There are times when demand for hotel rooms in central Dublin outstrips supply.
Room rates increase. Hotels sell out early.
And our guests are left searching for alternatives.
That's the reason I've written this guide to Dublin hotels located outside the city centre.
These are areas of Dublin that, due to their suburban location, might not be on your radar. Some require a slightly longer taxi ride to access downtown. Others are still quite central but may not carry as high a profile.
How To Find The Dublin Hotel You Want
Let's cut to the chase...
There are times each year when our tour guests report that hotel rooms in Dublin are either hard to find or priced too high.
Typically this happens during international sporting events.
Or when superstars like Taylor Swift or Bruce Springsteen roll into town for major concerts.
Booking early is my first piece of advice. If the event hasn't been announced yet, then the hotels haven't had time to raise prices!
But if time is ticking and you still can't find a hotel, then here's another way to sidestep the problem...
💡 PRO TIP: Consider hotels located outside the immediate downtown area.
Why avoid the city centre?
- Public transport is good in Dublin. Frequent trams, trains and buses, not to mention integrated ticketing, makes public transport simple.
- Plentiful Taxis. Chatting to a local cab driver for 10-15 minutes can make staying a little way out very manageable, if not an enriching part of your travel experience!
- Beautiful 'Burbs. There are arguably just as many beautiful attractions in the suburbs of Dublin as in its centre.
After this article, make sure you also read my guide to the best areas to stay in Dublin and this list of suggested easy day trips by public transport.
But for now, and without further ado, let's get oriented with a calendar of major concerts and sporting events in Dublin in 2024.
Click or select the down arrow to expand the content below.
Events in Dublin 2024 🏟️
What's On In Dublin 2024 & 2025?
Are you coming to Dublin in 2024 or 2025?
Quickly check the major events and national holidays that may affect hotel rates in Ireland's capital city.
October 2024
🏉 October 12th - Leinster v Munster in the BKT United Rugby Championship (Croke Park)
🏃🏻♂️ October 27th - Dublin City Marathon
🎃 October 28th - Halloween national holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
February 2025
🏉 February 1st - Ireland v England Rugby International (Aviva Stadium)
🌸 February 3rd - St Brigid's Day. National holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
🔉 February 25th - Snow Patrol (3Arena)
March 2025
🎶 March 3rd & 4th - Sabrina Carpenter (3Arena)
🏉 March 8th - Ireland v France Rugby International (Aviva Stadium)
☘️ March 17th - Saint Patrick's Day. National holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
April 2025
🐣 April 21st - Easter Monday. National holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
May 2025
🌳 May 5th - May Day national holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
June 2025
☀️ June 2nd - June national holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
July 2025
🏑 July 20th - All Ireland Senior Hurling Final (Croke Park)
🏐 July 27th - All Ireland Senior Football Final (Croke Park)
🎤 July 26th & 27th - Billie Eilish Concert (3Arena)
August 2025
🌅 4th August - August national holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
🎸 16th & 17th August - Oasis Reunion Concert (Croke Park)
🏈 August 23rd - K-State Vs Iowa State - College Classic (Aviva Stadium)
October 2025
🎃 October 27th - Halloween national holiday. Expect reduced opening hours and restricted public transport.
Map of Hotels Outside Central Dublin
Central Dublin Hotels (That You May Have Missed)
Clayton Cardiff Lane - Docklands
Located in the bustling Docklands area, close to the River Liffey and various tech company offices, this modern hotel is part of the Clayton chain and offers central accommodation. Nearby attractions include the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and the 3Arena. The city centre is easily walkable. Our tour departure point at the Grand Canal Hotel is also very close.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approx. €10-15. Around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic and final stop.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Pearse Station (5-10 minutes walk) for suburban and intercity rail services;
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (3-5 minutes)
Roxford Lodge Hotel - Ballsbridge
Situated in the elegant Ballsbridge neighborhood, this boutique hotel provides a cosy atmosphere near the Aviva Stadium and the RDS Arena. The area is known for its leafy streets and upscale dining options.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €10-15. Journey time: Roughly 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #4 or #7 bus into the city centre in roughly 10 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 3 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (3-5 minutes)
Clayton Hotel - Ballsbridge
Located in the heart of Ballsbridge, this hotel provides modern amenities and easy access to Herbert Park and the RDS Arena. The area boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approximately €10-15. Journey time: Roughly 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take a train from Sandymount station direct into the city centre in about 10 minutes. The station is approximately 6 minutes away from the Clayton Ballsbridge on foot. DART trains arrive about every 8-12 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (3-5 minutes)
Herbert Park Hotel - Ballsbridge
Overlooking Herbert Park, this upscale hotel offers elegant accommodations near the RDS Arena and the Aviva Stadium. The park provides a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Estimated at €10-15. Journey time: Approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #4 or #7 bus into the city centre in roughly 10 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 5 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (3-5 minutes)
Sandymount Hotel - Ballsbridge
Situated between the leafy suburb of Ballsbridge and village-y Sandymount, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation. It's near the beach at Sandymount Strand. It's also close to the Aviva Stadium, a major sports venue. The area boasts a tranquil atmosphere with easy access to Dublin city centre.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approximately €10-15. Journey time: Around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #47 bus into the city centre in roughly 10 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 6 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (5-7 minutes)
Butler’s Townhouse - Lansdowne
A charming townhouse hotel nestled in Lansdowne Road, close to the Aviva Stadium. Lansdowne is a serene residential area with easy access to both the city centre and the wilder-than-you-might-expect coastal promenade at Sandymount.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Estimated at €10-15. Journey time: Approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take a train from Lansdowne Road station direct to the city centre in about 10 minutes. The station is approximately 3 minutes away on foot. DART trains run every 8-12 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: If you're feeling energetic, the walk is only 650m (less than half a mile). If you have heavy bags, a taxi ride should take less than 5 minutes.
