The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is a substantial, modern property on Golden Lane, a short walk from St Patrick's Cathedral and Dublin Castle. It occupies a position on the southern edge of the medieval city, where the streets around the cathedral and the Liberties meet the busy restaurant and bar strip of Camden Street and the grid of streets around Aungier Street. For visitors who want a hotel with the reliability of an international brand and a position that mixes history with good eating, it is a practical choice. St Patrick's Cathedral and Marsh's Library are almost on the doorstep, Christ Church Cathedral and Dublinia are a fifteen-minute walk, and the Guinness Storehouse is a short walk or ride to the west. St Stephen's Green and Grafton Street are about fifteen minutes on foot. Rooms are comfortable and modern, with standard branded amenities, and the hotel has a restaurant and bar for guests. Check the details of facilities, breakfast and room types when you book, as arrangements vary and the hotel is large, with a mix of categories.
Location, honestly
This part of Dublin is mixed, with historic landmarks, busy streets and some areas where the city feels rougher around the edges, particularly in the evenings. Camden Street, a few minutes away, is excellent for restaurants, craft beer and traditional pubs, and is one of the livelier areas for locals rather than tourists.
Expect some city noise, and ask for a higher floor if you are a light sleeper. At night, use main routes back to the hotel and normal sensible precautions. The location is particularly good for visitors who want to walk to St Patrick's, Marsh's Library, Dublin Castle and the Liberties.
Living in it
As a large branded hotel, it offers a predictable standard of rooms, with good beds, reliable showers and the usual facilities. It is suitable for business travellers and leisure visitors who prefer a straightforward stay. Some rooms have views over the surrounding streets and the cathedral area, which can be worth requesting when you book.
Check the details of parking, which is limited in the centre and usually charged, and of accessibility if you need adapted facilities. Families may find the larger room categories helpful, and the hotel is often a good option when you need space for extra beds.
Who it suits
First-time visitors who want to walk to the medieval sights, families who need space, business travellers and visitors who prefer a branded hotel with predictable standards. It is less suited to those who want a boutique experience or a quiet green setting, who may prefer the Dylan or the Fitzwilliam. Pair your stay with a morning at St Patrick's Cathedral and Marsh's Library, a walk through the Liberties to the Guinness Storehouse and an evening on Camden Street, and use the Dark Dublin Walking Tour to explore the old city after dark.
Why stay here
- ✓Beside St Patrick Cathedral area
- ✓Walk to Dublin Castle
- ✓Near Camden Street dining
- ✓Walk to Marsh Library
- ✓Reliable international brand
- ✓Restaurant and bar on site
- ✓Easy walk to Liberties
- ✓Family room options
Good questions
How close is the hotel to St Patrick's Cathedral?+
Very close. Golden Lane is a short walk from the cathedral and Marsh's Library.
Is it a good base for restaurants?+
Yes. Camden Street and the streets around Aungier Street, a few minutes away, have a wide choice of restaurants and bars.
Can I walk to Grafton Street?+
Yes, it takes roughly fifteen minutes on foot.
