Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and the most logical point to start a trip to Ireland. This guide is written for first-timers in mind looking for hotels in Dublin. If you are visiting for a few days as a short city break or before launching onto further explorations around the Emerald Isle, then this guide lists the best neighbourhoods and hotels.
I lived in Dublin for a year in an inner suburban home. When I arrived I first stayed in the city centre to explore to the sites and use as a base to find long term accommodation. During my stay in Dublin I got to explore outlying suburbs which are are worth planning to discover. For first time visitors I say that to make the most of your time, stay in the historic city centre. The area includes the streets around the Liffey River, Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Saint Stephen’s Green.
All of the sites of interest can be covered on foot and easily seen in a day, though you will obviously need quite a few days if you are going to be taking in museums and other attractions.
Hostels
Dublin is a popular city for backpackers so there are a number of good quality hostels. They tend to fill up quick during big events so plan in advance. Being the home of Guinness and with such a strong pub culture, Dublin is also a famous party city. Keep this in mind when searching for a hostel if you prefer a quiet place. Anything in Temple Bar will be more party-oriented.
The highest-rated hostel is Barnacles Temple Bar House, which is in the middle of the action in Temple Bar.
Abigails Hostel is another popular hostel is ideally located on the river at Aston Quay.
If you’ve been backpacking around Europe you may be familiar with the Generator Hostel, and their Dublin accommodation has the same modern and clean Generator standards.
Guesthouses / B&B’s
Most of the cheap guesthouses and B&B’s have long been priced out of the city centre, so you will need to set your search parameters beyond the city centre if that is your preferred style.
Fatima House B&B a traditional B&B located on the Northside, and a short walk from O’Connell Street.
Mid-range hotels
In the 3-star range Cassidys Hotel offers great value and is located near Abbey Theatre and O’Connell Street. If you are looking to be in the heart of the action then the Temple Bar Hotel is an ideal place to stay if are planing to discover the local nightlife.
Dublin 4-star options include the The Clarence Hotel Dublin, which is owned by Bono and The Edge from U2. The hotel is on the river at Wellington Quay, near Grattan Bridge.
The O’Callaghan Stephens Green Hotel Dublin is a distinctly modern hotel with an impressive glass atrium entrance.
Luxury – 5-star
If you want to stay in an iconic luxury Dublin hotel then that would be The Shelbourne Dublin A Renaissance Hotel A Marriott Luxury & Lifestyle Hotel. Or as locals call it, The Shelbourne. The hotel was founded in 1824 and was referred to in James Joyce’s Ulysses.
The best-rated luxury hotel in Dublin is the Merrion. This hotel is housed in four Georgian terraced houses – a style that is famous in Dublin. As the name would suggest, the hotel is located near Merrion Square, not far from The Oscar Wilde House.
