Sleeping in Dublin
Welcome to Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, a city rich in history, culture, and traditions that captivates visitors from all over the world. If this is your first time here, get ready to discover a perfect blend of medieval charm and modern energy. From the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the beating heart of nightlife, to the grandeur of Trinity College with its ancient Library and the famous Book of Kells, passing through the historic Guinness Storehouse, where you can savor the world’s most famous beer with a breathtaking view of the city.
Don’t miss a stroll along the River Liffey, a visit to the enchanting Dublin Castle, and a break in the greenery of Phoenix Park, the largest urban park in Europe.
Trusting someone who has lived in Dublin for 18 years means receiving genuine and tailored advice to discover the city in the best possible way. I know every corner, from the most touristy areas to the hidden gems, and I can guide you toward the most authentic experiences, helping you avoid tourist traps and recommending only the best. Whether you want to explore history, savor local cuisine, or immerse yourself in traditional music, I’ll help you experience a unique and unforgettable journey.
In this chapter, we will guide you through Dublin’s must-see places, offering useful tips on what to see, what to do, and how to make the most of this fascinating city. For simplicity, I will divide the city into four areas: two north of the River Liffey and two south.
• Book our Dublin Tour now!
- Our guides are Failtè Ireland certified and, in addition to their professionalism, they bring a deep passion for the Emerald Isle.
North/East Dublin
Looking for a central location with affordable accommodation? Then the area between O’Connell Street and the city center towards the sea is what you’re looking for. This area is still considered a popular district, with both its advantages and drawbacks.
Between O’Connell Street, South Gardiner Street, Mountjoy Square, and Eden Quay, you will find many hostels and hotels at relatively low prices (for Dublin). Some of the best-rated hostels in this area include:
- Isaacs Hostel
2-4 Frenchman’s Ln, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 P9K4
isaacs.ie
- Latroupe Jacobs Inn
21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8
latroupe.com
- Leevin Hostel George
42 N Great George’s St, Northside, Dublin, D01 K023
leevinhostel.com
Where to Eat in Dublin 🍽️🇮🇪
Want to know where to eat in Dublin’s North/East area? Discover the best restaurants, traditional pubs, and local specialties by clicking on our dedicated page!
For hotels with excellent reviews, consider:
- Belvedere Hotel – hotel con cui ho collaborato in passato, molto apprezzato dai turisti
📍 Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin 1
🔗 belvederehoteldublin.com - Academy Plaza Hotel
📍 10-14 Findlater Pl, O’Connell Street Upper, Rotunda, Dublin 1
🔗 academyplazahotel.ie - The Gresham Hotel (RIU Plaza)
📍 23 O’Connell Street Upper, North City, Dublin, D01 C3W7
🔗 riu.com - Hilton Garden Inn
📍 Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, D01 V9X5
🔗 hilton.com
Pros of this area:
✔️ Lower prices
✔️ Plenty of pubs, restaurants, and bars
✔️ Many tours (e.g., Cliffs of Moher, Giant’s Causeway, Wicklow) start from O’Connell Street
✔️ Great transport links to the airport
Cons of this area:
❌ Noisy and busy
❌ Street cleanliness, especially after weekends, could be improved
North/West Dublin
I lived and worked in North/West Dublin for 12 years—it truly feels like home! This area offers mid-to-high price accommodation options.
Best Hotels in the North/West Area of Dublin:
- Ashling Hotel
10-13 Parkgate Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8
ashlinghotel.ie
- Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Smithfield Market, Smithfield, Dublin 7
maldronhotels.com
- The Hendrick Hotel
6-11 Hendrick Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7
hendrickdublin.ie
- McGettigan’s Town House
78 Queen Street, Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7
mcgettiganstownhouse.com
Pros of this area:
✔️ Authentic Irish atmosphere
✔️ Great pubs, restaurants, and cafés
Cons of this area:
❌ Can be crowded, especially in popular pubs
❌ Restaurant prices can be high
❌ Fewer hotel and hostel options
Offerta limitata di hotel e ostelli
Sout Ovest: Temple Bar & Liberties
If you’re looking for Dublin’s nightlife, then Temple Bar is the place for you!
The Vikings were the first to settle in this area, and you can still find traces of their presence near Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral. The name Temple Bar comes from an ancient aristocratic family, the Temple family, who built a magnificent residence here in the early 1600s.
