, is not only known for its historic and culturally rich city center, but also for its incredible neighborhoods. Dublin’s city center is relatively small, so if you’re traveling here, the following neighborhoods are also great places to stay in Dublin!
1. Portobello
Portobello is located on the south bank of the River Liffey. It is an area that combines urban convenience with suburban tranquility. There are charming townhouses, trendy independent coffee shops, and brunch culture. The Dublin Canal also flows slowly through this area.
In addition to its cultural and historical heritage, Portobello is also highly regarded for its multicultural community. The restaurants and bars here offer a variety of international cuisines, from traditional Irish dishes to exotic cuisines. The weekend market is the core of local community life, where you can find handicrafts, fresh produce and unique works of art. Portobello’s art galleries and small theaters provide a wealth of choices for art lovers.
🚌 Recommended places to visit:
- Irish Jewish Museum
- Iveagh Gardens
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
- St. Stephen’s Green
2. Smithfield
Smithfield is located in the north of Dublin city and is known for its modern cafes, alternative cinemas and authentic bars. Since it was once a horse market and livestock trading center, it also maintains the equestrian tradition today. This is a vibrant cultural area that hosts many cultural and artistic events every year, including film festivals and concerts. One of Dublin’s most beautiful cinemas, the Lighthouse Cinema, is located in this area!
Smithfield is also known for its unique design shops and boutiques, making it a great place to find one-of-a-kind handmade products and fashion items. In addition, Smithfield Square is the center of the neighborhood, with outdoor events and markets often taking place. Don’t miss it if you love to join in the fun.
🚌 Recommended places to visit:
- Token
- Decorative Arts and History Museum
- Greek Orthodox Church
- Jameson Distillery
3. Rathmines
Rathmines is located in the south of Dublin. It is a wealthy neighborhood with trendy bars and health food stores, as well as many beauty salons. If you stay in this area, you will definitely feel a high quality of life.
The combination of historic buildings and modern homes in Rathmines creates a unique urban landscape. The public library and cultural center here regularly host a variety of community events and educational courses, making it one of the best places to stay in Dublin for families and young professionals. Rathminth is also known for its green spaces and leisure facilities, including sports clubs and local parks, perfect for outdoor sports and family gatherings.
🚌 Recommended places to visit:
- Rathmines Cinema
- Stella Cinema
- Rathmines Library
- MART Gallery
4. Ranelagh
Similar to Rathmines, Ranelagh is an upmarket city suburb in the south of Dublin with a wealth of commercial and cultural amenities.
Ranelagh is one of the most popular residential areas in Dublin, known for its historic buildings, quiet streets, and green spaces. The area is well-stocked with educational resources, including some of the top schools and educational institutions, making it the best place to stay in Dublin for families. In addition, the area also regularly hosts art exhibitions and cultural festivals, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
🚌 Recommended places to visit:
- Ranelagh Gardens Park
- Herbert Park
- Nightmarket
- Humphrey’s Pub
5. Stoneybatter
Stoneybatter retains its traditional village atmosphere, blending it with a modern lifestyle. The streets here are lined with independent shops, art studios and eco-friendly stores, attracting a large number of creative people and environmentally conscious residents. The area is also known for its multicultural dining options and regular food markets, making it a paradise for Dublin food lovers. In addition, Stoneybatter is also known for its community events and celebrations, such as annual cultural festivals and street art exhibitions.
🚌 Recommended places to visit:
- L. Mulligan Grocer
- Arbour Hill Prison
- The Belfry
Where to Stay in Dublin? Let's See the Zones
Dublin is divided into north and south by the River Liffey, with odd-numbered areas to the north and even-numbered areas to the south. There are 22 postal districts in total. The farther you are from the city center, the higher the postal district number. If you want to find the best places to stay in Dublin, you can also search for information through these postal districts.
