Life

Breaks: New Dublin city centre hotel The Address is right up my street

 The lobby of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre
 The lobby of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre  The lobby of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre

DUBLIN has a new hotel and it’s a place you should know about if you want easy access to all the action of the city.

The Address on Amiens Street is about as central as it gets. It’s opposite Connolly train station and a couple of minutes walk from Dublin’s central bus station, Busaras.

Connolly serves Belfast and Sligo, so if you’re coming by train or bus from the north it’s a simple walk to the front door.

The Address isn’t all about location though; it’s a swish, modern and comfortable four-star hotel. It shares an entrance with the existing North Star Hotel, but the Address is in a new tower behind it.

Following the trend of major world cities, The Address features a rooftop Club Lounge where you can help yourself to free early evening drinks and snacks.

The Club Lounge on the roof of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre
The Club Lounge on the roof of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre The Club Lounge on the roof of The Address hotel in Dublin city centre

It’s not the most spectacular view of Dublin, but it’s pretty cool to take the air with a glass of free wine in your hand and meet some of the other guests from across the world. It reminds you just how cosmopolitan a city Dublin has become and how it's a tourist magnet.

There’s also a gym and sauna in the basement which your residents’ proximity card will give you access to.

The room design is ultra modern, including a nifty one-touch device which controls lighting, air conditioning and the entertainment system. But be sure to have a good look at this before you go to bed or when you get up for a middle of the night toilet you’ll have the whole room lit up like Wembley Stadium.

A double room at The Address Hotel, Dublin
A double room at The Address Hotel, Dublin A double room at The Address Hotel, Dublin

McGettigan's Cookhouse & Bar downstairs has a cracking atmosphere, very friendly local staff and fabulous steaks.

But Dublin is about getting out and doing things, so after dinner it’s time to explore.

We paid a visit to one of Dublin’s most famous watering holes – Mulligan’s of Poolbeg Street is a 10-minute walk across the Liffey. The offices of the deceased Irish Press opposite are starting to get dilapidated but Mulligan's retains its charms. I can still see Ireland’s greatest sports journalist Con Houlihan standing at the bar with his coat on, drinking a brandy and milk.

Mulligan's, one of Dublin's best loved pubs
Mulligan's, one of Dublin's best loved pubs Mulligan's, one of Dublin's best loved pubs

Another five minutes' dander and you’re at one of Dublin’s fanciest address. The Merrion Square area also brings the three parts of the National Museum, the Dail, Government Buildings, St Stephen’s Green and some of Dublin’s best pubs.

The National Gallery, Merrion Square
The National Gallery, Merrion Square The National Gallery, Merrion Square

For sports, concerts and theatre, The Address is also excellently placed. If you’re in Dublin for a match at Croke Park it’s a gift. The GAA’s headquarters is a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

If it’s rugby or soccer you’re after, Lansdowne Road is just 10 minutes by Dart from Connolly Station.

Dublin’s major concert venue, the Three Area is 20-minute walk down North Wall and the Bord Gais Theatre is just 15 minutes' walk, to Grand Canal Dock.

Dublin is a very competitive hotel market, but there is certainly room for this city centre addition.

An aerial view of Amiens Street, Dublin, showing Connolly Station
An aerial view of Amiens Street, Dublin, showing Connolly Station An aerial view of Amiens Street, Dublin, showing Connolly Station

FACT FILE

:: More information on The Address, its 72 rooms and facilities, at theaddressatdublin1.ie

:: If you’re driving from the north, use Dublin’s Port Tunnel which for €3 off-peak will bring you right into the city centre from the M50 junction.

:: Excellent value overnight car parking is available at Connolly Station for €8.50

:: The Guinness Hop Store is brilliant, but remember there are many sites to visit in Dublin. Try the Natural History Museum, Merrion Square, for something a bit different.