CLARENCE HOTEL
Cult rock star hotel on the banks of the River Liffey
WHEN BONO AND THE EDGE BOUGHT UP THE CLARENCE, fans were unsure what to expect. But the renaissance is fabulous; things are pretty spiffy here by the Liffey and
The Clarence has achieved something of a cult status.
The refurb has stayed true to the building's restrained Arts and Crafts interior, marrying classical Irish with modernism. Public areas retain their American oak panelling, stone floors and bronze-framed windows, set off by Shaker style furniture. But this clean-limbed simplicity is deceptive –
the mood at The Clarence is decidedly sybaritic.
Individually designed bedrooms (not huge but lavish) preen in neutral tones of cream and oatmeal, splashed in
signature shades of rich crimson, gold, amethyst and chocolate. The look is set off with nickel-plated period desk lamps, Egyptian cotton sheets and candle sconces with trendy glass diffusers. Rooms also boast up-to-the-minute sound systems and a great choice of albums.
Hit the Spot
In the heart of waterfront Dublin.
Bedtime
Aspire to the Penthouse, complete with rooftop hot tub. Otherwise, pick a river view room.
Be Savvy
Late-night clubs and pubs mean it's not the quietest locale at weekends.
Be Smitten
A riverfront classic splashed with rock star cool.
Wrap-around roof terrace
The loft-style Penthouse suite is a wow, complete with a baby grand piano, wrap-around roof terrace with
to-die-for views and outdoor hot tub – plus, plus, plush. If it hasn't been snapped up by a visiting star, you could always give your plastic the battering of a lifetime and stay here.
The chef's award-winning menu in the airy Tea Room restaurant – a former ballroom – isn’t to be quickly waltzed through. Dine on
critically acclaimed new wave Irish food – the the deep-fried bacon potato cakes are peasant’s perfection.
You can also book a pampering massage before having a snifter in the bar, ready for a night out. You’re on Dublin’s Left Bank
near the hot and happening Temple Bar district, with the city at your feet. Rock on, Clarence.
The Clarence was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Mike North
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
The Tea Room serves Irish and French cuisine with a twist. Fish and seafood are locally sourced, while only Irish beef, lamb and chicken are served. What’s more, breads, chocolates and chutneys are homemade. With its huge, tall windows and oak wood tables the room is both airy and elegant. Try the
sirloin of Irish beef, followed by wicked chocolate fondant.
Dining out
Set close to the buzzy Temple Bar district, the Clarence is in a great position to take advantage of everything Dublin has to offer. Try the lively Porterhouse next door for good food in a lively atmosphere or La Gondola, near the Ha’penny Bridge, for great Italian cooking.
Where?
Tea Room at The Clarence
What’s cooking?
Green vegetable risotto with truffle foam and fillet of wild sea bass with crisp fennel salad.
Dress the part
Go smart but leave out the jacket, you’re on holiday.
Top table?
At the bottom corner, away from the bustle but with a great view of the action.
See & Do
Get to know the city on an open top bus tour, then go back and check out the most interesting bits. Stroll through the 16th century campus of Trinity College, and have a peek at the medieval Book of Kells – Ireland’s most famous tome – in the Old Library. For a taste of more contemporary culture, tour the Guinness Storehouse and sample some of the black stuff in the Gravity Bar. Also unmissable is the Dublin Writers’ Museum on Parnell Square, with its letters and memorabilia from the likes of James Joyce and Oscar Wilde.
Shop
You’ll find designer shops such as Brown Thomas and BT2 along Grafton Street, at the centre of Dublin’s pedestrianised shopping area. The little streets leading off are packed with trendy bars and cafes.
Spa
There’s a fitness room if you feel like earning your pint of the black stuff or a treatment room for a massage and some me-time.
After dark
Grab a cocktail at the Octagon bar, have dinner and hit the plethora of bars and pubs in the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar. If you’re not up to partying, find a small bar like Doyles on College Green or head out of town to Johnnie Fox’s pub in the Dublin mountains for live Irish music. Theatres are everywhere, and some great Irish plays are staged at the Abbey.
Dates
March
If you’re in town, it’s the only town to be in for St Patrick’s day – 17 March.
June
Taste of Dublin – a four-day clebration of the city’s food and drink – is a must.
May
The Irish Open attracts some of the biggest names in golf.
GETTING THERE
Location
Wellington Quay, Dublin 2
Parking
There is valet parking at a secure underground garage – EUR 25 per night.
Trains
Hueston station – 500m
Taxis
EUR 30 from Dublin Airport
Airport
Dublin – 8km
Rooms and suites
43 rooms, five suites
Special features
All rooms have bathrooms, minibar, DVD/CD players, entertainment systems and high-speed broadband.
Also…
The penthouse has an outdoor rooftop hot tub for the ultimate extravagance.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 285 - 1,800
Open/closed
Closed 24-26 December
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 noon
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Full Irish breakfast is served until 11am
Room service
Available 24 hours
Children
No restrictions
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – but not in all rooms
Languages
English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Czech
Wedding license?
Yes – for a maximum 75 guests
Eco conscience
The hotel recycles its waste
Your contact
Oliver Sevestre – general manager