Travel Like a Royal in Dublin: Luxury Hotels, Restaurants, Pubs, Tours, and More

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Dublin is a city steeped in history and brimming with the warmth of its people.

From ancient landmarks and vibrant cultural scenes to indulging in luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining, Dublin has a myriad of treasures waiting to be discovered.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the crème de la crème of Dublin, ensuring your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.

We’ll share:

  • The best luxury hotels
  • The best restaurants and pubs
  • Where to shop for luxury
  • Where to go for a private tour

Let’s get started.

The Best Luxury Hotels in Dublin

Dublin offers some of the best hotels in Europe. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • The Merrion
  • The Westbury

The Merrion

Situated in the heart of the city, the Merrion Hotel is a quintessence of luxury and a splendid example of Georgian architecture in Dublin. Every detail is impeccably refined, starting with the delightful doormen in top hats to the sophisticated high tea experience in the drawing room, accompanied by a pianist. The hotel’s charm is further accentuated by its private art collection, featuring works by 19th- and 20th-century Irish artists.

The rooms, spacious and elegantly appointed, feature sparkling crystal chandeliers, Irish antiques, and expansive marble bathrooms, creating an ambiance of sophistication and comfort.

This hotel stands out as a premier destination for gastronomy enthusiasts. It proudly hosts the acclaimed, two Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. Additionally, the hotel offers the Garden Room and the Cellar Bar, both providing distinctive dining and cocktail experiences.

The Merrion also houses The Tethra Spa, a serene oasis offering a range of relaxing treatments, an Italian marble steam room, and a stunning infinity pool, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the city.

The infinity pool

The Westbury

Part of the prestigious Doyle’s hotel collection, the Westbury Hotel presents an exquisite blend of five-star sophistication and prime location. This hotel places you at the heart of Dublin, just steps away from the iconic Grafton Street, a famous pedestrian avenue known for high-end shopping and street performers. Plus, the hotel’s proximity to various attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the city, with easy access to St. Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, Trinity College, Christ Church, and more.

The Westbury’s hall

Every aspect of this hotel, from the grandeur of its central staircase to the bespoke services it offers, is crafted to ensure an unparalleled stay in Dublin.  The rooms and suites are elegantly designed, each reflecting a perfect harmony of Irish charm and contemporary finesse.

Among its many amenities, guests can also enjoy: 

  • A gallery with a remarkable art collection
  • A fitness center
  • Babysitting services
  • Afternoon tea at the gallery
  • Chauffeur service
  • Expert concierge services
  • 24-hour room service
  • Full accessibility for guests with disabilities
  • Meeting and events facilities – 8 suites and technology to accommodate up to 200 people
  • Family-friendly facilities
  • WILDE, a restaurant that redefines elegance and relaxation
  • The Sidecar, a 30’s cocktail bar
  • Balfes Bar and Brasserie, a lively bistro with a 20-seater outdoor terrace
  • On-site parking (subject to availability)

The Westbury has been awarded for its excellence in hospitality as the best hotel in Europe in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Whether you’re there to explore the nearby attractions or to soak in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city, The Westbury stands as a beacon of luxury and an unforgettable part of your Dublin experience​​​​.

The Best Restaurants and Pubs in Dublin

Dublin’s fine culinary scene boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, charming cafes, and vibrant pubs, each offering unique experiences. Some of our highlights include:

  • Café en Seine
  • Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen
  • Liath Restaurant
  • Farrier and Draper pub

Let’s take a closer look.

Café en Seine Restaurant & Late Bar

Café en Seine is located in the heart of Dublin on Dawson Street. It’s an illustrious venue renowned for its art deco décor and expansive layout, which includes a restaurant, multiple bars, and a charming indoor Parisian street garden. Stepping into this restaurant will simply make you feel like you’re on a Wes Anderson film set.

By day, it’s a cozy spot for lattes and lunch dates, transforming by night into one of Dublin’s most bustling gastronomic hubs. Enhanced by costumed jazz singers that add to its charm, the café was also recognized as Jameson’s Bar of the Year in 2022, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in the city.

Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen

Mickael Viljanen’s restaurant offers an inventive fine dining experience. Chapter One is set in a stylish basement adorned with striking art. And despite its high caliber, the atmosphere remains authentically unpretentious (though it’s not suited for children.)

The establishment prides itself on exceptional service and cuisine that focuses on seasonal Irish ingredients and blends classic French techniques with modern nuances. Each dish is crafted into visually stunning presentations, akin to art on a plate. For a full culinary journey, we highly recommend opting for the five-course tasting menu along with the sommelier’s wine pairing.

Liath

Liath, located in Blackrock Market, Dublin, is a Michelin two-star restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant exudes a magical atmosphere and is cozy with just a few tables, creating a personal and intimate setting. Led by head chef Damien Grey, Liath serves a surprise tasting menu that features seasonal, bold, original dishes. These dishes are focused on the five tastes – salty, savory, sweet, bitter, and sour – and come together in perfect harmony. The cuisine showcases first-class ingredients treated with precision and modern techniques.

Liath’s intimate dining experience

At Liath Restaurant, guests are invited to indulge in a seasonal multi-course tasting menu designed to span approximately three hours for the full experience. The dinner is structured as a shared dining event, with guests encouraged to arrive at 7.30 pm.

Farrier and Draper

Farrier and Draper, located in the Powerscourt Townhouse on South William Street, is a stylish bar that offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere across three floors. The venue is known for its outstanding cocktail offerings, crafted by skilled mixologists, and is an ideal spot for both casual drinks with friends and private events. 

Featuring two Georgian rooms decorated with Art Deco, it offers an elegant setting with live performances every weekend. The bar’s name reflects the historical roots of the Powerscourt Townhouse, tying back to the farriers and drapers who were integral to the area’s past.

Courtesy of Farrier and Draper

Where to Shop for Luxury in Dublin: Brown Thomas

Brown Thomas, a historical and elegant department store on Grafton Street, stands out for its luxury brands and contemporary designers. This pedestrian-only shopping haven is not only a supporter of local Irish talent, with designers like JW Anderson, Richard Quinn, and Richard Malone gaining prominence here, but also a festive landmark. The store transforms into a magical space during Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter, captivating visitors with its seasonal ambiance.

Where to Go in Dublin: Writer’s Private Tour 

Experience the rich literary history of Dublin on a private Dublin Writers walking tour. This 2.5-hour tour explores the haunts of famous writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Bram Stoker. Highlights include visiting Georgian squares, Trinity College, the Abbey Theatre, Dublin Castle, and several iconic pubs that inspired these literary giants. The price per group starts at €150. 

Explore Dublin Like a Royal with Bespoke List

Dublin oozes culture and charm, offering an array of experiences for discerning travelers. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some of Dublin’s premier luxury venues and accommodations. For the sake of brevity, we couldn’t cover them all.

With our luxury directory, you can discover all of Dublin’s finest. Stay in premium hotels, unwind in opulent spas, discover the city’s history on private tours, and savor gourmet dishes at top restaurants. Craft your perfect trip with Bespoke List.

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