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The Shelbourne, Dublin

The Shelbourne

Dublin, Ireland

Steeped in nearly 200 years of history, The Shelbourne has welcomed a host of famous guests, featured in literary masterpieces and is at the heart of Irish political life past and present.

This centrally located hotel exudes old world charm and luxury from the minute you enter. Glittering chandeliers, gilded plasterwork, a sweeping staircase and a large glass dome immediately impress while the 265 rooms have a classic elegance with antique furnishings and tranquil blue-gray decor.

The Saddle Room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with views over St. Stephen's Green, afternoon tea can be taken in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge and there are also two bars, including the historic Horseshoe Bar. The hotel also has a gym, spa, salon and pool.

OUR OPINION:

The Shelbourne is a charming, characterful hotel, steeped in history. With ample facilities, a wide range of dining options and a central location, it is perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay in Dublin.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley specialist Brittany

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Rooms

Rooms at the hotel are spread over the original building at the front, where Heritage Park rooms offer wonderful views of St Stephen’s Green, and the newer extension at the back. There are also a range of suites, many of which are named after the famous guests who have stayed at the hotel. All rooms offer an understated elegance and a luxurious blend of subtle blues, grays and golds in the antique furnishings and light fittings, plush bed throws and rich, draped fabrics. The marble bathrooms are spacious and feature a shower only, shower over bath or separate bath and shower depending on room category. All rooms also feature flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Location

The Shelbourne has an excellent location, overlooking St Stephen’s Green and just a few minutes’ walk from Grafton Street, Trinity College and many of the city’s museums and galleries.

Food and drink

The hotel’s main restaurant The Saddle, focuses on steak and seafood, and boasts its own oyster bar. Traditional afternoon tea (an institution at The Shelbourne) is offered in the luxurious setting of the Lord Mayor’s Lounge. There are also two options for drinks: Bar 27, which has contemporary decor and an extensive cocktail menu, and the small and intimate Horseshoe Bar, a popular meeting place for political figures.

Facilities and activities

Guests can make use of the fully equipped gym which overlooks the hotel’s 18 m (59 ft) heated swimming pool, join a fitness class or book a session with a personal trainer in the dance studio. A number of treatments can be booked at The Salon at The Shelbourne which is set over three floors and offers seven treatment rooms. The hotel also has its own hair salon and manicure area.

Tour ideas in Dublin

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Shelbourne as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

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      St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin

      Behind-the-scenes tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

      Behind-the-scenes tour of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

      Explore behind the scenes at Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin's most celebrated church. Learn about the history and legends of this monumental structure, see where Jonathon Swift once preached and walk along the roof for sweeping views over the city.

      View details
    • Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley
      Newgrange

      Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley

      Explore Newgrange & the Boyne Valley

      Join a full-day guided tour to explore the ancient history and rich heritage of the Boyne Valley, just north of Dublin. Visit the Neolithic passage grave at Newgrange, an early Christian church at Monasterboice, and the mythical Hill of Slane.

      View details
    • Fabulous food trail
      Dublin bakery

      Fabulous food trail

      Fabulous food trail

      A chance to enjoy incredible food and a lively cultural experience, this food trail through Dublin's streets takes you off the beaten track to meet artisan bakers, cheesemongers and chocolatiers on a quest to learn about the contemporary Irish food scene.

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    Dublin and nearby places