Dublin Hotels Near the DART

About the DART

D.A.R.T stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transit. It forms a part of the city's suburban railway network and runs from Howth and Malahide north of the city, to Greystones south of the city. The DART is mainly used for commuters and it's also very popular with visitors who want to see the beautiful east coast of County Dublin.

The DART usually operates from 6.30am to about 11.30pm at night and runs every 10-15 minutes at peak times. You can buy an 'all-day' ticket which is priced about EUR7.20, but you can also purhase a combined DART/bus ticket or a DART/Luas ticket for a little bit extra.

City centre Dublin hotels near the DART

In the city centre you can get the DART at one of three stations; Connolly Station, Tara Street and Pearse Street Station.

Connolly Station is probably the most central as this station is located about a 5 minute walk from O'Connell Street - Dublin's main street. It's located at the intersection of Amiens Street and Talbot Street which runs east from the Spire on O'Connell Street. Hotels within easy reach of Connolly Station include the North Star Hotel and the Ripley Court Hotel.

Tara Street Station is located on the south side of the River Liffey within a short walk of Trinity College, Temple Bar and O'Connell Bridge. Hotels within walking distance of this station include the Westin Dublin.

Pearse Street Station is located on Westland Row at the back of the famous Trinity College where the Book Of Kells can be seen. This stop is also just a few steps from Merrion Square where you can visit attractions like Leinster House (seat of the Irish government), the National Gallery of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland. Hotels close to Pearse Street Station include the Trinity Capital Hotel and Merrion Square hotels like the Merrion Hotel, the O'Callaghan Mont Clare Hotel, the O'Callaghan Alexander Hotel and the O'Callaghan Davenport Hotel.

Dublin hotels near the DART line southbound

As its name suggests the Landsdowne Road Stop is located near the Landowne Road Stadium which hosts many sporting events and concerts. The Herbert Park Hotel, the Lansdowne Hotel and the Mount Herbert Hotel are all located in this area.

Dún Laoghaire is a great place to stay while in Dublin, especially if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. But with the efficient DART you can be there within minutes. Hotels here for you to choose include the Rochestown Lodge Hotel and the Kingston Hotel.

Another great spot to base yourself while in Dublin is the exclusive coastal setting of Killiney which many famous people like Bono, Enya and Van Morrison have made home. On your journey from the city to Killiney you'll come across the most breathtaking views of Killiney Bay. Stay at the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel if you want to be based here.

Further along the southbound line, you'll come to the picturesque seaside town of Bray. It's located in County Wicklow about 20km south of Dublin city centre. The journey by DART takes roughly about 40 minutes so you can be in the city centre in no time. There's lots for you to do and see in Bray so if you want to stay here choose the Ramada Hotel Bray, The Esplanade Hotel and the Heather House Hotel.

The last stop on the southbound line is the town of Greystones which is also located in County Wicklow just about 8km south of Bray. Greystones is a fantastic coastal destination as it has beaches, cliffs and a harbour. It's also the place to be seen each July and August as the town hosts the Bray Summerfest Festival.

Dublin hotels near the DART line northbound

On the DART line northbound, there is a station in Clontarf. Clontarf is a historical area, famous for the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. It has a beautiful promenade for walking along, a nature reserve and a beach. The Clontarf Castle Hotel and the Clontarf Court Hotel are two options if you want hotel accommodation here.

At Howth Junction on the north line you have the option of travelling onto Howth or Malahide.

Howth is located on the tip of Howth Head Peninsula about 13km north east of Dublin. If you like fishing, birdwatching or sailing, or you simply love the great outdoors, then Howth is the place for you and it's just a 20 minute ride on the DART from the city centre. Our Dublin hotels located here include the Baily Hotel and the Deer Park Hotel.

You can also reach the beautiful suburban area of Portmarnock by taking the Malahide line. Portmarnock is renowned for its stunning beach, golf courses and its Martello Tower. Portmarnock is also a great base for your city break in Dublin and if you stay in hotels like the White Sands Hotel or the Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links you can be in the city centre within 20 minutes on the DART.

Malahide is the final stop on the DART line north. It's a scenic coastal town about 16km north of Dublin yet it's just a 20 minute journey on the DART. One of the city's top attractions Malahide Castle can be found here, so if you do plan to stay in the area this is definitely worth a visit. Malahide is also just about a 15 minute drive from Dublin International Airport. If you want to stay in Malahide you can check into the Grand Hotel or the Hilton Dublin Airport.

Mairead Foley writes for the Ireland travel and accommodation website http://www.GoIreland.com.

Visit GoIreland for all you need to know before visiting Dublin, like what to see and where to go. View B&Bs, guesthouses and self catering in Dublin as well as Dublin hotels.

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