In this post, I will help you to find Where to stay in Dublin first time (for nightlife, family, couple, on a budget). I’ll also provide the list of the best areas to stay in Dublin (with a video and map), best hotels in Dublin for all budgets (including the hotel where I stayed), and safest places.
As the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin offers all the best aspects that the Emerald Isle is known for. With its rich history, culture, natural beauty, amazing restaurants, shopping, Dublin is definitely well worth a visit.
Dublin is separated by the Liffey River, including the city center in the touristy south side of Liffey and the more residential north side. Southside Dublin are Temple Bar, O’Connell Street, Trinity, and Portobello. Northside Dublin are Phibsborough, Drumcondra, Stoneybatter, Smithfield.
Where to Stay in Dublin first time?
The best areas to stay in Dublin for first-time visitors are O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, Trinity & Grafton Street, Merrion Square, Portobello. These are popular and safe neighborhoods, offering a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
O’Connell Street is the best overall area to stay in Dublin for first time visitors due to its central location, proximity to the city’s major attractions, and wide range of accommodations. Staying here offers easy access to sights, restaurants, traditional Irish pubs.
Dublin is overall a very safe city, but as in a big city, you should be aware of surroundings and use common sense to avoid pickpocketing and tourist scams. Stick to well-lit and populated streets, especially when walking alone after dark. Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas.
The safest areas to stay in Dublin for tourists are Dublin City Centre including Grafton Street, Temple Bar, Trinity College, St Stephen’s Green, and Portobello. You should avoid some unsafe areas like Ballymun, Tallaght and Pearse Street.
Dublin City Center areas such as O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, and Trinity are the best areas to stay in Dublin without a car due to its central location and good public transportation system. You can easily get around on foot, or by bus, tram, LUAS, and DART.
Most hotels in Dublin City Center offer paid parking. If you are looking for a hotel with free car parking in Dublin, look into Sandymount Hotel and The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection.
If this is your first visit, I recommend spending at least three days in Dublin, which is enough to see the city’s main highlight, to get a taste of the city, enjoy bars, pubs. If you have more time, you can take a day trip to Giant’s Causeway, Powerscourt Estate and Waterfall.
Where did I stay in Dublin?
When I visited Dublin, I stayed for 3 nights in Dublin city center at the Wren Urban Nest. The hotel has a prime location easy distance from famous attractions such as Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and Chester Beatty Library. I was able to explore the nightlife, cafes, museums on foot and by public transport. I had a good sized room and very good breakfast.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | O’Connell Street |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Castle Hotel |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | Wynn’s Hotel |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Dublin:
Best areas to stay in Dublin for first-timers & tourists are:
1. O’Connell Street
O’Connell Street is one of the best places to stay in Dublin for first-time tourists because it is the most central part of Dublin. It’s often considered the city’s principal street and serves as a hub for both traffic and pedestrians.
The street runs right through the heart of the city centre, through both the north and south, thanks to the O’Connell Bridge river crossing. It is the widest street in Dublin and is lined with significant landmarks, shops, and cultural institutions.
O’Connell Street is home to the General Post Office, which is considered the absolute center point for the city. If you choose a hotel within walking distance of GPO, you know you are staying as central as you can get. With its grand columned façade, you will definitely know when you see it.
The area itself is a hub of shopping and hospitality. O’Connell Street and the roads leading off from it are lined with numerous well-known brands. This includes the pedestrian Henry Street or Parnell Street, one of the oldest and most famous shopping areas in Dublin, second only to Grafton Street in the south.
In amongst the shops and boutiques, you will find plenty of restaurants and traditional Irish pubs to take a cozy break. In the evenings the street comes alive with live music venues hosting various local artists.
It’s not just shopping and dining to be found here though. Most of Dublin’s main attractions are a short walk across the River Liffey, while there are plenty of things to see and do in the immediate area too.
Several statues and monuments line O’Connell Street which are worth keeping an eye out for. O’Connell Street is named for the nationalist politician Daniel O’Connell and so it is fitting that one of these monuments, right by the north end of O’Connell Bridge would be dedicated to him.
One of the street most notable sculptures is the Spire of Dublin (Monument of Light), at 120m tall, one of the world’s tallest sculptures. Other monuments are the statue of Charles Stewart Parnell, James Larkin statue, Father Theobald Mathew, Sir John Grey, and William Smith O’Brien.
