New hotels and art exhibitions to enjoy this summer …
Citizen M Hotel, The Liberties, Dublin
Art is increasingly a central attraction in many hotels and is one of the defining characteristics of the new CitizenM hotel, opposite St Patrick’s Cathedral in a Brutalist building originally designed by renowned Irish architect Sam Stephenson. The imposing facades feature a bronze-cast lyrical fragment from Irish rapper Malaki’s track Cuppa Tea, as well as a bold abstract piece by French-Irish muralist Claire Prouvost. Inside is defined by its colour and communal areas decorated with designer furniture by Vitra and an impressive collection of artworks curated by Mary Cremin, IMMA’s Head of Programming. In the Living Room, there are pieces by Damien Hirst and George Condo while each guest room features a diptych-style artwork from one of five Irish artists including Alan Phelan, Breda Lynch, Brian Teeling, Niamh McCann and Kian Benson Bailes. Relax on the open-air terrace or work in one of the cosy hot desk facilities. @citizenm
Irish artworks by Oisin Roche, Jonathan Aiken and Vicki Crowley are to the fore in the newly renovated Brooks Hotel, something of an insider secret oasis in Dublin city centre and perfect for a girls’ getaway. I’ve always liked Brooks’ discreet charms from its cosy rooms to chic cinema. Having reopened after a €6m transformation by owners MHL Hotels, the guest experience has been augmented further. All guest rooms have been refurbished with luxurious local details from handmade beds by Respa in Oldcastle, Co Meath to duck and goose feather bedding by Northern Feather from Westport, Co Mayo. Amenities are by Dublin Herbalists – the first hotel in Ireland to stock these natural products. Other changes include an update to 62 Drury Street Bar & Brasserie, which is a great refuelling stop after the day’s adventures. @brookshotel_
SEE MORE: The Art Of Friendship – Irish Artists Mainie Jellett And Evie Hone
One of the most important photojournalists of the second half of the 20th century was Gilles Caron, known for his reporting from scenes of conflict, including Vietnam and Biafra. His career was cut short when he disappeared in Cambodia in 1970, leaving a lasting legacy. Some of his works have been added to the growing collection at Park Hotel Kenmare where co-owners Bryan and Tara Meehan have 16 iconic photographs of his time spent in Northern Ireland in 1969 at the start of the Troubles. Caron’s gallerist Anne-Laure Buffard and daughter Marjolaine opened an exhibition of his works in the new Library space overlooking the gardens. If you’re in Kenmare, pop in for a free Art at the Park guided visit, or stay for dinner in Landline where chef James O’Sullivan’s menu is as artistic as the surroundings. Look out for Gilles in our Artistic License series. @parkkenmare
This in-the-know retreat is perched on the banks of the River Slaney where its panoramic views have always beguiled guests. Owned by the Griffin Group, the hotel has been updating its facilities, including 68 bedrooms reimagined as plus+ rooms inspired by the natural scenery with expansive windows that frame the views. Guests also have access to The Active Club which now has Technogym equipment. If visiting, look out for works by local artist Jean Maskell, whose evocative prints of the Wexford region grace each newly renovated bedroom and the Dry Dock Bar. @ferrycarrighotel
SEE MORE: Art Inspiration – Escape To The Sea
Culloden Estate & Spa, Co Antrim
The late Sir William Hastings, founder of the Hastings Hotel group, was an art enthusiast who amassed an important personal collection of Irish and international works, which now feature throughout his hotel properties. It’s a natural fit that Hastings Group has collaborated with Gormleys gallery for many years, with the annual Art & Soul exhibition a special part of the summer calendar at Belfast’s grande dame hotel. This free event runs until the end of August and is well worth a visit for guests to enjoy more than 350 works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Banksy, Julian Opie and Salvador Dali, or wander the extensive grounds where 90 large sculptures by Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn and Sandra Bell are installed. There’s the option to take a guided tour of the exhibition and afterwards try the Art of Afternoon Tea in the salon overlooking Belfast Lough. @cullodenestate
SEE MORE: Artist Residence Experiences For Art Enthusiasts To Enjoy
