Surprising hotels
With so many new hotels going up, Jess O Sullivan looks at some properties with interesting back stories
The Old Retirement Home
The Wilder, Dublin
The History: The Victorian age in Dublin was a bustling time of industrial growth and development as the city sprawled outwards from the ancient centre. As Dublin 2 was the most fashionable part of town to live, this was where the captains of industry lived with their families. Just five minutes from the Green, this beautiful red brick building has now evolved to become The Wilder. It was built in 1878, at the same time that Oscar Wilde lived in Dublin, but the hotel’s name is actually from its original purpose – it was a home for retired governesses or ‘bewildered women’.
Today: The building was bought in 2016 and given a new lease of life by Frankie and Josephine Whelehan, who also own the recently refurbished Montenotte Hotel in Cork. Monochrome mosaic tiles, plush soft furnishings in jewel tones and corridors wallpapered in quirky Dublin-inspired prints make for a truly original decor. What is great about this location is that it is only open to guests so the plush bar and tearooms where you can enjoy charcuterie platters and a wonderful gin menu are exclusive. This also makes it very safe for solo travellers, and the small but perfectly formed breakfast menu is second to none – beautifully presented and delicious to boot.
Original Features: Each room has retained its original fireplace, but in some rooms, they actually contain a free-standing sink with the mantlee acting as a shelf. The coffee making facilities are contained in the original shelves where the ‘bewildered’ women stored their own delph. thewilder.ie or call 01-969 6598
The Old Georgian Family Home
The Bedford Townhouse & Café, Limerick
The History: You might recognise this property from At Your Service when the Brennan brothers lent their expertise to owners Denise and Peter Brazil’s restoration project. Their family business has been on the ground floor for the last 15 years and they always wanted to restore the Georgian building to its former glory. The 1830 building was once two Georgian townhouses and to this day it still has a homely feel. The house was home to a Lord Mayor of Limerick who began his shirt making operations from the very building.
Today: All the guest rooms are named after Limerick traditions and lpersonalities such as The Clock Room after the Tait Clock, The Lace Room and there’s even a Tait Suite. There is also an outdoor roof terrace where you can sit and read or enjoy the sun.
Original Features: The façade of the building has been maintained with lovely, large windows. Inside, a portion of the original stone walls can be seen in the café where breakfast is also served (try the granola). But hats off for the ‘Bedford Row Heritage Trail’ created in the cosy Parlour Room. Working with a local historian, the owners sourced a map of the city from 1897 and many prints and ads from businesses of the time. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a glass of wine in the evening should you wish to bring your own bottle downstairs.
See thebedford.ie or call 061-204400
The answer to your prayers
The Old Convent, Tipperary
The History: Nestled in the Knockmealdown Mountains, this convent was built in 1885 when the Sisters of Mercy were tasked with taking charge of the Clogheen workhouse. When the workhouse was closed they continued to teach and work at the local hospital. In 1991, the sisters sold the convent to the hotel company.
Today: Chef Dermot Gannon and his wife Christine have owned the property since 2005. It has been a labour of love restoring and maintaining it. The Old Convent is open weekends only (and bank holidays) as an adult only destination, ideal for a romantic weekend away or gourmet getaway for a group of friends. There is just one dinner sitting at 8pm and guests are served an eight-course tasting menu with ingredients from the house garden or locally sourced. The house is surrounded by two acres of gardens and there is a five-acre paddock where rescue donkeys Tiffin and Twinkie live.
Original Features: The beautiful chapel dining room is the jewel in the crown of the property, with original stained glass windows and spire atop the building. From the outside the high arched entrance and windows make it feel like stepping back in time. See theoldconvent.ie or call 052 7465565