The best hotels in Dublin
Dublin has over 8,000 places to stay, and a surprising number of them will disappoint you. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Dublin
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Maldron Hotel Smithfield
Smithfield, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
Camden Court Hotel
Camden Street, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Davenport Hotel
Merrion Square, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Grand Canal Dock, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Shelbourne Hotel
St. Stephen's Green, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
The Merrion Hotel
Merrion Street, Dublin
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abigail's Hostel | City Centre, Dublin | $45–80/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Anchor Guesthouse | Drumcondra, Dublin | $72–95/night | 8.1/10 | Best Value |
| 3 | The Morgan Hotel | Temple Bar, Dublin | $110–185/night | 8.3/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Maldron Hotel Smithfield | Smithfield, Dublin | $115–175/night | 8.2/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Camden Court Hotel | Camden Street, Dublin | $130–195/night | 8.4/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 6 | The Davenport Hotel | Merrion Square, Dublin | $150–230/night | 8.7/10 | Top Rated |
| 7 | Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane | Grand Canal Dock, Dublin | $160–225/night | 8.3/10 | Business Pick |
| 8 | The Devlin Hotel | Ranelagh, Dublin | $175–240/night | 8.6/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 9 | The Shelbourne Hotel | St. Stephen's Green, Dublin | $280–520/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | The Merrion Hotel | Merrion Street, Dublin | $350–700/night | 9.4/10 | Top Rated |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Abigail's Hostel
Abigail's sits on Aungier Street, a short walk from St. Stephen's Green and the main shopping areas. Private rooms are small but clean, and the common areas are lively with other travellers. Staff are genuinely helpful with local tips and pub recommendations. The location makes it hard to beat for the price in central Dublin. Book a private room if you need sleep, as dorm noise carries.
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Anchor Guesthouse
The Anchor Guesthouse is on Lower Drumcondra Road, about 2 kilometres north of the city centre near Croke Park stadium. Rooms are tidy and simply furnished, with a full Irish breakfast included in the rate. It is a solid choice if you are attending a match at Croke Park or flying into Dublin Airport and want a no-fuss stay. The bus into the city centre runs frequently from outside. Nothing flashy, but reliable and genuinely good value.
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The Morgan Hotel
The Morgan is on Fleet Street right in the heart of Temple Bar, putting you within steps of the city's most famous pubs and the River Liffey. Rooms have a cool, design-forward feel with good beds and decent bathroom fixtures. The location is unbeatable for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere. Street noise is real on weekend nights, so ask for a room facing inward if that concerns you. Breakfast is not included but the nearby cafe options are excellent.
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Maldron Hotel Smithfield
This Maldron sits on Smithfield Square, a calmer neighbourhood just west of the city centre with a good food and bar scene. Rooms are modern, well-sized, and consistently maintained across the chain standard. The Luas Red Line stop on Smithfield gets you to the city centre or Connolly Station in a few minutes. Staff are professional and the check-in process is smooth. A reliable pick if you want modern comfort without Temple Bar chaos.
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Camden Court Hotel
The Camden Court is on Camden Street, one of Dublin's best strips for independent restaurants and late-night bars. Rooms are larger than average for this price range and the hotel has its own pool and leisure centre, which is rare in central Dublin. It feels slightly dated in decor but the facilities and space more than compensate. St. Stephen's Green is a 10-minute walk south. Good for those who want a bit more room and access to a genuine local neighbourhood.
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The Davenport Hotel
The Davenport occupies a Victorian-era building on Merrion Square, directly across from one of Dublin's finest Georgian parks. The interior is grand without being stiff, and rooms are comfortable with solid soundproofing. It sits close to the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and a short walk from Trinity College. The bar in the lobby is a genuinely pleasant place for an evening drink. This is a well-run, characterful hotel that delivers consistent quality.
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Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Clayton Cardiff Lane is on the south bank of the Liffey in the Grand Canal Dock area, close to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and surrounded by tech company offices. Rooms are large and well-equipped, making it a favourite with business travellers. The DART station at Grand Canal Dock connects you quickly to Dun Laoghaire and the coast. The bar and restaurant on-site are reliable if not exceptional. A strong choice if your meetings are based in the docklands.
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The Devlin Hotel
The Devlin is a boutique hotel on Ranelagh Road, in one of Dublin's most pleasant residential neighbourhoods south of the canal. Rooms are stylish with good natural light, quality linens, and a thoughtful design that does not feel generic. The rooftop bar has real views over the city and is one of the better spots for a sunset drink in Dublin. Ranelagh's independent cafes and restaurants are directly outside the door. It is a quieter, more local alternative to staying in the city centre.