For a more historical landmark, head to St Mary’s Pro Cathedral, just around the corner from the Spire. Bedecked both inside and out with statues and sculptures, the grand columned building is unlike the mostly spired cathedrals you may have seen before.
No visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to the National Leprechaun Museum. Just a short walk to the west of O’Connell Street, the museum offers fanciful exhibits of Ireland’s numerous myths and legends.
If you are visiting Dublin for a romantic break, you will definitely want to pay a visit to Ha’penny Bridge. The quaint iron bridge, with its curving arches and glowing lanterns, is one of the most beautiful spots in Dublin, especially at sunset. Come here to watch the sun go down over the River Liffey and leave your own love lock on the railings.
Between the crowds of shoppers during the day and the flocks of partygoers that come out at night, O’Connell Street is rarely quiet. Whilst this is great if you are looking for a lively area that never sleeps, it is not ideal for anyone looking for a quiet, laid-back vacation.
One thing worth noting if you are flying into Dublin airport, O’Connell Street is where many of the buses and coaches shuttling passengers from the airport to central Dublin terminate. If you are not hiring a car and don’t want to shell out for a taxi, you will likely find yourself being dropped off along here.
O’Connell Street is the best area to stay in Dublin for one night due to its central location, offering easy access to other parts of the city and the airport. Less effort spent lugging your bags between bus connections.
O’Connell Street has a wide range of accommodation options that suit all budget from luxury brand hotel to budget hostels.
Best places to stay in Dublin in O’Connell Street for first-timers:
- luxury ($$$): Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
- mid-range ($$): Castle Hotel
- budget ($): Wynn’s Hotel
2. Temple Bar
Just across the River Liffey from O’Connell Street, Temple bar is the best place to stay if you want fantastic nightlife right at the heart of the Dublin city center. Home to many of Dublin’s top attractions, this is a great location to stay if you want plenty to do both day and night.
Often dubbed ‘Dublin’s cultural quarter,’ Temple Bar is heaving with packed pubs and bars. It is also where you will find tons of live music venues, where you can listen to performances by local artists and bands.
This is also the center of Dublin’s LGBT nightlife and community. If having plenty of LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs on your doorstep is a priority for you, then this is the best area to stay.
As well as enjoying the performances of Dublin’s up-and-coming musicians, you can also visit the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum to gain some fresh insights into the numerous world-famous acts that hail from Ireland.
It is not just Ireland’s musical heritage that is celebrated in Temple Bar either. The Irish Film Institute is a great venue that celebrates independent films in their three theatres. There is even an on-site bar and café where you can relax and discuss your film.
If you prefer your film arts of the static variety, the Irish Gallery of Photography is just around the corner. More than just an exhibition of Ireland’s finest photographic works, the gallery also houses its own darkrooms and processing facilities.
In keeping with being Dublin’s cultural quarter, Temple Bar is within walking distance of the home of one of Ireland’s most famous culinary exports, Guinness. The Guinness Storehouse is located at the St James’ Gate Brewery and boasts seven floors of exhibits and bars dedicated to the stout.
Even if you are not the biggest fan of Guinness, the Guinness storehouse is worth visiting for the rooftop bar alone. Offering 360° views over Dublin, this is one of the best places in the city to relax with a drink.
If you are wondering where to stay in Dublin for sightseeing, then the Temple Bar area is a great one to consider. You will find some of the city’s top sights in the neighborhood and within walking distance to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and Grafton Street neighborhoods.
Dublin Castle is one of the oldest structures in the city, with its original features dating back to 1204. Visitors can tour the staterooms and grounds or browse the two attached museums. Dublin Castle is right behind City Hall, which is also open for tours.
Just around the corner from the castle is St Patrick’s Cathedral. Built around the same time as the castle, this is a magnificent building and one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin. The grand atmosphere of the ancient church is compounded by the daily musical recitals held here.
St Patrick’s is not the only notable cathedral in Temple Bar. Christ Church Cathedral is just a two-minute walk away from the river. Even older than St Patricks, the current Christ Church building was built in the late 12th century. Whilst the cathedral interior is lovely, the true treasures lay within the crypts. Home to royal artifacts and historic documents, make sure to also visit the mummified cat and rat on display.
