Dublin’s playful energy is wrapped in quiet, grown-up luxury at The Chancery
Dublin is one of those cities that charms you before you have even ordered your first pint. It’s full of laughter, history and good times, with a creative edge that keeps it buzzing all year round. Between the Georgian architecture, live music pouring out of pubs, and a quietly impressive art scene, there is always something to get stuck into. We hopped over for a couple of days and checked into The Chancery.
Opened in the spring of 2024, The Chancery sits behind Dublin Castle on the cobbled streets of what locals call Little Italy – once home to Italian migrants in the 1800s, now packed with cafés, museums and distilleries. It’s a neighbourhood that feels both historic and happening, and the hotel fits right in.
Inside, it’s all about modern Irish sophistication. The independently-owned hotel has 150 rooms, each a blend of sleek design and local craftsmanship, with Philippe Starck furniture, reclaimed Connemara marble and lighting you can actually figure out how to use. Some suites come with terraces overlooking the castle gardens, and if you are lucky enough to snag one, you will want to spend a fair bit of time in that hot tub.
Arriving late morning meant our room wasn’t quite ready, so we headed straight for the wellness hub to decompress after the flight (though we have taken longer Tube journeys). It’s compact but cleverly designed, with a sauna, steam room, dip pool and the gentle sound of running water that makes you forget you are in the middle of the city. A back, neck and shoulder massage later and all sense of time had dissolved; note to self, do this more often.
Then came the wowness. Our terrace suite on the seventh floor opened up to panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline, with floor-to-ceiling doors leading out to a private terrace complete with sofa and hot tub. Inside, the space strikes that balance between comfort and cool – a king size bed dressed in crisp linens, a standalone bath, a separate rainfall shower and every detail whispering quiet luxury.
Downstairs, the all-day dining spot is ideal for coffee catch-ups or long lunches. Portions are generous (the steak sandwich could feed two, but you won’t want to share) and the atmosphere is relaxed – we’re pretty sure we spotted Dylan Moran there, or at least someone who could have passed for him after a pint.
Come evening, things get more refined at Fawn, the hotel’s bistro that opens onto a walled garden. It’s warm, elegant and quietly confident, serving seasonal Irish produce with just enough international flair to keep things interesting. There’s also a speakeasy-style bar, all leather and low light, where cocktails are mixed with homemade syrups and a bit of old school charm.
The Chancery’s location makes it perfect for exploring – you’re a short walk from some of the city’s best pubs, including Neary’s and Kehoe’s, as well as wine bar Loose Canon, plus countless coffee shops and boutiques. Whether you’re in town for culture, craic or just a weekend of good food and better Guinness, this is a very good place to base yourself.
From €299 B&B
The Chancery, 21 Ship Street Great, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D08 AFY9
thechanceryhotel.ie
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