You have finally decided to visit the Irish capital, but you don't know where to stay in Dublin?
In this article I want to explain in detail and in a simple way which are the best areas of the city for any need.
If this is your first time visiting Dublin you will need to understand how the city is made up, where the center is located and the main attractions, which neighborhoods to prefer and which ones to avoid.
Where to sleep in Dublin
Let's start by saying that the best choice to stay in Dublin, especially for the first time, is definitely the center, close to the most important places of interest.
If you want to be sure to stay in central areas, just choose a structure not far from O’Connell Street , Temple Bar e Grafton Street.
Staying in the center means being a stone's throw from the shopping streets, the many restaurants and pubs, museums, parks and the main landmarks of the Irish city.
In any case, keep in mind that Dublin is a rather compact city and you will not have difficulty moving from one area to another.
The Areas To Stay In Dublin
Let's now go to the discovery of the main tourist areas of Dublin, so as to guide you in choosing the best neighborhood based on what you are looking for and the type of experience you want to live.
O'Connell Street
If you want to stay in the heart of Dublin, O'Connel Strett is the best choice. This is the main artery of the city, full of shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and cafes.
The area is well connected to the rest of the city by public transport.
Council: the real center of the city is located in correspondence with the post office located right on O'Connel Street, so if you find a structure in this area you will have the security of staying in a strategic position.
Temple Bar
Temple Bar is an area located between Trinity College and Grafton Street along the south bank of the river. Famous for its many pubs and bars, it is the best area for nightlife, always animated with live music, it is the perfect place to enjoy an excellent Guinness.
But Temple Bar is not just about pubs and nightlife, there are many shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries and many must-see attractions and historical places.
Keep in mind that many hotels or apartments are located right above the pubs, so if you are looking for a quiet and low-noise place it would be better to consider other neighborhoods.
Temple Bar is perfect if you have a few days to visit the city, recommended especially for the younger ones or for all those who want to be a stone's throw from the evening entertainment.
St. Stephen's Green
St Stephen's Green is one of the most elegant areas of Dublin, characterized by beautiful Georgian houses and surrounded by green areas. A quiet area, but at the same time close to the center and the main attractions, ideal for a stay as a couple or as a family.
If you are a lover of Irish architecture and history, South Georgian Dublin will not disappoint you, starting out da St Stephen's Green fino a Merrion Square you will find some of the most important cultural places in the city.
There is no shortage of shops, malls, pedestrian areas, elegant cafes and restaurants. If you want to walk around and enjoy the heart of Dublin but want to stay in a residential neighborhood St Stephen's Green is for you.
Phibsborough
If you prefer an even quieter area away from the hustle and bustle of Temple Bar, Phibsborough is a great option.
A trendy neighborhood located north of the center. The area is full of excellent restaurants, elegant shops, bars, cafes and there is no shortage of typical Irish pubs.
The location is strategic, not in the center, but reachable in a few minutes on foot or by public transport. Staying in this area will also allow you to save some money. Recommended for families with children.
Smithfield
Smithfield is a quiet neighborhood located north of the river, well served by public transport, not far from the center and with cheaper accommodation prices.
This is a great area to stay in Dublin, with all amenities such as supermarkets, bars, clubs and restaurants. Once it was an industrial area, now it has been redeveloped and instead of the old factories there are houses, pubs and clubs.
The location is good, in 10 minutes on foot you can reach the center and the main attractions.
Ballsbridge
Finally, for those who want to get away from the beating heart of the city and prefer to stay in the neighborhoods overlooking the sea, Ballsbridge is the perfect choice.
Located right in front of Dublin Bay it is a residential neighborhood, a good base for visiting the city and its surroundings. The neighborhood is well connected to the center by public transport.
Where not to sleep in Dublin
Dublin is a rather safe city, obviously as in all European cities there are areas that would be best avoided and in any case it is important to have common sense and be careful especially at night if you are passing through more isolated areas.
In general, the central areas are relatively quiet and controlled. The neighborhoods to avoid they are outside the typical tourist circuits but it is good to know them: Summerhill, Ballymun, Ballyfermot, Tallaght, Darndale, North Clondalkin or Rialto, are more degraded suburban areas where it is better not to go.
Sleeping In Dublin: Conclusions
In this article I wanted to describe in detail some of the best neighborhoods to sleep in Dublin. In summary, the center is certainly the best choice for those visiting the city for the first time.
If you are looking for quieter areas and maybe even a little cheaper you can choose areas like Phibsborough or Smithfield. The important thing is to avoid neighborhoods that are too peripheral. Now you just have to prepare to sip a delicious Guinness.
