Top 3 Historic Luxury Hotels in Dublin

Dublin is one of the hottest and most fashionable places for a weekend break. Easy to get to, with a host of historic attractions and lively activities, there is never a dull moment. Set on the banks of the River Liffey, Dublin has great shopping, museums, gardens, galleries, whiskey distilleries and even guided tours of Dublin Castle. Follow in the footsteps of novelist James Joyce, poet Yeats and writer Jonathon Swift as you take a city tour. Explore the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar on foot and appreciate the city’s historic architecture and culture.

You will certainly not go thirsty in Dublin. Join a guided pub crawl or make your own way around some of the most authentic and historic of Dublin’s 600 taverns. They serve excellent pub grub too!

Many of the luxury hotels in Dublin’s city centre have a history which adds to the pleasure of your stay. Checkout three of the best:

Shelbourne Hotel, St Stephen’s Green
Recently refurbished yet retaining its historic grandeur, this luxury hotel was where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge was apparently a favourite spot of the 19th century novelist, William Thackeray, where he took afternoon tea. The Shelbourne continues to recapture the essence of the era of James Joyce’s epic, “Ulysses”. A room at this national treasure is the perfect way to absorb Dublin’s unique atmosphere in style.

The Merrion, Upper Merrion Street
Experience one of the best luxury hotels in Dublin with a stay at the historic Merrion hotel. Located right opposite the Government buildings, this luxury hotel was once four grand Georgian townhouses. Built by Lord Monck, who occupied no. 22, number 24 was leased to Garrett Wellesley, earl of Mornington. It was the birthplace of Arthur Wellesley, the First Duke of Wellington, and later the workplace of Irish writer, Flan O’Brien, when the houses were used as state offices. Now a charming luxury hotel, the Merrion has beautifully appointed guest rooms and welcomes visitors with a crackling turf fire in the lounge.

The Clarence, Temple Bar
More modern history was made at the Clarence Hotel which has accommodated many clergy, judiciary, artists, musicians and writers since 1852. Two of its unassuming regulars were members of the rock group U2, Bono and the Edge. Their fond and sentimental memories of their stay led them to buy the hotel in 1992 and restore it to its former glory. Now an elegant but unpretentious luxury hotel in Dublin’s popular Temple Bar area, it epitomizes traditional Irish hospitality.