Rathgar Travel Guide
Dublin
Popular places to visit
St. Stephen's Green
Take a break in Dublin’s most popular public park with green lawns and flower beds, a stone bridge and statues, a swan-filled lake and a playground.
Trinity College
Walk the cobbled lanes of Ireland’s oldest university, alma mater to literary greats and home of the precious Book of Kells.
Guinness Storehouse
A tour of this pint-shaped hall in a historic brewery provides an intoxicating journey through the making of Ireland’s signature drink.
Aviva Stadium
If you’re heading to Dublin for a rugby or football match at the Aviva Stadium, then you’re in for a real treat. Situated just south of Dublin’s bustling city centre, the Aviva Stadium is a state-of-the-art, four-tiered sports stadium and concert venue, located on the rushing River Dodder not far from Ireland’s east coast.
Grafton Street
Watch the talented street performers as you search the boutiques in this shopping haven for something special to take home.
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is so much more than an impressive sports stadium. “Croker”, as it is locally known, is in many ways is a bastion of Irish identity that protects the spirit of Gaelic games from forces seeking to dislodge it. If this all sounds a bit dramatic you should take the fantastic Croke Park Experience tour to get a very real sense of just how important and deeply ingrained the GAA and Gaelic games are to Ireland’s sense of itself.
Things to do
From Dublin: Half-Day Trip to Glendalough and Wicklow
Dublin: Guinness Storehouse Entry Ticket
Dublin Open-Top Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour with Live Guides
Cliffs of Moher Wild Atlantic Way, The Burren and Galway City day tour
Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheep Dog Demonstration
Activity Kilkenny-Wicklow Mountains-Glendalough
Top hotels in Rathgar
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
"Good airport transportation service."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport Central
"Very clean with exceptionally comfortable beds and linens. Helpful staff, and a good restaurant."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin by IHG
"Great place"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
"Excellent hotel"
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Temple Bar Hotel Dublin by The Unlimited Collection
"The room was smaller than a dorm room. Our feet hit the wall when we laid in bed and there was not enough floor room to open our suitcases. There were moth type busy in the room as well."
Reviewed on 1 Jun 2026
Clink i Lár
"My check in was challenging because I paid for early check in but the system did not register it so I had to pay for them to keep luggage. I ended up asking if it was still possible to check in early and then we realized I could check in. It made my first day in Dublin challenging but I did appreciate ..."
Reviewed on 31 May 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Rathgar
Rathmines
Rathmines is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Swan Shopping Centre and Cathal Brugha Barracks while you're in town.
Ranelagh
When in Ranelagh and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Grafton Street or Dublin Castle and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Ranelagh Station or Charlemont Station.
Portobello
Though Portobello may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Dublin Castle and Grafton Street.
The Liberties
While you're in The Liberties, take in top sights like Guinness Storehouse and jump on the metro at Heuston Tram Stop to see more of the city.
Ballsbridge
A noteworthy feature of Ballsbridge is its fantastic nightlife. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Aviva Stadium and Royal Dublin Society.
Dundrum
Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Dundrum. Top attractions like Dundrum Town Centre and Marlay Park are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dundrum Station or Balally Station to see more of the city.
