Are you planning a trip to Dublin with kids and aren’t sure where to stay? Keep scrolling to check out my top picks for the best Dublin hotels for families visiting Ireland!
This list of the best Dublin hotels for families was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’ve been to Dublin a few times.
Solo for girls trips where we stayed at the Zanzibar Locke which was absolutely gorgeous but completely useless information for you because it only works if you’re traveling with one kid.
Two kids in a room there? Everyone would be miserable.
The thing about Dublin hotels is they act like families of four don’t exist. Everything maxes out at three people.
I don’t know if it’s a building code thing or what, but finding places that actually sleep four people without shoving a rollaway bed next to the toilet takes real research.
So I spent way too much time figuring out which hotels have actual family rooms. Not the fake kind where they just throw an extra bed somewhere and call it family-friendly.
The Annoying Thing About Dublin Family Rooms
European rooms are smaller than American ones. You already know this but it’s worse than you think when you’re actually trying to fit everyone in one room.
And “family room” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Sometimes it’s a proper suite. Sometimes it’s literally just a regular room with a cot shoved in. You have to ask specifically what you’re getting or you’ll show up and be annoyed.
Also Dublin hotels are weirdly expensive for what you get. Not Paris expensive but still.
Hotels I Researched (I Haven’t Stayed at Most of These)
I haven’t personally stayed at most of these places. The only Dublin hotel I’ve actually slept in is the Zanzibar Locke, which was perfect for my girls trip but not helpful for families.
Everything else here is from research – reading reviews from other families, checking what rooms actually look like, verifying they’re still operating in 2026.
The Westbury Hotel – The Expensive One
Five-star hotel on Grafton Street. Been there since the 1800s, got renovated, now it’s fancy and expensive.
The location is genuinely perfect though. Trinity College is five minutes. Dublin Castle is walkable.
Temple Bar is close but not so close you’re dealing with drunk people stumbling around at 2am. You can walk everywhere without constantly figuring out buses or trams.
They have 205 rooms, can do cribs and extra beds. Two restaurants – WILDE is the main one, there’s also The Gallery where they do afternoon tea if that’s your thing. The Sidecar Bar is apparently famous but I haven’t been to it.
Breakfast isn’t included which is annoying at this price. But the rooms are actually big enough that you’re not all crammed together. And the soundproofing is good according to reviews I read.
One thing though – rooms facing Grafton Street are noisy. Ask for a room at the back if your kids wake up from street sounds. I learned this from reading reviews where people specifically complained about the noise.
It’s expensive. Like really expensive. But if you’re splurging on one nice hotel during a longer Europe trip, this would be it. The location alone saves you so much time and hassle. Check the latest rates and availability.
Cassidys Hotel
Family-owned hotel, three Georgian buildings converted into 119 rooms. Near O’Connell Street. Breakfast is included which immediately makes it better value than The Westbury.
They have family rooms and quad rooms but you need to ask for them specifically. The website just shows regular rooms unless you dig around.
Restaurant 6 is onsite – I haven’t eaten there so I can’t tell you if it’s good. But having food at the hotel when everyone’s exhausted is useful.
The O’Connell Street location is good and bad. Good because you’re central and near the Luas tram. Bad because O’Connell Street is busy and some rooms face the street. Request a room at the back or you’ll hear traffic all night.
The staff gets mentioned a lot in reviews as being helpful with families. Like actually helpful, not fake-nice-but-useless helpful. Someone at the front desk who can tell you where to get kids’ medicine at 9pm saves your trip.
This is probably the best mid-range option if you want central location plus included breakfast without spending Westbury prices.
It’s not fancy but it works and you’re not wasting money on a hotel breakfast. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Croke Park Hotel – Near the Stadium
232 rooms next to Croke Park Stadium. If you’re catching a GAA match or concert this location is perfect. If you’re not, you’re a bit outside the main tourist area but it’s still fine.
Free parking which is rare in Dublin. Electric car charging too if you’re driving.
The Hawthorn restaurant is onsite. Breakfast costs extra. Rooms are modern and clean, nothing fancy.
About 20 minutes walk to O’Connell Street or you can take the bus. The neighborhood is quieter than central Dublin which is good if your kids need to actually sleep. But you’re spending more time on transport to get to sights.
They do cribs and extra beds. The reviews mention staff being good with families.
I’m kind of torn on this one. The free parking and quieter location are real benefits. But for a short Dublin trip you might find it annoying being this far out.
For a longer trip where you’re not rushing constantly it’s probably fine. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Shelbourne – The Fancy Historical One (Currently Renovating)
Okay so this is THE fancy Dublin hotel. Been around since 1824. Right on St. Stephen’s Green. Very historic, very nice, very expensive. I’ve been to afternoon tea here and it was really pretty.
They’re renovating through October 2026. Entry-level rooms are being redone but the hotel is staying open.
I’d want to call them directly and ask about construction noise before booking though. The website says the suites and public spaces aren’t changing but still.
Indoor pool which is huge for families. Spa for parents. Four restaurants. The location is perfect – Grafton Street shopping right there, Trinity College is close, St. Stephen’s Green park is free entertainment.
