Former Masonic School Earns Top Pass Marks

Angela Taggart recommends a value-for-money base in Dublin's embassy area

Well, it has to be one of our favourite cities in the world. And it’s just 100 miles from Belfast. Delightful Dublin, of course.

We are frequent visitors to the fair city, be it for work or pleasure. We just can’t get enough of it. We’ve stayed in many hotels and there’s quite a choice. But after trying the rest, we’ve now settled for the best – Bewley’s at Ballsbridge. It sounds a bit posh, and it is classy – but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the real value-for-money prices, and with plenty of special offers all year round.

It was love at first sight for us. It has a magnificent façade – the Bewley’s Hotel was once a Masonic School, and remains an imposing edifice set in beautiful grounds. Its original features are striking and give it a unique charm.

The beautifully decorated hotel interior

The hotel is set in the heart of the Dublin 4 business and embassy district, a lovely area. It is located next door to the RDS, is a short distance from the city centre, Bord Gais Energy Theatre, 02 Arena and the magnificent Aviva Stadium – very handy for watching our Ulstermen star for Ireland!

We actually ran into the same Scottish visitor on both of our recent trips to Bewley’s – the first time he was there for some serious week day business, the second time for the weekend ‘pleasure’ of watching the Irish demolish his team in the first match of the Six Nations! But he had a ball anyway.

Robert the Scot isn’t short of a ‘bob’ or two – if you’ll excuse the pun – and could pretty much stay anywhere he wanted to on his trips to the Emerald Isle. So why Bewley’s, Bob? “Simple,” he told us. “It is in a great area, close to everything you’ll need, has top class facilities, serves fabulous food, and the staff are brilliant.

“You could go somewhere else, pay twice the price and it wouldn’t be half as good. I was once disappointed by a so-called big name hotel in the city – not naming it – so I tried Bewley’s next time on the recommendation of a friend. I haven’t looked back since, and haven’t gone anywhere else in Dublin – I don’t need to.”

Delicious food served up in Tom’s Bar

So, there you go! Anyway, just to give you a little more detail on what is actually on offer. The hotel outlines the facilities:

  • Spacious guest rooms including; single, double, twin, triple, suites and family rooms with bunk beds!
  • Free wi-fi
  • Excellent Brasserie Restaurant and Tom’s Bar
  • State-of-the-art meeting rooms
  • Award-winning Thomas Prior Hall; perfect conference, event and wedding venue

Thomas Prior Hall was the original drill hall for the school but has since been lovingly restored as a unique venue for weddings, conferences and all events.

The Brasserie Restaurant Ballsbridge is loved by locals and hotel residents alike. The use of fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce is the key ethos and this is reflected in the innovative dishes offered. The Brasserie is the perfect place for an intimate gathering or for large groups and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tom’s Bar is the best bar in Ballsbridge to visit before or after an event in the RDS or elsewhere. There is food available daily. The Lounge also serves food and includes a deli for a quick bite to eat. Going to a concert or a sporting event in Dublin?

Bewley’s Hotel Ballsbridge provides a shuttle service for all major events in The 02 and Croke Park. From 10 Euro return. If you are bringing the car, there’s free parking on site for residents.

So whether it’s business, sport, the theatre, shopping, whatever – try Bewley’s. Oh, it’s great for families too, the kids will love it – just like mum and dad. Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed, I can assure you.

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