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The Shelbourne Hotel
The Shelbourne has anchored the north side of St. Stephen's Green since 1824 and remains Dublin's most iconic hotel. Rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with traditional furnishings, high ceilings, and fine linens. The Horseshoe Bar is a Dublin institution and worth a visit even if you are not staying. Service is formal but genuinely warm, and the concierge team is excellent. Grafton Street, Trinity College, and the National Museum are all within easy walking distance.
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The Merrion Hotel
The Merrion occupies four restored Georgian townhouses on Merrion Street Upper, steps from Government Buildings and the National Gallery. It holds one of Ireland's finest private art collections displayed throughout the corridors and rooms. The spa, pool, and two restaurants including the Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud make it a destination in itself. Rooms are spacious, quiet, and finished to a standard that few Irish hotels match. This is Dublin's best hotel by most measures and worth the price for a special occasion.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Dublin
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Avoid these Dublin hotel mistakes
The biggest trap is booking 'central Dublin' without checking the exact street. Hotels on the north side of O'Connell Street near Parnell Square are technically central but a 20-minute walk from Trinity College, Grafton Street, and most of what you came to see.
The second mistake is booking Temple Bar without earplugs. The area between Dame Street and the Liffey quays is entertaining at 9pm and genuinely grim at 2am. Pay a little more for Merrion Square or Camden Street and sleep like a normal person.
How to get around Dublin without overpaying
The Luas Red Line runs from The Point near Grand Canal Dock through Smithfield and out to Tallaght. The Green Line connects St. Stephen's Green to Sandyford. Single fares are €2-3.30 and the trams run until around midnight. Get a Leap Card at any convenience store for cheaper fares.
Taxis in Dublin are metered. A short city centre trip costs €7-12. Uber operates here but it's not cheaper than a standard taxi. The best value in the city is genuinely your feet: most of the Southside from Merrion Square to St. Patrick's Cathedral is a 15-minute walk.
Dublin by budget: where to stay
Under $100/night: Abigail's Hostel on Aungier Street keeps things honest. It's basic, clean, and you're 8 minutes from St. Stephen's Green. The Anchor Guesthouse in Drumcondra is a step up at $72-95/night, but factor in the 25-minute bus ride to the city centre on the 1 or 16 bus.
Mid-range ($110-195/night) is where Dublin gets interesting. Smithfield has decent value at Maldron, Camden Street has the underrated Camden Court Hotel, and Temple Bar has The Morgan at $110-185/night. If you're spending over $150, the Southside delivers noticeably better quality and atmosphere.
Dublin's best neighbourhoods for hotels
Merrion Square is our pick for location and calm. The Georgian terraces, private park, and proximity to the National Gallery on Clare Street make it feel like a different city from the tourist crush around Grafton Street. The Davenport is here and worth every cent.
Smithfield has changed a lot in the last decade. The cobblestone square, the Jameson Distillery, and easy Luas access make it a solid mid-range base. It's also about 20 minutes on foot from the Guinness Storehouse on Thomas Street.
What to know about Dublin's hotel seasons
Summer (June-August) is peak season. Temperatures hit 16-20°C, prices push to $130-700/night across all categories, and the city fills with American and European tourists. Book at least 6-8 weeks ahead for anything decent in the centre.
March is the wildcard. St. Patrick's Festival makes the week around the 17th one of the most expensive booking windows of the year. The parade route runs up O'Connell Street and through College Green, so hotels anywhere near the city centre charge peak or above. Go in early March or after the 20th if you want to enjoy the city at normal prices.
Insider tips for getting more from your Dublin hotel
Ask your hotel about late checkout before you arrive, not on the morning you're leaving. Dublin hotels are often full on weekends and will give you a hard no at 11am. Book a Thursday-Sunday stay if you want the best weekend room rates without hitting the premium Friday-night spike.
If you're staying south of the Liffey, you don't need a car. But if you plan to visit Howth village (40 minutes on the DART from Connolly Station) or Malahide, build in a half day. Don't waste it trying to drive through Dublin city traffic. park it and take public transport.
Dublin's best neighborhoods
Prioritise the city centre and Merrion Square area if it's your first visit. You'll walk to almost everything and skip the cost of taxis across town.
