Founded in 1824 and constructed out of three adjacent townhouses, The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin feels like the ideal Irish home. Centrally located and overlooking St. Stephen’s Green, you’re in good, historic company, too—aside from famous recurring guests like Irish-American actress Maureen O’Hara, Princess Grace, The Rolling Stones, and many more, Ireland’s 1922 Free State Constitution was drafted here. The Shelbourne is truly more than just a hotel—it’s the Irish luxury experience, offering great service, excellent dining, and multiple options for that classic Irish pastime: imbibing.
Why it’s worth the trip:
The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in The Shelbourne is how absolutely gorgeous it is. Intricate crown molding and stained-glass windows work their way throughout the building—including the Lord Mayor’s Lounge (where you can have a top-knotch high tea) and the hotel’s famed restaurants, The Saddle Room and No. 27 Bar & Lounge. In addition to the No. 27, there are two other places to drink inside the hotel that are worth a visit: the retro, racing-themed Horseshoe Bar and the newly opened, guests-only 1824 Residents’ Bar, which has one of the most stylish yet cozy interiors I’ve ever experienced. Both offer excellent craft cocktails and a friendly, generous staff. If the rest of Dublin weren’t so enticing, you might not ever have to leave the vicinity.
You’ll like it here if…
You appreciate old Irish charm with a healthy dose of luxury, and you want to be centrally located to all the Irish capital has to offer. After a long day of gritty Irish pubs and stuffing your face full of locally-sourced dairy products, it can be quite nice to be able to come back to plush, pillow-top mattresses and expert concierge service.
Price breakdown:
Rooms start a $269/night but can go much, much higher.
The crowd:
Guests of the hotel include a mix of suits and celebrities. No. 27 Bar & Lounge attracts an after-work crowd.
Pro tip:
If you find yourself at No. 27, one of the hosts or managers will take time out of their busy schedule to give you a champagne sabering lesson—which is an historically Irish tradition. One thing that The Shelbourne taught me is that though the French may know how to make champagne, the Irish know how to have fun with it. They’ll even give you a tiny velvet pouch for your sabered keepsake.
While you’re in the area:
A block away is the Little Museum of Dublin if you’re looking for a history fix. The National Gallery of Ireland is just a 5-minute walk away, too. Venture to nearby Loose Canon for some of the city’s best small plates and natural wine. Coming late summer 2019, the Museum of Literature, Ireland will open its doors just across St. Stephen’s Green.