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Dublin, the historic capital of Ireland, is a place steeped in European history, with a rich selection of cultural attractions and lively nightlife. Many of Dublin’s best attractions are within walking distance of each other in the heart of the city, making it one of Europe’s best capitals for sightseeing.
Whatever you’re looking for from your Irish getaway, choosing the right area to stay can greatly enhance your experience. This travel guide will help you decide which is the best neighborhood for your visit.
Trinity College, Grafton Street & St. Stephen’s Green for Sightseeing
Highlights: Trinity College, the Natural History Museum, Grafton Street
If you’re looking to stay in a central location in the heart of Dublin, this is probably the area for you. Trinity College, Ireland’s top university and home to the Book of Kells, takes up a large chunk of central Dublin and provides great opportunities for gentle strolling around the historic buildings on its campus.
Grafton Street is one of Dublin’s best areas for shopping, and there’s plenty of retail therapy to be enjoyed along the main road and the streets that surround it. Grafton Steet is also home to St Stephen’s Green, a Georgian Square containing a 22-acre park at its southern end.
Look out for the statues and monuments dedicated to some of Ireland’s most important historical figures that are dotted around the green. Also in this area is the Natural History Museum, and the lively Temple Bar nightlife is just a short walk away.
Some of the best luxury hotels are located here, and accommodation in this part of Dublin can be a little pricier as a result. But if you are looking to be just a five-minute walk to some of Dublin’s best attractions, then it’ll be worth the higher price tag.
Merrion Square for Luxury Accommodation
Highlights: Georgian architecture, green park spaces
This graceful square is home to some of Dublin’s most stunning Georgian townhouses and has been home to many of its most famous residents, including Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats. The River Liffey and Trinity College are just a short walk away, too.
Merrion Square is overlooked by the National Gallery, which houses Europe’s most comprehensive collection of Irish Art. Two of the four museums that comprise the National Museum of Ireland are also here.
Merrion Square is usually considered to be quieter than other districts, and there are certainly fewer bars and restaurants than in some other parts of Dublin. Instead, you can enjoy peaceful strolls among beautiful red-brick houses surrounding squares of green parks and gardens.
Unsurprisingly, Merrion Square is one of the most expensive places in the city to stay. Many of the biggest attractions are nearby, making it a very appealing spot for visitors. There are plenty of high-end boutique hotels and stylish, spacious rooms here, from the well-appointed Jacob’s Inn to the upscale Conrad Dublin.
Portobello for Foodies
Highlights: Irish Jewish Museum, the Grand Canal, National Concert Hall
If sampling world-class cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants, trying the local fare at traditional Irish pubs, and having long breakfasts at bustling brunch cafes is your thing, look no further than Portobello. Positioned on the southside of Dublin, this is undoubtedly the city’s foodie capital, so come with a big appetite (and a big budget, depending on your tastes).
The Portobello area is bordered by the glorious Grand Canal, and its lush tree-lined banks and calm, clear waters provide a picturesque setting for an afternoon stroll. Be sure to make time to see the nearby Irish Jewish Museum to learn more about the history of Jewish people in Dublin.
As Portobello is one of the more affordable areas, there are plenty of students living here, which means the nightlife can be raucous at times. But the upside is that there are plenty of budget guesthouses and midrange accommodation options, so it might be the perfect place to stay if you prefer to spend your Euros on food and drink instead of pricy hotel rooms. The Mayson and Spencer Hotel are two excellent options in this area.
Phibsborough for Hipsters
Highlights: Croke Park, hipster vibes
If it’s trendy vibes you’re seeking, then look no further than Phibsborough, one of Dublin’s coolest neighborhoods. Best known for its 19th-century Victorian architecture, this area is also home to plenty of artsy cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Located just over a mile from Dublin’s Old Town, Phibsborough is easily accessible via public transport.
Croke Park, a must-see for sports fans, is located in the northeastern part of Phibsborough. Dalymount Park, the home of Bohemian FC, is also here. There is plenty of modern and comfortable accommodation on offer in this area, with excellent amenities at reasonable prices like the Eccles Townhouse.
The Docklands for Families
Highlights: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Set along both sides of the River Liffey, the Docklands is a great mix of old and new. It was once a magnet for business travelers but has become increasingly popular with tourists thanks to its enviable location near some of Dublin’s best attractions.
The fantastic EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is located in the Docklands area and kids will love the museum’s interactive displays. One of the highlights is the replica of the Jeanie Johnston, a ship that helped some of the two million people who fled Ireland during the famine in the mid-19th century.
If the weather is good and you’d like to spend some time on the water, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak to enjoy an alternative view of the Docklands.
Although this area doesn’t have quite the same historical charm as other parts of the city, there are some fantastic highrise blocks offering accommodation with views all the way to the sea. It’s also super quiet and safe, making it a great location for families. The Maldron Hotel Pearse Street is a great option in this neighborhood.
O’Connell Street for Dublin City Center
Highlights: The General Post Office, Parnell Street
Many first-time visitors to Dublin will choose to stay on O’Connell Street because of its central location. If you choose to take a guided tour during your trip, it’s highly likely that the tour will start from somewhere nearby. This area offers great access to both northside and southside Dublin via the O’Connell Bridge river crossing, so it’s the perfect base for visitors looking to explore.