Mespil Hotel - Mespil Road
Overlooking the Grand Canal, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation just off bustling Baggot Street. If you've packed your walking shoes, the Mespil Hotel is well within strolling distance of downtown attractions like St. Stephen's Green and the pedestrianised shoppers' paradise of Grafton Street.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approximately €10-15. Journey time: Around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #39A bus into the city centre in roughly 9 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 2 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (3-5 minutes)
Clayton Hotel - Charlemont
If you like staying near nature, this is the place for you. Situated in the Charlemont area, this hotel offers modern rooms, some with views of swans swimming along the the Grand Canal. To the south, the hip suburb of Rathmines; to the north, Dublin's city centre is also not far away. Downtown attractions within walking distance include St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street and Trinity College.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €10-15. Journey time: Roughly 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The Charlemont LUAS tram stop is a 4 minute walk away. Trams run every 5-7 minutes and the journey time takes approximately 6 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (8-12 minutes)
Ashling Hotel - Stoneybatter
Located in the vibrant, hipster-esque Stoneybatter neighborhood, northwest of downtown, this hotel offers cosy rooms and easy access to attractions like the Jameson Dublin Distillery in Smithfield and the Guinness Storehouse. Stoneybatter is known for its trendy cafes, pubs and artisan shops.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €10-15. Journey time: Roughly 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The Heuston LUAS tram stop is a 4 minute walk away. Trams run every 5-7 minutes and the journey to the city centre takes approximately 10 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (20-25 minutes)
Hotels South of Dublin City Centre
Travelodge - Rathmines
Located in the vibrant residential Rathmines neighborhood, this budget-friendly hotel offers simple accommodation near a diverse range of trendy cafes, bars and shops. It's within easy reach of Dublin city centre; if you are moderately fit, a stroll into Dublin's southside from Rathmines would bring you close to attractions like the Grand Canal, Whelan's and other music venues on Wexford Street, St. Patrick's Cathedral and St. Stephen's Green.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approximately €10-15. Journey time: Around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #14, #15 or #140 buses into the city centre in roughly 12 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 1 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (8-12 minutes)
Maldron Hotel - Merrion Road
Situated on upscale Merrion Road, this new hotel offers contemporary accommodation within distance of Dublin's southside. Attractions like the iconic Merrion Square and the National Gallery of Ireland are nearby. The neighborhood is known for its Georgian architecture and cultural attractions.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Roughly €15-20. Journey time: Around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The Merrion Road is a commuter corridor and gets busy between 7-9am and 4-7pm on weekdays.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #4 or #7 bus into the city centre in roughly 22 minutes. The nearest bus stop is right outside the front door.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (10-15 minutes), dependent on traffic conditions.
