Dublin’s accommodation scene used to baffle me during the 10 years I lived there. Here’s a city where you can pay €300 for a mediocre room in Temple Bar, yet find genuine luxury or character just a few streets away in places most visitors never discover. After years of hosting friends (and suffering through their horror stories about overpriced hotels), I’ve worked out where the sweet spots actually are.
The truth is, Dublin isn’t cheap, but when you spend wisely you’ll find hotels that genuinely deliver - from Georgian elegance to design-led spots. While budget options exist, the city’s finest hotels offer experiences that justify their premium, from Michelin-starred dining to Georgian elegance that money can’t buy elsewhere. Pick the right property, and you’ll understand why Dublin commands London prices for world-class hospitality. This guide contains where I’d actually recommend staying.
Where to Stay in Dublin: Quick Overview
I’ll get into the details shortly, but here’s the essence of Dublin’s accommodation areas:
Temple Bar & City Centre - for first-time visitors who want to walk to everything and don’t mind paying for the privilege.
Georgian Dublin South - for people wanting elegant surroundings within walking distance of the action.
Docklands & Grand Canal - for visitors wanting modern Dublin with good transport links to the traditional centre.
Smithfield & Northside - for travellers prioritising value and a local experience over tourist convenience.
Choose carefully. What works for a quick weekend stop (Temple Bar) might collapse your budget on a longer stay.
Staying in Georgian Dublin South
Georgian Dublin shows off the city’s most photogenic side, the perfectly proportioned terraced houses and garden squares make Dublin perfect for photography.
You’re close enough to walk to Temple Bar when you want the buzz, but far enough away to actually sleep at night.
I would suggest this area for visitors wanting to experience Dublin’s literary heritage properly. You’re walking distance from the National Library, the Irish Writers Museum, and streets where Joyce actually wandered. The neighbourhood has that bookish, intellectual atmosphere that Dublin trades on.
Best hotels in Georgian Dublin South:
The Merrion Hotel - Stunning. Dublin’s most prestigious address and the pinnacle of Irish luxury hospitality. This Leading Hotels of the World property occupies four meticulously restored Georgian townhouses, and is so elegant. Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud holds two Michelin stars, while the art collection rivals many museums. This is where world leaders stay when visiting Ireland. You’ll pay dearly for it, but it’s gorgeous.
The Conrad Dublin - International luxury standards right opposite the National Concert Hall. This 5-star Hilton property is really very comfortable - the recent renovation tweaked the right things.
The Green Hotel - Contemporary 4-star hotel directly across from St. Stephen’s Green with modern rooms and excellent location for shopping and sightseeing.
Staying in Temple Bar & City Centre
This is tourist Dublin at its most concentrated. Cobblestone streets, traditional pubs, and enough buskers to soundtrack your entire stay. Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, it can be raucous at night. But if you want to tick off Dublin’s greatest hits on foot, this is your base.
If I’m in town for an event, I’d usually pick the Brooks Hotel, as it’s perfectly positioned and not as noisy as people assume, given the area: you can walk to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Grafton Street within minutes, then retreat to somewhere that actually feels sophisticated.
Best hotels in the Temple Bar & City Centre area:
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin - You’ll feel every one of its 5 stars, right on Stephen’s Green. Designed by Sir Terence Conran’s, so the interiors are cool, while the Michelin-starred Glovers Alley restaurant ensures you’re dining at the highest level.
Brooks Hotel - my choice: 4-star boutique hotel that kind of “gets” Dublin. The individually designed rooms feel more like staying in a stylish townhouse, while the location on Drury Street puts you at the heart of Dublin’s artistic quarter. You’ll enjoy Jasmine Bar if you like whiskey.
The Shelbourne - Dublin’s most legendary hotel, where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922. This landmark property offers genuine grandeur - marble bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bedding, and interational service. The location directly facing St. Stephen’s Green can’t be bettered, plus have a drink in the Horseshoe Bar.
Staying in Docklands & Grand Canal
Dublin’s newest neighbourhoods can feel like a different city. The glass towers and proximity to tech firms like Google put me in mind of London or Amsterdam at times. It’s still finding its personality, but waterside walks and a growing food scene mean it’s more than just a business hub. The Luas (tram) connections mean you’re about 15 minutes from central Dublin. Good hotel choices:
The Gibson Hotel - located in Dublin’s Docklands near the 3Arena, featuring contemporary design and modern amenities. Popular with business travellers and visitors attending events at the nearby venue.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane - reliable modern comfort with good transport connections throughout Dublin. Very much for visitors wanting convenience versus character (nothing wrong with that).
Staying in Smithfield & Northside
Smithfield and the surrounding northside districts offer a more everyday Dublin experience. Once a working-class quarter, Smithfield has been reshaped with apartments, cafés and cultural spaces, but it remains lived-in and authentic.
You’ll find weekend markets, neighbourhood pubs and the landmark Jameson Distillery, all within easy Luas reach of the city centre. Staying here puts you close to the action, but in an area that is well-connected but less touristy than Temple Bar.
Best hotels in Smithfield & Northside:
The Hendrick Smithfield - A boutique-style hotel right on Smithfield Square, with compact but cleverly designed rooms. The interiors lean towards industrial-chic, and the lobby doubles as a lively social space with a good bar.
Maldron Hotel Smithfield - Good value and comfortable. The Luas stop right outside your door provides direct access to the city centre.
Generator Dublin - Stylish hostel with design-conscious interiors and good atmosphere for anyone wanting a “Dublin experience” at backpacker prices. Perfect for solo travellers or groups wanting both quality and value.
PREFER TO FEEL AT HOME, AWAY FROM HOME?
If you’d rather spread out, especially as a family or group, Dublin has a great selection of private apartments and townhouses to rent.
Getting Around Dublin
Dublin’s public transport is pretty decent by international standards. The Luas (tram) and Dublin Bus network covers everywhere you’ll want to reach. Both systems use the Leap Card (contactless payment) available at machines in most stations.
Leap Card costs:
- Card: €5 (refundable)
- Bus fares: €2.15-€2.70 depending on distance
- Luas: €2.10-€2.70 per journey
- Daily cap: €10 (unlimited travel after reaching this amount)
From Dublin Airport:
- Airlink Express: €7-8 to city centre (about 30-45 minutes)
- Taxi: €25-35 (depending on traffic and destination)
- Dublin Bus route 16: €3.30 (really slow - up to 90 minutes)
Taxis and rideshare: Uber and Free Now operate citywide. Short trips between central neighbourhoods typically cost €8-15.
Planning Your Dublin Stay
For first-time visitors wanting Dublin’s highlights easily accessible, I’d recommend Georgian Dublin or the Temple Bar area despite the premium. The convenience of walking to major sights and restaurants justifies the extra cost for shorter stays. Just be careful not to book something too noisy (my picks are all good options). The Docklands are good if you’re going to a concert and head out to Smithfiled if you are budget-conscious.
Remember: Dublin hotel prices fluctuate dramatically based on events and seasons. Book early, consider weeknights over weekends, and remember that location often justifies higher room rates in this compact city.
Looking to explore beyond Dublin? Check out my guides to the best day trips from Dublin and where to stay in Galway for your Irish adventure.