Cosy B&Bs in Dublin: your local base in Ireland’s capital city

Offering everything from budget-friendly single rooms to triple and family-friendly rooms for larger groups, Amberley House is a flexible choice for travellers. Set within a historic Georgian building, each of the 24 guestrooms here has soft, white linen sheets to sink into at the end of the day, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate before hitting the streets for more sightseeing adventures.

Tucking into the iconic full Irish fry up is a hearty way to start an active day out, and it doesn’t have to be the end of your culinary tour in the capital. Guests at Amberley house can take advantage of discounts at local bars and restaurants, simply by mentioning their booking or showing their room key on arrival. You can try some of the area’s trendiest eateries or sample a world-renowned brew at one of the city’s classic pubs.

These same discounts apply for some city tours, so why not take the opportunity to explore Ireland’s vibrant capital in greater depth? Amberley House is also located in a handy position for exploring on foot. Several urban landmarks, such as the 3 Arena – which lights up at night – and Croke Park are within walking distance of the front door.

A family-run establishment that feels like a home away from home, Annandale is an ideal option for families and couples looking for a central location and a little peace and quiet. A car journey of 15 minutes or less connects Annandale to Dublin Airport, Croke Park and Temple Bar, so sightseers can easily hop to the hub of the city’s activity. Planning on exploring in the Big Smoke? Ask the B&B staff for their helpful advice about top sights, like St Patrick’s Cathedral or the Natural History Museum, and how to get there, as well as ticket and tour assistance.

The carpeted bedrooms are painted in pale pink and soothing cream hues, supplying a warm, cosy setting to unwind when you’re done exploring. Blackout blinds are offered for light sleepers, while gentle lighting creates a relaxing ambience.

Awake in the morning to the aroma of your traditional cooked breakfast sizzling in the kitchen, or start your day out with a selection from the special vegetarian menu. If you’re leaving before the standard breakfast hours, simply inform your host, who can arrange a self-service alternative; similarly, if you’re planning to arrive outside the regular check-in hours, it’s not a problem – just call in advance and let them know.

The 20 individually designed guestrooms here – each intricately decorated with 19th-century details – have made Butlers Townhouse a popular choice for visitors with an interest in history. Chandeliers drape from the high ceiling of the drawing room, verdant ivy hugs the red-brick exterior and elegant four-poster beds and plush armchairs decorate the individual bedrooms. Throw in complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day, and friendly, professional staff with plenty of insider tips for sightseeing excursions, and you have an ideal base for your adventure in the streets of Dublin.

Start by fuelling yourself for a long day out with a gourmet breakfast in the townhouse’s resplendent conservatory. You can go for the delicious cooked option or opt for the continental buffet, complete with freshly baked treats like French pastries and breads made on site. Breakfast in bed is a popular selection for couples or late risers (a surcharge applies).

On a low-key day, curl up in the drawing room with a book from the library or sip a warming drink in the conservatory. You can also stroll to St. Stephen’s Green, or the visit Guinness Storehouse for a brewery experience complete with rooftop bar.

Dublin’s world-famous pub culture and fascinating Victorian heritage come together at O’Neills Victorian Pub and Townhouse; with its dark wooden bar and lively pub atmosphere, this is the place to be. The period features have been carefully retained, as has the charm that has made this a beloved watering hole since the late 19th century; during the summer, the sign over the front door is adorned with colourful flowers.

Furnishings in the eight stylishly-appointed guestrooms give a nod to the B&B’s history, with ornate chairs and gilded mirrors adding a touch of luxury. Modern bathrooms with invigorating power showers bring you back into the 21st century. If you’re travelling as a group, the Family Suite sleeps five.

Irish and continental breakfasts are available (for a surcharge), while the pub also serves lunch and dinner. Help yourself to some of the house specialities, from dishes like melt-in-the-mouth Wicklow Lamb to hearty traditional Irish classics made from fine, locally sourced ingredients and prepared with care. These can be washed down with a wide selection of Irish beers, including the pub’s signature brew, O’Neill’s Red.

Located in the city’s historic Georgian quarter, near the verdant oasis of St Stephen’s Green and the canal promenades, the Leeson Bridge Guest House offers the thoughtful amenities of a high-class Dublin B&B. Take advantage of in-room refreshments, a 24-hour reception and a communal guest lounge, to name just a few.

What sets this guesthouse apart, however, is its executive options. These luxurious suites come with access to a private sauna and Jacuzzi bath, so you can relax, refresh and rejuvenate when the day draws to a close. If you’re heading to Dublin for a cosy trip for two, it’s worth booking into a suite for an extra dash of romance.

The Leeson Bridge Guest House has plenty to offer cost-conscious visitors as well, so you won’t have to sacrifice on luxury. Budget double suites have their own bathroom, CD players and clock radios, while some also have fireplaces for cosy winter evenings. Cots and high chairs are provided for family groups, while the guesthouse is also wheelchair friendly and has lifts for guests with impaired mobility. Private on-site parking is provided too, so take advantage of this and explore further afield – for walking fans, the Sugar Loaf is under an hour’s drive away. This popular trail has views of the Wicklow Mountains and the coast, and the ‘short walk’ takes around an hour.

The staff at Pembroke Townhouse aim to make you feel like you’re truly in a home away from home. In addition to the superb views available from the rooms, both standard and mezzanine suites are stocked with a compliment of delicious home-made cookies to help you settle in. Adding visual flair, the hotel’s collection of specially commissioned original artwork is displayed throughout the building, with a selection of contemporary Irish artists in each room.

Take a stroll through the colourful flower displays of the nearby St Stephen’s Green park, which dates back to the 19th century. Discover the charming Victorian shelters near the lake and catch a lunchtime concert if you’re visiting during summer. Grafton Street is also close by. Browse through a treasure trove of shops, or simply stop and watch the world go by through the stained glass windows at Bewley’s grand café.

Start the day the Irish way with a full cooked breakfast. Wake up to the Pembroke’s take on this classic meal during your stay, which is served up in the hotel’s homely dining room. Freshly baked scones and bread are available in the afternoon, and Pembroke Townhouse keeps a well-stocked supply of their cookies for peckish guests in the drawing room.