If only walls could talk. The Castle Hotel is Dublin’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1809, so it’s housed guests through the Great Famine, the Easter Rising, the founding of the Republic of Ireland as a free state, and its entry in the EU. Now a four-star hotel, the interconnected run of nine Georgian townhouses keeps its olde worlde charm. Enter its arched door, and you’ll find expansive lounges crammed with antique furniture, 130 grandma’s house-style bedrooms, and a good dose of tourist-friendly Irish tradition, from the live music and dancing to the filling Irish breakfast that comes with every booking.
Given The Castle Hotel’s grand buildings and proximity to the major sights – it’s five minutes to O’Connell Street, a 20-minute walk to Temple Bar and at the airport-end of the city centre – it’s no wonder this hotel is has endured so long.
What’s the vibe at The Castle Hotel?
The Castle Hotel leans into its history as Dublin’s oldest hotel – it goes big on Irish heritage and traditional design. Taking over nine townhouses, there’s a choice of social spaces – a real draw for larger groups and families. On the ground floor, there’s a café and a range of lounging rooms filled with shelves of antique books, Chesterfield sofas and original marble fireplaces. Each is more homely than the next.
In the basement, you’ll find a maze of restaurant and bar spaces. Take time to explore – it’s where you’ll find most of the paintings and artefacts dedicated to Ireland’s history (look out for the copy of the Irish Press front page announcing the death of political leader Eamon de Valera in 1975).
What are the rooms like at The Castle Hotel?
You’ll find 11 – count ‘em, 11 – room categories across its warren-like complex, ranging from a single room to large family rooms that fit five people. At the back of the hotel, the former stables and coach houses contain another set of apartment-style rooms.
I stayed in a double room that was a reasonable size. While some rooms look out on the main streets, mine faced their café terrace, which meant only the seagulls disturbed my peace. The room was kitted out in a way that might not have changed since the 80s: it still had a physical key, a fan instead of air con, and I was enamoured by the floral cream wallpaper. But a closer look found contemporary touches where it helped – like the mirror in the small bathroom had a touch-button LED light that gave balanced illumination for my Saturday night make-up sesh.
The rooms won’t win any design awards, but they’re homely and well-maintained, and excellent value for money, especially given all prices include breakfast (a rarity these days).
What’s the food like at The Castle Hotel?
The Old Music Shop is the relaxed, airy café where you’ll find breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, while dinner is served in the cavernous Castle Vaults Restaurant (the small bar forms part of it). It was almost at capacity on the night I stayed, largely with visitors who’d tired from a full day of sightseeing.
In all, the dining options are decent for a hotel restaurant. With upbeat numbers from the likes of Spice Girls and Stereo MCs as background music, the menu speaks to traditional Irish food – starters include goat’s cheese and beetroot salad (€10.50) and seafood chowder with soda bread (€10.50). Forgoing the popular beef and Guinness stew (€21), I opted for the salmon main (€22): a generous fillet doused with a rich, tangy white wine sauce, which sat on top a huge dollop of silky-smooth mash potato. Even the biggest appetites would be satisfied.
Breakfast is served across both the café and the restaurant. The café serves continental food like meats, cheeses, fruits and pastries, and they take their yoghurt bowls very seriously. You’ll find a choice of toppings and a range of jams to spoon from large glass jars, though they’re not homemade (‘we’re good, but not that good,’ says the waitress).
Below ground, the Castle Vaults Restaurant dishes up hot breakfasts and would be criminal not to go for the Irish, veggie, or vegan breakfasts – it’s no-frills, but filling all the same.
What is the service like at The Castle Hotel?
There’s much to be said for an approach to service that’s helpful but not overbearing. As guests approached reception and asked questions, the staff were helpful with tips and logistics, in an efficient, action-focused way.
Similarly, busy staff at the restaurant and café found the time to answer any question I had, and I loved that they let some tables take their own sweet time while those in a hurry were seen to at their pace.
What is the entertainment like at The Castle Hotel?
Catering mostly to international tourists, The Castle Hotel forgoes usual facilities like a fitness space to put on some entertainment.
Live traditional music takes place seven days a week at the restaurant, with Jeanne Kennedy, an Irish dancer who’s performed with Riverdance, joining the bill on Friday and Saturday. The music does hinder dinner conversation, though that’s perhaps it’s welcome after jam-packed days out.
What’s the area like around The Castle Hotel?
You’re right in Dublin’s north city centre: the focal point of the Millenium Spire on O’Connell Street is a seven-minute walk away, and you’ll amble past the illustrious Gate Theatre, Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Gardens along the way.
In fact most of Dublin’s hotspots are walking distance – the notable exceptions are the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol and Phoenix Park, which are further out. As a bonus, the hotel is on the airport side of the city, so both coaches and taxi transfers avoid the worst of the traffic.
As with any capital city, the area can get a little sketchy, so just keep your wits about you.
Why you should you book a stay at The Castle Hotel
There’s something gleeful about staying in Dublin’s oldest hotel, especially when it’s a well-kept hotel that cuts out some frills to provide good value for money. The live music is on seven days a week if that’s your bag – if not, Dublin city is on your doorstep.
DETAILS
Address: Gardiner Row, Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 R640, Ireland
Price: Starting from €135 per night
Closest transport: O'Connell Upper and Parnell LUAS stops
Book now: Click here