Ireland is a “gateway” country to international travel for many travelers. Easy to access, affordable accommodations, and English is the official language. No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to the capital city of Dublin. Many travelers visit Dublin for a few days before setting off to explore Ireland, however there are enough things to do in Dublin to fill a week or more.

Dublin is most famous for the Guinness Storehouse, Temple Bar and Trinity College. Dublin only has half a million residents, and is relatively compact, so getting around is easy, no matter where you stay. Whether you have one night or one month, we’ve rounded up the best spots to stay in Dublin, and Dublin hotels for every budget and taste.

We will cover off all types of Dublin accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Dublin hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Dublin, the best Dublin hotels, best places in Dublin to visit, the best places to stay in Dublin, hotels near Dublin attractions and many more. Airbnb is also a great option for short or long stays.

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Dublin City Center – Where to stay in Dublin for nightlife

If you want to know where to stay in Dublin for nightlife, then the city centre is your best choice. If you choose to stay in the city centre, you’ll be within walking distance of all the major Dublin city attractions. Temple Bar is the nightlife centre of Dublin.

The cobblestone pedestrian streets are lined with pubs, along the River Liffey, which runs through town. Trinity College, an active university, is famous for the Book of Kells. Grafton Street runs through the city centre, and is lined with high street shops. Dublin Castle is also in this area, adjacent to Temple Bar.

Best places to stay in Dublin City Center

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Dublin City Center:
Abrahams Hostel
Sinclair Hostel
MEC Hostel
Spire Hostel

Budget Hotels in Dublin City Center:
Gate Hotel
Hazelbrook House B&B
Inn on the Liffey
River House Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Dublin City Center:
Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Academy Plaza Hotel
Cassidys Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Dublin City Center:
Jurys Inn Dublin Parnell Street
Castle Hotel
Hotel 7
Wynn’s Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Dublin City Center:
The Westin Dublin
The Westbury
Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin

Portobello – Where to stay in Dublin for couples

A hip neighborhood south of the city centre is Dublin’s Portobello, adjacent to the Grand Canal. Mostly a residential neighborhood, Portobello is continually evolving, and is a haven for foodies and artists. Some of Dublin’s best restaurants are found in Portobello, and the streets are full of cafes.

George Bernard Shaw was born in Portobello, and “The Bernard Shaw” is one of Dublin’s best pubs. Another popular pub in Portobello is The Barge, which sits along the canal. The Grand Canal has paths alongside which are perfect for walking or cycling. The parks, dining options and proximity to the city centre make Portobello the best place to stay in Dublin for couples.

Best places to stay in Portobello

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Portobello:
Isaacs Hostel
Abrahams Hostel
Jacobs Inn Hostel
Gardiner House

Budget Hotels in Portobello:
Errigal House
Aine Rose Guest Accommodation
My Place Dublin Hotel
ABC House

Mid range Hotels in Portobello:
The Croke Park
City Studios and Apartments
Dublin Skylon Hotel
Kennedys Drumcondra

Family Friendly Hotels in Portobello:
Dublin Central Suites
Hotel 7
Ripley Court Hotel
The Address at Dublin 1

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Portobello:
The Marker Hotel
Clontarf Castle Hotel
The Westin Dublin
The Westbury

Merrion Square – Where to stay in Dublin with family

A quaint neighborhood of Dublin, with parks and historic buildings, is Merrion Square. The square itself is a lovely green space in the city and St. Stephen’s Green is in walking distance. 18th century townhouses line cobblestone streets, making Merrion Square a photographer’s dream.

Although Merrion Square is in walking distance of Trinity College and the city centre, it also has several Dublin attractions of its own. The National Library, National Concert Hall, Natural History Museum and National Gallery are all located in the Merrion Square district, making this a great place to stay in Dublin for families. Between parks and museums, you will have plenty of things to do in this Dublin neighborhood.

Best places to stay in Merrion Square

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Merrion Square:
Times Hostels – College Street
Ashfield Hostel
Abigails Hostel
Abbey Court

Budget Hotels in Merrion Square:
River House Hotel
Travelodge Dublin City Centre, Stephens Green Hotel
Hazelbrook House B&B
The Camden Hotel by the KeyCollection

Mid range Hotels in Merrion Square:
Trinity Lodge
Kildare Street Hotel by theKeyCollection
The Dawson Hotel
Trinity City Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Merrion Square:
O’Neills Victorian Pub & Townhouse
Temple Bar Hotel
The Merrion Hotel
Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Merrion Square:
The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
Conrad Dublin
Dylan Hotel
InterContinental Dublin

Docklands – Best part of Dublin to stay

Straddling the River Liffey, adjacent to O’Connell Street, is the modern side of Dublin. The Docklands have always been a commercial hub, even when the Vikings used the area as a port. Today, tech companies and banks have moved in and the area is becoming built up with high rise modern buildings. With all of the new businesses, dining and entertainment have also moved in, with world-class restaurants popping up.

Recreation on the river is gaining momentum, with kayak rentals and SUP tours available. The Docklands also has a few attractions, the National Theater of Ireland and the EPIC Museum of emigration. Best of all, the Docklands are just a few minutes walk from Dublin city centre.

Best places to stay in Docklands

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Docklands:
Jacobs Inn Hostel
Isaacs Hostel
Paddy’s Palace
Abrahams Hostel

Budget Hotels in Docklands:
Hazelbrook House B&B
The Shipwright Guesthouse
Gate Hotel
My Place Dublin Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Docklands:
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Ferryman Hotel
IFSC Apartments
The Spencer Hotel Dublin IFSC

Family Friendly Hotels in Docklands:
Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House
The Address at Dublin 1
Wynn’s Hotel
Pearse Street Suites

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Docklands:
The Marker Hotel
Cliff Townhouse
Clontarf Castle Hotel
The Devlin

Smithfield – Where to stay in Dublin on a budget

For an up-and-coming part of Dublin, check out Smithfield on the north side of the city. The former warehouse district is centered on Smithfield Plaza, a former market. Unique restaurants and cafes surround the square and nightclubs have filled in many of the warehouses.

For budget travelers to Dublin, Smithfield is a great place to stay, as there are some fun hostels in this neighborhood, and the a wide variety of dining options for all budgets. Nearby Phoenix Park for a number of Dublin attractions, including The Dublin Zoo, Viking cemetery, Ashtown Castle and the American Ambassador’s residence.

Best places to stay in Smithfield

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Smithfield:
Generator Hostel Dublin
Kinlay House
Garden Lane Backpackers
Four Courts Hostel

Budget Hotels in Smithfield:
Marguerite House
Barry’s Hotel
Harvey’s Guesthouse
Inn on the Liffey

Mid range Hotels in Smithfield:
Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Ellis Quay Apartments
Staycity Aparthotels Saint Augustine St
Staycity Aparthotels Christchurch

Family Friendly Hotels in Smithfield:
Jervis Apartments
Jurys Inn Dublin Christchurch
Ashling Hotel
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Smithfield:
The Westbury
The Shelbourne Dublin, A Renaissance Hotel
Dylan Hotel

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