Original Georgian architecture, one of Ireland’s largest private art collections, an afternoon tea inspired by those very paintings, and a level of service where staff in top hats still greet you with a “ma’am” or “sir.” Welcome to The Merrion.
With Dublin’s most iconic sights like Trinity College, the National Gallery, and Grafton Street just steps away, The Merrion is truly the place to stay when visiting the city. Opened in 1997, it transformed four Georgian townhouses from the 1760s, including Mornington House, into one of the capital’s most distinguished hotels. Over the years, it has hosted celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen. Inside, chandeliers hover above plush sofas, gilded paintings grace the walls, and fireplaces crackle beneath centuries-old portraits. Food lovers will relish dining at the two Michelin starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud or at the hotel’s celebrated Art Afternoon Tea.
Rooms and more.
The Merrion’s 142 rooms features soft blues and grays with antique furnishings. Rooms are spacious, with cloud-soft beds that provide a true welcome after a long journey. Bathroom features clad in marble, deep soaking tubs, and, a bidet. While its guaranteed Ireland’s natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher will take your breath away, seeing this bathroom for the first time may do the same. As for the The Merrion Spa and Health Club, it has an indoor pool, steam room, and treatments. Meanwhile the Drawing Rooms has a crackling fireplaces and antique-filled nooks. It makes for the perfect place to grab a good book and read, perfect for those sure to come rainy Dublin days.
Eat & Drink
Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room
Served in two courses, the Art Tea begins with dainty finger sandwiches and miniature scones. The second course arrives as a trio of delicately crafted pastries, inspired by the hotel’s private art collection. Expect edible interpretations of Woman in White by Louis le Brocquy or The Hour of Sleep by Jack B. Yeats. A curated selection of teas from Chai Impérial to Rooibos Le Rouge.
The Cellar Bar
Descend into The Cellar Bar and you’ll find yourself in the hotel’s original 18th-century wine vaults. A space of arched ceilings, exposed brick, and warm, moody lighting. The vibe feels exclusive where you can sink into a nice glass of wine, cocktail or of course Guinness. For food options there’s the crispy rice salad a bright contrast to heavier Irish staples, layered with cucumber, avocado, mixed greens, and tahini dressing. For mains, the fish pie comes packed with salmon, haddock, and prawns in a rich, creamy sauce, served with broccolini and a slice of The Merrion’s rustic soda bread. If seafood fatigue hasn’t set in, the daily special is worth trying. For drinks of course Guinness is always an option. But signature cocktails offer creative nods to Irish history. Try the Revolution Brewing (1791), a cucumber poitín margarita with mezcal, or the Revival 1997 with gin, rosé Champagne, Merrion honey, and fresh basil.
The Garden Room
Breakfast features both lighter and traditional options, like egg whites with roasted tomato and soda bread, or a full spread from the buffet, where thick yogurt, house made berry compote, and crunchy seed mixes make for a perfect DIY parfait. A glass of fresh grapefruit juice among other options will feel almost medicinal after a late night. By lunchtime, the menu shifts to offerings like the classic fish and chips or a chilled asparagus gazpacho.
Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
Adjacent to the main house, Ireland’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a dining experience that consistently earns international acclaim. It’s where classic French technique meets humble Irish ingredients; all served in a formal yet welcoming setting. Signature dishes might include lobster and shellfish velouté or côte de boeuf finished with black garlic butter. With a wine cellar boasting over 30,000 bottles, the carefully chosen pairings can easily hold their own against any dish. And while you might not find a pint of Guinness on the menu, you could very well delight in an ice cream made with it, alongside the Valrhona soufflé.
The Merrion.
Love a good afternoon tea!!
I have been there, it’s really great. Service is so nice, and the tea is fantastic.
Looks spectacular!
I have had afternoon tea at Claridges before, and that was absolutely fabulous. I felt like royalty. This looks really good too though!