The 12 best hotels in Dublin

Dublin’s hippest hotel, The Dean is an urban sanctuary for creative types. With its industrial chic style and James Earley-curated modern art collection, locals outnumber residents in its rooftop restaurant and late-night bar. Rooms range from ‘punk bunks’, to suites where all-back-to-mine parties are welcomed – as demonstrated by the fully-stocked Smeg fridge and Marshall speakers. The helpful features of The Dean go on forever, but it’s the funky, friendly atmosphere that gives its lasting impression.

Where is it? Harcourt Street, right in Dublin’s city centre. The Guinness Storehouse is about a mile away, and you’re a ten-minute wander from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Which room? The James and the Dylan Suites are colourful and glorious, with awesome free-standing baths. But if it’s just the two of you? Even the small double will do just fine.

Time Out tip: Rooms on the road can be a bit noisy as there are clubs nearby, so if you’re a particularly light sleeper, mention that when you book (staff here are super helpful).

No 31 is technically a B&B, but actually a secluded boutique hotel exuding edge and elegance. It’s a two-parter; the stunning mews house is designed by renowned architect Sam Stephenson and features a sunken lounge, mezzanine space, and feature fireplace. Venture past the back garden to find the Georgian townhouse, which hosts the majority of the cosy rooms with high ceilings, beautiful design and most importantly, Voya toiletries.

Where is it? In the south of the city, close to Fitzwilliam Square, St Stephen’s Green and Ranelagh. Far enough away from the hubbub to be quiet; close enough for it all to be accessible. 

Which room? We like the Georgian townhouse best; the cosy rooms are literally that (proper home-from-home stuff) and the art deco look really quite stunning.

Time Out tip: Don‘t sleep on what’s an incredible, freshly-prepared breakfast. Also, make sure you try the award-winning Little Museum of Dublin nearby – it’s lots of fun.

Classy, minimalist and modern, The Marker is the place to be in the Grand Canal Dock, and not only for its five-star accommodation. On a sunny day, there’s no better place to admire Dublin’s skyline than its expansive rooftop bar, and on any day, their signature cronut, a croissant/donut hybrid, is a delicious calling card.

Where is it? Right in the Dublin Docklands, on Grand Canal Square. On the water, right in the cultural centre – a doozy, basically.

Which room? Any of those ‘with a view’ are worth asking for but really, all the rooms here are exceptionally well kitted out and you’re going to sleep very well.

Time Out tip: Hit the spa. Sure, you’d expect a five-star hotel like this to serve up high-quality treatments but the spa and wellness centre here is peerless. Holistic heaven.

Dublin doesn’t get more refined than The Merrion, an 18^th-century townhouse with Ireland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Its pristine rooms and manicured gardens are decadent delights, aided only by staff who insist nothing is too much trouble. Don’t miss their Art Afternoon Tea, inspired by paintings around the hotel including that of Louis le Brocquy, Jack B Yeats and Pauline Bewick.

Where is it? In the heart of things, with Trinity College, the National Museum of Ireland, Merrion Square Park and St. Stephen’s Green all super close.

Which room? There are only three options, each exceptional. Rooms have views of either Merrion Gardens, the government buildings or laneway; go for Merrion Gardens – quite the backdrop to a morning coffee.

Time Out tip: If you’re feeling flush then dinner at the Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is a total must. Less flush? Still go, but book in at lunch, where prices are accessible (and the value remarkable).

It’s nothing but luxe vibes at this five-star joint right in the heart of Dublin’s shopping district. From the floor-to-ceiling Marble bathrooms to the Art Deco chandeliers, it’s another opulent offering from The Doyle collection which also includes London’s The Kensington, The Marylebone and The Bloomsbury. When you’re not enjoying a fine china afternoon tea in The Gallery or drinking cocktails in Balfe’s brasserie, ask staff about the best shops and boutiques in the area and fill your bags. 

Where is it? Between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green, on Grafton Street. Dubh Linn Garden and the Statue of Molly Malone are nearby but basically, most of central Dublin’s must-sees are nearby.

Which room? If you can bag a suite with a terrace then you’re in a lot of luck (they even have automated verandas for inclement weather).  

Time Out tip: Cocktails at the Sidecar Bar are exceptional, and are made by some of the best (and friendliest) mixologists in town. What to drink? A Sidecar, of course. Expertly made.

Like its counterparts across Europe, Generator’s Dublin hostel has the priorities of a modern traveller in mind: a cool design, free Wi-fi, enough sockets, and convivial bar for making new best friends over a pint or several. It’s located in the cool area of Smithfield, and just a whiskey stone’s throw away from the Jameson Distillery.

Where is it? Smithfield Square, close to the train station and right in the midst of all the city-centre fun. Plus it’s on the Luas tram line, too.

Which room? The dormitory rooms are cheap as chips, and you can bulk book if there’s a bunch of you. Single rooms are available, too – including a deluxe king that doesn’t feel like a hostel at all.

Time Out tip: Check out the free live entertainment on most evenings, as well as a vibrant games room and bar. There’s also a laundry facility in the hostel for when you need to wash your pants. 

