Jigging to Irish ditties and swaying with foot-stomping folk pubs, alive with roaring rugby stadiums and the hearty taverns of Temple Bar, adorned with Georgian-era houses and medieval castles that date back to the times of the Normans, Dublin is one downright enthralling city. It’s a major weekend break destination for Brits and Europeans, thanks largely to the abundance of low-cost airlines that jet into the capital’s airport. But more than that, it’s a pint-sized bout of Irish culture that promises a whirlwind couple of days smashing drams of whiskey and uncovering the rich history of the enchanting Emerald Isle.
Airbnb can be a fantastic place to look for accommodation during your stay in the Irish first city. From budget-friendly rooms in local houses to salt-sprayed cabins on the rugged Celtic coast to sleek inner-city pads right by the party districts, there’s all sorts to pick from. This guide can help you delve into the town and find the right areas and rentals for you…
Yes, Airbnb in Dublin is perfectly legal. As a traveler, you’re free to search and book whatever pad you like in the Irish capital, no matter if you’re after a farm stay on the edge of the nearby Wicklow Mountains or a contemporary penthouse above the pubs of Temple Bar. There have been some recent changes to the law for landlords, however. These days, hosts can only let out an entire property for 90 days in the whole year, and they need to apply for special permits that prove the place isn’t in a high-pressure rent zone. You can easily check all that’s in order by using the contact host feature on the Airbnb app.
Where should I stay in Dublin Airbnb?
You can delve into Dublin’s beating heart to find the pumping Celtic taverns of Temple Bar(1) and party the night away. Or, you can choose the more regal area around St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square(2) for elegant Airbnbs in old Georgian rowhouses. Beyond those two central quarters come the buzzy drag of O’Connell Street(3) on the north side of the Liffey, the loveable and charming suburb of Donnybrook(4) – a haven for family cottages on the outskirts – and the hipster favorite of Stoneybatter(5).
Anyone who finds themselves in the Irish capital simply has to pay a visit to Temple Bar. The liveliest, most hedonistic, most atmospheric corner of Dublin, it’s a hubbub of clinking beer glasses, rowdy folk singers, stag dos, and all-night partiers. The pubs are nothing short of legendary – especially the venerable Auld Dubliner and the Palace Bar. You’ll find them tucked down cobblestone alleys in hidden nooks and crannies just off the River Liffey.
The duo of plazas – St. Stephen’s Green & Merrion Square – that lurk to the south of happening Temple Bar showcases an altogether different side of Dublin. Regal Georgian architecture and wide streets with manicured pavements are the norm in this prestigious and affluent part of the capital. The district artfully fuses the relaxing and the exciting, pitting green parks next to the intriguing exhibits of the National Museum of Ireland, Gaelic taverns by the high-street shopping mecca of Grafton Street. There’s something for all types of traveler down here.
Hop over the River Liffey and you’ll find O’Connell Street rolling through the blocks for nearly half a kilometre. It’s one of the major drags of the capital, hosting big-name banks and businesses and tourist offices. The intersection onto Henry Street is halfway along, offering access to another of the city’s best shopping precincts. A little to the west, Capel Street is a haven for casual eateries, takeaways and chain restaurants. This is a down-to-earth, affordable spot that’s close to most of Dublin’s top sights.
If you’re after a taste of more rustic Ireland, a jaunt to Donnybrook could be in order. Set out on the far southern fringes of the city, it’s a place where the pace of life slows, where the houses turn into time-stood-still cottages built with redbrick and scrawled with ivy vines. Gothic churches that date back centuries meet hearty local pubs on the street corners, but there’s also a distinctly touristy feel – particularly in the summer months – amid the craft boutiques and B&Bs.
Close to whiskey distilleries and the Guinness storehouse
Student vibes
Cons
A little far from central Dublin
There aren’t loads of Airbnbs
Get ready to sample frothy Guinness straight from the storehouse and knock back potent shots of Jameson in the home of the iconic whiskey, because both of those top-rated experiences are within striking distance of hip and happening Stoneybatter. A district that clings to the eastern end of the main Inner City of Dublin, it’s established itself as a bit of a bohemian enclave. Artisan coffee houses pop up, the pubs serve craft beers, the resident crowd are largely students and young professionals. Generally speaking, it’s just an all-round nice place to be.
For a wild weekend in Dublin, there’s nothing better than a pad right in the midst of the rollicking pubs and live-music venues of Temple Bar. Cue this stylish apartment. It’s got two bedrooms that anchor on a spacious common area. There’s a bar-style breakfast table with a fully fledged fitted kitchen, along with a sofa seating area and windows that open onto the bustling urban streets below.
With the famous rugby ground of the Aviva Stadium on one side and pub-filled Haddington Road on the other, you’ll find plenty to keep you going in the vicinity of this house over in east Dublin. That’s if you even want to leave, because the artsy interiors are sure to work their magic. They include a colourful lounge with exposed-brick walls and an old-school fireplace, along with a gorgeous kitchen space that leads to a breezy terrace.
Families are bound to love the peace and seclusion that’s offered by the charming Donnybrook quarter of Dublin. Yes, it’s a little far from the main sights, but you get local taverns and Gaelic pubs to enjoy between medieval churches. What’s more, you get Airbnbs like this spacious home away from home. Set over four bedrooms, there’s room enough for all members of the clan to relax and spread out. Then you see that huge kitchen-lounge, which means nights in are sure to be a doozy.
Treat the whole travel crew by picking this Airbnb Plus listing for your next getaway together. It’s plonked right in the middle of the grand Georgian blocks around St Stephen’s Green, which means all the pubs of Temple Bar and the shopping of Grafton are only a stone’s throw from the front door. Inside, you get a huge dining table and kitchen, along with six separate bedrooms that have bunks, singles and doubles.
The Lilac Cottage languishes out near the pockets of trees and rolling farm fields that take over to the south-west of Dublin. It’s perfect for couples who want to taste the lush green backcountry of the Emerald Isle (the Wicklow Mountains aren’t far) along with the delights of the big city. The place itself is akin to an Alpine chalet, with pine-timber walls and beamed ceilings – it’s super cosy both summer and winter.Â
Probably. On the whole, Airbnbs in Dublin tend to come in a little cheaper than their hotel compadres. That’s not just to do with lower nightly rates. It’s also because you can divide up the whole cost of your stay with anyone you travel with simply by looking for a pad with enough rooms and beds. And you can sometimes benefit from generous weekly discounts that knock hefty amounts off the final total (25-50% isn’t unheard of!).
It’s important to remember that Airbnbs are about having your own place. They’re different to hotels in that they don’t offer the same level of personalised service. So, if you’re chasing a bit of pampering, you might be better of plumping for something like the Marlin Hotel Dublin. That four-star establishment will whisk you to the heart of the city but also provides noir lobby bars, breakfast meals, and on-site concierge services.
There’s life pulsing through the cobbled alleys and historic lanes of Dublin. Whether you come to dance on tables in Temple Bar, learn the tales of James Joyce, or taste Irish stews and whiskeys, you’re sure to be entertained. What’s more, the abundance of Airbnb rentals in the city means your stay is bound to be a comfy one!
