Dublin has long been a destination renowned for its revelry, history and creativity – and while luxury hotels haven’t always been synonymous with the capital, over the past few decades, Ireland’s hospitality bigwigs have set out to prove otherwise. Even before the turn of the century, many of Dublin’s grand buildings had been converted into five-star hotels – The Shelbourne and The Westbury, to name two – while the likes of Anantara and Conrad later moved in to offer travellers urban takes on classic Irish hospitality. 

Go beyond the four walls of these opulent properties and you’ll find there’s plenty to explore in the Irish capital. Situated on the east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin oozes historical charm, from its eponymous castle, dating to the 13th century, to the medieval and imposing St Patrick’s Cathedral built in 1191. Its famous architecture doesn’t stop there (Trinity College and Custom House are worth a visit) while Grafton Street offers an array of luxury shopping experiences. Temple Bar, of course, is where you’re guaranteed a classic Irish pint and live music. So, where to rest your head? Read on for our pick of the best luxury hotels in Dublin.

Anantara The Marker, Docklands

Nestled on the working docklands at the mouth of the River Liffey, a stay at Anantara’s The Marker guarantees guests a different view of the Irish city. Boasting an unmissable modern glass and concrete chequerboard-style exterior, the interiors of this hotel ooze glamour, with cosy dark hues that are replicated across all 187 bedrooms. There are no balconies on offer here, but many of the suites provide ample views across the canals, rivers and bustling docklands below. The rooftop is the hotel’s crowning glory, offering 360-degree panoramas of the Dublin Mountains and the Irish Sea. Sit back and enjoy an array of exquisite cocktails paired with moreish menus showcasing the best Irish produce, while the summer months see the deck transformed into a yoga studio every Saturday morning. 

Go downstairs to up the wellness ante further, where you’ll discover the hotel’s spa featuring a 23-metre infinity pool, spacious jacuzzi, sauna and eucalyptus-infused steam room. Elsewhere, stop for cocktails at The Marker Bar, book The Brasserie for unfussy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients or relax in the acclaimed Forbes Street restaurant by top Irish chef Gareth Mullins. Served in the orange-hued dining room, menu highlights include Flaggy Shore oysters, Irish beef fillet tartare, Wicklow venison, and Baily and Kish: smoked salmon with lemon, capers, dill crème fraiche and shallots. In true Irish fashion, there’s a story behind everything on the menu…

From £205 per night, visit anantara.com

Conrad Dublin, Saint Kevin’s

From its prime city centre location to its literary-themed cocktails at Lemuel’s Bar, the Conrad has plenty to offer discerning travellers visiting the Irish capital. Having emerged from a refurbishment that was only completed this year, the hotel has overhauled the presidential suite, lobby and exterior, in addition to introducing new dining concepts such as acclaimed Irish chef Anna Haugh’s pop-up restaurant serving modern Irish fine dining. Elsewhere, Lemuel’s offers international dishes, unique cocktails, and a traditional high tea, while the Terrace Kitchen and Social House has a seasonal menu and outdoor dining spaces for the warmer months. 

Dublin’s rich literary heritage blends with modern design at the Conrad, which overlooks the city’s famed National Concert Hall, while the winding paths of St Stephen’s Green are moments away. Hunker down in one of the 192 bedrooms, some of which boast views towards the city’s mountains. 

From £297 per night, visit hilton.com

The Shelbourne, St Stephen's Green

Steeped in history, The Shelbourne is where the Irish Constitution was drafted – and guests can get a peek for themselves in the hotel’s Constitution Room, where a copy of the original document is available for viewing. The Victorian building dates back to 1824, and pays homage to its history via prized antiques, chandeliers and 32 intricate stained-glass windows – one for each Irish county – dotted throughout the hotel. Service, as you’d expect from Dublin’s Grand Dame, is faultless while bedrooms claim to offer the best views of leafy St Stephen’s Green in the city. Suites are designed to delight the most discerning guests – featuring separate sleeping, seating areas and marble bathrooms – and are named in honour of the hotel’s most memorable guests. 

Much like its suites, The Shelbourne’s dining rooms and bars all have stories behind them too. The Horseshoe Bar, for example, has played host to notable political and media meetings while The Lord Mayor's Lounge, known as Ireland's most famous drawing room, plays host to an indulgent afternoon tea. The Saddle Room restaurant is the pinnacle of Shelbourne hospitality, serving classic foie gras royale, roasted Curragh lamb and Liscannor crab. The 1824 Bar is The Shelbourne's newest addition: an intimate bar mixing a variety of serves and a hand-picked list of top-shelf whiskey against the backdrop of a whimsical mural by artist Paul Slater.

From £334 per night, visit theshelbourne.com

The Merrion Hotel, St Stephen’s Green

Oozing period charm, The Merrion is housed in a number of Georgian townhouses that were thoughtfully refurbished for well-heeled clientele – however, it’s the location of this five-star hotel that makes it worthy of a return visit. Standing directly opposite Government Buildings in the city centre, the National Gallery, the National Museum of Ireland and Grafton Street are all just moments away. Unlike other city-centric hotels, The Merrion, part of the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, is a relaxing bolthole away from the capital’s hustle and bustle. Discover the award-winning spa, partake in morning yoga and book a table at The Garden Room, overlooking the manicured courtyard at the heart of the hotel.  

Fine dining foodies will love the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, serving a surprising eight-course tasting menu prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. Art Tea in The Drawing Room claims to be the most lavish afternoon tea in Dublin, offering savoury recreations of 19th- and 20th-century art alongside miniature sweet creations inspired by the work of JB Yeats, William Scott and Louis Le Brocquy. Once you’ve eaten your fair share, escape to one of the 143 softly-lit rooms featuring queen-sized beds, marble bathrooms with roll-top baths and lounges with daily newspapers on your coffee table – we have no doubt you'll return home stress-free. 

From £486 per night, visit merrionhotel.com

The Westbury, Grafton Street

If you’re looking to sample Irish hospitality at its finest, look no further than the Doyle Collection’s The Westbury. From the brand behind London’s The Kensington, The Marylebone and The Bloomsbury hotels, the Dublin outpost from the Irish hospitality brand is, perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the best. Expert in its craft and this area in particular, The Westbury occupies a prime position between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green, so once guests leave its doors they are in the thick of it. On its doorstep lies Grafton Street, famous for its street artists and luxury shopping, while Dublin’s Creative Quarter, filled with lively bars, quirky stores and top theatres, is just a short hop and skip away. 

Inside, however, is where the hotel really impresses. The 205 rooms – including 27 suites – all feature understated luxury with contemporary interiors showcasing the best of Irish design combined with the latest technology. Wilde restaurant is the place to see and be seen, serving Castletownbere scallops, pan-seared Atlantic halibut with Jerusalem artichokes, Skeaghanore duck breast and Keralan coconut curry in 1930s-inspired surroundings. Toast to good fortunes in The Sidecar cocktail lounge while we’d thoroughly recommend an afternoon tea appointment in The Gallery, too. 

From £305 per night, visit doylecollection.com

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