8 Best Hotels Near Dublin Zoo (4 Under A 30-Minute Walk Away)

There are some excellent hotels near Dublin Zoo. There are some, well, not-so-great ones nearby, too.

For those of you visiting Dublin Zoo from afar with a family in-tow, it’s well-worth considering staying nearby.

Luckily, there are several hotels near Dublin Zoo (under a 30-minute walk away) that have great reviews online.

In the guide below, you’ll find a mix of places to stay, from mid-range accommodation to boutique hotels near Dublin Zoo.

Hotels near Dublin Zoo (under a 30-minute walk away)

The first section of our guide is packed with hotels near Dublin Zoo that are less than a 30-minute walk away, for those of you that aren’t driving.

Note: if you book a hotel through one of the links below we may make a tiny commission that helps us keep this site going. You won’t pay extra, but we really do appreciate it.

1. Ashling Hotel Dublin

Just five minutes from Dublin Zoo, the Ashling Hotel is one of our favourites. It’s also only minutes away from Heuston Railway Station, and there’s a LUAS stop right outside to take you into the heart of the city, but if you’re driving, you have access to their secure car park.

As you’d expect, the bedrooms are comfortable with lots of room and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in Chesterfields Restaurant, and there’s a casual menu in the Iveagh Bar.

You might be surprised with little touches like Prosecco and chocolates in your room if you’re celebrating an occasion. This is one of our favourite Dublin hotels for good reason!

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Hilton Dublin Kilmainham

It’s a good start when you can drive into an underground car park on a wet day and simply take the lift to Reception or your room level. Take your breakfast at Cinnamon Restaurant, and Broyage Bar & Bistro provides the rest of your meals, as well as cocktails and coffee.  

The staff at Reception welcome you as if you’re family, even if it’s your first time there, and will look after you throughout your stay – they’re incredibly helpful. The rooms are spotless, big, have great SMART TVs, and the Wi-Fi is as speedy as Gonzales himself!

If you’re looking for hotels near Dublin Zoo with a swimming pool, the Hilton Kilmainham is a solid option! It’s also a short walk from the excellent Kilmainham Gaol.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Maldron Hotel Smithfield

Located only a 15-minute drive from the airport, the Maldron Hotel is perfectly placed to explore all Dublin offers. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling as a single or couple or a group, there are rooms to suit all combinations.

If you like a room with a view, get one of the balcony rooms – they overlook Smithfield Square with all its comings and goings. The hotel was refurbished recently, and it’s comfortably modern with all the conveniences we’ve come to expect.

Eat at the Grain & Grill bar & restaurant or the Red Bean Roastery for light snacks and tea or coffee. This hotel is also a short walk from the Jameson Distillery.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. The Hendrick Smithfield

Smithfield is one of the latest arts and culture areas to be developed in Dublin City Centre, and this is where you’ll find The Hendrick Smithfield. The hotel reflects the vibe of the area in its art collection and décor.

It’s been awarded a Gold certification in Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, Ireland’s first such award. If you fancy a coffee, be prepared for a treat because the hotel has its own custom-made brand.

Craft beers are served in the bar, and with the location so central, you can either walk or hop on a Luas and be at your destination in minutes.

Check prices + see more photos here

Hotels near Dublin Zoo (under a 15-minute drive away)

So, if you’re driving and you don’t mind a short spin, there are plenty of hotels near Dublin Zoo that are less than a 15-minute drive away.

Below, you’ll find everything from some of the best boutique hotels in Dublin to some very quirky places to stay.

1. Hyatt Centric The Liberties

Hyatt Centric The Liberties has a wonderfully central location; you can walk to Grafton Street in ten minutes, and everything you want to see is pretty much on your doorstep – St Patrick’s Cathedral is right across the road.

The hotel is big (234 rooms), but yet it’s managed to give a feeling of cosiness and warmth. The staff are often recommended by name as they’re so friendly and hospitable.

As you’d expect, they’ve got excellent conference and event facilities and the gym is open twenty-four hours. There’s a great atmosphere in the bar, and you have to try a cocktail – they’re delicious!

Check prices + see more photos here

2. Aloft Dublin City

The Aloft Hotel is striking to look at with its colourful façade, and you can judge the book by the cover because the inside is superbly decorated as well.

The Liberties is one of Dublin’s oldest areas, and the easy access to surrounding attractions make staying here a good decision.

Many of the bedrooms have great City views, and you can breakfast out on the 7th floor patio before descending to Dublin’s streets to begin your day. Later on, Tenters Pub on the street level has great food, and the staff are fantastic.

Check prices + see more photos here

3. Radisson Blu Royal Hotel

 Situated in the City Centre, this hotel has old world charm with its Georgian architecture, offset with a modern upgrade offering every convenience for individuals or corporate events.

They’ve got an innovative touch I’m particularly fond of – the Grab & Run Breakfast. If you’re in too much of a hurry for a sit-down breakfast, you can grab a coffee, a piece of fruit and an energy bar in the lobby.

There’s a Spa & Gym with six treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms and a hydrotherapy pool. There’s also a business centre, and meeting spaces, so you can catch up on work.

Check prices + see more photos here

4. Jurys Inn Christchurch Dublin

Right opposite Christ Church Cathedral, Jurys Inn is in the heart of the City Centre and makes for an easy base to explore Dublin.

It’s a busy hotel, but if you arrive before the check-in time of 4 pm, they may be able to mind your bags until you can check-in. You can eat in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner and have bar food from 12 – 10 pm.

Car parking is not available at the hotel, but you can park in the Christ Church carpark just behind. Jurys Inn is a great choice for a city break.

Check prices + see more photos here

What accommodation near Dublin Zoo have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant places to stay near Dublin Zoo from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out! Or, browse some of our other Dublin accommodation guides below:

• 11 of the best rated B&Bs in Dublin
• 10 of the quirkiest boutique hotels in Dublin
• 13 of the finest family hotels in Dublin
• 8 of the best hostels in Dublin
• The best places to go glamping in Dublin (and the finest spots for camping in Dublin)
• 9 of the most extravagant castle hotels in Dublin
• 7 luxurious 5 star hotels in Dublin
• 12 stunning spa hotels in Dublin

FAQs about Dublin Zoo hotel deals and more

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What is the closest hotel?’ to ‘Where can I find Dublin Zoo hotel deals?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What hotels near Dublin Zoo are within walking distance?

The Hendrick, the Maldron Hotel in Smithfield, the Hilton Kilmainham and Ashling Hotel are all under a 30-minute walk.

Are there any hotels near Dublin Zoo with a swimming pool?

There aren’t any hotels near Dublin Zoo with a swimming pool, aside from the Hilton Kilmainham.