Where to Stay in Dublin: Neighborhood Guide from Budget to Luxury

Temple Bar sits at the cultural crossroads of Dublin—equal parts authentic Irish heritage and well-packaged tourism experience. This cobblestoned district straddling the River Liffey's south bank reminds me of certain parts of Wellington's Cuba Street, though with centuries more history and considerably more pubs per square meter.

During my stay, I spent two nights at the boutique accommodation to experience Temple Bar's energy firsthand. The location proved unbeatable for first-time Dublin visitors—we were steps from the iconic Temple Bar Pub (yes, the neighborhood shares its name with its most famous establishment), the Ha'penny Bridge, and Dublin Castle.

The tradeoff becomes apparent around 10 pm when the district transforms into Dublin's premier nightlife zone. Street musicians compete with pub sessions, and revelers (many from bachelor and bachelorette parties) fill the narrow lanes. The atmosphere is generally good-natured but undeniably boisterous.

Accommodation in Temple Bar spans from hostels to boutique hotels, though genuine budget options are increasingly rare as the area's popularity drives prices upward. Mid-range travelers can find reasonable quality, but you'll pay a premium for the central location. For those seeking luxury, The Morgan and The Clarence (owned by U2's Bono and The Edge) offer stylish digs with celebrity cachet.

Moving slightly south from Temple Bar, you'll find Dublin's premier shopping district anchored by pedestrianized Grafton Street and the verdant oasis of St. Stephen's Green. This area represents Dublin at its most cosmopolitan—high-end retailers and elegant Georgian architecture create an atmosphere that feels simultaneously historic and contemporary.

During my Dublin week, I relocated to this district for two nights at The Shelbourne, a historic property overlooking St. Stephen's Green that has hosted everyone from Princess Grace to Michael Collins during pivotal moments in Irish history. While undeniably a splurge, the hotel's afternoon tea experience and impeccable service offered a glimpse into Dublin's refined side.

What makes this neighborhood particularly appealing is its dual nature—step off busy Grafton Street with its street performers and shoppers, and within minutes you're strolling through St. Stephen's Green's manicured gardens or exploring the quiet lanes around Merrion Square where Georgian townhouses display their colorful doors.

Accommodation here leans toward the upper end of the spectrum, with luxury options like The Shelbourne and The Westbury setting the standard. Mid-range travelers can find smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses tucked away on side streets, though true budget options are limited. Many properties in this district occupy converted Georgian buildings, offering architectural character that chain hotels simply cannot match.

For capturing those perfect Dublin memories, I relied on my compact travel camera which proved ideal for street photography and low-light interior shots in Dublin's historic buildings and pubs.

For travelers seeking an experience closer to everyday Dublin life, The Liberties offers a compelling alternative to the more tourist-oriented districts. This historic neighborhood—one of Dublin's oldest—sits southwest of Temple Bar and houses attractions like the Guinness Storehouse and Teeling Whiskey Distillery, yet retains a distinctly local character.

During my exploration of The Liberties, I was struck by its architectural contrasts—medieval street patterns leading to contemporary urban regeneration projects, historic churches neighboring modern apartment complexes. The area has undergone significant transformation in recent years, yet maintains working-class roots that provide a counterbalance to Dublin's more polished tourist districts.

Accommodation options in The Liberties have expanded dramatically, with several mid-range hotels opening to accommodate visitors drawn to the Guinness Storehouse and nearby Irish Museum of Modern Art. Budget travelers will appreciate the area's selection of guesthouses and apartment rentals, which typically offer better value than equivalent options in Temple Bar or around Grafton Street.

I spent two nights at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties, which exemplifies the neighborhood's evolution—a contemporary hotel that incorporates archaeological elements discovered during construction, including remnants of medieval city walls now preserved in the hotel basement.

Navigating Dublin's varied neighborhoods became significantly easier with a reliable travel guidebook that provided historical context for each district and practical walking tours that connected major attractions while revealing hidden corners of the city.

For those who prefer contemporary comforts and sleek design over historic charm, Dublin's Docklands presents an intriguing option. This regenerated waterfront district—home to European headquarters for tech giants like Google and Facebook—offers a glimpse of modern Ireland's economic renaissance.

The Docklands stretches along both sides of the River Liffey's eastern reaches, connected by the iconic Samuel Beckett Bridge whose harp-shaped design has become a symbol of 21st-century Dublin. The area's architecture is decidedly contemporary—glass and steel structures that would look at home in any global financial center.

Accommodation in the Docklands primarily consists of upscale international hotel chains and serviced apartments catering to business travelers. During my stay at the waterfront hotel, I appreciated the property's rooftop bar offering panoramic city views and the proximity to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for evening performances.

While lacking the obvious charm of Dublin's historic districts, the Docklands offers practical advantages: modern accommodations with reliable amenities, excellent public transportation connections via the LUAS tram system, and relative tranquility compared to Temple Bar's constant activity. The neighborhood also provides convenient access to EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum—one of Dublin's newest and most thoughtfully curated attractions.

For couples seeking a romantic Dublin base, the Docklands delivers unexpectedly well. Evening walks along the illuminated riverfront promenade offer spectacular city views, while restaurants in converted warehouse spaces serve contemporary Irish cuisine that highlights the country's emerging culinary credentials.

While technically outside Dublin proper, the seaside suburb of Dún Laoghaire (pronounced dun leery) merits consideration for travelers seeking coastal charm within easy reach of city attractions. Located just 12km southeast of central Dublin and connected by frequent DART trains, this historic port town offers a distinctly different accommodation experience.

As someone who gravitates toward water whenever possible—perhaps a consequence of my Wellington residence—I found Dún Laoghaire's sweeping harbor and Victorian seafront promenade instantly appealing. During my final two nights in Dublin, I based myself at a boutique guesthouse overlooking the harbor, using the 25-minute DART connection for city explorations while enjoying evening walks along the East Pier.

The town offers accommodation across budget ranges, though mid-range guesthouses and B&Bs predominate. What you sacrifice in immediate proximity to Dublin attractions, you gain in space, value, and seaside atmosphere. Many properties occupy restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings with character that chain hotels cannot replicate.

Dún Laoghaire itself offers several worthy attractions, including the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, the James Joyce Tower at nearby Sandycove (where Ulysses opens), and the People's Park with its excellent weekend farmers market. The town also serves as gateway to coastal walks along Dublin Bay, with the Forty Foot swimming spot and Dalkey village within walking distance.

For capturing Dublin's varied coastal and urban landscapes, I relied on my versatile travel lens which proved invaluable for everything from wide harbor views to detailed architecture shots without changing lenses.