Staying in Portobello and Rathmines
The Grand Canal marks a useful dividing line when choosing an address. Portobello lies closer to the walk into the center, while Rathmines stretches farther south along a busy main road. Do not assume every listing is beside the canal. Check the distance to your nearest bridge and the route home after dinner, particularly for accommodation on smaller residential streets.
At a glance
- Best for
- Value, cafes
- At night
- Quiet, except near Camden Street
- Getting around
- Buses; Luas Green line at Charlemont
- Price level
- €€
Red-brick streets along the Grand Canal, with cafes and cheaper rooms and a bus ride to the center.
Good for
- Lower prices than the center
- Cafes and the canal on a short stay
- Camden Street and the Green within walking range
Think twice if
- You want to walk to Trinity College in ten minutes
- You are looking for historic character on your street
- You expect many hotels: this is mostly guesthouses and apartments
How Portobello and Rathmines compares with the rest of Dublin
What is near Portobello and Rathmines
Grand Canal at Portobello
From Portobello Bridge, the canal towpath is about 1 minute away on foot, with routes east and west.
Iveagh Gardens
Allow about 15 minutes from Portobello Bridge to the Clonmel Street entrance, walking north toward Harcourt Street.
St Stephen's Green
Walk about 20 minutes from Portobello Bridge to the park's south-west corner via Richmond Street South and Camden Street.
Eating in Portobello and Rathmines
Camden Street offers a long run of cafes and restaurants north of the canal. Rathmines Road provides another concentration south of it, useful when you want dinner near your room. Choose a breakfast place on your route into town so that eating does not add an unnecessary return walk.
Getting around from Portobello and Rathmines
Harcourt and Charlemont stops serve the Luas Green Line east of Portobello. Much of Rathmines requires a walk to the tram, so compare that route with buses on Rathmines Road. Walking north along Camden Street gives a direct approach to the southern city center.
Hotels in Portobello and Rathmines
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Other areas of Dublin
Staying in Portobello and Rathmines
Which side of the canal is closer to the center?
Portobello, on the north side, usually gives a shorter walk toward Camden Street and St Stephen's Green. Check the specific address before booking.
Does Rathmines have a central Luas stop?
There is no Luas stop on the main Rathmines Road shopping stretch. Compare your walk to nearby Green Line stops with the available bus route.
Can I walk beside the canal?
Yes, towpaths provide pleasant routes from Portobello Bridge. For an evening journey, compare the towpath with the surrounding streets and choose the route that suits conditions.