Updated October 2026: The Merrion holds two MICHELIN Keys, and Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, housed in the hotel, had its two Michelin stars confirmed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland. The hotel’s collection of 19th- and 20th-century art is the largest private collection in Ireland and inspires its Art Afternoon Tea.
The Merrion at a glance
Location: Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2 | Price: $$$ | Best for: Art lovers, food lovers and couples
Rooms: 142 rooms and suites | Best time to go: Late spring to summer, when the gardens open for lunch and afternoon tea
Why we love it: Restored Georgian townhouses around private gardens, holding two Michelin Keys, Ireland’s largest private art collection and the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. It’s Dublin’s finest address.
Good to know: The spa and health club have an 18-metre pool, gym and steam room. The hotel is about 15 km from Dublin Airport and a five-minute walk from St Stephen’s Green.
Insider detail: Book the Art Afternoon Tea, which takes its cues from the hotel’s own 19th- and 20th-century art collection.
My stay at The Merrion
Dublin is one of my favourite cities in Europe and for one reason or another, flies under the radar on the main tourist circuit of Europe. The city is full of life with musicians on every street corner, in bars and pubs, as well as a lively crowd of locals and visitors mixing in the city streets. This is my second time checking in to The Merrion Dublin and it has quickly become one of my favourite hotels in Ireland, so I figured it was about time to share with you the magic of the Merrion!
If a picture tells a thousand words it shouldn’t be hard for you to see how effortlessly beautiful and timeless this hotel is. It feels more like staying in the home of a long lost family friend! The restored Georgian townhouse has recently been restored to include an oversized spa and indoor swimming pool.
Checking In to The Merrion
I first stayed at The Merrion a few years ago on a short overnight passing through Dublin. With just one night in town I wanted to stay somewhere central that also felt homely and quintessentially Irish. The Merrion was the perfect choice.
On this visit to Dublin I had a leisurely four days in the city and three nights to stay at The Merrion for a second time. Since my first visit the charm lives on and I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else in Dublin. However much has changed with recent renovations to make this hotel the most luxurious in the city.
Inside my Suite
I arrived to The Merrion after a gruelling four hour drive in the sporadic rain from the West Coast. I had been staying at the unforgettable Ashford Castle. The rain had cleared and my legs wanted to do anything but sit, so I dropped off my rental car on the fringe of the city and walked the 30 minutes to reach the hotel.
Each of the rooms at The Merrion are individually decorated but what surprised me more was the size of the rooms. Not only are the ceilings high but the rooms are oversized with huge floor to ceiling windows. In summer the sun stays up until 10pm so believe me when I say you have plenty of time to explore the city!
Exploring the City of Dublin
After dropping my bags and making the most of the champagne that welcomed me, I began exploring Dublin on foot. This city is fun, vibrant and can be quite crowded in summer but the crowd just adds to the liveliness.
The closest attraction to The Merrion is St Stephen’s Green, which you can reach on foot in about 5 minutes. After wandering through what could be named Dublin’s Central Park, make your way to nearby Grafton Street for a lively shopping experience.
Temple Bar is Dublin’s famous bar, pub and nightlife area. The area is fun to explore during the daytime, too (especially if you’re not one for partying into the wee hours of the morning!)
Book your stay at The Merrion Dublin
After a full two weeks exploring Ireland my stay at The Merrion was a welcomed retreat. The staff are incredibly friendly, welcoming and make the stay feel more like coming home.
I can highly recommend the ESPA spa inside the hotel if you’re looking to unwind. After being on the road for a few weeks, it was a welcomed escape.
Room rates are approximately $500 per room, per night. You can save money by booking online via this link: Book your Stay at The Merrion.
The Merrion: frequently asked questions
How many Michelin Keys does The Merrion have?
Two MICHELIN Keys, and it is home to the two-Michelin-star Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud.
Does The Merrion have a pool?
Yes. The Merrion Spa and Health Club has an 18-metre (60-foot) pool, gym, steam room and treatment rooms.
How far is The Merrion from Dublin Airport?
About 15 km, in Dublin’s city centre close to the National Gallery and opposite Government Buildings.
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Brooke is a Tasmanian-born writer and professional baker who started World of Wanderlust in 2013 and has since travelled to 86 countries. These days her guides focus on what she knows best: the bakeries, hotels and places worth crossing the world for.