The rooms are soundproofed and big by European standards. All the nice amenities you’d expect at a 5-star hotel.
But it’s expensive and with renovations happening I’d be nervous about noise and disruption. Maybe wait until 2027 when the renovations are done? Or call and get specific details about your dates.
Fun random fact: the Irish Constitution was drafted in room 112 of this hotel. Your kids won’t care but I thought it was interesting when I read it. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Gibson Hotel
Modern hotel near the 3Arena and Convention Centre. Not in the main tourist zone.
24-hour room service, floor-to-ceiling windows (some rooms have balconies), free WiFi. The Coda Eatery is onsite.
There’s also something called the Wine Wall which looked cool in photos but I don’t know what it actually is.
15-20 minutes walk to Trinity College or take the Luas. The Port Tunnel access is convenient if you’re driving.
This works if you want modern and less touristy. The Grand Canal is nearby which is nice for walks. But you’re taking transport or walking 15-20 minutes to get to major sights.
The rooms are more minimalist modern than traditional Dublin hotel style. Some people like that, some don’t.
Not ideal for a short trip where you want to walk out your door and immediately be at sights. Better for families who want separation from tourist chaos or are staying longer in Dublin. Check the latest rates and availability.
Castleknock Hotel – The One With the Pool
Indoor pool. Kids’ pool separate from adult pool. Playground. Free breakfast. Babysitting available if you need it.
This is the most resort-like option. You’re in the suburbs near Phoenix Park (where Dublin Zoo is), about 15 minutes drive from central Dublin.
190 rooms. Two restaurants with garden views. Free parking. 18-hole golf course if that’s your thing. The pool area is legitimately nice from what I can see in photos – sun loungers, space to spread out, not cramped.
Spa for parents – massages, facials, all that.
My take: if you’re doing a longer Ireland trip and Dublin is one stop, this could work as a base. Some days you explore the city, some days you hang at the pool. The free breakfast and pool make it good for families with young kids who need routines.
But if you’re only in Dublin 2-3 days and want to maximize sightseeing, you’ll find the location annoying. Every trip is 15-20 minutes by car or you’re figuring out buses.
Phoenix Park is RIGHT there though. And Dublin Zoo is in the park. For families with kids who love animals, that proximity matters.
I keep going back and forth on whether I’d actually stay here. The pool and free breakfast are compelling. The location is the problem. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Spencer Hotel
Indoor pool. That’s the main selling point.
Near Bord Gáis Theatre, walking distance to Trinity College and Grafton Street. Not quite as central as The Westbury but still very walkable.
The Spencer Lounge does Asian food which is nice if everyone’s tired of Irish food. 24-hour room service, air conditioning, cribs and extra beds available.
Breakfast is a buffet but costs extra. Parking available for a fee.
The area around the hotel can be sketchy at night. Not dangerous but not charming. Dublin’s docklands went through redevelopment and some parts feel more gentrified than others.
During the day it’s totally fine, at night just stick to well-lit streets and you’re okay.
The pool makes this worth considering though. Being able to swim after walking around Dublin all day is actually really nice for kids. Check the latest rates and availability.
Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel
Check rates at Fitzpatrick Castle
It’s an actual castle. Kids think this is cool.
Killiney/Dalkey area, about 20 minutes from central Dublin. You’re on the coast in the suburbs.
Indoor pool, playground, two restaurants, sauna and steam room. Some rooms have balconies with views of Dublin Bay.
Breakfast included. The castle setting makes everything feel special even though it’s been converted to a hotel.
The beach is close. Killiney Hill is right there – good for hiking with older kids.
The location is the issue. Every trip into Dublin requires planning. But you get more space, resort amenities, and beach access. Plus Dalkey is actually really nice – cute village, good restaurants, less touristy.
For families doing a car-based Ireland trip, this could work as a nice break from city hotels. The pool and playground mean kids have things to do at the hotel itself.
Free parking. Rooms are bigger than most Dublin hotels. If you’re okay being outside the city, it’s good.
But I wouldn’t stay here for a first Dublin trip. Too much time spent getting into the city. Check the latest rates and availability.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Check rates at Radisson Blu Royal
234 rooms in city center near Trinity College and Dublin Castle. It’s a Radisson so you kind of know what you’re getting.
Modern, clean, predictable. 24-hour room service, air conditioning, workspace areas. Free cribs. The Chancery Grill does meals onsite.
The Velvaere Spa is adults-only which is good to know. 24-hour gym.
Why choose a chain hotel? Sometimes boring is exactly what you need. Everything works, the staff knows what they’re doing, nothing is quirky or weird. When you’re tired and just want things to function smoothly, this delivers.
Breakfast costs extra. Self-parking offered. The location is excellent – Grafton Street, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green all walkable. Golden Lane area has good restaurants nearby.
Not the most exciting pick. But solid and reliable. If you’re stressed about hotels and want a safe bet, this is it. Check the latest rates and availability.
Herbert Park Hotel
153 rooms near Herbert Park and Aviva Stadium. Ballsbridge area – more residential than touristy.
