The most romantic hotels in Dublin for a loved-up weekend

If your idea of a romantic weekend includes next-level luxury, The Merrion will suit you perfectly. Right in the heart of Dublin city centre, The Merrion is one of Ireland’s most celebrated five-star hotels. Sparkling chandeliers hang from stucco ceilings and open turf fires crackle in marble fireplaces. The Merrion is a beautiful blend of elegance, romance, and comfort.

Every couple can expect special treatment at The Merrion. From the moment you step through its Georgian townhouse doors, thoughtful staff members will take care of everything. All you’ll need to think about is which spa treatments to book and which cocktails to order in Bar No 23. Set in a secluded part of the hotel, Bar No 23 is an intimate setting for drinks with your partner.

The romance of the Georgian interior continues in the bedrooms. There are spacious King Koil beds in every room and the 24-hour room service means you don’t have to leave your room all weekend. But if you do venture out, dining at The Merrion is truly special. Ireland’s only two-starred Michelin restaurant, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, overlooks the hotel’s courtyard garden. So if you’re in the mood to splurge, it’s the ultimate setting for an extravagant date night.

Is there anything more romantic than spending a night in an Irish castle? Clontarf Castle Hotel is a real 12th-century castle, complete with turrets and lanterns. But don’t let the thought of draughty corridors and stone floors put you off, because Clontarf Castle is all about luxury. Each of the 111 bedrooms has been newly refurbished, ranging from comfy deluxe rooms to extravagant suites with four-poster beds.

You’ll find more romance within the castle walls if you have dinner in the hotel’s Fahrenheit Restaurant. With Fahrenheit’s stained glass windows and majestic wooden beams, there’s nowhere else quite like it. If you’re celebrating an anniversary, be sure to let the team know when you book. The Fahrenheit is a restaurant that loves love, so you might be treated to rose petals scattered across your table.

Dublin is a notoriously expensive city but it’s definitely possible to enjoy a romantic weekend on a budget. Ariel House offers elegant rooms at affordable prices in Ballsbridge, a leafy Dublin suburb. Made up of three refurbished Victorian buildings, Ariel House is full of old-world charm. At the heart of the guest house is the Drawing Room, where you and your partner can snuggle up in front of the fire with glasses of wine.

All of the bedrooms at Ariel House are tastefully decorated. If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary and feel like splashing out, book the Junior Suite. With a four-poster bed and classic Victorian features, the suite is ideal for a special date night. Or for a more affordable option, book a Garden View Double Room. With large windows overlooking leafy gardens, the Garden View Doubles are perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful space to cuddle up together.

Away from the crowds and noise of the city centre, Ballsbridge is an ideal base for a stress-free weekend. But it’s still an easy walk to the city centre when it’s time for dinner or drinks. Leave the peace of the suburbs behind you to explore Temple Bar – the vibrant centre of Dublin culture. I never get tired of wandering the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar, past its shops, bars, and quirky cafés. And if you visit on a Saturday, the two of you can pick up lunch or delicious snacks from the Temple Bar Food Market.

If you’re looking for classic luxury with contemporary style, then the five-star Shelbourne hotel should be on your list. One of the most iconic landmarks in Dublin, the Shelbourne overlooks St. Stephen’s Green. Within walking distance of some of the city’s most intimate bars and high-end restaurants, it’s an exceptional base for a romantic weekend in the capital.

Over the two centuries of its existence, The Shelbourne has played an important role in the artistic, cultural, political history of Ireland. But the interior of this historic hotel has been brought up to date in the most tasteful way. Expect art-lined walls, marble bathrooms, and glittering chandeliers, alongside a contemporary spa and creative dining.

All rooms are elegantly furnished and range from luxurious standard rooms to opulent suites. Treat yourselves to a Balcony Guest Room, where you’ll both have plenty of space in relax in the king-size bed. To up the indulgence of your romantic weekend, treat yourselves to an afternoon at The Spa Shelbourne. There are seven treatment rooms altogether, but the couples’ treatment suite was designed for side by side massages, restorative facials, and invigorating scrubs.

In the exclusive neighbourhood of Ballsbridge, you’ll also find Roxford Lodge. A boutique-style hotel, Roxford Lodge is a refurbished Victorian townhouse with affordably priced rooms. Each room is individually designed, combining modern comforts with old world charm. Stained glass windows, wood panelled walls, and jacuzzis in the ensuites make the rooms ideal for a special weekend away. And if you really want to treat yourself, the larger Executive Suite is fresh and spacious.

At Roxford Lodge, you can expect only the warmest service. This hotel prides itself on making guests as comfortable as possible. If you’re celebrating a special occasion with your partner, it’s worth telling the team so they can help make your weekend romantic as possible. You won’t even need to leave in search of bars, because Roxford Lodge offers a selection of drinks. So for the ultimate cosy night in, curl up in the guest lounge with a glass of wine, as close to the marble fireplace as you can get.

If it rains it Dublin, which it does fairly regularly, don’t let it dampen your spirits. Just look at it as the perfect opportunity for a romantic rainy day date.