Zone 1 & Zone 2: Where to Stay in Dublin City Center
Zones 1 and 2 make up the absolute Dublin city center area. O’Connell Street in Zone 1 runs through the Dublin city center from north to south, with a wide variety of shopping streets, restaurants and cafes. It is one of the best tourist places in Dublin and an important intersection for public transportation. The 121.2-meter-high giant stainless steel needle “Dublin Spire” stands at one end of O’Connell Street as a new landmark of Dublin.
Zone 2 is the transfer center for public transportation. It preserves a large number of precious historical buildings. There are numerous government agencies, commercial buildings and schools, a wide range of shopping places, restaurants with different flavors and historic bars. Famous colleges like University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin are located here.
Zone 6 & Zone 12: Best Places to Stay in Dublin for Young Adults
These two zones have become popular areas for young white-collar workers to live in recent years. Transportation is convenient and amenities are plentiful, from shops and supermarkets to coffee shops, bars and restaurants, also banks and hospitals. There are a lot of young people living here, and many choose to come here on weekends instead of going to the city center.
Many private schools are located in Zone 6 with a wealth of educational resources, including Alexandra, Templeogue, Terenure, High School, Sandford and Gonzaga. So Zone 6 can be the best place to stay in Dublin for families with middle school and high school-age children.
Zone 7 & Zone 8 & Zone 13: Best Places in Dublin for Relaxation and Travel
These two zones are close to the city center. Zone 7 has one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Phoenix Park. You can take a walk, ride a bike, have a picnic, and interact with cute deer. It is a great place to relax.
Zone 8 is one of Dublin’s old towns and a popular tourist attraction. Places such as Heuston Train Station, Guinness Brewery, Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick Cathedral and Kilmainham Goal are all gathered here, carrying Dublin’s profound history and culture.
Zone 13 is adjacent to the sea, has a low population density, and is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To the east is the famous Howth Peninsula. Many people come here to enjoy the sea breeze, taste seafood, overlook the lighthouse, and enjoy the closeness with nature. It’s the best place in Dublin for walking and jogging, with world-famous jogging routes here.
Best Hotels in Dublin, Ireland
Ireland is known as the “Emerald Isle”. It is not only a good place for vacation, but also one of the ten most hospitable countries in the world. Here, travelers can listen to Irish folk music, drink local whiskey and beer, shuttle between ancient castles and cities, green lands and huge cliffs, and learn about its long history and culture.
For students coming to study in Dublin, we provide a selection of student accommodation in Dublin. Here you can get a complete guide about how to rent in Dublin. For travelers who are searching for the best places to stay in Dublin, below we recommend several hotels. Some are very luxurious, and some are historic, you can choose according to your preferences.
Buswells
Source: buswells.ie
Buswells is a Georgian-style hotel. It was formerly Queen’s College, the first college in Europe to provide training and education for women. In the early 19th century, this unique building was once again a trendsetter when it was converted into a hotel – it was the first hotel in Dublin to install central heating.
O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel
Source: davenporthotel.ie
The O ‘Callaghan Davenport hotel dates back to the 17th century. At that time, it was just a prayer building that could accommodate 3,000 prayers a week. Today, the hotel has been luxuriously renovated inside and out, making it one of Dublin’s most luxurious hotels.
For those who love the vibrant life in the city, The O’Callaghan Davenport can be one of the best places to stay in Dublin. It is just a short walk from Merrion Square and St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. All 103 rooms are decorated in traditional Irish style, and each room has a great view of the city.
The Merrison
Source: merrionhotel.com
As one of The most luxurious hotels in Ireland, The Merrison brings Dublin’s old Georgian luxury to the extreme. Originally known as the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, the hotel has since acquired an aristocratic character and everything you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Source: riu.com
The Gresham was severely damaged during the Easter Rising in 1916. It was gradually restored in the following years. Since 2013, the hotel has undergone a new renovation and renovation, which has comprehensively upgraded the grade of a four-star hotel.