Two restaurants onsite. Garden for kids. Babysitting available. Laundry for longer stays.
All rooms have air conditioning, 24-hour room service, free WiFi. Breakfast costs extra.
The Grand Canal is close for walks. Aviva Stadium area has good restaurants. Short walk or bus to central Dublin without being in the middle of tourist chaos.
This is solidly middle-of-the-road. Not fancy, not basic. Just functional and well-located for families who want a residential neighborhood feel while having easy access to sights.
Honestly I don’t have strong feelings about this one either way. It’s fine. It works. No major pros or cons. Check the latest rates and availability.
Stuff Nobody Actually Tells You
Breakfast inclusion matters more than you think. Getting everyone fed before starting the day without finding a restaurant and waiting for service is worth a lot.
“Family room” is sometimes a lie. Ask specifically what you’re getting. Is it actually bigger? Or just a regular room with a rollaway against the wall? Those are different things.
The Luas tram is actually great. If you’re choosing between cheap hotel far from center vs expensive one in the middle, check if the cheap one is near a Luas stop. Makes a huge difference.
Temple Bar hotels look great in photos but it’s LOUD until late every night. If your kids sleep through anything, fine. If not, you’ll regret it.
Book direct sometimes gets you better cancellation or free breakfast. But sometimes Expedia has better deals. Check both.
Getting from Dublin Airport
Taxi is €25-40 depending on traffic. Easiest with kids and luggage. 20-30 minutes.
Aircoach runs 24/7, stops at major hotels, around €8-10 per adult, kids under 5 free. Takes 30-45 minutes. Cheaper than taxi but less convenient with bags and tired kids.
Bus is cheapest but slowest. Fine if you have time and patience.
Most hotels have parking if you’re renting a car. But you don’t need a car IN Dublin. Walking and Luas handle most things. Save the rental for exploring the rest of Ireland.
When to Actually Book
Summer (June-August) is expensive and books up fast. If you’re going in summer, book 3-4 months ahead minimum. Maybe more for really popular places like The Shelbourne.
Spring and fall (April-May, September-October) are cheaper and less crowded. Better weather than winter, better prices than summer. This is when I’d pick.
Winter (December-February) is cheapest but rainiest. Christmas in Dublin is nice but book WAY ahead for Christmas dates.
Set up price alerts on Expedia. Prices change constantly and sometimes drop randomly.
Random Things I Wish I’d Known
European hotel rooms are smaller than American ones. You will be closer together than you’re used to. Just accept this now.
Elevators are tiny and slow. Often only fit 2-3 people with luggage. Plan for multiple trips or taking stairs.
Dublin hotel staff are friendly but direct. Irish people don’t do overly cheerful customer service. If something’s wrong, just tell them and they’ll fix it.
Most hotels include VAT in the price online but verify this when booking because some sites show pre-tax prices.
Come back midday if your kids are young and need rest. Most hotels let you leave luggage after checkout if you have a late flight.
Ask the concierge specific questions. “Where should we eat with kids” is too vague. Try “Where can we get dinner by 6pm within walking distance that has plain pasta for a picky 7-year-old?” They can actually answer that.
Book tours through Viator or Get Your Guide ahead. Reading reviews from other families before booking is worth it.
If you want family photos that don’t suck, Flytographer is easier than trying to get good shots yourself. You save $20 with my link.
Check if your hotel has laundry. Doing laundry once mid-trip means packing lighter.
If I Had to Pick Three
Fancy: The Shelbourne (after renovations are done). Historic, great location, pool.
Mid-range: Cassidys. Central, included breakfast, family rooms available.
Resort feel: Castleknock. Pool, playground, free breakfast, space to spread out. Just know you’re outside city center.
Everything else works depending on your situation. Sports family? Croke Park. Want modern? Gibson. Need reliable chain? Radisson Blu.
Questions People Keep Asking Me
Do I need a car? Not in Dublin. City is walkable, Luas works. Rent a car for the rest of Ireland.
Are cribs free? Usually but confirm when booking. Sometimes called cots.
Connecting rooms exist? Rare in Dublin. Family rooms or suites are more common.
Can hotels arrange babysitters? Many can but book ahead. Don’t assume day-of availability.
Kitchen in the room? Most hotels no. Need one? Look at apart-hotels or Airbnbs.
My Actual Thoughts
Finding Dublin hotels for families is annoying because most places act like families of four don’t exist. Once you know which ones have actual family rooms though, it’s manageable.
Book early. Read reviews carefully about noise and room size. Be realistic about location tradeoffs. Central is convenient but expensive and potentially loud. Suburbs are cheaper and quieter but you’re commuting.
Dublin is actually good for families once you get the hotel sorted. Museums are kid-friendly, parks everywhere, people are patient with children. Get the hotel right and everything else is easier.
The Zanzibar was absolutely beautiful when I stayed there but completely unhelpful for this list since it only works for one parent with one kid. I keep thinking about it though because it was so nice. Maybe when my kids are older and I can do another girls trip.
Planning a longer Ireland trip? My free Ireland email course walks through everything from transportation to what to actually pack for Irish weather.
