Built of stone and granite, Dublin is a stoic city that boasts as much historic character as 21st-century energy. It's the city's personality that keeps travelers raving, and all it takes is an afternoon in a trendy café or an evening of bar-hopping to see what everyone is talking about. With beautiful Georgian architecture, quiet tree-lined boulevards and a heady entertainment district, this is the kind of place where travelers like to linger.

St. Stephen's Green is the central tourist attraction. This rich cosmopolitan district features outstanding shopping and dining options set against a backdrop of Georgian architecture. The Dublin hotels found here are among the best in the city. Trinity College is a prestigious university at the very heart of the city. This historic area, with its stately architecture, bookstores, and boutiques plays a central role in any tour of Dublin, especially for those who plan to go shopping or book a hotel along Nassau Street.

An extension of the old city, Temple Bar is where Dubliners, students, and tourists go to party. Hotels in this area have their own dance clubs, and there are many more independent bars and pubs in the vicinity. This lively area is best suited for those who don't plan on going home until the wee hours.

Dublin Airport is just a few miles from the city center, and most tourists bypass the airport hotels in favor of downtown Dublin accommodation.