6 Best places to stay in Dublin

This boutique hotel offers a medieval experience in an authentic Irish castle with four-star facilities. Along with oodles of character and charm, reinforced by the many turrets, coats of arms and suits of armour, each room is comfortably modern and stylish.

History lovers will enjoy the fact that this is the very site of the famous Battle of Clontarf (1014), between an Irish Army and invading Vikings.

The centre of town is just a ten-minute drive, or you can chill in the restaurants and cosy bar.

The Shelbourne has been setting Dublin’s five-star standard for more than two centuries, transporting you to a world of opulence and glamour – whether sipping drinks in the electric cocktail bar or indulging in perfect steaks in the Saddle Room.

A long list of iconic guests include John and Jacqueline Kennedy in 1958, with JFK returning as US President in 1963. Ask to visit the Constitution Room, where the Irish Constitution was signed in 1922, with replicas on show of the original document.

The hotel manages to be distinguished, elegant and fun all at the same time, and appeals to all ages.

Striking a balance of historical and cultural importance, this opulent five-star hotel is understated, yet glamorous, discreet, and centrally located.

Boasting a restaurant with two Michelin stars, a beautiful spa, outdoor terrace, manicured garden area, two funky bars – and an excellent kids’ programme – you can’t ask for much more.

Peruse original Yeats and Le Broc paintings that decorate this charming 18th-century Georgian building or even book a private art tour. Splendid luxury, with a romantic edge.

Ultra-modern and uber-cool, the Dylan is Dublin’s trendiest boutique hotel, and a recent revamp has put it right back at the top of its game.

Herringbone floors, white-wood panelling and polished walnut furniture give the place an old-school but upscale feel, while rooms ooze low-key style.

On a sunny day, lunch on Eddison restaurant’s verandah is a must-do, (although don’t miss the ‘moss wall’ living art inside), while locals mingle with guests over cocktails in the intimate Dylan bar.

The icing on the cake is the residents-only Ruby Room, offering seriously-intoxicating cocktails each evening.

Set in a former warehouse in the heart of the Dublin Docklands, The Mayson has the best of both worlds – a building filled with charm and character, and a location right on the banks of the River Liffey.

The best rooms make the most of those waterside views, with full-length windows flooding the space with light. Even better are the suites, with giant copper bathtubs that stand right in the window, so you can soak as you people-watch.

Throughout the hotel, there’s a buzzy, arty vibe, with plenty of the tech crowd from over the river working over coffee or ending the day with a beer on the rooftop bar.

This is one of the few city hotels with a pool, too – it may be teeny, but its position overlooking the inner, plant-filled courtyard gives it a cool Moroccan vibe.

If you want to balance the buzz of Dublin city with a calming yet central bolthole, The Wilder Townhouse is just the ticket.

Set within a gorgeous Victorian redbrick building, the Wilder has an eccentric vibe, with quirky touches to the interior (think bronze dogs and sewing mannequins) balanced with super friendly staff. If more Dubliners knew about the airy Garden Room bar it would be packed out every day – as it is, the light-filled, colourful conservatory is a great spot for a sneaky G&T (the bar is fully stocked with the best Irish bottles).

There’s no restaurant on site, but no matter – the best dining spots in the city are just a few steps away on Camden Street. You’d never guess, though – the peaceful, side street location gives the place a real country house vibe.