by Neil Hegarty, The Telegraph, January 31, 2018
An insider's guide to the best places to stay in Dublin for St Patrick's Day celebrations, including the best for rooftop bars, a party atmosphere, traditional Irish cuisine, open fires and views of the river Liffey, in locations near Merrion Square, Grafton Street and Grand Canal.
The Merrion Hotel Dublin, Ireland
9Telegraph expert rating
The Merrion's location is unbeatable: the Edwardian pomp of Government Buildings is just across the road, with Merrion Square, the National Gallery and National Museum, and the Grafton Street shopping district all within a few minutes’ walk. Georgian grace and symmetry to the front, with spacious and light-filled Garden Wing to the rear, enclosing a pleasant half-acre quadrangle of fountains and manicured greenery. Ireland’s largest collection of private art adorns the walls of the charming ground-floor drawing rooms; and open turf fires offer additional charm. Read expert review. From £216per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
The Shelbourne Dublin Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The location of The Shelbourne is splendid: facing south across the Green; and just a few minutes’ stroll from a slew of the city’s finest attractions. The main bar is now a popular watering hole for Dubliners – and can be uncomfortably crowded as a result. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge, however, has been retained as a grand but tranquil afternoon tea destination. Food available all day in the hotel bar; with upmarket dining in the excellent Saddle Room restaurant. Read expert review. From £169per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Marker Hotel Dublin Dublin, Ireland
9Telegraph expert rating
The Marker trades on style. Its fussy lobby can seem a little chaotic - but its emerald-green pool area and the building’s checkerboard facade suggest that time and money has been spent on the visuals. Head chef Gareth Mullins serves modern, sophisticated and beautifully presented Irish cuisine in the light-filled Brasserie restaurant. You’re also likely to meet Dubliners in the hotel’s ground-floor and rooftop bars. Read expert review. From £163per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Dean Hotel Dublin Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Think young-at-heart: the Dean exudes a youthful, funky ambience - but everyone is welcome; and this is a great place for couples, groups, and leisure and business travellers alike. The rooftop bar, with its open terrace, is a beautiful space with views over the city rooftops - but the pièce de la resistance is Sophie’s, the splendid, casual and very comfortable ‘glasshouse’ restaurant on the roof with truly fabulous panoramic views across Dublin to the distant mountains. Read expert review. From £104per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Morrison Dublin Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The Morrison is self-consciously fashionable, with a buzzing, youthful and decidedly trendy vibe. Copious cocktail and coffee menus set the tone: the Quay 4 bar area dominates the Morrison – but don’t neglect the relaxed and informal Morrison Grill. The location is absolutely central, but thankfully separated by the river Liffey from the bustle of Temple Bar. Read expert review. From £160per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
Schoolhouse Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Very convenient location: on the Grand Canal, a 10-minute walk from Merrion Square. Many of the original features – high arched wooden ceilings, open fires, wooden staircases – have been preserved. Excellent food and drink offering: the bar, with its open fire, is available all day for various gastro treats in comfortable surroundings; the outdoor garden area is a good spot in mild weather. Read expert review. From £77per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Brooks Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Family-run Brooks offers something rare and valuable – a stylish and truly snug refuge to recover from all those St Patrick's Day celebrations. It’s centrally located in the heart of Dublin’s newly named 'Creative Quarter'. Classic rooms are quite compact but very well finished; larger rooms offer added extras in the form of smooth walnut furniture and designer radios. More than 100 types of whisky are served in the bar. Read expert review. From £147per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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Wynn's Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
Situated in the very heart of the city, a step or two from O’Connell Street and the Abbey Theatre. Comfortable and low-key: happily, you won’t find trendy glitz in a steady sort of place like Wynn’s, which has moved with the times in good ways only! Come expecting good furnishings and a solidity of style. There’s a full all day menu in the pleasant bar; and good evening meals to round off the offer. Read expert review. From £86per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
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The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
This splendidly modern and noticeably friendly hotel is set in the very centre of Dublin’s shopping and entertainment district. Nice touches include a library of books; a spa offering a range of treatments, including hot and cold stones, and excellent aromatherapy treatments; and a good, thoroughly engaged concierge desk. The breakfast is buffet-style, thoughtful and fresh, with lots of freshly baked goods. Read expert review. From £162per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
King Sitric Dublin, Ireland
8Telegraph expert rating
The King Sitric, perched on the edge of the pretty harbour at Howth, is a celebrated seafood restaurant, and with good-quality rooms attached, it is also a very appealing place to stay. How lovely to wake up to sea views, splendid light, and the cry of the harbour's wheeling seagulls, and to take a pleasant constitutional, perhaps, on the pier before a good breakfast: excellent coffee, fresh fruit and fish on the menu. Read expert review. From £130per night. Check availability. Rates provided by Booking.com.
This article was written by Neil Hegarty from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com.
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