The hotel’s famous Elizabeth Taylor Suite is luxuriously decorated, with a four-poster bed in the bedroom, lush soft furnishings, and a spacious lounge. Located in the heart of O’Connell Street at the Dublin city center, the hotel is one of Ireland’s most iconic hotels. It has been a symbol of status in upper social circles since the 19th century, hosting celebrities, politicians and aristocrats from all over the world. The room price is not particularly expensive, you can spend a relatively affordable price to live in the best location to stay in Dublin.
Butlers Townhouse
butlerstownhouse.ie
Unlike the previous four hotels, Butlers Townhouse is more suitable for guests who want to avoid the bustling city center. There are only 20 rooms here, but each one has a unique decoration style, ensuring guests have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This Victorian building has just been renovated and restored to its former glory, retaining the original high ceilings and open marble fireplaces.
Where to Stay in Dublin: on Rainy Days
The sunshine in Ireland is often unpredictable, and rain seems to have become a normal part of life for the Irish. But this has also made this city uniquely charming. Finally, we share five tips about where to stay in Dublin on rainy days, taking you into another charming Dublin.
- Have a cup of coffee at Kaph: This shop has the best barista. Therefore, on this street with a strong cultural atmosphere, Keph is definitely one of the best places to stay in Dublin. The store is usually full. If there is no room, go upstairs or go to the nearby market for a coffee break.
- Read at Marsh’s Library: Marsh’s Library, built in 1707 near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, was the city’s first public library. Close your eyes and imagine how many people have come here in the past 311 years to escape the rain and open Ulysses to enjoy an hour or more of reading.
- Wander in The Gutter Bookshop: “Gutter” refers to a unique, unconventional or independent taste that is different from mainstream bookshops. It offers some special books and cultural experiences. It even sells signed first editions of some of Ireland’s most revered classics! Definitely worth collecting!
- Visit Teeling Whiskey Distillery: Teeling Whisky Distillery is Dublin’s first new distillery in more than 125 years. Tours take place every 20 minutes and give you an insight into the process of whisky making. Because it is relatively niche, there is no need to reserve in advance. 20 euros for one ticket, no queue!
- Have a drink at Dawson’s Lounge: Tucked away on Dawson Street, Dawson’s Lounge is Dublin’s smallest bar. The best time is in the early afternoon, before people leave work. This is one of the weirdest bars in Dublin because you wonder if you’re on the set of The Hobbit.
Book Student Accommodation in Ireland
If you want to study in Ireland and renting an apartment is a big problem, uhomes.com offers a huge range of affordable and comfortable student accommodation for Irish students at the cheapest student flat rentals! You can rent luxury or budget suites, studio flats, and private and shared rooms with various amenities at student accommodations in Dublin.
FAQ
Where is the nicest place to live in Dublin?
Stoney Batter. Dublin is one of the best cities to visit in Ireland, but Stoney Batter is one of the best areas to live in Dublin. Historically known as Bohernaglogh and located along the River Liffey, Stoneybatter is a neighbourhood on the north side, the best place to live in Dublin.
Is it safe to walk in Dublin at night?
Dublin has several safe neighbourhoods where walking at night is generally considered safe. Areas such as Temple Bar, St. Stephen’s Green, and Grafton Street are well-patrolled and frequented by locals and tourists, even during the evenings.
Is Dublin a friendly city?
According to Condé Nast Traveller’s readers, Dublin placed fourth among the friendliest cities in the world. The list included Calgary, Canada, and Edmonton, Canada.
What is the safest area in Dublin?
- O’Connell Street. O’Connell Street, in the heart of Dublin, is one of the city’s most emblematic thoroughfares.
- Ballsbridge district.
- Donnybrook district.
- Rathmines district.
- Ballsbridge district.
- Sandymount district.
- Drumcondra district.
How many days should I stay in Dublin?
We think 3 days is an ideal length of stay. You can visit Dublin’s most famous attractions and taste Irish specialties and whiskey. If you have extra time, you can slowly experience the culture of this city, or get close to nature in the green space.
How much money do I need per day in Dublin?
We estimate that you spend $200-$300 per day when having your vacation in Dublin. This daily expense includes hotels, meals, transportation, and tourist attractions.
