County Dublin, Ireland House Rentals

County Dublin vacation rentals and holiday rentals: where to stay

From stylish city-center apartments to cozy seaside cottages, County Dublin has a diverse mix of properties that cater to every kind of traveler. Think sunny living spaces with open-plan kitchens for social evenings, sunlit bedrooms perfect for lazy weekend mornings, and outdoor spaces where you can soak in the Irish air. When you search for vacation rentals or holiday rentals in County Dublin, you’re not just booking a place to sleep—you’re selecting a launchpad for your whole Irish experience.

House House Rentals destinations are curated to showcase options that reflect the character of County Dublin. Look for places that offer easy access to top sights, but also provide charm, comfort, and a sense of welcome. Whether you want a modern apartment near Temple Bar or a traditional cottage near the sea, you’ll find stays that combine convenience with a distinctly Irish sense of place. And with searchandstay.com, you can filter by neighborhood, amenities, price range, and more to zero in on your ideal base for a Dublin adventure.

When planning your itinerary, think about the rhythm you want. If you’re after long days of wandering, a central Dublin city apartment keeps you within minutes of historic sites, markets, and vibrant nightlife. If your focus is coastal scenery and slow mornings with a view, a Dalkey or Howth stay can be your perfect counterbalance—you get quiet coves, scenic cliffs, and seafood-eatery vibes close to home.

Top destinations inside County Dublin for vacation rentals

Howth: seaside charm and cliffside views

Howth is more than a fishing village; it’s a mood. Bright fishing boats, fresh seafood, and coastal trails frame a village that’s both lively and welcoming. A vacation rental in Howth puts you within a short walk of the harbor, the Howth Cliff Walk, and a string of pubs and bistros where live music spills onto the street. Stay in a cottage with a sea breeze and a kitchen that invites you to cook up a sunset feast featuring crab or mussels, then wander to the Howth Summit for panoramic views over Dublin Bay.

While you’re in Howth, don’t miss a shoreline stroll to Ireland’s Eye if the seas are calm and a boat runs. It’s an unforgettable day trip to an uninhabited island sanctuary that feels a world away from the city—perfect for birdwatching, picnics, and photos that will make your friends online swoon. For families, Howth is particularly friendly: ferries, parks, and gentle walks suit travelers of all ages, and many rental homes offer family-friendly layouts and gear like high chairs and cots on request.

Dalkey and Killiney: airy villages and sea-facing serenity

Dalkey and nearby Killiney offer a refined, cozy retreat with a hint of old-world Irish glamour. Dalkey Village is a maze of winding streets, welcoming pubs, and cafes where you can linger over a plate of smoked salmon and brown bread. Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre adds a dash of history to your stroll, while Killiney Beach delivers a postcard-perfect shoreline fronting the Copper Coast to the south. A Dalkey or Killiney-based holiday rental gives you a serene home base with easy access to coastal cliffs, private garden spaces, and scenic views that rival any in County Dublin.

Malahide: gardens, castles, and a timeless village feel

Malahide is a charming blend of grand estate vibes and village coziness. Malahide Castle and Gardens offer a dose of history and horticultural beauty, while the Estuary and Marina provide a breezy maritime atmosphere. Stroll along the village streets, browse boutique shops, and pause for a bowl of chowder at a harborfront restaurant. Rental homes here range from sunlit townhouses to spacious family homes with gardens—ideal for travelers who want a touch of countryside calm within easy reach of Dublin’s pulse.

Dublin Bay and suburban pockets: Rathfarnham, Clontarf, Donnybrook, and Ballsbridge

County Dublin isn’t just about beach towns; its urban and suburban pockets offer terrific holiday rentals close to major sights. Donnybrook and Ballsbridge provide elegant, leafy neighborhoods with easy access to the city center, great for travelers who want proximity to museums, theaters, and fine-dining spots. Clontarf offers a scenic coastal vibe with parks and promenades, while Rathfarnham gives you hillside views, local markets, and family-friendly trails. A well-located apartment or a charming house in these neighborhoods can balance city explorations with relaxed, home-like evenings.

