Irish adventures took me over to Dublin on a couple of occasions during the late Autumn and Winter – I stayed at a couple of hotels but my favourite was The Merrion – what an absolutely beautiful hotel.
The Lowdown
The location of The Merrion is truly unbeatable in the heart of quiet and refined Georgian Dublin, with a host of the city’s cultural, shopping and entertainment attractions, including the National Gallery and National Museum, within a five-minute stroll – but with the fun nightlife of Dawson Street and the shopping haven of Grafton Street a stones throw away too.
The Merrion combines contemporary and traditional – the main hotel is a range of exquisite Georgian townhouses, and the interiors have been designed and restored to delightful effect, with stuccoed ceilings, open fires and antique furniture. Where the old blends into the shiny-new is at the rear of the building, designed to bring in both light and airiness – with a beautiful landscaped garden which reminded me a little of the garden of the Ritz Paris.
My room was a superior king in the garden wing – very spacious, beautifully designed in muted tones and incredibly quiet and restful with a view over the period garden. The bed was perfection and the bathroom was large and marble clad with lots of thoughtful touches.
I was a solo traveller and had a couple of glasses of wine in the Cellar Bar and also No. 23 – it was busy and I felt totally happy on my own.
I took room service after a lovely, long bath which was the perfect tonic after a long day at work – serving modern Irish dishes – but the hotel does have several dining options including gastro pub food in the Cellar Bar, Afternoon Tea in the grand drawing rooms, a full menu in the Garden Room (There is also a Garden Terrace but this was not open whilst I was there) and of course the jewel in the crown Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud which I would love to return and try! Breakfast is taken in the Garden Room and offers an option for every taste and palette.
There is also a fabulous spa – which I didn’t have the opportunity to try – next time!
Merrion Square, Dublin, D2, Ireland
