Best Hotels in Dublin 2026: Where to Stay in the Irish Capital

The Shelbourne (5-star) — Dublin\'s most iconic hotel, overlooking St Stephen\'s Green since 1824. The Irish Constitution was drafted here in 1922. The grand lobby, the Lord Mayor\'s Lounge (famous for afternoon tea), and the beautifully restored rooms make it the finest address in Dublin. Rates from £220–£500 per night.\n\nThe Merrion (5-star) — Four interconnected Georgian townhouses on Merrion Street, opposite Government Buildings. The Merrion has one of the finest art collections of any hotel in Ireland, two restaurants (including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud), and a beautiful garden terrace. Rates from £250–£550 per night.\n\nThe Westbury (5-star) — A grand hotel on Grafton Street, in the heart of Dublin\'s shopping and cultural district. The Wilde restaurant and the Gallery bar are both excellent. Rates from £180–£380 per night.\n\nThe Marker (5-star) — A striking contemporary hotel in the Docklands, with a rooftop bar and pool offering panoramic views over Dublin Bay. Rates from £160–£320 per night.

Number 31 (boutique) — A unique guesthouse in two Georgian townhouses near St Stephen\'s Green, once the home of modernist architect Sam Stephenson. The sunken sitting room, the garden, and the exceptional breakfasts make it one of the most characterful places to stay in Dublin. Rates from £130–£220 per night.\n\nThe Dean (boutique) — A stylish design hotel on Harcourt Street with a rooftop bar (Sophie\'s) offering great views over the city. Popular with a younger, creative crowd. Rates from £100–£200 per night.\n\nThe Wilder Townhouse (boutique) — A beautifully restored Victorian townhouse near St Stephen\'s Green, with individually designed rooms and a warm, residential atmosphere. Rates from £120–£220 per night.

The Davenport (4-star) — A well-located hotel in a Victorian building near Merrion Square, with comfortable rooms and good service. Rates from £100–£180 per night.\n\nMaldron Hotel Cardiff Lane (4-star) — A reliable mid-range hotel in the Docklands, close to the Convention Centre and the DART line. Good value for Dublin. Rates from £80–£150 per night.\n\nClayton Hotel Burlington Road (4-star) — A large, well-run hotel near the RDS Arena and Ballsbridge, with good facilities and competitive rates. Rates from £90–£160 per night.

Dublin is an expensive city for accommodation, but budget options exist.\n\nGenerator Dublin (hostel/budget hotel) — A well-designed hostel on Smithfield Square with private rooms available. One of the best budget options in Dublin, with a lively bar and social atmosphere. Private rooms from £50–£90 per night.\n\nIbis Dublin City (budget) — A reliable budget hotel near Christchurch Cathedral, with clean, functional rooms at the lowest prices available in central Dublin. Rates from £70–£120 per night.\n\nStaying outside the centre — Hotels in Drumcondra, Ballsbridge, or near the airport are significantly cheaper than central Dublin. The DART and bus network make getting into the centre straightforward.

Grafton Street / St Stephen\'s Green — The most central and prestigious area. Walking distance to Trinity College, the National Museum, and the best restaurants. The most expensive area.\n\nTemple Bar — The tourist heart of Dublin, with cobbled streets, pubs, and galleries. Lively (and noisy at weekends) — good for a short break, less ideal for a quiet stay.\n\nGeorgian Quarter (Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Square) — Beautiful Georgian architecture, quieter than Temple Bar, close to the National Gallery and government buildings. Excellent boutique hotel options.\n\nDocklands — Dublin\'s modern business district, with contemporary hotels at competitive rates. Good transport links and a 15-minute walk to the city centre.