Temple Bar is one of the most popular and touristy areas of the city. Super central and with tons to do, it is easy to see why. However, that does come with the caveat of higher rates for everything from nights out to accommodation.
With such high demand in the area, there are tons of options to choose from, including some of the best hotels in the city. There are some more affordable options to be found if you know where to look, but generally, this is not the best area if to stay if you are trying to keep to a strict budget.
Best places to stay in Temple Bar, Dublin for first-time visitors:
- luxury ($$$): The Fitzwilliam Hotel
- mid-range ($$): Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
- budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Dublin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
3. Trinity, Grafton Street, and St Stephen’s Green
Just to the east of Temple Bar, the Trinity area is another vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Dublin city center. Stretching along the south bank of the River Liffey, right where O’Connell Street crosses the water, this is a super central location, perfect for exploring the sights of Dublin. Trinity has more affordable accommodation and is very popular with backpackers.
This area is home to the prestigious Trinity College and so has a big student population. This is reflected in the vibrant nightlife scene you can find in the area. Being so close to Temple Bay, the two districts’ nightlife scenes blend into one another.
The nightlife around Trinity college is generally catered more towards the younger, student population. If you want to get away from the more touristy Temple Bar scene, this is a great alternative. Trinity College itself is also worth a visit.
The Book of Kells is the most popular tourist attraction in Trinity College, and one of the top attractions of Dublin. An illustrated copy of the new testament dating back to the 9th-century, the Book of Kells is significant for its intricate illuminations and impeccable preservation.
Being so popular with students, and those visiting said students, there is plenty of demand for affordable accommodation in the Trinity area. If you want to stay right at the heart of central Dublin without breaking the bank, then this is the best area to consider.
Being so close to the city center, you will be within comfortable walking distance of many exciting attractions. However, there are also plenty of interesting things to see and do in the area around Trinity College.
There are numerous museums and art galleries for history buffs and art lovers to explore. such as:
- the National Museum of Ireland Archaeology
- the National Museum of Ireland Natural History
- The National Gallery, home to some of the finest artwork in Ireland and is definitely worth visiting to complete your dark academia adventure.
- the Irish Whiskey Museum, another aspect of Ireland’s cultural significance.
In contrast to the affordable student district of Trinity, Grafton Street is one of the top places to go in Dublin for high-end shopping. With an excellent mix of independent boutiques and well-known luxury brands, if you love indulgent shopping sprees then you must visit Grafton Street.
In amongst all of Grafton Street’s fancy boutiques, you can also find a number of small art galleries. If you want to pick up some pieces by local Dublin artists, you will have plenty of opportunities to find something you love along Grafton Street.
St Stephen’s Green marks the west end of the Southern Georgian Dublin area. Around here you can find lots of charming historic buildings and red brick houses.
St Stephen’s Green itself is a lovely public park. With manicured lawns and gardens, a lake with a waterfall, and numerous statues and monuments, St Stephen’s Green is a lovely place to enjoy a picnic and take a break from the inner-city crowds.
The northwest corner of St Stephen’s Park is marked by Fusilier’s arch. A monument to those who died at war, it still bears the bullet holes from a 1916 uprising against British rule. Another landmark to add to your historical tour of the area.
The lovely National Concert Hall is immediately south of St Stephen’s Green. Even if you can’t find the time to see a show here, it is still worth passing by. The building itself is a wonderful example of the historic architecture of the area.
Best places to stay in Dublin in Trinity for first-timers:
- luxury ($$$): The Merrion Hotel
- mid-range ($$): Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House
- budget ($): Harding Hotel
4. Merrion Square & Fitzwilliam Square
Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Square are located in the Southern Georgian Dublin area. The city’s rich history is evident in the stunning historic architecture you will find throughout the area. With its quaint cobblestone streets and charming brick houses, this is one of Dublin’s most romantic areas.
It is a particularly great location if you are planning a honeymoon or romantic escape. The area has a wonderful atmosphere, with fewer tourists than the city center, whilst still providing easy access to the main sights and attractions.
Being quieter and less crowded, whilst also within a short walk of the city center, this is a fabulous location to stay if you are family visiting with children. There are several parks in the area to allow kids some space to roam and you won’t have too much trouble shepherding them to and from the sights.
