Amy Adejokun
Section editor
Between the famous Half Penny Bridge and the not-to-be-missed O'Connell Street, the Arlington O'Connell Bridge is popular both for its prime location and its very popular traditional Irish show, which attracts tourists from around the world. That's really all you need to know!
The Arlington, O'Connell Bridge - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
The Arlington, O'Connell Bridge - © Carlos Rodrigues / EASYVOYAGE
The hotel is located on the quays at the very heart of Dublin, just a few metres from the O'Connell Street bridge and the avenue of the same name: Dublin's equivalent to the Champs Elysées. It is also just a few minutes' walk from Temple Bar and the city's shopping districts. Dublin international airport is 7.5 mi away with a transfer time of around 30 minutes.
Most of the hotel's 131 guest rooms look out over the surrounding rooftops or face the neighbouring buildings. Although they are all relatively big, none of them are the same size (although the price remains the same regardless). Not particularly stylish but definitely functional, they feature very basic decor that includes new carpets, beds, and bedspreads. When it comes to storage space, you'll find little more than a wardrobe, whilst amenities include a television (most of which have a plasma screen and broadcast 9 channels), a safe, tea and coffee-making facilities, a phone, and an iron and ironing board. The greyish-white tiled bathrooms, for their part, are also rather bland and sparse. They come equipped with a wash basin positioned on a grey marble unit, a large mirror, a hair dryer (wall-mounted), a selection of basic hospitality products, and a bathtub in 80% of them. The 27 triple and quadruple Georgian-style rooms are more characteristic and much larger, and whilst the decor in these rooms is also rather lacking in the style department, it is entirely different from that found in the other rooms. Do be aware, though, that these smell very strongly of cigarette smoke, and the lack of double-glazing is also a real problem, as the quays are very busy with a stream of cars at all hours of the day and night. Room service is available during the day.
The Arlington O'Connell Bridge opened in 1997 and is partially housed in an old 19th century house. Located on a quay, its small, dark facade is tucked away between 2 other houses and is punctuated with little windows. The finely-wrought door to the entrance is guarded by 2 large lions that were brought over from England in July 2009. Right beside it, the other door provides access to the huge bar-restaurant where the very popular Irish nights are held. The numerous screens around the place are great for watching sports matches with a crowd. The famous Irish bar runs from the quayside entrance right through to the little street running parallel to the hotel. The huge basement area connected to the large bar by a wooden staircase hosts meetings on request as well as Irish shows at weekends. The wooden tables and bench seats seem to have been squeezed into this low-ceilinged area, where no natural light can get in. Between them, these 2 areas can accommodate a grand total of 2,000 people at the same time. Now that's impressive! Inside, you'll notice that the Arlington O'Connell Bridge hotel is divided into 2 distinct parts, one modern and one Georgian, so-called because of the straight staircase serving its 4 storeys. The latter also doesn't have a lift. A long and very sparse red corridor leads off to the small lobby on one side, where you'll be welcomed by the very friendly (though somewhat thin-on-the-ground) staff. Upstairs, some of the standard guest rooms have already been renovated whilst others are still waiting. The renovations are most evident in the bathrooms. The hotel also boasts a pool room.
Guests here have a choice of a continental or an Irish breakfast, both served in the Irish bar on the ground floor from 7:00am to 10:30am. Dinner, meanwhile, is a decidedly more chic affair if you decide to dine at Night's bistro, where the tables of 2, 4, and 6 settings are arranged so as to provide a certain level of privacy. Very dimly lit, the bistro is furnished with comfortable high-backed armchairs, wood panelling, and medieval light fittings and chandeliers suspended from the painted wooden ceiling, whilst the menu consists of a selection of Irish and international dishes. Just next door you'll find the long and very spacious Irish bar, which seems to attract a good crowd every night. Boasting dark wood from floor to ceiling and including a platform, this bar has a large spacious counter and a good number of chairs (primarily bar stools). Rock and Irish music is played continuously. If you fancy a bite to eat at lunchtime, both residents and passers-by can have a look at the fare and order one of the various hot dishes or sandwiches available,. Alternatively, you can order one of the 9 quick bite options from the menu, which are perfectly decent but nothing special. For dinner, meanwhile, spectators have a choice of 2 starters, 3 main courses, and a dessert, all Irish of course! The beef and Guinness dish is particularly good, and it doesn't get much more Irish than that!
The hotel attracts huge crowds thanks to the traditional Irish show put on every night, both during the week and at weekends. The very popular Irish night costs £25 and includes an Irish meal and the renowned traditional Irish show. Tourists of all nationalities flock here to get a piece of the action. The show begins at 9:00pm and finishes at 11:00pm. It features 3 singers and musicians who will take you on a musical journey through the Irish heritage. They also like to get their audience involved and may well ask you to name a song of your choice for them to perform. You'll also find dancers popping up at various points in the show, offering an insight into the country's folklore traditions.
Another hotel run by the same company, the 62-room Arlington Temple Bar, also offers an Irish evening but it can 'only' accommodate up to 120 people.
Wifi access is free at the hotel. A computer is also available for guests to use, but it is rather expensive.
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