O’Connell Street is widely considered the city’s principal street and is lined with statues and monuments, including one of nationalist politician Daniel O’Connell, for whom the street is named. Look out for the 120m-tall Spire of Dublin (Monument of Light), one of the world’s tallest sculptures.
The General Post Office, often considered the center of Dublin, is on O’Connell Street. This is also a great area for retail therapy because Parnell Street, one of Dublin’s oldest and most famous shopping areas, is within easy reach. Be aware that O’Connell Street’s central location means it can be a little noisier than other parts of Dublin, so it might not be the best option for visitors looking to relax and unwind on their city break.
If you’re flying into Dublin airport, many of the airport shuttle buses terminate at O’Connell Street, so it’s a good choice if you are relying on public transportation and don’t want to carry heavy bags across multiple transport connections. There is plenty of accommodation in the area, ranging from budget hostels to high-end hotels like the Westin Dublin.
Temple Bar for Sampling Dublin’s Nightlife
Highlights: Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Temple Bar Inn
The Temple Bar area is crammed with pubs, bars, art galleries, theaters, and museums, and the cobblestone streets are often overflowing with locals and visitors sipping a Guinness or two.
This whole area was renovated in the 1990s and is now considered the cultural quarter and the best Dublin neighborhood for nightlife. There is plenty of live music to enjoy in the many bustling pubs, and most of the top attractions are less than fifteen minutes away.
Temple Bar is also home to some of Dublin’s famous, historical churches, including Christ Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Magnificent Dublin Castle, constructed on the site of a Viking settlement, is also just a short walk.
Unsurprisingly, the accommodation in this area can get a little noisy, especially at weekends when the party people come to town and Dublin locals head out to blow off some steam. But for those seeking a lively atmosphere, there are plenty of good options. The Temple Bar Inn is a fantastic option with spacious rooms in a great location.
Stoneybatter and Smithfield for Industrial Chic
Highlights: Phoenix Park, traditional music
If you prefer to live like the locals when on vacation, then head to Stoneybatter and Smithfield. Here, you’ll find lively, old-fashioned pubs like the Cobblestone that play traditional music nightly. For lovers of green spaces, join the locals for a stroll around beautiful Phoenix Park on good weather days. This is one of the largest inner city parks in the world and is home to Dublin Zoo.
There are plenty of cute bars and trendy restaurants in these areas. But if you’re looking for a drink with a view, head to the nearby Guinness Storehouse and up seven floors to The Gravity Bar. This rooftop bar boasts stunning views over the Liffey River, and on a clear day, you can see the entire city. If whiskey is more your thing, then the Jameson distillery is right around the corner and offers interesting tours with plenty of tasting opportunities.
There aren’t a huge number of choices for accommodation in Stoneybatter, so for the best hotels, you are better off staying in Smithfield. Many of the industrial buildings here have been converted into upper and midrange accommodation like the easyHotel Dublin, so there is something to suit all budgets.
Ranelagh and Rathmines for Peace and Quiet
Highlights: Mixing with the locals in green spaces
If you are looking for a quieter stay in Dublin, Ranelagh and Rathmines are classic Irish suburbs just outside the city center. The local atmosphere is excellent and there are plenty of parks and green spaces for families with young children to enjoy. There are also a few really good thrift shops in Rathmines, so head there if you want to bag some vintage clothing at a great price.
Despite being outside of the center, the nightlife in these areas can still get a little rowdy — especially on Friday and Saturday nights. But it’s easy to avoid the parties if that’s not your thing, and the vibe is pretty quiet. In fact, you might forget that you’re within a stone’s throw of the hustle and bustle of the main tourist attractions.
Reaching the Dublin suburbs is easier than you might think. There are buses and railway lines stretching throughout the city and the Luas Tram also serves Ranelagh, taking about 15 minutes from the city center. There are some great accommodation options here, including plenty of private apartments for short-term rentals.
Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire for Seaside Beauty
Highlights: Coastal beauty, the James Joyce Tower
These stunning seaside areas on the enchanting Irish coastline are filled with charm and are just 30-45 minutes south of Dublin city center by public transport. If you are looking to combine your stay in Dublin with some natural beauty, Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire may be the perfect neighborhood for you.
The most famous landmark in the vicinity is the James Joyce Tower, which features in the opening scenes of Joyce’s 1922 novel, Ulysses. There is a museum on-site that explains a little more about its history, and visitors can learn all about how it was built to withstand a potential invasion by Napoleon. The James Joyce Tower overlooks one of Dublin’s most popular swimming spots. Be warned — the water is chilly! But it can be very inviting on a sunny day.
There are fewer accommodation options in these areas, partly because they are further from the city center and main attractions than other parts of Dublin. The Mews House is an excellent luxury option with seaside views. Book early to guarantee your spot on this beautiful stretch of coast.
Find the Perfect Dublin Neighborhood
Dublin has a diverse range of neighborhoods with accommodation options to suit every traveler’s requirements. Find the perfect area to stay in and make your Dublin vacation one you’ll never forget.
