On the fringe of the Temple Bar district is Dublin’s original Rock n’ Roll hotel. Recently renovated, The Clarence Hotel was pick for a night’s stay in Dublin, Ireland. Temple Bar is notoriously noisy. For a one-night stay I searched for a hotel that was close enough to the liveliness, but far enough out of the revelry to get a good night’s rest after overnight flight from the United States.

On the way from the airport, my driver told me the property was owned by some of the members of U2. I’ve been a fan of the band since the 80s. From the hotel’s brick and grey stone exterior, I wasn’t expecting the cherry and vibrant blues, pinks, and greens art deco design of the decor in the lobby. The guy checking me into The Clarence clarified telling me the property is owned by Bono and The Edge from U2 and a developer. The hotel is run by Press Up Hospitality. Bono’s niece, Leah Henson, is a well-known abstract artist and has several pieces on display in the lobby.

The boutique hotel has 58 rooms and suites including river view rooms like the one I stayed in. My room (204) had a small entry room with a vanity with a coffee and tea kettle. On the left side of the vanity is a small retro fridge that’s the mini bar with just enough extra space to hold a few drinks and bites. The black and white tiled bathroom is larger than most you’d find in a historic hotel and the marbled shelf inlay above the sink is spacious for your toiletries.

The room is simply designed with neutral tones and colorful artwork. I liked the blue tuffed fabric headboard and the munchies on the wall that looks like a piece of artwork. The inside of the closet adds a dramatic pop of fuschia. My favorite aspect of the room is the large windows with a view of the River Liffey.

After spending the afternoon and early evening exploring Dublin, I retreated to The Curious Mister in the ground floor of The Clarence. The posh space gives off speakeasy vibes with its velvet circular couches, low light, and artsy decor. I decided to be adventurous and try the Guinness/Hibiscus cocktail made with Guinness black barrel, Antica Formial, Guinness, hibiscus, lemon, and egg whites. It was a great end to the day.

I slept really well that night and woke up to swans swimming down the river. One night was great but a couple of nights at The Clarence in Dublin would have been even better.

This was author Jennifer Broome’s second visit to Ireland. She was previously there in 2010. For more on what to do in Dublin, check out post How to Spend an Afternoon in Dublin.