Gleesons Hotel - Booterstown
Situated in the coastal suburb of Booterstown, this family-run hotel offers a cosy atmosphere. Nature-lovers will enjoy both nearby Booterstown Nature Reserve and the eminently strollable beach at Sandymount Strand. Though within easy reach of downtown attractions, the area provides a relatively peaceful escape from the city.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €15-20. Journey time: Roughly 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take a train from Booterstown station direct into the city centre in about 15 minutes. The station is approximately 8 minutes away from Gleesons by foot. DART trains arrive about every 8-12 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (15-20 minutes)
Talbot Hotel - Stillorgan
Located in the bustling residential and retail suburb of Stillorgan, this contemporary hotel offers modern accommodation. The malls at Stillorgan Shopping Centre and Dundrum Town Centre are right on your doorstep. The area provides easy access to both Dublin city centre and the scenic Wicklow countryside to the south.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Estimated at €20-25. Journey time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #46A, #145 or #155 bus into the city centre in roughly 25 minutes. The nearest bus stop is a 4 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (15-20 minutes)
Haddington House - Dún Laoghaire
Overlooking scenic Dún Laoghaire harbour, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and easy walking distance to Dún Laoghaire's People's Park, the East Pier and the James Joyce Museum in Sandycove. The area is known for its maritime heritage and stunning coastal views.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €20-25. Journey time: Roughly 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take a train from Dún Laoghaire station direct into the city centre in about 22 minutes. The station is approximately 7 minutes away from Haddington House by foot. DART trains arrive about every 8-12 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (25-35 minutes)
Royal Marine Hotel - Dún Laoghaire
A historic landmark boasting views over spectacular Dublin Bay, this hotel offers luxurious rooms at the heart of Dún Laoghaire's bustling town centre, around 10km (6 miles) south of downtown Dublin. Hikers will enjoy the many and various scenic coastal walks nearby. The area boasts a rich maritime history, lots of dining options, a local theatre and a lively atmosphere.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Around €20-25. Journey time: Roughly 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take a train from Dún Laoghaire station direct into the city centre in about 22 minutes. The station is approximately 4 minutes away from Royal Marine Hotel by foot. DART trains arrive about every 8-12 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (25-35 minutes)
Clayton Hotel - Leopardstown
Located in the south Dublin residential suburb of Leopardstown, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms near Leopardstown Racecourse and the busy Sandyford Business District. The area provides easy access to both Dublin city centre to the north and the Wicklow Mountains to the south.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Estimated at €20-25. Journey time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The Central Park LUAS tram stop is located approximately a 4 minute walk away. You'll reach the city centre in around 27 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (25-30 minutes)
Hotels West of Dublin City Centre
Clayton Hotel - Liffey Valley
Situated west of Dublin, this modern hotel offers comfortable accommodation near Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and the scenic Liffey Valley Park. The area provides a convenient base for exploring both Dublin city and the surrounding countryside, as long as you are willing to use public transport options, taxis or a rental car to get around.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Estimated at €20-25. Journey time: Approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Take the #26 bus to Merrion Square in approximately 35 minutes. The bus stop is a 3 minute walk from the hotel.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi (35-45 minutes).
Lucan Spa Hotel - Lucan
Situated in the quaint village of Lucan west of Dublin, this hotel offers comfortable rooms near Lucan Golf Club and the scenic upper River Liffey. The area provides a peaceful retreat with easy access to Dublin city centre by taxi and public transport.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Taxi fare to central Dublin: Around €20-25. Journey time: Roughly 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The C3 or C4 bus routes will get you into central Dublin in approx. 30 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi. Roughly 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Courtyard Hotel - Leixlip
Situated in the suburb of Leixlip — just over the Kildare county line from Dublin — this hotel offers modern rooms. Nearby attractions include Leixlip Castle, the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens, and the scenic upper River Liffey. The area will be quieter than hotels in central Dublin with access via taxis or public transport.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Taxi fare to central Dublin: Estimated at €20-25. Approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: Bus services run directly into the city centre (approx. 40 minutes) with direct trains also available (approx. 50 minutes).
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi Approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Louis Fitzgerald Hotel - Naas Road
Situated on the Naas Road west of the city centre, this modern hotel offers comfortable accommodation with easy access to both Dublin city centre and the rest of the country. The closest attractions downtown include the Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park, though a taxi journey or a tram ride will be necessary to reach either.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Taxi fare to central Dublin: Around €20-25. Journey time: Roughly 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The Red Cow LUAS tram stop is located approximately a 15-20 minute walk away. You'll reach the city centre in around 22 minutes.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi. Approximately €20-25.
Green Isle Hotel - Naas Road
Located on the Naas Road — a busy commuter route — this hotel nevertheless offers spacious rooms and convenient access to both Dublin city centre by the nearby LUAS tram.
🚕 Taxi Fare to Central Dublin: Approximately €20-25. Journey time: Around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.
🚏 Public Transport Nearby: The Red Cow LUAS tram stop is located approximately 15-20 minute walk away.
💚 How Get To Grand Canal Hotel: Taxi. Approximately €20-25.
Our Favourite Hotel In Dublin
Given that all of our small-group tours of Ireland begin and end at the Grand Canal Hotel, we heartily recommend that guests consider staying there.
It's got a great location, just a few minutes south of Dublin city centre — not to mention that all confirmed guests will receive a discounted rate.
