The Top Most Unique Dublin Hotels

Photo courtesy Grand Canal Hotel Dublin

Ireland’s capital city has fast become one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Contributor Gina Baksa shares this list of the most unique Dublin hotels

Updated Nov 15, 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links

Irish literary legends Beckett, Shaw, Wilde, and Joyce all raised a tankard or three in Dublin’s Georgian inns, hostelries, and coffee shops. And no doubt they’d enjoy the modern craic in today’s Dublin with its world-class restaurants, vibrant live music scene, galleries, museums, and cafés.

Alongside its status as an UNESCO World City of Literature, there’s a superb selection of unique Dublin hotels with excellent in-house restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs creating world-class traditional Irish and international cuisine. You’ll also find the finest whiskies in the world on the menu, too.

Here are just a few of the best unique Dublin hotels to enjoy during your visit to the Irish capital.

The Most Unique Dublin Hotels for Luxury Stays

Grand Canal Hotel Dublin

Dublin’s Grand Canal Hotel boasts a picturesque canal-side location in the south of the city directly opposite the Dock railway station. Ideally situated for a Dublin city break and only a 25-minute cab ride from Dublin Airport, the Grand Canal is within easy walking distance of the best shopping and restaurants in Grafton Street and only a short taxi ride to the Guinness Storehouse, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and Dublin Castle.

Choose the Junior Suite with its private balcony and panoramic views of the city, alongside a separate living area and a chic Lavazza coffee machine. Tuck into a full Irish cooked breakfast at the hotel’s aptly named Epic restaurant and make sure to reserve a table for lunch at the on-site Canal Express Café with its tempting range of salads and sandwiches. Craft beers, gins, and whisky are very much on the menu at the adjacent Gasworks Bar.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Grand Canal Hotel Dublin.

Beresford Hotel Dublin

Historic Beresford Hotel on Store Street is conveniently located near some of the capital’s most popular tourist attractions–Temple Bar is just a 10-minute walk–as well as the IFSC Dublin and excellent city centre shopping on O’Connell and Henry Streets.

One of the most unique hotels in Dublin, the Beresford has refurbished its classic Georgian Suites, which offer extra comfort and luxury with quiet rooms and luxe amenities.

The hotel’s Italian eatery, Beresford Restaurant, is one of the most well-known Dublin hotel restaurants and serves up delicious Tuscan regional cuisine. Book lunch or a pre-theatre dinner and enjoy locally sourced Irish produce alongside warm welcoming service and a superb Italian wine list. The outdoor terrace is especially popular in spring and summer for al fresco dining.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Beresford Hotel Dublin.

Haddington House Dublin

 If your dream Dublin boutique hotel stay has sea views from every room, an award-winning restaurant, and warm hospitality, we recommend a reservation at Haddington House in Dublin’s seaside suburb of Dun Laoghaire.

This charming 45-room hotel has been imagined out of a row of impressive Victorian townhouses overlooking the harbour and immaculately transformed into one of the best places to stay in Dublin. Imagine a warm welcome, well-appointed accommodations, an eclectic art collection, and an in-house Italian-inspired restaurant Oliveto.

Under the helm of chef Barry O’Neill, Oliveto guests can savour the very best of Irish-Italian cuisine. From wood-stone pizzas to glazed lamb and the daily catch, there are flavours and textures for every palate. Haddington House is one of the best hotels in Dublin.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Haddington House Dublin.

Central Hotel Dublin

 Book a stay at the historic Central Hotel Dublin and you’ll be two shakes of a lamb’s tale from Grafton Street, Dublin’s premier shopping district. The Dublin sights are all nearby too, from the famous Guinness Storehouse–a must when in Dublin–to the Book of Kells at Trinity College.

The Central Hotel is home to one of Dublin’s most popular hotel restaurants. The Exchequer Gastropub on the ground floor of the property serves up a succulent selection of sustainable local fish and organic meat from nearby farms in addition to its famous creamy ices and cheeses. We recommend a snifter or three in the Library Bar beforehand, or a relaxing whisky nightcap before retiring to your well-appointed room.