North County Dublin: Swords and surrounding towns

For travelers who prefer a quieter, more rural feel while staying within a quick ride of the city, the northern outskirts around Swords and nearby towns provide a solid option. These areas are great for longer stays, with well-equipped kitchens and comfortable living spaces that let you balance driving days to attractions with restful nights. Plus, you’re never far from Dublin Airport for easy arrivals and departures, and you’ll still be able to hop into Dublin City when the mood strikes.

Experiences and local activities you can’t miss

Iconic city experiences and culture-rich days

Dublin City and its surrounding counties pack a punch of history, literature, and modern Irish culture. A vacation rental in the heart of Dublin puts you steps away from world-class experiences: the bookish wonders of Trinity College and the Book of Kells, the gravity of Kilmainham Gaol, and the interactive journey through Irish emigration at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. A day spent exploring the streets around Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green gives you an authentic taste of Irish urban life, from street performers to cozy cafés where musicians strum softly in the evenings.

For beer lovers and history buffs, a well-planned afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse (and nearby Guinness Open Gate Brewery if you’re curious for a smaller, intimate tasting) offers an inside look at one of Ireland’s most famous exports. If you prefer modern Irish craftsmanship, you’ll find excellent distilleries and artisan breweries within easy reach of many County Dublin rentals. Teeling Distillery and Dublin’s evolving craft scene provide tours and tastings that pair beautifully with evenings out in the city center.

Coastal adventures and nature fixes

Coastal towns like Howth and Malahide make it easy to plan day trips that combine fresh air, sea breezes, and scenic views. The Howth Cliff Walk is a signature experience—an uplifting route along the cliffs that rewards you with sweeping views of Dublin Bay and Ireland’s Eye. If you’d rather a gentler pace, you can stroll the harborside promenades, browse the fish market for a freshly caught lunch, or step into a seaside café to savor chowder and freshly baked soda bread. In Malahide, you can take a stroll through Malahide Castle’s gardens or kayak along the inlet for a different perspective on Dublin’s coastline.

Markets, food, and Irish hospitality

Food markets are where local life shines. Temple Bar Food Market and various weekend markets in the city offer a chance to taste Irish specialties—handmade pastries, artisanal cheeses, and local seafood. Neighborhoods around Ranelagh and Donnybrook host vibrant farmers’ markets and food stalls where you can savor everything from microgreens to handcrafted chocolates. Staying in a vacation rental close to these markets means you can pick up ingredients for a home-cooked dinner or grab a quick, delicious bite on the go as you wander through Dublin’s foodie scene.

Family-friendly and accessible experiences

County Dublin welcomes families with a broad range of activities. The Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, offers spacious lawns for picnics, playgrounds, and the Dublin Zoo, where kids can connect with wildlife and learn about conservation in engaging ways. The parks and coastal paths are stroller-friendly in many areas, and several rental options offer family-friendly amenities, such as safety gates, high chairs, and extra bedrooms. For accessibility-focused travelers, many hotels and rental properties in County Dublin provide step-free access, wide doorways, and well-equipped bathrooms to help everyone enjoy the trip with ease.

Practical tips for renting in County Dublin

Choosing the right neighborhood for your vibe

If you’re after a city-center buzz, look for a vacation rental in or near the Docklands, Temple Bar, or St. Stephen’s Green areas. These locations give you the fastest access to museums, theaters, and nightlife, while still offering peaceful streets to return to after a late-night stroll. For a more relaxed, small-town feel with quick access to nature, consider Howth, Dalkey, or Malahide as your base. If you want a balanced mix of easy city access and suburban calm, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, or Rathmines are excellent middle-ground options.

Transportation and getting around

County Dublin is well-connected by public transit. The LUAS tram system (Red Line and Green Line) links the city center with neighborhoods on the outskirts, while the DART coastal railway runs along the Dublin Bay coastline, offering stunning views and convenient hops between Howth, Dun Laoghaire, and Bray (though Bray is in County Wicklow, it’s accessible for a day trip). Buses cover most other routes, and many vacation rentals provide details on nearby stops and service frequencies. If you prefer flexibility, many properties offer parking or easy access to car rental services for day trips to the countryside or the Ards region of County Dublin.

Booking smart with searchandstay.com

When you’re planning a Dublin escape, searchandstay.com is a website to find accommodations in the area and compare options across neighborhoods and price points. Use filters for property type, number of bedrooms, pet-friendly options, and special features like balconies, sea views, or in-unit laundry. Reading recent guest reviews helps you gauge host responsiveness and overall comfort, while maps and neighborhood guides give you a sense of distance to landmarks and dining options. Booking with a trusted platform makes it easier to manage payments, cancellations, and any questions that come up during your stay.

