Dylan Dublin, individual, warm Irish charm in the city’s only boutique five-star hotel in easy walking distance from the rugby stadium: exclusive Members’ rates

Dublin is one of Europe’s most attractive city breaks—easy to reach, vibrant, sophisticated, friendly, affluent, historic, literary, rugby and Guinness mad … and a marvellous place to explore by foot. It bursts into life for St Patrick’s Festival each March with fireworks, parades, street theatre, traditional Irish music and dance, so if the idea of joining this merry throng appeals (and even if you prefer a more peaceful experience on a different date) you are invited to stay in a Dublin treasure, the five-star boutique Dylan Dublin. Tucked away on a tranquil residential street, the Dylan is a hidden gem near Dublin’s vibrant city centre, and 10 minutes’ walk from the Aviva Stadium.

This Victorian former nurse’s home is now a smart, stylish 72-bedroom five-star hotel that is totally individual—think calm, soothing, and luxurious. It features herringbone wooden floors and walnut tables, white wood panelling and marble, modern light fittings and glass lamps. It’s all Irish design and Irish art, and it looks good. The comfort-zone here is high too, from Queen rooms to Signature suites all spacious and featuring memory foam mattresses, iPods, Nespresso coffee machine, marble bathrooms and underfloor heating, free wireless internet, plasma TVs, spacious showers and lavender-scented linens. Corner rooms, with their large windows, are the lightest.

The warm-welcome-zone is also high: nothing is too much trouble, offered with genuine Irish charm. The Dylan is a master of Céad Míle Fáiltea—a hundred thousand welcomes. This goes as far as guests’ dogs, which are welcomed with treats. There’s a good concierge system, and secure parking.

As to food and drink, The Eddison restaurant, with its ‘moss wall’ living art installation, offers sunny verandas facing east and west, and is open all day—starting with Irish breakfast, moving on through light snacks which include caviar and plenty of salads, followed by tipsy afternoon tea and finishing with dinner of Irish beef and more. The fashionable Dylan bar is an attractive hub with plenty of Guinness and craic as well as a sophisticated wine list; and heated outdoor areas are tranquil and nicely designed. Tucked in a corner is the aptly named, residents-only Ruby Room, an intimate, clubby cocoon for cocktails and nightcaps. The Nurserie is a south-facing courtyard where guests can catch the sun and an Emerald Isle cocktail. Room service is 24-hour.

The Dylan location is excellent—some say it’s the best address in town. Two blocks from Baggot Street, it is close to numberless restaurants, bars and the Grand Canal. A 20-minute stroll takes you to St Stephen’s Green and the major museums: the Concert Hall, Gallery of Ireland, Museum of Ireland—and the Little Museum of Dublin. Doff your cap to Irish legends’ likenesses: Molly Malone in lively Temple Bar and Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott on Harry Street, Oscar Wilde on Merrion Square, close to where he lived. Don’t miss Dublin’s famous bars and pubs of course, including Temple Bar and the Guinness Storehouse in St James’s Gate. This is a fascinating insight into the world-renowned stout, with a tasting at the end of course; the 360-degree views from the rooftop bar make it worth a stop. Chase with a whiskey at the Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. Bibliophiles will thrill at the antiquated tomes in Marsh’s Library and the weekly readings in Sweny’s Pharmacy, now a bookshop, whose name cropped up in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Or aim for the ultimate antique book-sighting and see the Book of Kells gilded pages at Trinity College.

There’s Grafton Street, with charming historic buildings and cafés, and the Gothic Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle. You can also spend a leisurely afternoon at the National Museum of Ireland; visit Christ Church Cathedral, the city’s oldest building; and browse ancient manuscripts, miniature paintings, and rare books at Chester Beatty Library. Discover Georgian-era Dublin with the hotel’s complimentary signature iPod walking tours, or walk to the Grand Canal or Aviva Stadium for the rugby.

Club Members enjoy special rates, starting from about €200 for a double room (two sharing).

Eastmoreland Place
Dublin
Co Dublin
Ireland

Check best rates and availability: inquire below:



PLEASE READ: CountryClubuk Club Rules and Terms and Conditions