Dublin sits on Dublin Bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, with the Dublin Mountains rising to the south. The city is compact and walkable at its core, and most of what a visitor wants to see clusters around the river and the old streets on either side of it.
For a visitor, the useful split is simple: the centre divides into a north side and a south side, with the Liffey between them, and beyond that lie inner suburbs and edge-of-city districts connected by bus, tram and rail. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the accommodation tiers differ. It does not recommend individual properties.
Best areas to stay in Dublin
1. South of the river, around Trinity College and Merrion Square
This is the historic core south of the Liffey, where you find Trinity College, Merrion Square, St Stephen's Green and the Georgian streets and townhouses that date from the city's period of Georgian reconstruction. It is the most convenient base for a first visit: the main sights are within walking distance, and the area is generally quieter than the Temple Bar quarter immediately to its west.
You find mid-range and upmarket Georgian townhouse accommodation here, along with chain hotels. It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the sights rather than commute. Note that accommodation south of the river is more expensive than the north side.
2. North of the river, around O'Connell Street and Busáras
The north side centres on O'Connell Street and the Busáras bus station, with Parnell Square and the Rotunda nearby. This is where the greatest concentration of cheaper accommodation lies, including youth hostels, bed and breakfasts and budget hotels, and it is well connected to the rest of the city.
It suits budget travellers and anyone prioritising cost and transport links over polish. Some parts, such as around Parnell Square, are described as a bit rundown. Cheaper accommodation is generally found north of the river, and this is the area to look at first if price is your main concern.
3. Temple Bar
Temple Bar is the central quarter on the south bank, running from Dame Street down to the river, and it retains much of its medieval street layout. It is the busiest and liveliest part of the centre, with hotels and guest accommodation packed into a small area.
It suits visitors who want nightlife and a central location on their doorstep. The trade-off is noise: several properties here sit in the middle of the action, and street noise is a recurring issue for rooms facing the busiest streets. It is central for the sights, but expect to pay for the location.
4. Smithfield
Smithfield lies north of the river, around Smithfield Square and the distillery, in the legal quarter near the Four Courts. It is a modern, relatively calm pocket within reach of the centre, served by the tram.
It suits visitors who want a quieter base with good tram connections rather than a doorstep on the busiest streets. Accommodation here includes modern hotels and hostels, with some family rooms available. The tram links it to the centre and to the Four Courts area.
5. Ballsbridge and the southern suburbs
Ballsbridge and the surrounding southern suburbs, including Donnybrook, Sandymount and Blackrock, lie south and southeast of the centre, near the Aviva Stadium. These are quieter, leafier residential districts with townhouses, guesthouses and larger hotels.
They suit visitors who prefer calm surroundings, have a reason to be in this part of the city, or do not mind a bus or tram ride into the centre. Several properties here offer free car parking, which is unusual for the centre. The trade-off is distance: Ballsbridge is around 3 km south of the centre, and Blackrock further out on the N11, both on bus routes.
6. Drumcondra and Glasnevin
Drumcondra and Glasnevin lie north of the centre, leafy and residential, with university campuses in the area. Accommodation here is basic to mid-range, including bed and breakfasts and campus rooms offered to the public outside term time.
It suits budget-conscious visitors and those visiting the universities, who are willing to trade a central location for lower prices and quieter streets. Campus accommodation is mostly available in the summer months, and some campuses restrict access after midnight, which can mean a long walk from the gate to your room.
7. Edge-of-city and business-district locations
Further out, areas such as Park West, Sandyford and Stillorgan offer hotels and serviced apartments near business campuses, railway stations and the M50. These are practical rather than atmospheric bases.
They suit visitors with business in these districts, those arriving by car who want parking and easy motorway access, or anyone staying longer and wanting apartment-style accommodation. They are not convenient for walking to the centre; you rely on the tram, bus or train.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: youth hostels, bed and breakfasts and basic hotels, concentrated north of the river around the Busáras bus station. Expect shared or pod-style bunks in hostels and simple rooms in B&Bs. Campus rooms at the city's universities are also available to the public, mostly in summer.
- Mid-range: three-star townhouses, Georgian hotels and reliable chain hotels, found on both sides of the river and in the inner suburbs. Rooms are en suite, and some properties in the quieter southern districts include free car parking.
- Splurge: upmarket and business-oriented hotels in the centre, around the legal quarter and castle, and in the southern suburbs, including one in a grand old mansion. Expect larger rooms, more facilities and central locations, with prices to match.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself south of the river, around Trinity College and Merrion Square. The main sights are within walking distance, the Georgian streets give you a real sense of the historic city, and you avoid the worst of the night-time noise that comes with staying in Temple Bar. It is the most expensive side of the river, but for a short first trip the convenience is worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Which side of the river is cheaper for accommodation?
The north side. Cheaper accommodation, including the bulk of the city's hostels and budget hotels, is found north of the river around the Busáras bus station, while the south side is more expensive.
Is Temple Bar a good base if I want somewhere quiet?
Probably not. It is the busiest central quarter, and properties there can suffer from street noise, so look at the area south of Trinity College or Smithfield instead if quiet matters to you.
Can I stay outside the centre and still get around easily?
Yes, if you pick somewhere on a tram, bus or rail route. Smithfield, Ballsbridge and the southern suburbs, and the edge-of-city districts near railway stations and the M50 are all connected to the centre, though you will be commuting rather than walking.
Is camping an option in Dublin?
Dublin is not well served for camping or caravanning. The nearest site to the centre lies beyond the M50 to the southwest, on the N7 Naas Road, on a bus route into the city.
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