A third of UK travellers would rather visit Dublin over London, citing its friendlier atmosphere, better bars, and vibrant music scene, according to new research by Point A Hotels. The study, released ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, highlights a growing preference for the Irish capital, with Dublin’s size and relaxed pace ranking as key attractions.
Why Brits Are Choosing Dublin
The research, conducted by Point A Hotels – which has recently opened a new location in The Liberties, Dublin – found that 43% of respondents preferred the city’s more manageable size, while 42% valued its laid-back atmosphere.
The famed Irish charm also played a role in travellers’ decisions, with 39% stating that Dubliners are friendlier than Londoners. Other motivating factors included:
- Better bars (20%)
- A richer music scene (16%)
- The influence of Irish TV dramas (9%) – with series like Normal People inspiring some visitors to seek out their own Connell or Marianne.
A Surge in British Visitors
Point A Hotels’ internal booking data supports these findings, showing that the highest proportion of bookings (29%) for its Dublin hotels come from UK-based travellers.
Patrick Linnane, Cluster General Manager at Point A The Liberties, commented:
“There is a clear appetite among UK travellers to visit the Emerald Isle and experience all its capital has to offer. Our newest property, The Liberties, is located in one of Dublin’s most historic neighbourhoods and is right at the heart of the action.”
Dublin’s Most Popular Attractions
When asked about Dublin’s top tourist destinations, visitors ranked Dublin Castle as their number one choice, with 47% selecting it as a must-visit site. The Guinness Storehouse (34%) and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (33%) completed the top three.
Below is the full list of Dublin’s most popular attractions, according to the survey:
- Dublin Castle (47%)
- Guinness Storehouse (34%)
- St Patrick’s Cathedral (33%)
- Temple Bar (30%)
- Dublin Zoo (29%)
- Ha’Penny Bridge (23%)
- Jameson Distillery (22%)
- Trinity College (22%)
- Phoenix Park (22%)
- Grafton Street (21%)
A New Stay in Dublin
To cater to the increasing number of British visitors, Point A Hotels has launched The Liberties – a 95-room boutique hotel in one of Dublin’s oldest districts. Designed for both business and leisure travellers, the property offers compact, stylish rooms, a modern lounge area, and a café bar serving hot drinks, alcoholic beverages, and freshly made pizza daily.
Bookings for The Liberties open from 1st May 2025. More details can be found at Point A Hotels.