City Centre South 3 vetted hotels Trinity College to St. Stephen's Green. the obvious choice for a reason.
Trinity College to St. Stephen's Green. the obvious choice for a reason.
This is the core of Dublin. Grafton Street, Trinity College, the National Museum on Kildare Street, and the best restaurants are all within a 15-minute walk of each other. It's where most visitors want to be, and the hotels here reflect that with prices to match.
Temple Bar sits on the western edge of this zone. It's lively and walkable, but the noise on weekends is real. The Morgan Hotel on Fleet Street handles it better than most, with decent soundproofing and a location that's central without being directly above a pub.
Further south, Camden Street has the Camden Court Hotel, which punches above its price point. The stretch from Wexford Street to Harcourt Street has some of Dublin's best casual restaurants and is 15 minutes from St. Patrick's Cathedral on foot.
Merrion Square & Georgian Dublin 2 vetted hotels Dublin's most elegant postcodes. proper Georgian streets, real calm.
Dublin's most elegant postcodes. proper Georgian streets, real calm.
Merrion Square and the surrounding streets like Fitzwilliam Street and Baggot Street Lower represent the best of Dublin's Georgian architecture. Oscar Wilde's childhood home is on the square's north side. The National Gallery is 5 minutes on foot. It's quieter than Temple Bar by a long way.
The Davenport Hotel sits right on Merrion Square East and the Merrion Hotel is on Merrion Street Upper, a 3-minute walk apart. Both have loyal repeat visitors and it's easy to see why. The streets here feel looked after, and you don't trip over stag parties.
This area suits couples, solo travellers who want to read a book without shouting, and anyone visiting the Dáil or government buildings nearby. It's also a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen's Green and 12 minutes to Trinity College.
Smithfield & The Liberties 1 vetted hotel Cobblestones, craft beer, and the Jameson Distillery. Dublin's cool kid quarter.
Cobblestones, craft beer, and the Jameson Distillery. Dublin's cool kid quarter.
Smithfield Square is one of the more honest-feeling parts of Dublin. The Jameson Distillery is right on the square, the Lighthouse Cinema is nearby on Smithfield, and the food scene around Manor Street has improved noticeably in recent years. It's not as polished as the Southside, but that's partly the appeal.
Maldron Hotel Smithfield is the main hotel option here and it delivers solid mid-range value at $115-175/night. The Luas Red Line stop at Smithfield puts you 4 stops from the city centre in under 10 minutes. Walking, it's about 20 minutes to Grafton Street across the Ha'penny Bridge.
The Liberties, just south of Smithfield, is where you'll find the Guinness Storehouse on Thomas Street and St. Patrick's Cathedral on Patrick Street. It's a bit rough around the edges in places, but worth exploring on foot. Just don't expect the same cafe density as Ranelagh.
Grand Canal Dock & The Docklands 1 vetted hotel Modern Dublin, tech company HQs, and easy access to everything.
Modern Dublin, tech company HQs, and easy access to everything.
This is Dublin's newer face. Google, Meta, and Airbnb have their European HQs within a few minutes of Grand Canal Square. The Convention Centre Dublin is on Spencer Dock, 15 minutes on foot along the Liffey. It's business-forward, but not soulless.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane is the obvious choice here and it knows its audience. You're 5 minutes from the IFSC on Mayor Street, a short walk from the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Grand Canal Square, and the Luas Red Line connects you to the city centre in about 12 minutes.
Food and drink options around Hanover Quay and Grand Canal Square have improved a lot. It's not the most atmospheric place to wander, but it's clean, modern, and very functional. Good for a 2-3 night business trip, less suited to a romantic weekend.
Ranelagh & Southside Villages 1 vetted hotel Where Dubliners actually live. restaurants on Ranelagh Road, zero tourist tat.
Where Dubliners actually live. restaurants on Ranelagh Road, zero tourist tat.
Ranelagh is about 25 minutes on foot from St. Stephen's Green, or 10 minutes on the Luas Green Line from Ranelagh stop. It's a neighbourhood of wine bars, independent restaurants, and Georgian houses. Nobody's selling Guinness fridge magnets here.
The Devlin Hotel on Ranelagh Road is the standout. It's a genuinely stylish boutique hotel at $175-240/night with a rooftop bar that locals actually use. The surrounding streets have some of Dublin's best casual dining. try Bastible on Leonard's Corner or the wine bar at Brother Hubbard nearby.
