Dublin City Centre Guesthouses - Traveling Around Ireland with Patricia Tunison Preston

If Dublin hotel prices are beyond your budget, look for a good guesthouse. Although usually smaller than hotels, guesthouses have many of the same amenities such as rooms with private bath/shower, TV and telephone, but there may not be a restaurant, bar, or lift (elevator) on the premises. Here are a few of my "favorites" in good central areas.

Dublin Price Key
B&B per person
per night

€ - under 75

€€ - 75 to 100

€€€ - 100 to 150

€€€€ - 150 to 200

€€€€€ - over 200

Eliza Lodge, 23-24 Wellington Quay, Dublin 2; tel. 01-671-8044; fax 01-671-8362; e-mail: stay@dublinlodge.com. Searching for moderately-priced accommodations in Dublin's trendy Temple Bar area? Consider this 18-room 3-star guesthouse, sitting on the edge of Temple Bar beside the River Liffey at the corner of Wellington Quay and Eustace Street. This contemporary purpose-built 5-story lodge is fully air-conditioned (which cuts down on street noise or quayside traffic sounds), with a lift. The guest rooms have all the modern conveniences and some have views of the River Liffey and the new Millennium Bridge which spans the river in front of the hotel. The ground floor is devoted to "Eliza Blues," a full-service restaurant that serves "new Irish" cuisine in a blue-toned nautical setting overlooking (what else?) the river. Closed: 24-29 December. €€ to €€€ Web site: www.dublinlodge.com

Harrington Hall, 70 Harcourt St., Dublin 2; tel. 01-475-3497; fax 01-475-4544; e-mail: harringtonhall@eircom.net. Located on one of Dublin's busiest streets, just a 5-minute-walk from St. Stephen's Green, this 4-star guesthouse was once the home of Timothy Harrington, M.P., Lord Mayor of Dublin and counsel for Charles Stewart Parnell, the "uncrowned king of Ireland." As you enter the lobby area today, a collection of prints and pictures on the walls tell the story of the early days at this illustrious home. The furnishings, original ceilings, and artwork also reflect the 18th century aura. The 30 guest rooms are spread over this house and an adjoining house, but the renovation was so expertly done that it's impossible to tell where one house ends and the other begins. And there's a fine working lift, a rarity in old buildings. Ceiling fans have also been installed, for use on warm summer nights. €€ to €€€ Web site: www.harringtonhall.com

Kilronan Guesthouse, 70 Adelaide Rd., Dublin 2; tel. 01-475-5266; fax 01-478-2841; e-mail: info@kilronanhouse.com . This homey 3-star guesthouse has long been a favorite with budget travelers. It is located on a quiet tree-lined street between the Grand Canal and the National Concert Hall, within a 5-minute walk from St. Stephen's Green. There are 12 rooms, plus private car parking for those who bring cars. € to €€   Web site: www.kilronanhouse.com

Stauntons on the Green, 83 St. Stephen's Green S., Dublin 2; tel. 01-478-2300; fax 01-478-2263; e-mail: info@stauntonsonthegreen.ie . If you can't afford the Shelbourne, but long to look out over St. Stephen's Green, then head to this 3-star guesthouse on the opposite side of the Green. It occupies a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse next door to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Tall windows and high ceilings enhance the traditional décor of the 36 guest rooms. Not only do the front rooms face the Green, but the back rooms overlook the adjacent Iveagh Gardens. Closed: 24-27 December. € to €€   Web site: www.stauntonsonthegreen.ie

Trinity Lodge, 12 S. Frederick St., Dublin 2; tel. 01-679-5044; fax 01-679-5223; e-mail: trinitylodge@eircom.net. A "real find" in the center of Dublin, this 3-star guesthouse, formerly a single Georgian townhouse, provides "walk-to-everything" convenience at affordable prices. Located just off Nassau Street opposite Trinity College, it offers a small lobby lounge and 16 guest rooms, all decked out with traditional Georgian furnishings, enhanced by modern art and bright color schemes, plus hotel-style amenities such as air-conditioning, garment presser, personal safe, coffee/tea-maker, and satellite TV. There is also a small wine bar and a therapy room for guests, but no lift. €€     Web site: www.trinitylodge.com

Dublin City Centre Hotels

Dublin Suburban Hotels

Dublin Suburban Guesthouses

Return to Dublin Area Home Page