Where to stay in Dublin for a taste of the city's top areas

Smithfield on Dublin’s northside has grown up since its gritty days in the early 2000s. Nestled between vivacious Temple Bar, expansive Phoenix Park and free-spirited Stoneybatter, staying here will give visitors true insight into local life. Most activity revolves around Smithfield Square, a former market right off the Luas tramline – there, you can grab breakfast at Third Space to line your stomach for the iconic Jameson Distillery, where Jameson’s whiskey was made until 1971. 

Stay here: Strapped for cash? Check out Generator Hostel right on Smithfield Square, which has a very nice café-bar if you’re looking to make new friends. For a more upmarket stay, book Ashling Hotel right off the park. 

Just east of the revolutionary monuments and high street shops on O’Connell Street, the Docklands are where the Royal and Grand Canals meet the River Liffey on their joint journey to the Irish Sea. The area is synonymous with modern architecture, entertainment venues and haute cuisine (and a little bit with how many Citigroup bankers have moved there), but it’s the top spot to see Dublin by water (obvs!). Make sure to take a backstage tour of Abbey Theatre, visit the high-tech EPIC Museum and sink some historical pints at John Mulligan’s (even US President John F. Kennedy has drank here). 

Stay here: Spencer Hotel has a spa, sauna and steam room that will melt all your stress away. For something more affordable, Molloy’s has five beautiful apartments above its bar. 

With its architectural heritage, picturesque parks, and heavyweight cultural institutions, this corner of the city offers a slice of Georgian grandeur in 21st century Dublin. At the centre is Merrion Square itself, an 18th century park home to the iconic Oscar Wilde statue. Nearby, you’ll find the National Gallery of Ireland, perfect for a slow morning. Feeling peckish? Satiate your appetite with sourdough pizza in Vice. For something more upmarket, try the award-winning Etto on Merrion Row. Wrap up your night with music and a pint in O’Donoghue’s, one of the city’s most beloved traditional pubs.

Stay here: For five-star elegance, don’t look past The Merrion. Home to one of Ireland’s most important private art collections, it feels more like a gallery than a guesthouse. On the more affordable and contemporary end is The Mont, an ideal base for exploring the city. 

Located just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, this charming, leafy neighbourhood offers a welcome change of pace for visitors with canal walks and coffees the order of the day here. Kick off your visit with a stroll up the tree-lined canal, known to attract hordes of locals on sunny days. Sample a mouthwatering pastry from The Morning Bakery or grab brunch in the cosy environs of Bibi’s. Foodies will want to make a beeline for Lennox Street Grocer, home to artisan food and snacks to pop in your suitcase home. For a memorable meal, hit up Delahunt and enjoy Irish classics with a contemporary twist. It’s spenny but worth it! 

Stay here: Located on Portobello Harbour, Nyx Hotel offers wonderful views of the canal. Rooms are compact but comfortable with an impressive array of cafés and pubs right on its doorstep. 

Originally developed as a cultural quarter, Temple Bar has acquired a reputation as a tourist trap over the years. However, there is more to this fabled district than €10 pints. Here, you’ll find an abundance of cultural amenities including the Irish Film Institute, Photo Museum Ireland and Temple Bar Gallery + Studios. Dine out in Achara, a vibrant Thai restaurant, or Rosa Madre, a buzzy Italian. This being Temple Bar, it would be sacrilegious to visit and not have a pint. Skip the tourist hotspots and opt for a pint in The Palace on Fleet Street. An authentic Victorian pub with a storied history and clientele, it’s a must-visit. 

Stay here: Originally dating from 1720, The Merchant House is a thoughtfully restored luxury guesthouse located in the heart of Temple Bar. Alternatively, The Morgan is modern, sleek and stylish - perfect for a city break.