Dublin is synonymous with pubs and parties, and during my first few visits, I heavily partook in both. Now a bit older, although perhaps not so much wiser, I returned to The Fair City with a weekend of classy cocktails and relaxation in mind, and a hotel that could accommodate both. After just a few minutes of research, it was clear that The Shelbourne was my best bet.
Aside from its prime location on St. Stephen’s Green, the hotel’s rich history — as well as its four on-site restaurants and bars, including the guests-exclusive cocktail lounge 1824 Bar — caught my eye. The property was originally founded by Martin Burke, who acquired three adjacent townhouses on the edge of the park. The hotel’s ownership changed hands several times over the centuries. In 2024, it was acquired by Archer Hotel Capital shortly after it celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Photo: Expedia
Walking into The Shelbourne feels like taking a step back in time. The doormen, clad in top hats and traditional garb, set the scene at the revolving doors, which lead into a grandiose lobby padded by dining concepts on each side: to the left, No. 27 Bar & Lounge, the hotel’s all-day dining concept, and the Lord Mayor’s Lounge, the property’s hub for coffee and afternoon tea, to the right. After being greeted by Ireland’s gray skies and flight delays, I was eager to check into my impending home away from home.
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Rooms and suites at The Shelbourne
Photo: Expedia
After hopping the elevator to the fourth floor, I headed into my Heritage Premium room, which featured a king-sized featherbed with a pillow-top mattress and a small sitting area. The overall vibe was classic-meets-sophisticated, with nods to 19th-century charm clearly evident in it’s solid wood furniture and gilded decor. In total, The Shelbourne is home to 265 guest rooms and 19 suites, from entry-level Heritage Rooms to the iconic two-bedroom Princess Grace Suite. Each room is equipped with a stunning marble bathroom and in-room amenities, including plush robes, mini bars, complimentary water bottles, and more.
Dining and amenities at The Shelbourne
After dropping my things and throwing back a quick espresso, I headed down to The Horseshoe Bar for a half pint of Guinness. Here, red banquettes line the walls of the dimly lit space, with a signature brass-rimmed bar as the eye-catching centerpiece. While pints of Guinness are always a safe bet, The Horseshoe Bar is also known for its extensive whiskey offerings. Guests can book a guided tasting from one of the property’s resident whiskey sommeliers for €45 (available on Mondays and Tuesdays at 4 PM) or simply enjoy their dram of choice.
Photo: Vicki Denig
In addition to No. 27, The Lord Mayor’s Lounge, and The Horseshoe Bar, The Shelbourne is also home to The Saddle Room, where á la carte breakfast is served daily. Then there’s 1824, the property’s fabulous guests-only bar. Decked in wood panels and custom murals created by Paul Slater, this tucked-away gem offers a welcome reprieve from the rowdiness of Dublin’s streets, with well-made drinks as the cherry on top. After a night of exploring wine and cocktail bars around town, I ended my first evening here with a belly-warming Irish coffee that melted the chill from the rain-soaked night.
What to do around The Shelbourne
The Spa at the Shelbourne
Photo: Expedia
After a big night out on Friday, the spa at The Shelbourne was the perfect way to spend a lazy, Saturday afternoon. The spa’s quiet sitting area has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of St. Stephen’s Green, where you can compliment the view with complimentary tea, water, light snacks, and magazines. A variety of facials, massages, and body scrubs are highlighted on the menu, as well as manicures, pedicures, and holistic treatments like reflexology and reiki.
Grafton Street
For those looking to get their shopping fix, a stroll up Grafton Street, Dublin’s most famous commercial area, is a must. The street runs from St. Stephen’s Green to College Green and is home to a variety of shops and cafés, including the famous department store Brown Thomas. Even if shopping is not at the top your Dublin list, taking in the ambiance of the street and its smattering of musicians and street performers is an instant mood lifter. For a quieter, yet vibrant, option with more cafés and dining options — including the top-tier cocktail bar Peruke & Periwig — head over to Dawson Street.
St. Stephen’s Green
Photo: Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock
The most obvious nearby attraction from The Shelbourne is St. Stephen’s Green, a public park developed in the 17th century — though it wasn’t until 1877 that the area opened to the public. Today, the space is home to a handful of sculptures and gardens, and is the perfect place for taking in a breath of fresh air between pints. At 22 acres, St. Stephen’s Green is the largest of Dublin’s Georgian garden squares.
The Little Museum of Dublin
Just a few steps from the hotel is The Little Museum of Dublin, a small, interactive space that tells the city’s history through more than 6,000 artifacts donated or loaned by Dubliners. The museum occupies three floors of a Georgian townhouse, and tours take only 29 minutes — think of it as the perfect museum for non-museum people, or, like St. Stephen’s Green, a pleasant way to spend a half-hour between pints and cocktails.