This area suits couples and return visitors who want to feel more like a local. It's not ideal if you need to be near the city centre constantly. But for a relaxed 3-4 night stay with good food and neighbourhood walks, it's one of Dublin's best options.
Drumcondra & North Dublin 1 vetted hotel Budget-friendly, quiet, and honest about what it is.
Budget-friendly, quiet, and honest about what it is.
Drumcondra sits about 3-4 km north of O'Connell Street, straddling the Drumcondra Road. It's not a tourist area, which is exactly why some people prefer it. The Anchor Guesthouse here offers honest value at $72-95/night with a genuinely warm welcome.
The 1 and 16 buses run from Drumcondra to the city centre and take 20-25 minutes. Croke Park stadium is 10 minutes on foot, which matters if you're here for GAA matches or concerts. Don't go expecting boutique coffee shops. Drumcondra is residential and functional.
The trade-off is clear. You save $50-80/night compared to city centre hotels, but you spend more time commuting. For solo travellers or those on a tight budget who plan to be out all day anyway, it works well.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Dublin.
Romantic
Ranelagh is the pick. Quiet streets, good restaurants on Ranelagh Road, and The Devlin's rooftop bar make it feel genuinely intimate rather than tourist-packaged.
Culture
Merrion Square puts you 5 minutes from the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum on Merrion Street, and Trinity College's Long Room in under 15 minutes on foot.
Family
Smithfield is underrated for families. The Jameson Distillery for adults, the National Museum of Decorative Arts at Collins Barracks for kids, and a Luas stop right on the square.
Budget
Aungier Street in the city centre puts Abigail's Hostel within 8 minutes of St. Stephen's Green at $45-80/night. It's the rare budget option that doesn't sacrifice location.
Foodie
The stretch from Camden Street down to Wexford Street and Portobello has more interesting restaurants per block than anywhere else in Dublin, from Bastible to Box Burger.
City Break
Temple Bar and the Liffey quays area is still the core Dublin experience. It's loud and it's touristy, but The Morgan Hotel manages to be central without being suffocating.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Dublin
When to visit Dublin and what to pay.
Winter (December-February)
Dublin in January is cold and grey, but it's also when you get the city to yourself and pay the least for it. Budget hotels drop to $45-80/night and mid-range options are often under $130/night. The Christmas markets around Grafton Street run into late December, which briefly spikes prices around the 20th-26th.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is genuinely the best time to visit Dublin, except for St. Patrick's week in March when prices spike 40-60% and availability dries up fast. Late April and May offer temperatures of 11-14°C, lighter crowds, and hotel rates that haven't yet hit summer peaks. Book March before the 10th or after the 20th to avoid the festival premium.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is when Dublin is most alive and most expensive. Temperatures hit 16-20°C in July and August, Merrion Square's gardens are packed, and outdoor terraces along the Grand Canal fill up. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for anything in the city centre, especially around Bloomsday on June 16th when literary crowds descend on Sandymount Strand and the National Library.
Autumn (September-November)
September is the sweet spot. Crowds thin out after the school holidays, temperatures sit comfortably at 13-15°C, and hotels across the city are $20-60/night cheaper than in July. The Dublin Theatre Festival runs in late September and early October, filling stages across the city from the Abbey Theatre on Abbey Street to the Olympia on Dame Street. Book early for that specific week.
Booking Tips for Dublin
Insider tips for booking hotels in Dublin.
Book around St. Patrick's Day 3-4 months out
St. Patrick's Festival (usually March 14-17) is the single biggest hotel crunch of the year in Dublin. Rates in the city centre jump to $200-600/night across all categories. If you want to be there for the parade on O'Connell Street, lock in your room by December.
Get a Leap Card at the airport
A Leap Card cuts Luas and Dublin Bus fares by about 20-30% compared to cash. Pick one up at any Centra or Spar, or from the machine at Dublin Airport Arrivals. Single Luas fares drop from €3.30 to around €2.10 with the card. It pays for itself on day one.
South of the Liffey beats north for first-timers
The vast majority of what you want to see. Trinity College, Grafton Street, the National Museum, Merrion Square, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green. is south of the River Liffey. Booking north of the Liffey to save €20/night often means spending more time commuting and less time actually in the city.
Thursday check-in beats Friday by a noticeable margin
Dublin's weekend rates spike sharply on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly in the $110-230/night bracket. Checking in Thursday and leaving Sunday often saves $40-80 total compared to a pure Friday-Sunday stay. Hotels on Camden Street and in Smithfield see the sharpest weekly pricing swings.
