Whether you’re a rock star, actor or just visiting Ireland’s cosmopolitan capital, The Clarence hotel in central Dublin is still the place to stay.

Located in the Temple Bar district, Dublin’s answer to New York’s Soho and the Left Bank in Paris, The Clarence is both a symbol and catalyst of the city’s economic and cultural renaissance, a resurgence that has put Dublin back on the map as a destination for sophisticated travellers from the Continent and U.S.

Built in 1852 the Clarence  boasts 46 superior and deluxe double rooms, 3 one & two bedroom suites and 1 Penthouse suite.

The hotel was given the stamp of cool appeal when, in 1992, it was bought by U2’s Bono and The Edge and local entrepreneur, Harrie Crosbie.  In 1996, they began the restoration and refurbishment of Dublin’s most famous hotel.

U2’s front men were more than just celebrity names behind a hotel – they were actively involved in ideas for the Clarence’s new look.

The new owners assembled a team of professionals to create a unique design experience at the Clarence. Keith Hobbs of London based United Designers, was commissioned for the hotel’s interior design.  

Hobbs was responsible for designing every item of furniture which had been crafted primarily by Irish artisans and customised by Hobbs.

One of the most striking features is the colour scheme found throughout the hotel. Each of the hotel’s rooms and suites, no two of which are alike, is decorated a palette of rich cardinal colours, inspired by ecclesiastical raiment: crimson, royal blue, amethyst, gold and chocolate.

During the refurbishment, an entire floor was added to the hotel’s original four storeys to allow the construction of a spectacular penthouse suite.

Keith Hobb’s vision for the penthouse included an understated refinement in every detail of the furnishings – Shaker-inspired lines of the furniture and the use of the finest natural material – Kilkenny limestone, leather, suede and velvet.

General manager Robert Van Eerde believes that despite the luxurious surroundings of the hotel, the onus is on the comfort of the guest.

The Clarence also boasts a popular restaurant which guests and visitors can also enjoy.  

The Clarence’s ever-popular Octagon Bar represents a microcosm of the New Dublin - international business executives, hip young professionals, fashion designers, film stars and supermodels - a crowd as likely to be sipping martinis as knocking back a pint.

The Clarence’s critically acclaimed Tea Room restaurant is situated on the ground floor in what was originally the ballroom, an impressive space with a soaring 20-foot coved ceiling.  Natural materials and meticulous detailing help to create a pure, uncluttered atmosphere that harmonises with the inherent simplicity of The Clarence’s interiors.

As General Manager Robert van Eerde explains, “A hotel like The Clarence is inevitably a personal vision, and for the owners, The Clarence is where they would choose to stay when visiting Dublin - a hotel that is at once simple but elegant, unpretentious but luxurious, that is modern but also embodies the best of traditional Irish hospitality”.

6 - 8 Wellington Quay
Dublin 2

Tel: 00353 1 407 0800
Fax:00353 1 407 0820

Email: reservations@theclarence.ie