Why The Leinster Hotel was the highlight of 36 hours in Dublin
Orders of omelettes plump with Irish cheddar cheese, mushroom and ham fillings, full breakfasts with locally sourced white pudding or French toast with Wexford strawberry compote are gratefully received: the perfect pick me up and offering ample fuel for the adventures to come.
Pictured: The Leinster Hotel is located in the heart of Georgian Dublin (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
Our room keys had been handed out on arrival by general manager Melanie Nocher, whose East Kilbride accent had come as a surprise, with the connection to home putting the group instantly at ease.
However, unlocking the doors to our lodgings would soon reveal that even without a fellow Scot to offer a warm welcome, relaxing into The Leinster's charm is effortless.
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The rooms here are bright, bold and full of small flourishes that indicate the team has gone the extra mile to curate a memorable stay. Like a mini bar stocked with anything you might be craving from full-sized bottles of Gunpowder Irish Gin to rejuvenating face masks and packs of Tayto crisps, or a fancy Dyson hairdryer tucked away by the mirror.
Pictured: The Collins Club cocktail bar at The Leinster (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
When we reconvene for cocktails at the Collins Club bar a few hours later, however, there's one feature in particular that's made a lasting impression.
'Did everyone else get a fright from the robot toilets?' one member of the party asks, met by enthusiastic nods in agreement all round.
Yup, each of The Leinster's 55 rooms and suites set across four floors is kitted out with a high-tech Japanese 'TOTO' lavvy with multiple different settings and modes quite unlike anything I've encountered before.
It would be crass to dwell on the matter, but Nocher assures us that almost all of their guests find themselves as fascinated as we are with this quirky addition to the luxury bathroom setup, which also includes an overhead rain shower and Brooks & Co. toiletries.
Moving on then. Let's talk about the Collins Club.
Pictured: The Collins Club is named after the late Dublin-born designer, David Collins (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
Drenched in a luscious shade of crimson, this striking space has been designed with nods to 'Georgian Glam', including a backlit gantry full of experimental spirits created by a team of mixologists who aim to challenge what you might expect from a hotel bar.
Take The Juniper, for example, a silky-smooth riff on the classic martini finished with a pickled grape that's wonderfully tart against the botanical gin base.
With regular DJ sets and jazz lunches, it's easy to see why this spot is proving popular with hotel guests and non-residents alike.
The first of two activities planned is the Guinness Storehouse, a brilliant building that twists upwards like a corkscrew, with each floor peeling back a layer of the world-famous stout's story and legacy until you've reached the bar at the top having, earned an extra pint after learning to expertly pull your own along the way.
Pictured: A pint pulled by yours truly at the Guinness Storehouse (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
This tourist trap is buzzing with crowds for a reason, and taking it all in side by side with holiday makers and stag do parties makes for an incredibly enjoyable experience.
Later, there's a chance to explore the area surrounding the hotel, where just a short walk away in Merrion Square Park, the International Literature Festival is in full swing with live performances and street food vendors.
Elsewhere, crowds spill onto the streets to sip at their drinks in the afternoon sun as traditional bands strike up a lively tune indoors.
As a first-time visitor, there's a lot to take in, but the vibrant energy of the city, poised for the weekend ahead, is utterly infectious.
Pictured: The bedrooms at The Leinster are bold, bright and welcoming (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
Back at the Jean-Georges rooftop restaurant, we have perhaps the best view in Dublin as the sun sets behind our round table on the outdoor terrace space.
There, evening melts into night as we feast on dishes that intertwine Irish classics with fresh French and Southeast Asian flavours, including a show-stealing egg toast with caviar and herbs, Lambay Island crab spring rolls with tamarind and seared fillet of Irish beef with asparagus, jalapeno and wholegrain mustard butter.
Pictured: The Irish beef fillet served at The Jean Georges restaurant (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
The next morning, we craftily wriggle out of an 8 am PT session planned at the state-of-the-art gym downstairs at The Leinster, instead making use of their outdoor jacuzzi and sauna to start off our final few hours in Dublin on the right note.
Later, there's a stop by the Silver Works on South Great George's Street for a masterclass in jewellery making, each of us leaving thoroughly chuffed to have created our own silver rings as a reminder of the trip.
And even more elated to have avoided any accidents while getting to grips with the specialist hammers, saws, and heavy metal files in the process.
Though there's more free time scheduled, the draw of the Collins Club is irresistible.
Pictured: Step into the lobby at The Leinster (Image: Paul O'Connell Photography)
Once more we find ourselves gathered for a late lunch of lemon chicken picatta Caesar salad, Johnstone steak sandwiches with crispy onion and pepper sauce and rigatoni with semi-dried tomato, chilli, mint and pecorino pesto before the call for a taxi to the airport is made.
With all there is to see and do in Dublin, finding it so hard to leave the rooms, bars and restaurant spaces at the hotel is a true testament to how special this place is.
Of the short 36 hours we had to enjoy in the city, not a second felt wasted in making the most of all that The Leinster has to offer.
The Leinster is located at 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin.
For more information, visit theleinster.ie.
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