The Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection

In 1824, when The Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection was established by Tipperary man, Martin Burke, to "woo genteel customers', with fashionable accommodation, no-one was ever to know the historical place it would take in the cultural, social and political fabric of Irish life. He named it after William 2nd Earl of Shelburne (prime minister of Britain 1782-83), in an attempt to link the hotel with the fame and reputation of the PM and with the ascendancy in general. Over the next ninety years, the hotel became associated with wealth, success and famous heads of state and its year revolved around the social seasons- bloodstock, racing and shows at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS). 

By the outbreak of war in 1914, and with many of the German staff being interned, the Shelbourne became the hub of military activity. The hotel remained open throughout and during the republican Easter Rising in 1916, though considered a legitimate target by the rebel forces, opened its doors to tend the sick, regardless of what side they fought on. 

In May 1922, one of Ireland's (and the Shelbourne's) most historic meetings took place in room 112, when Michael Collins headed up the drafting of the Irish constitution, Bunreacht na héireann. This room is now a conference room named the Constitution Room. By August 1922, all hotel business had returned to normal and over the next forty years, the hotel became the premier venue for society events and international guests. During these years, the hotel's guest book entries include John and Jacqui Kennedy, Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Orson Welles, Princess Grace of Monaco the list goes on and on!  

In 2005, designer Frank Nicholsan was enlisted to undertake an extensive restoration of the hotel. A new wing was added, the lift was removed from the lobby to reveal the wonderful ornate staircase. The Lord Mayor's Lounge, The Horseshoe Bar and The Constitution Room were all restored and a new restaurant, The Saddle Room was created.  

Comfort and luxury are reflected in the accommodation at the hotel, just as they are reflected in its other facilities. Rooms are beautifully finished in gold and cream with Egyptian cotton sheets on large, comfortable beds. Bathrooms are tiled in Italian marble and have an integrated audio system, perfect for long leisurely baths with luscious pampering products! All "Heritage Rooms' or suites have access to the "Heritage Lounge', where breakfast can be enjoyed in a stunning light-filled drawing room, with large sash windows, also with a breathtaking view if the park. 

If cooked breakfast is required, the The Saddle Room converts into a breakfast setting in the morning and the breakfast menu offers a mouth-watering selection of pastries, bagels and pancakes, in addition to fruit, cereals and a cheese and charcuterie platter. Hot cooked to order breakfasts and traditional Irish porridge are also part of the offering. 

The Shelbourne is one of our great iconic buildings. Its corridors and rooms also house some our most successful artists, past and present. Those same corridors also echo with the memories full of history and glamour. The location is stunning, the staff are gracious and the food in the restaurants and bars  is locally sourced, organic, where possible and cooked with love. As with all our prestigious Good Food Ireland Providers - The Shelbourne takes pride in Irish - hospitality, cuisine and welcome abound.