It’s said that every Irish person has a “Shelbourne story.” The epicenter of Irish life, style, and celebration for 200 years, this hotel isn’t just a place to stay but a destination etched into the fabric of the city.
The Shelbourne has even earned a place in history books. During the 1916 Easter Rising, the British Army took up residence inside the hotel. Stories of bullets flying past ladies sipping their afternoon tea mark the beginning of the struggle for Irish independence. And in 1919, the Irish Constitution was signed in the aptly-named “Constitution Suite” on the hotel’s second floor, where guests can still dine today.
Although the hotel’s history oozes from its wallpaper and permeates its suites (especially the John F. Kennedy Suite and the Princess Grace Suite), it feels anything but dusty thanks to a major facelift in 2017. Invoking a sense of Irishness, its shades of green, gold fixtures, Waterford Crystal chandelier, and Celtic embroidered curtains combine just the right amount of classic Victorian style and la-dee-da luxury.
Spanning three stately Georgian buildings, its 265 rooms and 19 suites are split into ten different categories. But the rooms here aren’t cookie-cutter. Depending on your keycard, yours may be decorated with emerald green velvet chairs, gilded mirrors and Irish landscapes or a royal blue with oak furniture, a sparkling chandelier and crown molding.
Its ace location in central Dublin means Trinity College, The National Gallery, Grafton Street and more are a simple stroll away. And when you’ve hit your steps target for the day, a foot massage at the hotel’s spa (using Irish products) is the salve.
The hotel’s illustrious reputation means its dining venues are always busy, particularly the Horseshoe Bar. A local watering hole, you’re bound to meet a few characters while you put down pints here. For dinner, book at the Saddle Room for high-end cuts of Irish beef and local seafood. But perhaps the most important meal here is afternoon tea. Served in the sparkling Lord Mayor’s Lounge, the theme changes, but the signature scone recipe is a highly-guarded secret.
Top Takeaways
Location: Dublin, Ireland
The Vibe: Charm, elegance, and more charm. Achieving that cozy, comfy feel in such a grand hotel takes centuries of practice.
Rating: Five-star
Food + Drink: You never know if you’ll see Bono sipping a Guinness at the Horseshoe Bar or a billionaire having afternoon tea under the Lord Mayor’s Lounge’s crystal chandelier. The three restaurants and bars at The Shelbourne are the place to see and be seen in Dublin. No. 27 Bar & Lounge is the perfect spot for fish and chips, while the 1824 Bar is for in-house guests only and ideal for an Irish whiskey nightcap.
Amenities: There’s a surprising amount to do onsite for a city hotel. There are three restaurants and three bars to try, as well as a whopping 10,000 square feet of meeting rooms. Its wellness center is fully decked out with a large member’s gym and swimming pool, steam room, sauna, dance room and a seven-room spa.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The Irish hospitality. The beloved top-hatted doorman, Pat, gives the warmest greetings, along with a joke or two. The barmen pour the perfectly frothy glass of Guinness, and the concierge knows every nook and cranny of Dublin.
What’s nearby? The famous St. Stephens Green is directly across the street and primed for people-watching during a picnic or stretching your legs after an Irish coffee. When you want to venture a little farther, the city’s biggest attractions are a short walk away—one of the many charms of this small, walkable city.
Rooms: 265
Pricing: Rates start at $653 per night.
Closest Airport: Dublin Airport