Reservations:For further details, visit Central Hotel Dublin.

Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge Dublin

Well connected to downtown Dublin, hotels in Ballsbridge–the affluent suburb to the south of the city centre–tend to be classy too. Home to foreign embassies, great shopping, the RDS Convention Center and a lively food and drink scene, a stay at the 4-star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge Dublin will be a memorable one.

An historic Victorian hotel, the Clayton boasts 335 bedrooms with a selection of lovely rooms and suites and even an underground car park. Book the Thomas Prior Suite for a mix of vintage style with modern comforts. Don’t miss the in-house Grandstand Bar & Restaurant, which serves a selection of local and seasonal dishes, alongside traditional afternoon tea.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge Dublin.

Trinity City Hotel Dublin

 A central Dublin location with a 4-star rating makes historic Trinity City Hotel an ideal Dublin city break hotel. The beautifully decorated Georgian Suites have antique furniture and sophisticated colour accents, alongside thoroughly modern comforts, while the air-conditioned Executive Suites are housed in the former Victorian fire station building.

Trinity City boasts a fine Dublin hotel restaurant in its Courtyard Restaurant with various modern and traditional dining areas. Enjoy breakfast here, as well as an à la carte menu and buffet. The Brunswick Bar is perfect for pre-dinner aperitifs, boozy assignations with friends, and business lunches, and in warmer weather the Courtyard Garden is a wonderful place for al fresco dining.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Trinity City Hotel Dublin.

The Hendrick Smithfield Dublin

Located in trendy Smithfield, The Hendrick Smithfield Dublin has its home in an appropriately edgy, creative quarter of Dublin; its cobblestone streets harken back to a Victorian industrial age while being rooted firmly in the present with an abundance of arts, theatre, and even a local brewery and distillery.

The Hendrick has a cool art collection in its public rooms and guest accommodations representing graffiti and stencil street art, alongside more Avant Garde artworks. One of the most unique Dublin hotels, the Hendrick will appeal to younger hipsters. The Accessible Double room offers a compact stay with all you’ll need-from a Grohe power shower to an uber luxe King Koil mattress.

Guests can kick back in style before heading to the Hendrick Bar with its craft beers, snazzy cocktails and a selection of 31 spirits.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit The Hendrick Smithfield Dublin.

The Russell Court Hotel Dublin

Clubbers, barflies, and extroverts all know and love Dublin’s notorious Russell Court Hotel. Located in vibrant Harcourt Street, this unique Dublin hotel has a special Georgian charm.

This popular Dublin property is home to Dicey’s Garden restaurant, with its Irish and international gastro pub offerings. Hunker down for a meal and a live band, then sashay into Krystle’s Nightclub or the more low-key Bond Club next door.

There are 40 guestrooms here for clubbers to retire to, as well as a quieter two-storey cottage on the property for groups of up to 8 guests. Ideal for larger parties and celebrations, the cottage boats a kitchen and laundry facilities-perfect if the night turns out a bit wilder than expected.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit The Russell Court Hotel Dublin.

Schoolhouse Hotel: Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin

This former Ballsbridge junior school was lovingly transformed into the unique 4-star Dublin Schoolhouse Hotel and restaurant in 1998 and has a dedicated following from locals and tourists.

The classrooms are now home to the Schoolhouse Bar and the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Head Chef François Gelet uses his Gallic culinary nous and love of fresh provenance to create magic at this friendly gastropub on the banks of the Grand Canal. From seafood chowder to steak frites, the seasonally changing menu continues to garner praise.

After supper there’s nothing better than a nightcap in the Schoolhouse Bar and a short walk to your room. The accommodations here are designed for comfort: luxurious bedding, king size beds, and complimentary hot drinks, water and Wi-Fi. One of the most unique Dublin hotels to be sure.

Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: For further details, visit Schoolhouse Hotel: Ballsbridge Hotel Dublin.

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Contributor Gina Baksa is a freelance lifestyle and features journalist with a focus on luxury brands and experiences. You can follow Gina’s travel adventures on @Travelscriber (Twitter), @ginabaksa (Instagram), www.ginabaksa.com, and www.ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com.