Planning tips for a seamless stay

- Consider multi-area itineraries: spend a few nights in a city-center apartment to immerse in museums and nightlife, then switch to a seaside cottage for a calm finale with cliff walks and fresh seafood.

- Pack for Irish weather: layers, a light waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Even in summer, the sea breeze can be brisk, and during shoulder seasons you’ll appreciate cozy living rooms and warm bedrooms in your rental.

- Check for family-friendly or accessibility features: if you’re traveling with kids or guests with mobility needs, confirm bed configurations, stair safety gates, and bathroom setups ahead of time.

- Look for outdoor spaces: a balcony, terrace, or garden makes a big difference for evenings in, particularly when you return from a day of exploring and want to unwind with a view or a little al fresco dining.

A sample week: how to structure your Dublin County rental stay

Day 1: Arrive and settle into your city-center apartment. Take a gentle stroll along the River Liffey, then head to a local pub for a hearty Irish dinner with live music. If you’re staying near Ballsbridge or Donnybrook, consider a stroll through beautiful parklands and a look at the nearby boutique shops before dinner.

Day 2: Explore Dublin’s historic heart. Visit Trinity College, walk through the campus, and see the Book of Kells. Grab lunch at a cafe along Grafton Street, then spend the afternoon in a museum or at the GPO Witness History Museum. End the day with a cruise along the Liffey or a sunset drink in a harbor-front bar in Dublin Bay.

Day 3: Day trip to Howth. Take the DART to Howth, stroll the harbor, and hike a portion of the Howth Cliffs. Indulge in fresh seafood at a fish shack or restaurant, and explore the Howth Summit for panoramic views. Return to your rental ready for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Malahide or Dalkey exploration. Choose the gardens and castle in Malahide or the charming lanes of Dalkey, with a lunch stop at a seaside café. If you’re in Dalkey, take a short boat ride or a rigorous cliff walk if the weather allows. Evening planning can include a casual dinner near your rental or a cozy kitchen dinner at home.

Day 5: Phoenix Park and Zoo, followed by a riverside stroll and a family-friendly dinner. If you’re in the city, you could pivot to a theater show or a live music venue in the evening, still within reach of a comfortable walk back to your place.

Day 6: Kilmainham Gaol and Guinness Storehouse, pairing a deep dive into history with a taste of Dublin’s modern craft scene. Evening wraps with a final toast at a pub with Irish traditional music, or a quiet night at a rental with a good book and a local wine selection.

Day 7: A relaxed morning, last-minute shopping, and a farewell stroll along the coast or a final coffee at a neighborhood café. Depart from Dublin Airport or return to your next destination with memories of coastal cliffs, sunny harbors, historic halls, and warm Irish hospitality.

Final notes on planning your County Dublin getaway

County Dublin is a destination that rewards curiosity and a flexible schedule. Whether you’re chasing a vibrant city break, a peaceful seaside retreat, or a blend of both, there are vacation rentals and holiday rentals in County Dublin ready to host you in comfort and style. By choosing Housing House Rentals destinations and using searchandstay.com to compare options, you’ll find properties that match your travel rhythm, amenity preferences, and budget, all while keeping you close to the experiences that define County Dublin’s charm. Embrace the energy of the city, the serenity of the coast, and the warmth of Irish hospitality as you build memories that will last long after you’ve packed your bags.

From howth’s sea-salt air to Malahide’s tranquil gardens, from the historic halls of Dublin’s museums to the lively rhythms of a traditional pub, County Dublin invites you to travel with heart. It’s a place where every corner has a story, every meal is a small celebration, and every rental becomes a home base for new adventures. Whether you’re booking a short break or a longer stay, you’ll find that the most memorable experiences come from stepping into a new place with curiosity, kindness, and a sense of wonder—and County Dublin delivers all of that, in abundance.

Ready to start your County Dublin adventure? Visit searchandstay.com to discover the right vacation rental or holiday rental for your trip, and begin your journey with a home away from home that puts you in prime position to explore the best of County Dublin.