Any foodies visiting Dublin will definitely want to stop by the Merrion Square area. There are several Michelin-starred restaurants in and around the area; perfect for date nights.
There is also the Merrion Square Street food Market on Thursday afternoons. Visitors can browse a plethora of vendors selling a variety of cuisines and dishes. On a nice day, it is the perfect place to go for lunch and enjoy a picnic in the square.
Merrion Square is surrounded by popular attractions and facilities. The Natural History Museum, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the National Gallery are all right next to the square.
Literature lovers may know that Oscar Wilde once lived on the square. The house in which he resided has been converted into a museum. The Oscar Wilde House can be found by the northwest corner of Merrion Square and is furnished in the style that Oscar Wilde would have known.
Like neighboring Trinity, being just outside of the main city center allows you to enjoy lower rates for accommodation, whilst still staying in a super convenient location. You can find plenty of quality affordable hotels within walking distance of top attractions.
Of course, if you have a higher budget for accommodation, there are some really lovely hotels in the area too. If you are planning a honeymoon or romantic weekend, why not splurge on a room with views of one of the parks or grand museums?
Best places to stay in Merrion Square for firts-time tourists:
- luxury ($$$): The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
- mid-range ($$): Harrington Hall
- budget ($): O’Donoghue’s
See more: 9 Safest areas to stay in Dublin for tourists
5. Portobello
To the south of Temple Bar, Portobello is a more residential area, just removed from the main city center enough to be considerably less touristy. Portobello is an upmarket and safe neighborhood with a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, which is ideal if you are hoping for a more laid-back vacation.
Without the pressure to appeal to tourists, the shopping and hospitality in the Portobello area feel much more authentic. The neighborhood has a comfortable village vibe, despite being just a fifteen-minute walk from the city center.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the buzzing inner city, this is a great place to stay if you are planning a family vacation. There is more space for kids to spread out, without the fear of losing them in the crowds.
Once home to Dublin’s Little Jerusalem, much of the Jewish presence in the area has dissipated. However, its legacy remains in the kosher delis and bakeries that can still be found around the South Circular road.
If you need a break from the press of the city, you can head to Iveagh Gardens. The leafy Victorian park boasts manicured lawn gardens with a maze, fountains, and a beautiful waterfall. The perfect place to relax on a sunny afternoon.
The Grand Canal runs along the southern edge of Portobello. Lined with leafy pathways, the Grand Canal is a lovely place to enjoy a scenic walk on a pleasant afternoon. There are also several bars and hipstercafes along the Grand Canal where you can enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the boats drift by.
Being a more residential area, there are fewer hotels to be found here than in the more touristy locations. Mostly they are concentrated along the eastern edge of Portobello, close to Iveagh Gardens.
Being further out of the city center, and less in demand with tourists, the prices for accommodation here are very reasonable. If you are looking for affordable accommodation in a more upmarket area, this is a great place to look.
Best places to stay in Dublin in Portobello for first-timers:
- luxury ($$$): Conrad Dublin
- mid-range ($$): Camden Court Hotel
- budget ($): Albany House
6. Phibsborough
Previously one of Dublin’s underdeveloped areas, the Phibsborough neighborhood (also known as Phibsboro) has been undergoing a transformation in recent years. Elevated from its neglected roots, this is now one of the coolest areas in the city.
If you are looking for Dublin’s hipster crowd, this is where you will find them. Responsible for much of the area’s renovation, you can feel the hipster influence in the many cozy coffee shops and vintage boutiques throughout the area.
One of the neatest quirks of Phibsborough’s regeneration lies in how much of its gritty past remains. You will find lots of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and bars proudly housed in abandoned buildings, converted just enough to meet safety regulations whilst preserving the dilapidated edge.
If you love spotting street art, then you will have a great time in Phibsborough. Like many areas with rougher pasts, the streets here are often full of murals. You might have to sift through a fair few scribbled tags, but you are sure to spot a masterpiece or two on a walk about Phibsborough.
The Royal Canal runs along the north of Phibsborough. A lovely place to enjoy a walk, the tree-lined canal offers a reprieve from the press of the city.
You can spend a peaceful afternoon watching the riverboats and barges drift by. There are a few pubs and bars close to the waterfront that are particularly lovely in the summer.