Don't pay for hotel parking in the city centre
Parking in central Dublin is expensive and unnecessary. The NCP car park on Drury Street off Grafton Street costs €4-6 per hour. If you're driving from outside the city, park and ride at Red Cow Luas stop on the M50 for €5 a day and take the Red Line in. It takes about 35 minutes to the centre and costs a fraction of city parking.
Use the DART for coastal day trips from your Dublin hotel
The DART rail line from Connolly Station runs along Dublin Bay to Howth in the north (35 minutes, around €4.50 each way) and Bray in the south (45 minutes). Both are worth a half-day. Howth has cliff walks and fish and chips on West Pier. Bray has the cliff walk to Greystones. Neither requires a car or a tour bus.
Hotels in Dublin — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Dublin.
What's the best area to stay in Dublin for first-timers?
Stay between Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. You're within a 10-15 minute walk of Temple Bar, Grafton Street, and the National Museum on Kildare Street. Merrion Square is quieter than Temple Bar but still central. It's the sweet spot.
How much do hotels in Dublin cost per night?
Budget beds start around $45-80/night at places like Abigail's Hostel on Aungier Street. Mid-range hotels in Smithfield or Camden Street run $115-195/night. Expect to pay $280-700/night for the top-tier options on St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Street.
Is Temple Bar a good place to stay?
It's convenient, but it's loud. The streets around Merchant's Arch and Crown Alley don't quiet down until 3am on weekends. If you're a light sleeper, book somewhere like Merrion Square instead. You're still only 12 minutes on foot from the action.
How do I get from Dublin Airport to the city centre?
The Aircoach bus runs every 10-15 minutes and costs around €8-10 to O'Connell Street or St. Stephen's Green. A taxi from the airport is typically €25-40 depending on traffic and time of day. The journey takes 25-45 minutes depending on how badly the M1 is backed up.
When is the cheapest time to visit Dublin?
January and February are the quietest months. Hotel rates drop to $45-130/night across most categories, and the city is surprisingly pleasant if you don't mind 5-8°C weather. Avoid St. Patrick's Day week in March if budget is a priority. rates spike 40-60% city-wide.
Is Dublin walkable, or do I need a bus or taxi?
The city centre is very walkable. From Trinity College to Kilmainham Gaol is about 35 minutes on foot along the quays, and it's a good walk. The Luas tram has two cross-city lines covering Smithfield, the Docklands at Grand Canal Dock, and St. Stephen's Green. Single fares are around €2-3.30.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel in Dublin?
Be cautious around the lower end of O'Connell Street near Parnell Square. Some budget hotels here look fine in photos but sit next to late-night fast food queues and occasional trouble after midnight. The North Circular Road area can also feel very disconnected from where you actually want to spend your time.
Are there good hotels near the Guinness Storehouse?
The Guinness Storehouse is on Thomas Street in the Liberties area, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Smithfield is the closest hotel hub, and Maldron Hotel Smithfield is 12 minutes on foot. It's a decent base if you're also visiting Kilmainham Gaol, which is another 15 minutes west.
Is Dublin good for a romantic weekend break?
Yes, but pick your neighbourhood carefully. Ranelagh has excellent restaurants along Ranelagh Road and a more relaxed, local feel than the city centre. The Devlin Hotel there is a genuine romantic option at $175-240/night. Merrion Square at night, lit up and quiet, is hard to beat.
How far in advance should I book hotels for St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Festival runs across the 17th of March and typically the surrounding weekend. Book at least 3-4 months ahead for anything decent. Prices across the city hit $200-600/night even for mid-range properties. Leave it to January and you'll be choosing between overpriced rooms and sold-out signs.
What's the best hotel in Dublin for business travel?
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane in Grand Canal Dock is built for it. You're 5 minutes from the IFSC on Mayor Street and a short Luas ride from the Convention Centre Dublin. Fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and a straightforward check-in process set it apart from the boutique options. It's $160-225/night, which is fair for what you get.
Is it worth spending $350-700/night on The Merrion Hotel?
If you can afford it, yes. The Merrion sits on Merrion Street Upper opposite the government buildings, and the Georgian townhouse suites are genuinely special. The spa and fine dining alone justify it for a special occasion. It's not for a quick stopover, but for 2-3 nights it's one of the best hotel experiences in Ireland.