The Mespil Hotel stands on Mespil Road beside the Grand Canal, on the leafy southern edge of the centre between Baggot Street and Ballsbridge. It is a practical choice for visitors who want a calmer, better-value base than the heart of the centre without losing the ability to walk to the main sights. The canal towpath is one of Dublin's pleasantest strolls, shaded by trees and busy with swans, joggers and lunchtime walkers, and it leads east to Grand Canal Dock and west toward Portobello. St Stephen's Green, Grafton Street and Trinity College are about fifteen to twenty minutes away on foot, and Baggot Street and Leeson Street, with their restaurants and bars, are right on the doorstep. Rooms are comfortable and functional, and the hotel is a good option for business travellers and leisure visitors who want a clean, reliable base. Check the details of facilities, breakfast and parking when you book, as arrangements vary.
Location, honestly
The area is calm, with a mix of offices, apartments and hotels, and it is quieter at night than Temple Bar. It is not in the thick of the sightseeing, so expect to walk, or use buses and the Luas for longer hops. The canal-side setting is the highlight, especially in spring and early summer, when the banks are green and the water is lively.
Business travellers value its position between the city centre and Ballsbridge, and during major events at the Aviva Stadium or the RDS, nearby accommodation is in demand, so book early.
Living in it
Rooms are straightforward, with good beds and modern bathrooms, and the staff are used to visitors planning their days on foot. Ask for a higher floor if you want a quieter night, and consider a canal-facing room if you want a view of the water, though availability depends on the day. Check the details of parking, which can be limited and charged, and breakfast arrangements when you book. Baggot Street offers a selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants for evening meals, and the hotel's reception can recommend places and help with bookings.
Who it suits
Budget-conscious travellers who want a canal-side location, business visitors, couples who prefer a calm area and walkers who enjoy the towpath. It is less suited to those who want to be in the middle of Temple Bar or the Georgian squares, who may prefer the Fitzwilliam or the Clarence. Pair your stay with a canal walk to Grand Canal Dock, a visit to the Little Museum of Dublin and MoLI on St Stephen's Green and a traditional pub evening on Baggot Street, and use the Luas at Charlemont or bus links for trips further afield.
Why stay here
- ✓Grand Canal location
- ✓Canal towpath walks
- ✓Walk to St Stephen Green
- ✓Baggot Street dining nearby
- ✓Near Ballsbridge
- ✓Good-value city base
- ✓Business-friendly setting
- ✓Bus links nearby
Good questions
How far is the Mespil Hotel from St Stephen's Green?+
About fifteen to twenty minutes on foot, with a pleasant route along the canal and through the Georgian streets.
Is the hotel quiet?+
The area is calmer than the centre. Ask for a higher floor or a room away from the road if you want a quieter night.
Is it near restaurants?+
Yes. Baggot Street and Leeson Street have a wide choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants nearby.
