Kiwi Curated
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
by Darren DunneOn an average day, 5.5 million pints of Guinness are enjoyed globally. However, on St. Patrick’s Day that figure leaps to 13 million. It’s fair to say Ireland’s national holiday has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, and all nationalities are welcome. While the party stretches around the globe, there’s nothing like experiencing the occasion on the Emerald Isle. With the big day rapidly approaching, we’ve put together a guide to the festivities and eight of the best hotels to check out while there.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
The Westbury, Dublin
Poised steps from Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel promises modern, upscale accommodations in a surprisingly private city center location. While the hotel has been a fixture of the city for years, it underwent a complete renovation in 2009, creating a roster of 178 guest rooms and 27 suites adorned with Irish wool carpets, mohair-covered George Smith furnishings and silk blackout curtains.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
The Merrion, Dublin
Located directly across the street from Dublin’s impressive government buildings, The Merrion enjoys a privileged setting across four Georgian townhouses in one of Dublin’s more Tony neighborhoods. This prestigious hotel is home to the twice-Michelin Starred Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant (among several other dining establishments) and a large pool, spa and gym. In recent years, it’s become something of a celebrity hotspot with Christina Aguilera and Harrison Ford spending the night.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
The Shelbourne Hotel is one of Dublin’s great landmarks, with its distinctive red-brick facade providing a welcome to the city’s boutique shopping district. Long a meeting point for Ireland’s politicians, the hotel is housed in a building that’s over 200 years old, but a recent restoration has placed the sparkle back in this old dame. When in town for St. Patrick’s Day, many visitors check on their family history for info on any potential Irish roots. At The Shelbourne Hotel, a private Genealogy Butler helps guests chart their family tree.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
Dublin is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, and a stay at Conrad Dublin puts guests right at the heart of the action. Don’t be surprised if operatic strains drift in the window of your modern room, as the National Concert Hall is directly across the street. Stroll a few meters further for the National Gallery, Museum and St. Stephen’s Green Park. With all these sights to behold, don’t forget to explore Conrad Dublin’s rewarding dining options. New to the hotel this February is all-day brasserie The Coburg. Taking its cues from the charm of the city it inhabits, guests can expect a relaxed experience with a range of microbrews to sample.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
The g hotel, Galway
Most people are familiar with Linda Evangelista’s claim she wouldn’t get out of bed for “less than $10,000 a day,” and at The g Hotel in Galway, guests can actually stay in the bed she wouldn’t get out of (the hotel purchased the actual bed). It becomes apparent quite quickly The g Hotel isn’t your average accommodation. Vivid colors fill the lobby, while a carpet with thousands of red Swarovski crystals adorns the cocktail bar. Design Director Philip Treacy is the force behind this visually distinctive look, one he ensured was literally unique by placing one of his hand-drawn pictures in each room.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
Ashford Castle, Mayo
It’s inappropriate to list some of Ireland’s finest hotels without at least mentioning one castle, and Ashford Castle in County Mayo ticks the box, offering a luxurious gateway to the country’s rugged western coast. Housed in a setting that hasn’t changed in almost 1,000 years, Ashford offers everything one would expect from a modern take on castle life. Located on the vast estate is a fly-fishing center, Ireland’s first falconry school, horseback riding, kayaking and clay pigeon shooting. Countryside living comes easy in such majestic surrounds.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Emerald Isle
The Europe Hotel, Kerry
Kerry is known as one of Ireland’s most picturesque corners, and with a vantage point overlooking the Lakes of Killarney, The Europe Hotel & Resort is the perfect position from which to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts experience a deep sense of wonder upon arrival, with the lake framing the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range spectacularly. This relaxing resort is the perfect destination for a little pampering, with the 187 accommodations all offering golf course or lake views, and the hotel spa on-hand to ease weary explorers.
The Westbury, Dublin
Poised steps from Dublin’s main shopping thoroughfare of Grafton Street, The Westbury Hotel promises modern, upscale accommodations in a surprisingly private city center location. While the hotel has been a fixture of the city for years, it underwent a complete renovation in 2009, creating a roster of 178 guest rooms and 27 suites adorned with Irish wool carpets, mohair-covered George Smith furnishings and silk blackout curtains.
The Merrion, Dublin
Located directly across the street from Dublin’s impressive government buildings, The Merrion enjoys a privileged setting across four Georgian townhouses in one of Dublin’s more Tony neighborhoods. This prestigious hotel is home to the twice-Michelin Starred Patrick Guilbaud Restaurant (among several other dining establishments) and a large pool, spa and gym. In recent years, it’s become something of a celebrity hotspot with Christina Aguilera and Harrison Ford spending the night.
The Shelbourne Hotel is one of Dublin’s great landmarks, with its distinctive red-brick facade providing a welcome to the city’s boutique shopping district. Long a meeting point for Ireland’s politicians, the hotel is housed in a building that’s over 200 years old, but a recent restoration has placed the sparkle back in this old dame. When in town for St. Patrick’s Day, many visitors check on their family history for info on any potential Irish roots. At The Shelbourne Hotel, a private Genealogy Butler helps guests chart their family tree.
Dublin is a city known for its rich cultural heritage, and a stay at Conrad Dublin puts guests right at the heart of the action. Don’t be surprised if operatic strains drift in the window of your modern room, as the National Concert Hall is directly across the street. Stroll a few meters further for the National Gallery, Museum and St. Stephen’s Green Park. With all these sights to behold, don’t forget to explore Conrad Dublin’s rewarding dining options. New to the hotel this February is all-day brasserie The Coburg. Taking its cues from the charm of the city it inhabits, guests can expect a relaxed experience with a range of microbrews to sample.
The g hotel, Galway
Most people are familiar with Linda Evangelista’s claim she wouldn’t get out of bed for “less than $10,000 a day,” and at The g Hotel in Galway, guests can actually stay in the bed she wouldn’t get out of (the hotel purchased the actual bed). It becomes apparent quite quickly The g Hotel isn’t your average accommodation. Vivid colors fill the lobby, while a carpet with thousands of red Swarovski crystals adorns the cocktail bar. Design Director Philip Treacy is the force behind this visually distinctive look, one he ensured was literally unique by placing one of his hand-drawn pictures in each room.
Ashford Castle, Mayo
It’s inappropriate to list some of Ireland’s finest hotels without at least mentioning one castle, and Ashford Castle in County Mayo ticks the box, offering a luxurious gateway to the country’s rugged western coast. Housed in a setting that hasn’t changed in almost 1,000 years, Ashford offers everything one would expect from a modern take on castle life. Located on the vast estate is a fly-fishing center, Ireland’s first falconry school, horseback riding, kayaking and clay pigeon shooting. Countryside living comes easy in such majestic surrounds.
The Europe Hotel, Kerry
Kerry is known as one of Ireland’s most picturesque corners, and with a vantage point overlooking the Lakes of Killarney, The Europe Hotel & Resort is the perfect position from which to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts experience a deep sense of wonder upon arrival, with the lake framing the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range spectacularly. This relaxing resort is the perfect destination for a little pampering, with the 187 accommodations all offering golf course or lake views, and the hotel spa on-hand to ease weary explorers.