Dublin
Where to stay in Dublin: the best areas and hotels
Georgian squares, the pubs of Temple Bar and St Stephen’s Green. Dublin is a city you walk, and it pays to stay centrally. Here are the areas and the hotels we recommend.
Dublin is a city you walk. From the Georgian squares around St Stephen’s Green to the pubs of Temple Bar and the River Liffey it is rarely more than a quarter of an hour on foot, which is exactly why it pays to stay centrally. Here are the areas and the hotels we recommend.
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Short answer: where should you stay in Dublin?
Classic and central: Around St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.
For the pubs: By Temple Bar, but expect a lively night.
Quiet and elegant: In Georgian Dublin around Merrion Square.
Our three favourites
On St Stephen’s Green: The Shelbourne. See rooms at The Shelbourne
By Grafton Street: The Westbury. See rooms at The Westbury
In Georgian Dublin: The Merrion. See rooms at The Merrion
St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street
Around St Stephen’s Green park and Grafton Street lie Dublin’s most central and elegant streets. From here you can walk to Trinity College, the museums and most of the restaurants.
The Shelbourne: the classic on the green
The historic grand hotel on St Stephen’s Green, where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Shelbourne
The Westbury: right by Grafton Street
An elegant hotel just off the city’s best-known shopping street, home to the Wilde restaurant.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Westbury
The Shelbourne on St Stephen’s Green.
Georgian Dublin and Merrion Square
East of Grafton Street lie the Georgian squares with the colourful doors that have become a symbol of the city. It is quieter here, but still a short walk to everything.
The Merrion: four Georgian townhouses
A luxury hotel in four Georgian townhouses, with a major collection of Irish art and a garden at its heart.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Merrion
Temple Bar and the river
Temple Bar is known for its pubs and live music, and stays lively late into the night. Stay here and the pubs are on your doorstep, but a hotel a little further away means better sleep.
Before you book
Stay central: Most of Dublin can be reached on foot.
Book early around St Patrick’s Day and big matches: Hotels fill up fast.
The airport bus: Buses run from the airport to the centre.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Dublin
Where should you stay in Dublin on a first visit?
Around St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street, in the heart of the city.
Is it a good idea to stay in Temple Bar?
For the pubs, yes. For a good night’s sleep, stay a little further away.
What is Dublin’s most famous hotel?
The Shelbourne on St Stephen’s Green is the city’s best-known grand hotel.