If there’s one adage that sums up Dublin, it’s “big things come in small packages.” The Irish capital covers less than 45 square miles on either side of the River Liffey, but it’s brimming with enough landmarks, history, and character to fill a much larger city. From Irish literary greats such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde to musical legends such as Bono, Dubliners have had an indelible impact on world culture, and the city promises to do the same for travelers.
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10 of the Finest Hotels in Dublin, Ireland’s Inviting Capital City
An ordinary day of sightseeing in Dublin is exciting, whether you beeline for the Book of Kells at Trinity College or do a Guinness tasting first. But the city also throws lively festivals throughout the year — yes, that includes St. Patrick’s Day. Whenever you come, you’re going to want to book a hotel that suits your interests. From the historic city center to the trendy Docklands, these Dublin hotels are the perfect introduction to the Irish capital.
We hope you love these Dublin hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
The Shelbourne
There’s no particular order to this list of Dublin hotels, but it’s no coincidence that The Shelbourne landed in the number one spot. Since its founding in 1824, the historic property overlooking St. Stephen’s Square, one of Ireland’s oldest public parks, has garnered a reputation for being one of the city’s most prestigious accommodations. Its location near Dublin’s main cultural, historical, and commercial areas helps, but it’s the beautiful decorated rooms, range of fine dining and drinking venues within the hotel, and long list of amenities including a spa, salon, barbershop, health club, pool, florist, and genealogy butler that has made The Shelbourne a longstanding go-to for tourists who appreciate the finer things.
Where: 27 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
Price per night: From $525
The Merrion
An opulent five-star hotel in the center of Dublin and a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Merrion houses 142 rooms and suites in four exceptionally restored Georgian townhouses, along with facilities such as a spa, gym, and 60-foot pool. Guests have multiple dining options at the hotel, including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud and the Cellar Bar and 23 Cocktail Bar for a pre- or post-dinner drink. When you step outside, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Georgian Dublin, within walking distance of cultural musts ranging from art galleries and museums, to restaurants and pubs, to the Grafton Street shops.
Where: Merrion St Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland
Price per night: From $356
Anantara The Marker
The first things you’ll notice about Anantara The Marker are its location overlooking the Grand Canal Square waterfront in the Docklands, a modern hub for both business and leisure travelers, and its shiny, futuristic facade that was inspired by the elements. In addition to welcoming major companies such as Google and Facebook in recent years, the Docklands has become a cultural destination due to its wealth of new restaurants, cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and music venues. But as far as dining is concerned, you may not even want to leave the hotel thanks to its all-day brasserie where you can indulge in contemporary Irish cuisine and its rooftop bar where you can indulge in views of the surrounding mountains and sea. The hotel also has an award-winning spa, plus a gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and more.
Where: Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
Price per night: From $291
The Westbury
Another member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Westbury is an elegant property run by the Irish-family-owned hotel group The Doyle Collection. The hotel’s fine tastes are evident from the moment you ascend the grand central staircase, and they’re confirmed when you see the simultaneously quaint and luxurious rooms. The Westbury is located in Dublin’s city center, not far from sights like the Dublin Castle, George’s Street Arcade, and Gaiety Theatre. But there’s plenty to do at the hotel itself, from sipping afternoon tea and admiring the impressive art collection in The Gallery to dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, WILDE.
Where: Balfe Street, Dublin 2, D02 CH66
Price per night: From $351
InterContinental Dublin
Located in Dublin’s upmarket Ballsbridge neighborhood, the InterContinental Dublin is housed in a stately brick building that sits on two acres of gardens. The exterior exemplifies old-world elegance, which carries to the room decor, from regal purple furniture to marble bathrooms. From the hotel, you can easily stroll to popular tourist locales such as Grafton Street, O’Connell Street, the Guinness Storehouse, and Aviva Stadium. Back at the hotel, take advantage of the array of restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as the spa and 45-foot indoor heated pool.
Where: Simmonscourt Rd, Dublin, D04 A9K8, Ireland
Price per night:
Stauntons on the Green
The halls of Stauntons on the Green breathe history, having sheltered some of Ireland’s most significant figures as they shaped the nation throughout the hotel’s 250 years. The townhouse hotel is located on St. Stephen’s Green, providing visitors with a lush, quiet haven in Georgian Dublin to retreat to after immersing themselves in the most bustling parts of the city. Rooms at Stauntons on the Green are relatively simple but perfectly refined, with a pastel color scheme that calms and uplifts as you enter your sanctuary each day. Guests also have access to the gardens — bring your book to the outdoor terrace or ask the hotel to arrange a picnic. Afternoon tea can also be arranged in the garden or in the hotel’s library, depending on the weather.
Where: 83 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 HD86, Ireland
Price per night: From $150
Number 31
An homage to Dublin’s free-spirited side, Number 31 combines 19th-century architecture with a 20th-century modernist aesthetic and the class of a 21st-century boutique hotel. One of the most charming features of the hotel is its location in a townhouse about 25 minutes from the city center on foot. The rooms are decorated in the popular mid-century modern style, accented by bold colors, plush furnishings, and design touches that harden back to the days of Art Deco and Old Hollywood glam. The common spaces ooze coziness, from the fireplace in the lounge to the outdoor fire fountain and the quiet seats you’ll find in the garden.
Where: 31 Leeson Cl, Dublin 2, D02 CP70, Ireland
Price per night: From $152
The Mayson Dublin
Hip, young, and fun, The Mayson Dublin is a boutique hotel located a stone’s throw from the 3Arena music venue, Convention Centre Dublin, and Bord Gais Energy Theatre in the trendy Docklands area. Rooms and suites generally fall into two categories, warehouse and townhouse, with interior decor that varies between ultra-modern and vintage chic. Dining options include a sixth-floor steakhouse with a scenic outdoor terrace, a cocktail and comfort-food bar on the ground floor, and a cozy pub. Guests of The Mayson Dublin also have access to a gym and health club, complete with a relaxation pool, sauna, and steam room.
Where: 82 N Wall Quay, North Dock, Dublin, D01 XR83, Ireland
Price per night: From $167
Conrad Dublin
Overlooking the National Concert Hall near St. Stephen’s Greens and the Iveagh Gardens — a short walk from the city center — the Conrad Dublin takes its inspiration from the city’s rich literary history while providing guests with an experience that could only be described as contemporary. In addition to standard amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, and meeting rooms for business travelers and remote workers, it also offers a handful of modern amenities, including EV charging and pet-friendly rooms.
Where: Earlsfort Terracе, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 V562, Ireland
Price per night: From $196
Clontarf Castle Hotel
The Clontarf Castle Hotel takes its name from the Dublin suburb where it’s located on Dublin Bay, which is just 10 minutes from the city center by car. The castle in which the hotel is located was originally built in the 1830s although it’s since expanded. Blending historical charm and contemporary luxury, the hotel features everything from a grand staircase, stone walls, and gothic windows to 111 ensuite rooms, two bars, and a delicious restaurant. After dinner, or any time of day really, head to the light-filled and landscaped gardens to relax and unwind. 
Where: Castle Ave, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 W5NO, Ireland
Price per night: From $110