If you’ve visited Dublin recently, you might have wound up staying in a hotel in the Dublin Docklands.
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The Dublin Docklands cover zones like the Grand Canal Dock and North Lotts areas, which have transformed over the last decade. From the quiet, lonely fishing docks, massive tech offices and residential almost-skyscrapers have popped up. They house the offices and apartments for those working for Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
You’ll also find plenty of hotels, which have helped make the Dublin Docklands one of the city’s most tourist-friendly zones when it comes to lodging. When I visited back in 2022, I stayed in one of the newest constructions.
In terms of transportation, my group didn’t miss out on much. The DART railway stop was located right outside the hotel. Within 15 minutes max, we were in the city center. We could also walk to a few restaurants near the hotel.
Still, staying in the Dublin Docklands wasn’t the most romantic way to experience Dublin. In fact, throughout the trip, we heard from locals how the big tech companies setting up shop in the city were rapidly changing its identity—and few thought it was for the best thanks to rising costs and limited housing.
While there’s a trade-off when it comes to price, as Dublin Docklands hotels are more affordable and larger, I wish I had stayed closer to the city center. And I especially wish I had researched historic hotels that deliver on the Dublin spirit. Here’s where I’ll stay on my next visit.
Historic hotels in Dublin
Riu Plaza The Gresham
- Origin story: Built in 1817 by an English entrepreneur named Thomas Gresham, this historic hotel was partially destroyed during both the Easter Rising and the Irish Civil War. In 1927, it was partly rebuilt and expanded to its current state. Celebrities like Princess Grace and The Beatles have all stayed at The Gresham.
- Atmosphere: The hotel is a four-star, upscale property with a blend of modern amenities and Old World charm. Think: history meets elegance.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: Located on O’Connell Street near popular spots like Temple Bar and Dublin Castle
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
- Origin story: Dubbed ‘Ireland’s living room’, The Shelbourne was first founded in 1824 before going on to play a pivotal role in the nation’s modern identity. In 1922, it served as a hub where the Irish Free State’s Constitution was brainstormed and penned. In the 1950s and 60s, it was popular with famous names like Elizabeth Taylor and Seamus Heaney.
- Atmosphere: The hotel was refurbished when it was added to the Autograph Collection Hotels in 2019, meaning there’s a seamless integration of style, antiquity, and comfort. One star feature is the Caryatid statues on the hotel’s façade.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: Located on the north side of St Stephen’s Green
The College Green Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Origin story: The hotel is spread across three restored buildings that date back to the 19th century. The Banking Hall is the most famous, stored inside a 1860s former bank that has original marble and crystal chandeliers.
- Atmosphere: This is an opulent five-star property. Think: a multi-million dollar restoration projects that feel effortlessly lush.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: Located in the heart of Dublin overlooking Trinity College
Wynn’s Hotel
- Origin story: Once a boarding house that was favored by the Church of Ireland clergy, Wynn’s Hotel eventually became a hub for revolutionary thinkers. In 1913, it hosted ‘The Irish Volunteers’, a group that helped set the stage for the push for Irish Independence. It was famously caught in the crossfire during the 1916 Easter Uprising before being rebuilt.
- Atmosphere: The grounds are both stately and modern, having been updated with modern features throughout their tenure.
- Cost: Mid-range
- Location: Located on Lower Abbey Street in the heart of Dublin
Clontarf Castle Hotel
- Origin story: This castle was built on the grounds of the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, when an Irish king defeated invading Vikings but lost his life in the process. The castle was owned by the Knights Templar for two centuries before being handed over to a family. In 1837, the castle was rebuilt into its modern structure before being reopened as a hotel in 1998. Think: a millennium of history.
- Atmosphere: This castle has a commanding edifice that you’ll see from the surrounding streets. Inside, you’ll find modern refurbishments that include design nods to the castle’s medieval history, like ornate bed canopies and grand mirrors.
- Cost: Mid-range
- Location: Clontarf is a suburb north of Dublin, meaning you won’t be staying in the city center at this hotel
The Address Connolly
- Origin story: Opened as a 20-room guesthouse in the 1800s, The Address Hotel eventually went on to become the subject of James Joyce’s Ulysses. In the book, a character stays at the hotel before struggling to whistle for a carriage.
- Atmosphere: Much of the hotel has been renovated to maintain its historic charm, but there are a few new additions, including two floors added to the back of the hotel in 2007, a spa, and a fitness center. Like all Address Collective properties, there’s a huge focus on high design.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: In the heart of Cublin on Connolly Street
Dylan Hotel
- Origin story: Built in 1900, the original grounds were used as a nurses’ home for those staying at nearby Royal City of Dublin Hospital. The home’s foundation was laid by Princess Helen of Schleswig-Holstein, one of Queen Victoria’s daughters. The hotel served as a hospital where nurses treated wounded soldiers and volunteers during the 1916 Rising.
- Atmosphere: This is a boutique hotel that balances historic elements and features with upscale additions. Expect plenty of customized service from an exceptional staff.
- Cost: Luxury, but some rates are mid-range during low season
- Location: Located in Ballsbridge, an affluent suburb near St. Stephen’s Green
Number 31
- Origin story: This hotel was once the brainchild of a modernist Irish architect, Sam Stephenson. He was known for blending historic elements like church mews with midcentury modern features. In the 1950s and 60s, Stephenson’s home became known as an infamous party spot for bigwigs and political figures.
- Atmosphere: This is a ‘hidden’ boutique hotel, meaning you’ll have plenty of privacy and an attention to detail from staff. You’ll also notice that the grounds blend historic charm with modernist elegance and architectural designs, like the sunken ‘conversation pit’.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: Located in the heart of Dublin, just off Leeson Street
Trinity Townhouse Hotel
- Origin story: This hotel is housed inside three five-story Georgian townhouses that were built in the 1730s. They were refurbished in 2016 after the properties were purchased and renovated into a hotel.
- Atmosphere: If you enjoy high design and historical elements, Trinity Townhouse Hotel is a can’t-miss. The renovations carefully maintained features like the original fireplaces, ceiling roses, and classic staircases from the original build.
- Cost: Luxury
- Location: Steps away from Trinity College
Schoolhouse Hotel
- Origin story: The Schoolhouse Hotel was originally built in the 1860s by famous architects Deane and Woodward, who designed it in a Gothic Revival style that packs a visual punch. It was used as a school for over a century until, in the 1970s, it was abandoned. In 1997, it was purchased and renovated to become a hotel.
- Atmosphere: Many original classrooms have been restored—one is now home to the highly regarded Schoolhouse Gastrobar. There are also many original features throughout, including turrets and pointed arches.
- Cost: Mid-range to luxury, depending on the room
- Location: Located in Ballsbridge, an affluent suburb just outside the city center
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