Whether you’re coming to Dublin as a competitor, or as a spectator to watch the excitement of the start and finish lines near either Fitzwilliam Square or Merrion Square, you’ll want the best deals on hotels in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city in Ireland.
The first Dublin Marathon was run in 1980, with just over 2,000 entrants. Now over 15,000 runners from more than 70 countries take part in a series of marathon events held over the weekend.
Many new hotels and guest houses opened in recent years, and lively competition for custom means that looking for the best accommodation deals is easy. Although Dublin is Ireland’s largest city, its historic center is small and easily explored on foot.
The start of the race is near Fitzwilliam Square, the finish near Merrion Square.
When : 26 October 2025
A short stroll will take you quickly from the start to finish lines, then if you have time for exploring, visit the Castle and Zoo, the General Post Office, and the National Gallery of Ireland.
The 2025 The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is a running event held every year in late October. The single fairly flat loop starts and finishes in the city centre near the famous Trinity College. There a couple of climbs of about 50m.
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Book cheap accommodation deals
Dublin is popular with backpackers, so there are plenty of deals in hostels along the marathon route, or near the start and finish lines. Many hostels are set in Georgian or Victorian buildings with quirky interiors, and offer breakfast, or have cooking facilities for guests.
Sometimes the best accommodation can be found in family-run guest houses, or the chain hotels located around Dublin Airport. These offer consistent levels of service, comfort and cleanliness and might be the best option if arriving by plane.
To feel more like a local while in Dublin for the marathon, then consider booking an apartment. This gives you flexible accommodation, and the freedom to set your own itinerary.
One of the best places for cheaper accommodation is around Busaras, Dublin’s main bus station. South of the river contains more expensive options, but sometimes you will discover deals that give you the best value with a little more luxury.
Dublin is well-served by public transport, with buses, trains and trams, so wherever your accommodation is located, you won’t be far from the marathon.
> Find my Dublin Hotel near the start or finish line of the marathon
Explore the Historic City
While in Dublin take the opportunity of exploring this historic city, full of medieval castles, splendid cathedrals and Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Dublin’s wealthy industrial past is evident in magnificent public buildings and parks. You’ll find an excellent choice of hotels all over the city and suburbs. A popular area for accommodation is Temple Bar.
Popular neighborhoods for hostels and hotels are North of the Liffey, Grafton Street and the Docklands area. Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll find it easy to get to the start or finish lines.
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon – 26th October 2025
The main event is the KBC Marathon, run over one lap of a flat course. The start and finish points are close to the city center, with the start on Fitzwilliam Upper Street, and the finish in Merrion Square North.
From the start contestants cross the city, run around the university, and through historic Phoenix Park. Competitors register at the Dublin EXPO in Ballsbridge, which has great transport links with the city and airport. The marathon takes runners through and past Trinity College, Herbert Park, St Stephens Green and Phoenix Park.
There are plenty of hotels and accommodation options near the EXPO.
Start Line and Finish Line area
The race starts at Fitzwilliam Square East on Fitzwilliam Street Upper. The finish line is at Mount Street Lower near Merrion Square.