Just the other side of the Royal Canal is the National Botanic Gardens. With a beautiful Victorian glasshouse, numerous gardens, and thousands of plants, this is a wonderful place to explore. There are also plenty of lakes, streams, and brilliant statues and ornaments to discover around every corner.
Being further out from the city center, and still in the process of being elevated from a less desirable neighborhood, accommodation here is typically more affordable than the more touristy inner-city districts.
Budget travelers who don’t mind not being right in the heart of the city can snag some great bargains here. In keeping with the hipster aesthetic, you can find some really interesting accommodation options around Phibsborough.
Best places to stay in Dublin in Phibsborough:
- mid-range ($$): Castle Hotel
- budget ($): Charleville Lodge Hotel
- budget ($): Egans House
7. Docklands
Also known as Silicon Docks, the Docklands are one of the most affluent areas in Dublin. If you are planning a luxury vacation or on a business trip, or looking for a safe area to stay in, then this is certainly a top neighborhood to consider. The heart of the city’s tech industry, the Docklands are the favorite of wealthy entrepreneurs and high-flying businesspeople.
In contrast to the historic buildings you will find throughout Dublin, the Docklands area is a hub of modern architecture. Here you will find towering skyscrapers forming a sparkling hypermodern metropolis of metal and glass.
For all that it is a bustling center of innovation and business, the Docklands is still fairly underappreciated by tourists and so are actually reasonably quiet. At least compared to the city center that is.
Do not worry that you will be too far removed from the city center though. The Docklands are just a short walk east of O’Connell Street, so you will still have easy access to all the top sights and attractions of Dublin. Although it may be lacking the historic atmosphere you would find elsewhere in Dublin, there are still plenty of cultural attractions to enjoy within the Docklands.
Some of the old warehouses lining the river have been converted into lively shopping and dining centres. You can enjoy a high-class wining and dining experience whilst also taking in the history of the area.
Other warehouses have been adapted into museums and cultural centres, as is the case with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. EPIC houses various exhibits documenting the spread and influence of the Irish diaspora across the world.
Just along the riverfront from EPIC is the Jeanie Johnson Replica ship. They make a great pair of attractions to visit as the Jeanie Johnson is a full size and boardable replica of a ship that took emigrating Irish people to America during the great famine in the 19th century.
In fact, there is quite a lot to see along the riverfront, such as the beautiful Samuel Beckett Bridge, often likened to a harp. If you would prefer to enjoy it from the water, companies offering river cruise tours can be found along this stretch of the riverbank.
There are also numerous events venues in the Docklands area, so it is a popular place to stay for those attending conventions and shows. The Dublin Convention Centre is right by the waterfront, and, with over twenty-two events spaces, there is always something going on here.
Meanwhile, the 3Arena is one of Dublin’s top live music venues. Between the convention centre and the 3Arena, this area can get pretty busy, and pricey, around big events, so take that into consideration when planning your trip.
Being such an affluent area and popular with affluent business people and luxury travelers, this is not the best place to go looking for affordable accommodation. However, if you have a more generous budget, you can choose from some of the best hotels in Dublin.
Best places to stay in Dublin in Docklands for first-time travelers:
- luxury ($$$): The Marker Hotel – A Leading Hotel of the World
- mid-range ($$): The Spencer Hotel
- budget ($): Wynn’s Hotel
8. Smithfield
Another of Dublin’s gentrified industrial districts, Smithfield is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Many of the former warehouses and industrial buildings have been converted into hospitality venues.
You will find lots of quirky cafes and fashionable bars housed in old factories and workhouses. As you can imagine, this is one of the most popular areas with Dublin’s hipster crowd, so you can find tons of cosy cafes and vintage stores to browse.
The centre point of Smithfield is the charming, cobbled Smithfield Square. Throughout the year, the square hosts numerous markets, festivals, and public events. It is a lively area that is always worth swinging by to see what is going on.
In addition to the occasional open-air concerts you can enjoy at Smithfield Square, Smithfield is also known for its many pubs and taprooms hosting frequent live music acts. If you prefer your nightlife a little less rowdy but no less lively, then this is a wonderful place to go for after-dark entertainment.
Just a comfortable walk from the more crowded nightlife of Temple Bar, you can easily pick and choose what kind of evening you want as you go.
