Trinity College Area -- On the south side of the River Liffey, Trinity College stands at virtually the dead center of the city. Its shady quadrangles and atmospheric stone buildings are surrounded by bookstores, shops, and noisy traffic. This area lies in the Dublin 2 postal code.

Temple Bar -- There are really two Temple Bars, depending on when you visit. During the day, Temple Bar is an artsy, cultured district full of trendy shops and modern art galleries. But such refinement gives way to an altogether more raucous atmosphere at night. With its myriad selection of pubs, bars, and hip clubs, this is definitely where it’s at in Dublin after dark. This area lies in the Dublin 2 and Dublin 8 postal codes.

Old City -- Dating from Viking and medieval times, the cobblestone enclave of the historic Old City includes Dublin Castle, the remnants of the city’s original walls, and Christ Church and St. Patrick’s cathedrals. Recently, Old City has also gained cachet for its hip boutiques where local designers sell their clothes. It encompasses the Dublin 8 and 2 zones.

Liberties -- Adjacent to Old City, the Liberties district takes its name from the fact that it was once just outside the city walls, and, therefore, exempt from Dublin’s jurisdiction. Although it prospered in its early days, Liberties fell on hard times in the 17th and 18th centuries and stayed that way for centuries. For visitors, its main attraction is the Guinness Brewery. Most of this area is in the Dublin 8 zone.

St. Stephen's Green/Grafton Street Area -- The main tourist area of the city, this district is home to Dublin’s finest hotels, restaurants, and shops. Filled with impressive Georgian architecture, today it is primarily a business and shopping zone. It is part of Dublin 2.

Fitzwilliam & Merrion Squares -- Near Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green, these two leafy squares are surrounded by grand Georgian town houses. Some of Dublin’s most famous citizens once lived here; today many of the houses are offices for doctors, lawyers, and government agencies. This area is part of the Dublin 2 zone.

O'Connell Street (North of the Liffey) -- Lined with statues from bottom to top, O’Connell Street was the epicenter of the 1916 Easter Rising and the 1922 Civil War (bullet holes still pock the absurdly ornate statue of its namesake, politician Daniel O’Connell). The surrounding area was fashionable in the 19th century but lost much of its charm as it declined in the 20th century. It has experienced a bit of resurgence in recent years, and now has a few high-profile hotels, shops, and restaurants. With many great pubs and four theaters in walking distance of O’Connell Street, this is also Dublin’s theater district. It is mostly in Dublin 1.

North Quays (the Liffey Riverbanks on the Northside) -- Once the center of Dublin's shipping industry, the quays are now a series of streets filled with office buildings named after the wharves that once stood at water’s edge and have become a trendy address for hotels, bars, and clubs.  The quays start near the mouth of the Liffey and end in the green peace of Phoenix Park.  A modern pedestrian boardwalk now runs from the O’Connell Bridge to Grattan Bridge. This area is mostly in Dublin 1.

Smithfield -- Urban renewal in the 21st century has transformed this formerly seedy market area into a trendy district east of Phoenix Park, with such attractions as the Old Jameson Distillery.

Ballsbridge/Embassy Row -- Immediately south of the Grand Canal, this upscale suburb is just barely within walking distance of the city center. Primarily a prestigious residential area, it is also home to hotels, restaurants, and embassies, including the U.S. Embassy. This area is part of the Dublin 4 zone.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.