More at the Mespil in Dublin

The grand Irish fete of St. Patrick’s Day might be over but visitors to Dublin could still find more grand reasons to hang out in the Emerald Isle’s capital.

Travellers in search of grand stay overs can pick from a crop of luxe hotels owned by a denizen of tycoons from a pizza baron to an Irish rock star (hint he’s with U2). Then again one local gem is ideal for quaint stays.

By the Grand Canal located on the south side of Dublin City in Georgian Dublin – the Mespil Hotel offers weary travellers the creature comforts delivered with a fine Irish hospitality.

The 4-star hotel which recently underwent a renovation is part of the Irish-owned Lee Hotel collection. Located on leafy Mespil Road by a string of luxe Georgian-style residences, the multistory property which once was an office building is near the city center, steps away from the big city wonders. Think St. Stephen’s Green (a 15-minute walk); St. Patrick’s Cathedral only a 25-minute walk; and one of the world’s most modern sporting venues, the Aviva Stadium is nearby.

Guests staying at the 254-room Mespil in Georgian Dublin even have the extra hallmark of the quiet Grand Canal, a contemplative spot to sit canal-side along one of its park benches, admiring the view of the stationary canal barges. There’s even a bronzed statue of poet Patrick Kavanagh seated on a bench created by Ireland’s most prominent sculptor John Coll only a stone’s throw from the hotel.

The highlights
For this moderately priced hotel, expect comfort, quality and personal service. The friendly staff might be able to help accommodate early visitors arriving after a long haul in need of a room. I was one of them.

The Suite Pluses
Cozy. There are four different room categories. Styled with plump accent pillows, the spacious room is surprisingly atypical of the rest of Europe in which hotel rooms are large enough to accommodate only one suitcase. These rooms are larger. A retrofitted 60s built government office building means plenty of sunlight streaming through the large windows. My view was overlooking a tree-lined street with minimal traffic. The property is good for motor coach tours, the family, and budget conscious folk. Free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, complimentary bottled water, and a tea and coffee maker are pluses.

Dining
The anchor restaurant is the Lock Four restaurant (named in tribute to the hotel’s location by the lock). For breakfast order the hearty Full Irish breakfast buffet style. It is amazing!! My intro to Ireland’s culinary riches started at this property. Plenty of fresh menu items like the bangers, bread, other baked goods, and of course, the farm fresh eggs and best butter this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Lunch and Dinner are a la carte.

Before you turn in for the night, head to the hotel’s lounge, a modern stylish bar for a nightcap or a snack or even a late meal. Order the Fish and Chips or try the Fish Pie.

Amenities
This is a typical city hotel. The hotel does a nice job in offering a fitness center, and two meeting rooms.

Overall impression
Conveniently located this quaint property offers a fabulous alternative to the pricier places in the city center without scrimping on the essentials.

Booking
You can make your reservations directly through the Mespil Hotel website. For a standard room seasonal rates start at $100. You can also compare rates and book through the many booking sites such as Booking.com.

Ilona Kauremszky was a guest of Tourism Ireland and the Mespil Hotel and did not review the story.