From family stays to couples’ spa breaks, and cosy cultural overnighters to luxurious getaways … here are the current offers for August in the capital
Trinity College Dublin
Best for: Recapturing student life.
I’ve often stayed at Trinity where student bedrooms are available to book over the summer months. Choose from singles, twins, doubles or apartments that sleep up to six people, and wake up to breakfast served in The Buttery café. While you’re there, why not take the new 45-minute Trinity Trail, either a guided or self-guided walking tour, exploring campus gems such as the Old Anatomy Museum, Rose Garden and Zoological Museum as well as talking in the Old Library and the Book of Kells. The tours depart from the bell tower in the front square. All proceeds generated by Trinity Trails and summer accommodation are reinvested back into the College to support university development projects and conservation programmes. Rooms are from €85 per night; www.tcd.ie/summeraccommodation.
Number 31
Best for: Design Enthusiasts.
Number 31, Leeson Close, is a popular choice for design enthusiasts, a place where light, colour and texture all combine. Talking points include its “conversation pit” a sunken lounge with open fire which was popular in the 1960s. Rooms with Art Deco accents and a charming secret garden will also give decoristas ideas to replicate at home! Prices start from €269; www.number31.ie.
The Wilder Townhouse
Best for: A date night.
I can’t think of a nicer B&B offer than that at the Wilder Townhouse. The Victorian townhouse is full of character with pretty bedrooms, a lovely terrace and top notch bar. From €159 per night, based on two people sharing; www.secure.irelands-blue-book.ie.
The Marker
Best for: A spa stay for two.
The “ThursDATE” package allows plenty of lounging in the impressive Spa & Wellness area of The Marker – dipping in and out of the infinity pool, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room – before a customised facial or massage in one of the couples’ treatment rooms. Post treatment, there’s also a glass of bubbly to celebrate. ThursDATE is €240 per couple; www.themarker.ie.
Arthaus Hotel
Best for: A cultural break.
The current two-night offer at Arthaus includes breakfast each morning and tickets to the “Giacometti: From Life” exhibition at the National Gallery, where designer Richard Malone is currently in residence. (He is also staying at the hotel!). Do take a self-guided tour of the contemporary artwork displayed on all floors of the hotel. I loved the Bauhaus accents in the rooms. From €233 per person sharing, add third night and receive 20 per cent off your stay; www.arthausdublin.ie.
Clontarf Castle
Best for: A beach break.
Just a stone’s throw from Dollymount Strand, Clontarf Castle offers a sun, sea and sand break with kite surfing available on the beach and a strong sea swimming brigade at The Bull Wall. Inside the unique castle setting, guests have an eclectic art collection to peruse and multiple dining options. From €249 per night; www.clontarfcastle.ie.
Hard Rock Hotel, Dublin
Best for: A music-inspired city escape.
Visitors to the hotel can enjoy a self-guided memorabilia tour which features pieces from artists such as David Bowie, Phil Lynott and The Rolling Stones displayed throughout the building. There’s also a special “Sound of Your Stay” music programme, which allows guests to choose from an extensive vinyl record collection and play in room. A jam session can also be arranged with a Fender guitar, amp and headphones from the hotel’s Vibe Manager. “Dublin Rocks” package is from €319 per person sharing for a two night stay with breakfast each morning and dinner and a signature cocktail on one evening at Zampas; www.hardrockhotels.com/dublin.
InterContinental Dublin
Best for: A luxury city escape.
From €420 for two, this includes an overnight stay in a spacious classic guest room or a luxurious suite, (the most spacious suites in Dublin). Take a dip in the 14m heated pool and enjoy the relaxation area before having a sumptuous breakfast in Seasons Restaurant. Lounge in the spa, (guests have a ten per cent discount off ESPA treatments) take a stroll along Sandymount Strand, explore Herbert Park, or enjoy a long leisurely lunch on the al fresco terrace – one of the prettiest in the city. This is the perfect place to recalibrate; www.intercontinentaldublin.ie.
The Grafton
Best for: A family trip or for a group sharing.
The Grafton’s so-called OMG multi sharing rooms can sleep up to six people with a super king size bed and two sets of bunks. The current “Family Escape” package is from €650 for six people with breakfast includes an early check-in and late check-out. Kids treats, a full Irish breakfast, and discounted car parking is included. Alternatively, rates are from €495 for room only; www.thegrafton.ie.
The Westbury
Best for: A city and coastal break.
The Westbury is offering several tempting summer packages one of which is an overnight stay in a suite, à la carte breakfast the next morning, followed by a cruise with Dublin Bay Cruises. This will whisk guests south of Dublin Bay to Dun Laoghaire Harbour before heading up to the traditional fishing village of Howth with its renowned seafood restaurants and glorious walks. Additional cruise tickets can be purchased for family members staying in the hotel. From €450; www.doylecollection.com.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin
Best for: A shopping trip.
Central and comfortable, an overnight stay at Radisson Blu Royal includes accommodation in one of its spacious guestrooms and a super breakfast served in the Chancery Grill Restaurant. While you’re there why not treat yourself to a treatment in the stylish Velvaere spa (pictured), which offers treatments Codage, iS Clinical and Margaret Dabbs among others. From €260 bed and breakfast during August; www.radissonblu.ie/royalhotel-dublin.
Stauntons on the Green
Best for: A literary stay.
Just beside MoLI, this townhouse which comprises three interlinked buildings has a gorgeous library (perfect for afternoon tea) and a great selection of Irish art to enjoy. This includes a stunning Harry Clarke stained-glass “The Blessed Julie and Two Children”. I’ve stayed many times and especially love their garden rooms with private courtyards (there’s a private entrance to Iveagh Gardens from Stauntons too). From €267 for an overnight stay with breakfast – order the French toast!; www.stauntonsonthegreen.ie.
The Merrion
Best for: Art enthusiasts.
The Merrion is home to an important private collection of some 75 pieces of 19th- and 20th-century art, to which the hotel’s interiors offer the perfect backdrop. The result is a dramatic and successful marriage of classical architecture and noteworthy Irish and European art. Works by Mainie Jellett, Jack B Yeats and Nathanial Hone are juxtaposed with those of contemporary artists such as Martin Mooney, who was commissioned to paint a series of works for the elegant neo-classical stairwell in The Merrion’s Front Hall. Paul Henry’s “Killary Harbour” is also in the front hall which celebrates the people and the landscape of the west of Ireland. Peruse the collection at leisure during an overnight stay from €495, bed and breakfast; www.merrionhotel.com.
