Dublin can be expensive. There’s no doubt about that.
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Like other European cities, you’ll need to do some research before you settle on the place that’s right for your budget and offers you the best opportunities to take in this beautiful city.
Here are 7 properties in the city center that you may be interested in and that offer good value for that location.
Dublin’s Layout
While the city has grown immensely over the decades, its original suburbs grew up north and south of the River Liffey, which over time gave way to economic division.
You see, the Northside was often considered more of a working-class area while the Southside’s population was considered more affluent.
In recent years, the city's population has spread westward, making for many new housing developments and suburbs.
From a tourist perspective, the city center and its environs are what you’ll be exploring for the most part.
Inner Dublin is divided into the Medieval Quarter, where you’ll find Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It is the oldest part of the city.
The Georgian Quarter is the area around St. Stephen’s Green and where the famous Dublin doors can be found.
It is also where you’ll find Trinity College, the National Library, and the National Museums.
The Docklands Quarter consists of newer high-rise buildings that have accommodated multinational companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Google.
The Cultural Quarter is where you’ll find the Temple Bar section, with all of its trendy pubs and restaurants.
The Creative Quarter is home to a number of artists and their businesses and is located between South William and George’s Streets.
Read More: Trinity College Old Library Reimagined
Budget Accommodation in Dublin
While I don’t generally suggest that you stay in the city center simply because hotels and B&Bs tend to be more expensive, there are some that offer decent value.
The rates quoted below are average prices and the final cost will depend on the season. If you want to do further research, head to Booking.com where you’ll find other hotels and B&Bs in Dublin.
B&B accommodation in Dublin can also be found on the B&B Owners Association website or on Ireland.com, the country’s official tourism network.
The Leeson Bridge Guesthouse
Located on Upper Leeson Street in a historic period building, the Leeson Bridge Guesthouse is close to many of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions, including Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, the Temple Bar section, the National Concert Hall, and the National Gallery.
Rooms include ensuite bathrooms with a shower, a flatscreen TV, coffee facilities, and more. WiFi is available. Parking is limited, however.
A full Irish breakfast is available but at an additional charge.
Rates at this charming bed & breakfast average $170 per night for two.
Jury’s Inn, Parnell Street
This hotel is literally around the corner from Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street.
Bedrooms include private bathrooms and a workspace area. Jury’s Inn is a 5-minute walk from Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, the city’s fashionable Grafton Street shopping area, and Trinity College.
While breakfast is not served in the hotel’s restaurant, you can have it delivered to your room, part of a pre-packaged option.
Evening meals are available at the hotel restaurant.
The Inntro Bar, also located within the hotel, serves up a light lunch menu, with specialty coffees available at the Il Barista coffee bar.
Rates average about $145 per night for two.
The Hendrick Smithfield
Hotels in the Smithfield section of the city tend to be a tad cheaper than other accommodation in Dublin.
This attractive hotel includes air-conditioned rooms, with a private bathroom, a desk, free WiFI, and a flatscreen TV. The hotel includes a bar. Parking is available but at an additional cost.
You’ll find yourself less than a mile from the popular Guinness Storehouse and an equal distance from Dublin Castle.
Other nearby attractions include the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History, St. Michan’s Church, and the Jameson Distillery.
Kelly’s Hotel
There’s a more modern vibe to Kelly’s Hotel, also located in Dublin’s city center. The hotel is in the heart of the Creative Quarter.
Bedrooms are minimal but adequate for guests.
The hotel’s resident bar, the “Candle Bar,” is a convenient spot for a nightcap.
There is no elevator in the building, and if you’re looking for a really quiet spot to spend the night, this may not be the place for you.
Prices are as low as €119 per night for a couple in an executive double room.
Maldron Hotel Parnell Square
This hotel is a mere 2-minute walk from O’Connell Street and about a 7 to 10- minute walk from the Temple Bar area. Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, and Trinity College.
Rooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with private bathrooms, free WiFI, a work desk, and tea/coffee facilities. Expect to get a full Irish breakfast at the hotel’s Stir Café & Bar.
Prices at the Maldron Hotel Parnell Street average around $184 a night.
Hostel Accommodation in Dublin
If you’re on a tight budget but want the convenience of staying in Dublin’s city center, there are several hostels in Dublin that offer great value and are safe and clean.
Here are two of my recommendations.
Jacobs Inn Hostel
While the hostel contains traditional dormitory-style accommodation, you’ll find private rooms there too, which are more suitable for couples and families with children.
Private rooms come with ensuite bathrooms, and breakfast is available but at an additional charge.
Other facilities include a common room, along with space for doing laundry, as well as a secure storage area.
Be sure to avail yourself of the free guided walk that leaves from the reception desk daily.
The average rate for a double deluxe ensuite bedroom is €157 per night. Rates are cheaper if you share a pod space with other people.
Generator Hostel
Located adjacent to the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in the Smithfield neighborhood, this is an equally good hostel, with dormitory-styled accommodation as well as private rooms.
The Generator is also popular with younger visitors, but it is suitable for families on a budget, too.
You’ll find a café/restaurant and bar on-site. You can also avail yourself of discounted Jameson and Guinness Storehouse guided tours.
A family room for 4 averages €79 per night, a deluxe king room is €125 per night, and a deluxe twin room is €50 per night. Dormitory-style rooms are cheaper.
If you've been to Dublin, have you stayed at any of the above budget picks?
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