One of the top attractions in the Smithfield area is the Jameson Distillery. Located on Bow Street, here you can enjoy tastings of the world-famous whiskey, as well as sample food pairings and learn about the distilling process.
Combine a visit to the Jameson Distillery with a trip to the Guinness Storehouse across the river and you have a perfectly themed day out.
One of the most affordable areas of the city, it is within easy walking distance of the city centre. If you are wondering where to stay in Dublin to enjoy the best of both budget-friendly accommodation and convenient location, you should strongly consider Smithfield.
Best places to stay in Dublin in Smithfield:
- luxury ($$$): Ashling Hotel Dublin
- mid-range ($$): Maldron Hotel Smithfield
- budget ($): Tipperary House Dublin
9. Stoneybatter
The hipster neighborhood of Stoneybatter is another of Dublin’s outer city areas that have seen a significant increase in popularity in recent years. Rising prices in the city center have been pushing the younger population out into the suburbs, where they have been regenerating previously underappreciated neighborhoods.
Now home to a thriving population of students and young families, Stoneybatter is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Dublin. Here you can find numerous fashionable coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
A little more removed from the city center than some other districts in this neighborhood guide, Stoneybatter has a much quieter atmosphere. Free from the crowds of tourists and much more residential, this area is ideal for anyone who wants to experience living like a local.
It is also perfect for anyone traveling with children. With fewer crowds to get lost in and plenty of open space and public parks, this is the perfect location for a family vacation. Even though it is not in the city center, it is just a pleasant walk along the river to the main attractions of Dublin.
To the west of Stoneybatter is the massive Phoenix Park, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. The park is full of historical landmarks including the Magazine Fort and various monuments. In addition to its massive fields, the park offers seemingly endless trails around lakes and through small woods.
Several cafes and tea rooms surround the park. On a sunny day, you can relax on the grass with a picnic, whilst on more overcast afternoons you can escape into a cozy café and enjoy the scenic view.
Phoenix Park is also home to Dublin Zoo. With hundreds of species and habitats, along with cafes and educational activities, this is a perfect family-friendly attraction.
Being less popular with tourists than the city center neighborhoods, rates for accommodation here are much more competitive. If you are looking for affordable lodgings and being right in the heart of the city is not your top priority, then this is a great place to consider.
Best places to stay in Stoneybatter:
- mid-range ($$): Ashling Hotel Dublin
- mid-range ($$): Charleville Lodge Hotel
- budget ($): Glencourt Apartments
See more: 24 Best things to do in Dublin, Ireland
Tips for traveling to Dublin:
With over a thousand years of history and culture, there is tons to see and do in Dublin to suit every vacation. Whether you just want to wander around the ancient sights or prefer a lively break spent crawling between the cosy pubs and bustling bars, you can find everything you could want in Dublin.
It is easy for foreigners to confuse the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Make sure that you bring euros with you to Dublin, not pounds.
Whilst Dublin is the biggest city in Ireland, with a population of just under a million people, it is still pretty compact compared to other capitals around the world. As such, no matter which area you decide to stay in you will still be able to visit all the sights with ease.
Do not worry too much if your favorite area doesn’t match to your budget or other needs. You will still be able to comfortably explore your favorite districts with ease. Dublin has a super reliable and comprehensive bus, tram, and rail network that will have you zipping around the city in no time. The LUAS, Dublin’s light rail system runs around the city centre, while the DART, Dublin Area Rapid Transit, is the most convenient way to explore the city.
If you want to stay in a seaside village close to the city, consider the quaint village of Malahide which is 30 minutes from the city center; traditional fishing village of Howth; a lovely village of Greystones; the charming Dalkey Village which is 30 minutes by train from Dublin’s Pearse Station; and Dún Laoghaire which is 12 km south of Dublin city center;
🎬 You can watch full video about best areas in Dublin in my youtube channel.
See more:
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To summarize, O’Connell Street, Temple Bar, Trinity & Grafton Street, Merrion Square, Portobello, Phibsborough, The Docklands, and Smithfield are the best places to stay in Dublin for tourists and first-time travelers. They are popular locations, offering plenty of hotels for all travelers.
Overal, I recommend Dublin city center and O’Connell Street, as the best area to stay in Dublin for first-timers due to its central location and wide range of hotels for all budgets. If you stay here, you will be located within easy walking distance to many restaurants, bars, and shops.