A Georgian Square, which is still intact Merrion Square, is just 5 mins walk from Grafton Street and behind Trinity College. Nowadays, the buildings are a combination of offices and some homes overlooking the splendid Merrion Square gardens with a memorial to Oscar Wilde - a one time resident of Merrion Square.
On Sunday's, local artists display & market their wares along the railings of Merrion Square. It’s a nice stroll in one of the best parts of the city. And just across the way is the National Art Gallery which has free entry and has some good themed exhibitions.

Dublin's premier luxury / executive class hotel is The Merrion Hotel(42). Situated just between St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square, the Merrion is also located opposite our parliament, The Dail, it represents the ultimate in terms of elegance, luxury and quality.

Further down on Merrion Square are the O'Callaghan Davenport (44) & the O'Callaghan Alexander (45) hotels. These two properties, together with their sister are the good options in terms of getting a good deal in a luxury hotel.

Located at Merrion Square in the heart of Georgian Dublin, The O'Callaghan Mont Clare (43) is a special, welcoming world of elegant hospitality, a vibrant world, where all the colourful sights and sounds of Dublin’s fair city are within striking distance! Catering mainly for the executive market, they often have availability at weekends. Sensibly enough, they realise that most of us, when paying for ourselves cannot afford the same prices that seem so very reasonable when the company is paying. The standard rates at each of these are Euro 165 + Breakfast & 12.5% Service. At weekends, their specials run from Euro 119 to Euro 150 incl Service and are excellent value for money. Between the Davenport & the Alexander is The Gingerman Pub. Pints are good & snacks inexpensive!

Just the other side of Trinity towards Temple Bar is the Trinity Capital Hotel. It is a very contemporary hotel with striking décor and the Trinity Capital is a good base and you get access to 11 of Dublin’s top pubs and clubs.

Just off Merrion Square West on Fitzwilliam Street, linking Dublin's great historic squares this is a charming and intimate Hotel. A timeless classic Longfields hotel is a quiet haven and is an ideal base from which to explore the city. Fashionable shopping streets, restaurants and bars are only a short stroll away.

South Docks

Within 15 mins walk of O’Connell St and Trinity there are a number of hotels in this up and coming South Docks area.

The Ferryman (48) comprises of two listed Georgian buildings full of character and restored to their original splendour overlooking the Liffey. Today it offers standard accommodation above a pub. Tom the owner and his family offer a friendly welcome and pint to customers.

Another hotel in the area worth considering is the Holiday Inn Dublin City Centre (50). Most rooms have 2 double beds and the finish in the rooms is top class. It has a good location close to Trinity College and is under 10 minutes walking from Temple Bar. At the moment, we are getting excellent rates for mid-week stays and for long weekends. If you are only coming for a Friday / Saturday stay, it can work out expensive but still good value for this hotel.

The Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre (49) is a brand new hotel situated alongside the river liffey. It is located approx 10-15 min walk from Temple bar. The hotel is home to the famous Lannigans Restaurant and Club Vitae Health & Fitness centre. Rates are very reasonable at the Quality Hotel and they have a wide range of room types.

Grand Canal and Rathmines

The Dylan hotel is the ultimate in luxury! Located in one of Dublin's most exclusive neighbourhoods, the hotel uses stunning colours, fabrics and furnishings; combined iwth excellent 5* service and lavish, individually designed guestrooms. This 5* Hotel is just a short distance from Stephens Green, Grafton St. for shopping as well as sports and entertainment venues.

Further along the canal, you will find the Grand Canal Hotel (47) a new purpose built 3 star hotel and winner of the 2005 Hotel of the Year the hotel is within walking distance of the city and Lansdowne Road - a great location for a weekend break.

Overlooking Dublin's Grand Canal on Charlemount Place, the Hilton Dublin is only a five minute stroll from bustling St. Stephens Green. Ideally suited to both the business and leisure traveller the hotel provides guests with state of the art communications facilities, as well as a peaceful getaway.

There is also the fine Portobello Hotel(37) , which is a small hotel over the Portbello Pub and nightclub. Great fun at the weekends there are some triple and quad rooms and its only 10 min walk to Grafton Street.

Further out towards Ballsbridge is the Mount Herbert Hotel. A fine old institution that has been brought up to date. It benefits from being in a quiet residential location. The local train service (the Dart) just around the corner will bring you into city centre in less than 10 mins and there’s FREE parking.

The Days Hotel Rathmines is located in Rathmines Village, a leafy district on the south side of the city centre of Dublin. Rathmines is a lively part of Dublin with a good selection of pubs, restaurants and shops.

The unique Schoolhouse Hotel lies in the exclusive, fashionable end of the city, Ballsbridge. The novel setting of this hotel is almost shadowed by the style and comfort it offers. Very worth a visit.