Facing the vast St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin sits the iconic and historic The Shelbourne. Few hotels master the perfect blend of history and luxury, but The Shelbourne gets it right. The site of the signing of the Irish Constitution in 1922 granting the Republic of Ireland its freedom from England, The Shelbourne has hosted its fair share of notable figures, from Michael Collins to Princess Grace Kelly to John Ford, the latter of which was the name of my suite.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Spacious, curtain-framed windows with cozy, pillowed nooks welcomed me to the elegant John Ford suite, complete with unbeatable views of St. Stephen’s Green. Crystal chandeliers; elegant green couches; a grand, gold mirror; a bar with a Nespresso machine and water; a dining table; and desk comprised the living room, harkening back to an era of early 20^th-century grandeur. While lounging on one of the couches before dinner on the second evening, I felt like a resident of a grand estate dressing up before a fine meal. Framed images of John Ford with notable actors like Maureen O’Hara adorned the walls, further showcasing The Shelbourne’s rich history.

© Aoife O’Riordan

The bedroom is the epitome of peace and opulence, but not in a pretentious, unwelcoming way. A comfortable king-sized bed framed by two nightstands shaped the room, and another large window that opens to let in the cool air allows natural light to seep into the bedroom. A television on the opposite wall complete with Chromecast and cable was the perfect late-night feature while tucked in bed after a long day exploring the city. Between the closets lies the elegant bathroom, boasting two sinks on opposite sides of the room, as well as a separate marble tub in the center surrounded by mirrors. The bathroom also comes with a rainfall shower and Elemis bath products. Turndown service was a pleasant transition to the evening, with our slippers placed by both sides of the bed, chocolates set on the pillow and fresh water on the nightstand (as well as some small bottles of Irish whiskey).

On our second night, we had the pleasure of dining in The Saddle Room, the property’s signature restaurant. Breakfast is also served here, which we enjoyed on our two mornings in the city. Think fresh juices catered to whatever you need (skin, fatigue, antioxidant), decadent eggs benedict and French toast.

© Aoife O’Riordan

But dinner at The Saddle Room showed a different side to Irish fine dining than I had never experienced prior. Two flutes of Moët & Chandon Champagne set the stage for an evening to remember. The Saddle Room is unapologetically Irish in its dishes, utilizing only local ingredients to highlight authentic yet elevated Irish cuisine. Liscannor crab and Kilmore Quay halibut proved just how fresh and delicate Irish seafood can be, and when made even more vibrant with elements like caviar, Laurent Perrier cream and dill, the results are nothing short of perfection. And a roast center cut filet of Kells beef atop roasted cauliflower and a decadent sauce puts all other beef dishes to shame. Our entrees were perfectly paired thanks to the on-site sommelier, Shane Mangan, while assistant manager Maurice Ryan proudly explained each dish’s origins from Ireland, making Saddle Room an Irish gem.

Dessert was just as impressive, with a zero-waste chocolate orange mousse served within an orange-shaped exterior that, when cracked open, unveiled a tangy citrus that punched through the decadent chocolate. And the classic bread & butter pudding with pear puree and rum raisin ice cream rounded out the perfect evening.

© Aoife O’Riordan

The Shelbourne offers various other food and beverage spaces, perfect for any occasion. On the main floor near the entrance, No. 27 Bar & Lounge buzzes day and night while serving cocktails and refreshing pints alongside bar classics and fresh Irish seafood. The Lord Mayor’s Lounge is the place to go for afternoon tea in Dublin, while The Horseshoe Bar is an intimate, dimly lit space inviting guests to sip on some classic cocktails. My favorite, 1824 Bar, sits amid bookshelves, warm wood paneling, plush seats and grand portraits. Head to The Terrace for Champagne and oysters, and, for those in need of some relaxation, The Spa offers a wide range of treatments and holistic therapies. An indoor pool awaits at the Health Club, as well as a gym and thermal facilities.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Before leaving (a breeze thanks to the seamless valet service), we ventured to the Constitution Room to stand in the very spot notable Irish men signed the Irish Constitution. Portraits of the men who signed it, as well as original furniture, a draft of the constitution encased in glass and subtle nods to Irish culture with shamrocks on the curtains, make this a must-visit room. And one can’t ignore the unity of Ireland while ascending the stairs, for each level features stained-glass seals of every county and province in Ireland.

The Shelbourne

27 Stephen’s Green
Dublin, Ireland
tel 353 1 663 4500