The Best Hotels in Dublin

The old and new jostle for attention in Ireland’s capital, with grand Georgian architecture and striking steel monuments standing side by side in the compact city center. There are lush, green parks dotted between modern shopping centers, and ancient attractions at almost every turn. There’s plenty of craic to be had from the city’s exciting nightlife too, and you can sip on a pint of the black stuff and enjoy banter with the ever-so welcoming locals or throw shapes on a dance floor until the early hours.

Things to see

The oldest college in Dublin, Trinity College is an expansive complex of buildings which occupies over 40 acres in the city. The looming bell tower dominates the main central square, while the West Front’s pedimented porch is an iconic site. It’s here you can see one of Ireland greatest gems, the Book of Kells, as well as follow in the footsteps of the college’s famous alumni, including Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett, as you tour the bustling campus grounds. Standing tall and proud on its Viking foundations, Dublin Castle is the beating heart of the historic district and its stone-built round tower date back to the 13th Century. Now the residence of the Irish Government, tours of the expansive grounds are a must for history buffs. A trip to family-friendly St Stephen's Green is a must on a nice day – as you enter through the Romanesque Fusiliers’ Arch, you’ll be meet by perfectly preened hecters of lush parkland. For buzzing nightlife, Temple Bar’s cobbled streets are bursting at the seams with pubs and clubs.

Hotels in Dublin

For a small city, Dublin’s managed to cram in plenty of places to stay. If you want to surround yourself in opulence, there are a handful of luxury, five-star Dublin hotels offering butler-like service, sumptuous afternoon teas and beds so comfy you’ll feel like you’re floating. A wealth of mid-range options can be found in every corner of the city offering convenient amenities like satellite television and WiFi as well as boutique residents ideal for romantic breaks. Budget-friendly hotels are plentiful too.

Where to stay

A stay in the city center is very convenient, and you’ll find many of Dublin’s top attractions within ambling distance of your central hotel. On the north side of the River Liffey, O'Connell Street’s shops beckon while the South bank is home to the likes of St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Trinity College, and Christ Church. Leafy Ballsbridge – Sandymount is another popular base, and you’ll find hotels dotted along the Grand Canal offering water views. This area’s good for families too, with Herbert Park just a short stroll from many on the area’s hotels. Dublin City West is packed with must-see sites such as the Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate Brewery, Old Jameson Distillery and the gothic St Patrick's Cathedral and a very convenient place to make your own during stay.

How to get to

Dublin Airport is a popular arrival point for international travelers, and there are bus services from here to the city center throughout the day. Depending on traffic, the trip can take anywhere between 25 minutes and an hour. Dun Laoghaire Harbor sees ferry services arrive from Wales and England, and is located 6 miles south of the city center. Dublin has two main railway stations, with Heuston connecting the city with the west and south on the country and Connolly serving in the southeast and east coast as well as the likes of Belfast in Northern Ireland.