The Dylan Hotel is one of Dublin's most distinctive boutique hotels, set in a Victorian building on Eastmoreland Place in Ballsbridge. Its look is dramatic: rich colour, plush textiles and theatrical design set it apart from the more restrained modern hotels in the city, and visitors who like a hotel with personality tend to love it. The position suits travellers who prefer a residential setting to the bustle of the centre. Ballsbridge is a leafy district of red-brick terraces and embassies south-east of St Stephen's Green, close to the Grand Canal, the Aviva Stadium and Herbert Park, and the walk or tram ride into the centre takes about twenty to thirty minutes. For visitors attending rugby or football at the stadium, it offers a short walk home, and for travellers who want a calmer base with character, it is a good alternative to a busy central address. Rooms and suites vary in style, so check the category you are booking, and ask about the on-site restaurant and bar arrangements when you book, as they can change.
Location, honestly
Ballsbridge is calm, but it is not the middle of the sightseeing circuit. Expect a walk or a short ride to Trinity College, the museums and Grafton Street, which makes it a good base for travellers who are happy to use buses or the DART. On international match days the area around the stadium is busy, with crowds and traffic, and prices rise sharply, so book early for rugby weekends and concerts. By contrast, on normal days the district is quiet and tidy, with excellent walks along the canal and into Herbert Park.
Living in it
The Dylan's rooms are theatrical, with strong colour and luxurious touches, so travellers who prefer a minimalist modern look may find it too rich, while those who like decadence will feel at home. Expect plush beds, dramatic bathrooms and a sense of occasion. The staff are used to guests celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, and the hotel is popular for special stays. Check facilities such as parking, breakfast and accessibility when you book, because older buildings often have constraints, and confirm which room type you are getting before you arrive.
Who it suits
Couples celebrating something, design lovers, rugby fans attending matches at the Aviva Stadium and travellers who prefer a quiet district with a boutique hotel. It is less suited to visitors who want to walk everywhere in the historic core, who may prefer the Fitzwilliam or a Temple Bar hotel, or to families who want a pool and large rooms, for whom the Herbert Park Hotel nearby may be a more practical choice. Pair your stay with a morning in Herbert Park, a canal walk to St Stephen's Green and a tour of the Irish Whiskey Museum on Grafton Street, and use the DART at Lansdowne Road for an easy trip to Howth or Dun Laoghaire.
Why stay here
- ✓Victorian boutique building
- ✓Quiet Ballsbridge address
- ✓Dramatic opulent design
- ✓Near Aviva Stadium
- ✓Close to Herbert Park
- ✓Canal walks nearby
- ✓DART at Lansdowne Road
- ✓Bar and restaurant on site
Good questions
Where is The Dylan?+
On Eastmoreland Place in Ballsbridge, south-east of St Stephen's Green and close to the Grand Canal.
Is it close to the Aviva Stadium?+
Yes, it is within walking distance, which makes it popular for rugby and football weekends. Book early for match days.
How do I reach the city centre?+
The centre is about twenty to thirty minutes away by foot, bus or a combination of DART and walking.
