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The Leinster Hotel, Dublin, Ireland, by Sophie Corcoran. . Despite its newness, the hotel also offers history and culture. It’s not just down to the location – a stay here also offers the chance to see some of Ireland’s most incredible artwork created by celebrated artists.
Blink and you’ll miss this hidden gem located in Dublin’s Georgian quarter and surrounded by gothic and cool architecture. It’s an oasis of luxury, calm and relaxation that oozes the glamorous 1920s with Parisian-style chic and an Irish charm.
The Leinster opened in March and has already had superb reviews. Despite its newness, the hotel also offers history and culture. It’s not just down to the location – a stay here also offers the chance to see some of Ireland’s most incredible artwork created by celebrated artists.
Walking through the front door of The Leinster you are greeted by luxury. Gold accents and artwork adorning the walls are a theme throughout. Gold and mirrored surfaces are sprinkled throughout the hotel floors, restaurants and bar.
But open the door to your room and a fashionista’s dream awaits. Soft textures and clashing prints are a treat for the eyes. Teamed with a fabulous minibar and artwork that makes you feel like you’re in a gallery, you’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave the room.
Although its style feels a world away from the busy city, the hotel still pays homage to the Republic’s capital. Irish charm is not limited to the Aer Lingus flight which took me to Dublin from Manchester, but extends to the artists who created the hotel’s paintings displayed in rooms over all four floors.
The Leinster truly is a place of luxury. In my Superior room, soft textures, clashing colours and patterns on the furniture match the tones of its soft furnishings. Artwork from Irish artists including Maria Atanackovic is hung on the walls, while the minibar offers modern treats, including Irish beer and chocolate. These small reminders of the fair city of Dublin provide a homely feel.
A trip up to the hotel’s Jean-Georges restaurant on the fifth floor brings home a feel of comfort and cosiness. During my trip I was treated to an introduction to Jean-Georges himself, before he made his way back to the kitchen to cook up a storm.
Lunch kicked off with two cocktails – a tangy white strawberry number, followed by a banana concoction. The tart white strawberry hides any trace of an alcoholic aftertaste, while the banana – topped with a chocolate truffle – takes you right back to childhood and foam bananas, such is its lightness.
The drinks were followed by a number of courses – each an explosion of taste and flavour in its own right. A highlight was the starter – a crunchy hash brown topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon from Ferry Island and caviar.
Next up was pea soup – unlike any I’d tasted before – topped with a Parmesan foam. My final selection included a chocolate molten dessert, traditional carrot cake and butterscotch pudding.
The restaurant opens again in the evenings, alongside The Collins Club on the bottom floor. This atmospheric and cosy bar gives a nod to the jazz era and would not look out of place in a Frank Sinatra film. Try a bellini – fizzy, light and with a peach sorbet surprise.
Be sure to ask staff for a recommendation for a walk to get some invigorating Irish air into your lungs. Nearby is the stunning Merrion Square Park, whose green space offers a sense of calm and relaxation in the heart of the city.
Despite it being easy enough to let The Leinster host your full stay, it is in a central and sought-after location that is rich with history and well worth heading out to discover. Again, the staff are on hand to give directions and tips. A stone’s throw away are the National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Ireland.
I got agreeably lost among Monet, Picasso and a Talking Heads exhibition before heading further into the city centre to sample a taste of real Ireland – and its Guinness. Temple Bar is just a 25-minute stroll away from The Leinster, allowing you to amble through the city’s cobbles and stop in a few bars, try a drop or two of the black stuff and listen to Irish folk songs.
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If you’re looking for even more culture and history, just 15 minutes away from the hotel is Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College Dublin, which was founded in 1592. Home to more than 19,000 students, it is also the location of the medieval Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript on display to visitors.
A trip through its history teaches everything you need to know about this treasure from the Dark Ages. It really is a sight to behold and the perfect, inspiring end to my time at The Leinster and in Dublin.
Book the holiday
- Aer Lingus flies up to 14 times a day between Heathrow and Dublin from £95 return. aerlingus.com
- Rooms at The Leinster hotel in Dublin start at around £258 a night B&B. theleinster.ie
- More info at ireland.com
