The Most Charming Interiors In Dublin

When it comes to our favourite bars, cafés and restaurants, having an inviting interior is almost if not equally as important as the food and drinks on offer. From five-star hotels to eclectic coffee shops, here are some of the most charming interiors to be found in Dublin.

The Dean Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

Designed by Dún Laoghaire-based O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates, the interior of Dublin’s newest boutique hotel is hipster luxury at its finest. Opened in 2014, The Dean still has no rival among the city’s hotels when it comes to aesthetics, and its café, bar and restaurant spaces are equally photogenic. With a cool, contemporary selection of artworks curated by street artist James Earley adorning the walls, cute orange Smeg fridges for minibars in the bedrooms and a rooftop bar decked out with swings and plush booths, The Dean offers a snapshot of the very best of modern Irish interiors.

Buckle Up

Restaurant, European, Vegetarian

The latest project by renowned Dublin interior designer Suzie McAdam is Buckle Up restaurant in Sandymount. After fitting out Stanley’s restaurant and wine bar in the city centre two years ago and completing some of the cities slickest residential and office interiors since then, McAdam turned her hand to creating a fresh, distinctive design for the Melbourne-style eatery and speciality coffee house, which opened this summer. Expect shades of forest green and gold in this space where industrial design meets glamour.

The Liquor Rooms

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

Another from the portfolio of O’Donnell O’Neill, The Liquor Rooms – along with its sister Vintage Cocktail Club – were the first to bring speakeasy style to the Dublin bar scene. All rich fabrics, reflective ceilings and old-world decadence, this warren under the Clarence Hotel truly feels like it comes from a different era. The owners of this underground haven have since expanded, adding Peruke & Periwig on Dawson Street to their repertoire.

Foam Café

The anything-goes quirk of Foam Café’s interior won’t be for everyone, but those who love it will never want to leave. The walls are covered in weird and wonderful artworks, figures and decorations, and it seems like every available surface and corner holds a new detail to discover; from a plastic flamingo to a full-size wooden birdhouse to a year-round Christmas tree festooned with ribbons and cardboard stars. The cakes here are delicious too.

The Westbury

For a bit of peaceful opulence away from the rat race, take yourself to the The Gallery upstairs in The Westbury for a drink. An elegant five star hotel designed by Sheehan & Barry architects, its lobby-adjacent seating area overlooks the shoppers of Grafton Street, and is filled with deep, soft armchairs and twinkling chandeliers. The beverages and afternoon tea here are pricey, but it’s worth it for the ambiance, comfort and people watching.

About the author

Kate Phelan

From Irish cuisine to the best gallery shows, Kate covers everything Ireland has to offer. She has bylines in numerous publications including IMAGE Interiors & Living.