Dublin is a city with a soul. Although the capital of the Republic of Ireland may not have the aesthetics of Prague or Amsterdam, and although it may not have the fashionable atmosphere of Paris or the hustle and bustle of London, it has something that many other European cities lack: soul, atmosphere and heart.
Dublin certainly has many historical sites to visit: Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Grafton Street, the Guinness Brewery, among others. But he is really attracted by the warm and welcoming people.
The true heart and soul of Dublin can be found in its many atmospheric pubs. I don’t encourage you to spend days and nights drinking, but local pubs are the equivalent of a local Osteria or Trattoria in Rome, a street cafe in Paris or a beer garden in Munich. This is where you will feel the real heart of the city.
Dublin, home to more than 25% of the country’s population, is divided by the River Liffey, forming two very different parts of the city. The first and most common question that Dubliners ask themselves (if they have not yet understood the accent) is the following: North or South side?
It is not surprising that during your stay in Dublin it is important to choose the right region, because your entire trip depends on it.
To help you decide where to stay in Dublin, I’m going to introduce you to the best neighborhoods so that you can choose the neighborhood that best suits your travel style and your budget.
But before moving on to the details, here are some common questions that I am asked about the neighborhoods of Dublin:
Which neighborhood is the best for parties?
Temple Bar is the appropriate name for this neighborhood in the south of the city, surrounded by the river. The streets of this compact neighborhood are full of pubs.
Which neighborhood is best for hipsters?
Located on the south side of the city, right next to Portobello, the Liberty district is one of the few promising areas of Dublin. If you dream of hanging out with young mustachioed guys, locals who make kale smoothies and representatives of the third wave who brew coffee, The Liberties is what you need.
Accommodation in Dublin gourmet: Portobello
Located in South Dublin, Portobello is home to the writer George Bernard Shaw and is closely linked to James Joyce’s addiction to alcohol. Nowadays it is one of the best areas of Dublin for lovers of delicious food.
Along the roads of Portobello there are many excellent restaurants, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gourmet restaurants and lively cafes for brunch. There is everything here. Come on an empty stomach, and you will leave well fed.
Portobello is a small part of South Dublin and it is quite difficult to find accommodation in the area. But there are a few options right on the border of the neighborhood.
Where to stay in Dublin: Dockland.
The Docklands are located on both banks of the river and are a mix of old and new. There is a lot to see and do for the whole family, including visiting a replica of the ship “Gini Johnston”, on which more than 2 million people fled during the famine in Ireland in 1845-1855. You can also get out on the water and go kayaking or kayaking, and there is even a boat relaxation room.
Nearby you will find Merrion Square, which houses many museums. It houses the National Gallery, the National Museum and the National Historical Museum. In addition, Merrion Square itself offers many activities for the whole family, including a large playground for outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Dublin to party: temple Bar
Once upon a time, a few decades ago, Temple Bar was a dilapidated forbidden zone. But now everything has changed dramatically. Today it is crowded with pubs. The streets are crowded with locals and visitors who drink beer. In the afternoon you can visit art galleries, theaters and museums, but once the sun starts to rise towards the horizon, there is only one thing to do in this atmospheric neighborhood: visit the pubs.
Where to stay in Dublin hipsters: The Liberties
Alcohol and the Lord: at first glance, this is what characterizes freedom of choice. In this area, to the southwest of the historic center, there are St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, the Teeling Screech distillery and the Guinness brewery.