Located on the banks of the River Liffey, Temple Bar is known for its narrow streets and legendary pubs. Over the years, it first became a meeting place for young bohemian artists and has now transformed into a hotspot for expats and tourists looking to experience Dublin’s vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Temple Bar
If you’re looking for accommodation and have a slightly higher budget, here are the hotels I recommend:
- Hotel di fascia alta:
- The Morgan Hotel | 📍 Fleet Street, Temple Bar
🔗 themorgan.com - The Fleet Hotel | 📍 Fleet Street, Temple Bar
🔗 fleethoteltemplebar.com
- The Morgan Hotel | 📍 Fleet Street, Temple Bar
- Opzioni più economiche:
- Abigail’s Hostel | 📍 Aston Quay, Temple Bar
🔗 abigailshostel.com - Barnacles Hostel | 📍 Temple Lane S, Temple Bar
🔗 barnacles-temple-bar-house-hotel-dublin.hotel-ds.com
- Abigail’s Hostel | 📍 Aston Quay, Temple Bar
Pros of this area:
✔️ Lots of pubs and restaurants
✔️ Live music every day
✔️ International and lively atmosphere
Cons of this area:
❌ Overcrowded venues
❌ High prices
❌ Difficult to find last-minute bookings
The Liberties – A Historic Dublin Neighborhood
The Liberties is one of Dublin’s oldest neighborhoods. Originally an independent village outside the medieval city walls, it was eventually incorporated into Dublin as the city expanded.
In 1759, the history of The Liberties changed drastically when Arthur Guinness, a brilliant entrepreneur, recognized the area’s strategic location for maritime trade and its access to water resources. He decided to establish the Guinness Brewery here, which would become the largest brewery in the world and the most famous stout beer globally.
The neighborhood has been undergoing major transformations: traditionally a working-class district, it is now becoming increasingly tourist-friendly. While it is cleaner, more modern, and safer than a decade ago, many small businesses that gave The Liberties its charm are gradually disappearing.
What to Visit in Dublin:
Are you looking for what to visit in Dublin? Explore the must-see attractions, historic sites, and scenic viewpoints by clicking on our dedicated page!
🔗 What to see in Dublinhttps://senzameta.ie/en/discover-dublin/what-to-see-in-dublin/
Where to Stay in The Liberties
If your budget allows for a more comfortable stay, consider these hotels:
- Hyatt Centric
📍 Hotel in Dean Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 hyatt.com - Aloft Hotel (da cui c’è una vista meravigliosa su Dublino)
📍 1 Mill Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 marriott.com - Premier Inn Hotel
📍 Brabazon Place, 32 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 premierinn.com
If you’re on a budget, The Liberties also offers some great value-for-money options:
- StayCity Apartment
📍 135 Francis Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 staycity.com - Point A Hotel
📍 Oliver Bond Street, The Liberties, Dublin 8
🔗 pointahotels.com
Pros of this area:
✔️ In many places, you can still feel an old-style Dublin atmosphere.
✔️ Lower prices compared to many other areas.
✔️Close proximity to some of Dublin’s iconic places, such as the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublinia, Christ Church, and the Teeling Distillery.
Cons of this area:
❌ The streets should be much cleaner.
❌ Although the Liberties have been revitalized in recent years and many places have been restored, it still remains one of those areas with social and economic challenges.
• Book our Dublin Tour now!
- Our guides are Failtè Ireland certified and, in addition to their professionalism, they bring a deep passion for the Emerald Isle.
The South-East of Dublin
This is one of the most prestigious residential areas near the city center. The neighborhoods of Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Ranelagh, and Sandymount are known for their clean streets, beautiful Georgian houses, and embassies.
Where to stay, Exclusive hotel:
The Sandymount Hotel is an excellent choice for those wishing to stay in an elegant environment, strategically located for convenience. Its location is perfect for easily reaching both the city center and the picturesque villages along Dublin Bay, thanks to the convenient connections offered by the “Dart” train and buses.
-
- Sandymount Hotel
Dublin 4
sandymounthotel.ie
- Intercontinental Hotel (5
)
Dublin 4
ihg.com
- The Devlin (with rooftop terrace)
117-119 Ranelagh, Dublin 6
thedevlin.ie
- Sandymount Hotel
The Sandymount Hotel, in particular, is an excellent choice that we at Senza Meta highly recommend due to the fantastic feedback from both guests who have stayed there and staff who have worked there.
To be honest, finding affordable prices in these neighborhoods is quite difficult, but you can try the following hotels:Clayton Hotel is a chain with several hotels in Dublin (you should look for the one on Leeson Street Upper, Dublin 4)
-
- Clayton Hotel Burlington Road |
Dublin 4
claytonhotelburlingtonroad.com
- Point A Hotel |
Oliver Bond Street, Dublin 8
pointahotels.com
Pros of this Area Cons
✔️ Beautiful Georgian houses and clean streets
✔️ Many restaurants, pubs, and hotels
✔️ Good public transport connections
Cons of this Area
❌ Expensive area
❌ Some neighborhoods require transport to reach the city center
Whatever your budget is, finding a place to stay in Dublin can be a challenge. With 18 years of experience, I hope to have made the task easier with my recommendations. From budget B&Bs to central hotels, discover the perfect solution for your stay, and for everything else, trust us.
• Book our Dublin Tour now!
- Our guides are Failtè Ireland certified and, in addition to their professionalism, they bring a deep passion for the Emerald Isle.