Step into the reception with its baroque chairs, leather-panelled lift and model-like staff, and the Dylan immediately sets out its stall as an oasis of exclusivity with just the right amount of pretension – it’s no surprise it opened at the height of the Celtic Tiger in 2006. Its 72 boudoirs are individually designed with bold furnishings beautiful enough to admire as works of art, and its new wing is a touch more contemporary.

Where is it? In town for a game at the Aviva Stadium? This five-star hotel is on Eastmoreland Place, so just a ten-minute walk. Dublin Castle and the O2 Arena are within easy reach, too.

Which room? Ask for a room in the newer bit of the hotel – the rooms here are especially sleek and modern, and the beds exceptionally comfortable.

Time Out tip: Get to know the staff: on our visit, they were a highlight, and couldn’t do more to make us welcome.

There’s a finite number of destinations that can offer a castle stay, so all’s the more reason to head out to Clontarf Castle. Benefitting from a €13 million refurbishment in recent years, it’s made up of a 12th-century castle, 18th-century manor house and contemporary extensions; even its rooms are a plush mix of old and new. Note that there’s not much within walking distance, but that pales into insignificance by the fact you’re staying in a freaking castle.

Where is it? Aptly, Castle Avenue, in Clontarf. You’re just north of the city, over the water and close to St Anne’s Park and Clontarf Promenade, which is beautiful when the sun sets on a summer’s day.

Which room? Your choice is standard double or standard twin, but don‘t worry, each of the rooms here is bang-on spec thanks to a recent four million Euro investment. It shows.

Time Out tip: Head to Bull Island (over the Clontarf Wooden Bridge) and enjoy a nature reserve chock-full of birds, reptiles, amphibians and loads of interesting flora. There are two golf courses too, should you want to spoil a good walk.

A luxe take on the urban pod hotel, Wren manages to make its pocket-size rooms look sleek and stylist thanks to their minimalist, Scandi-chic aesthetic. Perfect for short stays and business travellers, the rooms come equipped with fold-out desks and homely soft furnishings. Take advantage of the expertly designed bar and restaurant serving up bottomless brunches, handcrafted cocktails, organic wine and ethically-sourced dishes. Plus, it’s also got some stirling eco credentials, being Ireland’s first net carbon place to stay. 

Where is it? You couldn’t be more central. On Dublin Andrewa Lane, the Gaiety Theatre, Trinity College and Irish Whiskey Museum are all very close, as is Temple Bar. 

Which room? Rooms aren’t huge, so any you choose will be much of a muchness. Don’t let that put you off though – they’re compact but the use of space is excellent.

Time Out tip: Be aware that the hotel bar stays open until 4am. Great if you remember, concerning if they close up and you’ve forgotten amidst all the fun (easily done).

A former 19^th century parochial school by the banks of the Grand Canal, The Schoolhouse’s nicely restored building makes it a stand-out stay. With high, arching ceilings and wooden beams, the main classroom is now the restaurant, the domestic science room is now the kitchen, and the former teachers’ residence are now guest rooms, invitingly kitted out in William Morris designs.

Where is it? On Northumberland Road, in the affluent South Central neighbourhood of Ballsbridge. The National Gallery of Ireland and Temple Bar are walkable – just head north-west. 

Which room? We prefer the contemporary rooms here (it’s a mix of contemporary and classic). Go for one of those close to the garden – they’re the newest, and nicest. 

Time Out tip: Make sure you enjoy a drink in the garden terrace. It’s a lovely little space, and peaceful as anything.

A city centre hotel it is not, but in the heart of the well-to-do Ballsbridge, the 153-roomed contemporary Herbert Park Hotel is convenient for the Aviva Stadium, RDS and Dublin’s coastline. Both the hotel’s bright, airy public areas and the rooms, with large windows and green views, are ideal for lingering. Best of all, stays are reasonably priced. Hallelujah.

Where is it? The 48-acre Herbert Park, in Ballsbridge. It’s lush and lovely, and beyond relaxing. 

Which room? A park view apartment all the way. A drink on your own little balcony, overlooking the flora, is a really lovely thing.

Time Out tip: Consider this a good hotel if you want to explore: you can park your car easily, and there are even two EV charging points. 

A convienent city location and sea views – this glamerous pile has it all with a dose of Great Gatsby style glamour to top it all off. Situated in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin’s seafront heritage area, this Victorian townhouse has calming, muted-toned bedrooms, dining rooms and outdoor terraces overlooking the harbour. Nurse a martini in the sumptous surroundings of the Parlour cocktail bar or treat yourself to one of the best meals in the city at Oliveto restaurant. Feeling brave? There’s also access to sea swimming. 

Where is it? Adelaide Street, on the historic seafront area of Dún Laoghaire. You're close to beaches, Martello towers and historic beaches, and the National Maritime Institute Museum is well worth a visit, too. 

Which room? If you can, ask for a room with a sea view because truly, the views here are both dramatic and sublime. 

Time Out tip: Be adventurous! You can hire a bike and explore a really lovely part of the world, and even jump in the sea at Sandycove if you’re feeling particularly brave. Make sure you try the Parlor cocktail bar, too – it’s a belter.