Unique places to sleep
Part of the joy of being on holiday, whether that’s a ‘staycay’ or further afield, is being able to experience a totally different home from home while you’re away. There are plenty of unique places and unusual spots to stay in the capital. Here are three to inspire you, to choose something out of the ordinary the next time you travel.
Aye Aye Captain
If you fancy stretching your sea legs but still want to be close to the city centre, the Sunny Barger Houseboat delivers.
Sleeping four people in three bedrooms and moored on the Grand Canal Docks, it’s fully kitted out with a galley, kitchen and large seating area to relax in.
The houseboat is available to rent on Airbnb.
“It’s a unique self-catering venue that combines the quirky experience of living on the water, a touch of Venice, with modern facilities and first-class furnishings,” says primary host Tom Sigafoos.
Should you fancy a dander on dry land, the houseboat is located near the Bord Gais Theatre and the new
Boland Mills development, and is 15 minutes from Trinity College, Grafton Street and Temple Bar. “It’s a walker’s paradise,” Tom adds.
A minimum two-night stay applies; see Airbnb for more information.
Horses for courses
Irish Landmark Trust can always be counted on for offering some of the most interesting properties to stay in around the country - this lovely little mews house of Merrion Square in Dublin 2 is no exception.
Overlooking a stable yard and one of the few remaining gardens in Merrion Square, this three-bedroom self-catering property, complete with wood burning stove, was once part of an 18th Century Dublin townhouse and oozes quint features and historic character.
The nearby stables have been given new life, as a place to water for onduty garda horses from the city’s mounted unit, which you may hear coming and going during the day or night.
Sleeps six from €884 for two nights.
Old meets new
It’s not often a hotel delivers something out of the ordinary but
The Mayson has managed to do just that. It mixes a unique architectural style and historic quality, with a view out onto the River Liffey that’s pretty special too.
The hotel has combined two protected buildings - a Victorian pub and a 19th Century warehouse - with modern glass and steel, to create the most wonderful clash of old meets new.
Inside, the upper bedrooms have exposed brick (a nod to the warehouse) while the townhouse suites are designed to reflect the waterside theme.
Nestled in the Docklands, it’s a solid base to explore the area, which is home to the Irish Emigration Museum EPIC.
Along the riverside promenade are the city’s poignant Famine memorial sculpture and a replica of the Jeanie Johnston famine ship.
Rooms from around €165 per night online.