The Clarence

A part of the Dublin scene since 1852, The Clarence Hotel was purchased in 1992 by two members of the rock group U2, Bono and The Edge. They took on the task of restoring The Clarence, creating their own vision of the ideal place to stay.

The Hotel reopened in June 1996 after a 20-month restoration and refurbishment programme, which transformed The Clarence from a traditional two star property to the owners’ personal idea of how a luxury hotel should be – intimate unstuffy, contemporary, idiosyncratic and efficient with an emphasis on personal service.

Its design merges the traditional and the contemporary to create an environment with its own unique and welcoming personality. Arts and craft style frames the basis of the interior with a subtle palette of the finest natural materials: Portland stone, American white oak, Italian limestone, leather and velvet.

The Clarence is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Built in 1852, The Clarence had last been refurbished during the late Thirties in the Arts and Crafts style. By the Seventies, while still retaining a sense of old world charm and dignity, it was past its prime. At the same time, the ranks of the original clientele, once drawn primarily from the clergy, judiciary and visitors from the provinces, were swelled by the artists, musicians, writers and designers who began to make the Temple Bar area their own. This easy influence of old and new made the Hotel one of the few places in Dublin where, whatever you looked like, you could sit down with your pint and engage in the fine Irish art of conversation.

A part of the Dublin scene since 1852, The Clarence Hotel was purchased in 1992 by two members of the rock group U2, Bono and The Edge. They took on the task of restoring The Clarence, creating their own vision of the ideal place to stay.

The Hotel reopened in June 1996 after a 20-month restoration and refurbishment programme, which transformed The Clarence from a traditional two star property to the owners’ personal idea of how a luxury hotel should be – intimate unstuffy, contemporary, idiosyncratic and efficient with an emphasis on personal service.

During the restoration an additional floor was added, which now offers the Penthouse and several Suites.

Located in the Temple Bar district, Dublin’s answer to New York’s Soho and the Left Bank in Paris. The Clarence is both a symbol and catalyst of the city’s economic and cultural renaissance, a resurgence that has put Dublin back on the map as a destination for sophisticated travelers from the continent and the United States.

The Clarence Hotel is situated in the heart of Dublin city, approximately 8 km from Dublin Airport and 0.5 km from Heuston Station. It lies within walking distance of some of Dublin's greatest landmarks, including Trinity College, Christchurch, The Irish Financial Services Centre and the Temple Bar district.

It is also within close proximity to many of Dublin's restaurants, theatres, art galleries, museums and shopping areas. Our front-facing Bedrooms, Suites, Meeting and private Dining facilities, overlook the River Liffey, making The Clarence the perfect location for business and pleasure.