The Most Unique Hotels You Can Find In Dublin

Named one of the five best European travel destinations of 2020 by the English travel website Love Holidays, per Irish Central, Dublin is a city with an enviable position on the global stage. Travelers from all over the world have fallen in love with the charming architecture, rich culture, and characteristic green spaces of the Irish capital, which still hasn't lost its heart to mass tourism. It also helps that any visitor to Dublin will doubtless have a jam-packed itinerary, whether they're interested in quenching their thirst at the Guinness Storehouse or learning of Ireland's complex history at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

Dublin tourists are also in luck when it comes to local accommodation. There are endless lodging options to explore, including cozy hostels, quaint bed and breakfasts, and upscale hotels. For folks looking for a unique Dublin hotel, there are several to choose from. The most unique hotels in Dublin all have their own distinctive looks, audiences, and vibes that make them one of a kind.

The Schoolhouse Hotel is guaranteed to offer a much more lavish experience than most people remember of their school days. The hotel and gastro bar is well-known in Dublin for its extensive food and drinks menu, but the real treat for guests lies in the architecture. The original building dates back to 1859 and once housed St. Stephen's National School. It first served as accommodation in 1892, when the school's teachers took up residence on the grounds. Of course, the rooms have been renovated for the convenience of a modern audience, but there are still traces of old-world charm wherever you look.

Have dreams of staying in a real castle while visiting the Emerald Isle? Dreams become reality at Clontarf Castle, nestled just 10 minutes from the Dublin City Center. The hotel describes itself as the "perfect blend" of "boutique and luxury" and features a range of rooms boasting heritage décor that will make guests feel as though they've been swept into a faraway world. Naturally, the castle is also one of Dublin's popular wedding venues. If you happen to visit during the holidays, Clontarf Castle also holds its Christmas at the Castle celebration, complete with private parties and luncheons.

A stone's throw from the iconic Ha'penny Bridge, Zanzibar Locke is one of the distinctive Locke properties, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and contemporary approach to guest accommodation. Zanzibar Locke boasts views of the River Liffey and has a long, colorful history, having transformed from Georgian townhouses to a nightclub before finally becoming the spacious oasis it is today. The apartments are decorated with curated art and feature open-plan designs, and the common courtyard is ideal for meeting like-minded travelers or catching up on your European vacation reading list. There's also a mezzanine bar where guests can enjoy a sneaky cocktail before dinner.

Combining laid-back and luxury, Number 31 is a modern boutique hotel set in a historic Georgian townhouse. Travelers have their pick of glamorous period rooms or contemporary chic suites, while the picturesque garden — complete with an outdoor terrace, statues, and a fire fountain — is open to all guests. Both the garden and the interior of the hotel are filled with art from the private collection of the owner, making this an ideal stay for art lovers or aspiring artists looking for inspiration.

Built around an impressive bamboo forest, The Gibson Hotel lies in the Docklands, just a quick tram ride away from the city center. With its abundant greenery and modern design favoring glass walls, the hotel offers a tranquil, calming vibe, perfect for solo travelers or those looking to relax after an action-packed day of sightseeing. Seconds from the 3Arena, The Gibson is also the lodging of choice for many travelers in town for a concert. The hotel also offers a full Irish breakfast and several exciting packages with great perks, including late check-out and pre-dinner cocktails.