HARDING HOTEL, Dublin

The hotel's central Dublin position on Fishamble Street places it within a 5-minute walk of the Olympia Theatre and a 10-minute stroll from Vicar Street. The shops of Grafton Street and Henry Street are also reachable on foot. The Airlink bus 747 and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus both stop within 2 minutes' walk, and the Dublin Express bus to/from the airport stops at Wellington Quay, a 4-minute walk away. The closest LUAS tram stops are Four Courts or Jervis Shopping Centre, a 6-7-minute walk across the river. Heuston and Connolly train stations are both within 3 km. While the immediate area is lively, the hotel's position offers a slightly quieter experience than the heart of Temple Bar. For those driving, there is no on-site parking, but the discounted QPark is only 2 minutes away. A pre-booked standard taxi to the airport costs a fixed €28.00.

Rooms are fully air-conditioned for both heating and cooling and are decorated in warm colours with carpeted floors. Each room includes a hairdryer (in the desk drawer), a trouser press, ironing facilities, an electric kettle with free tea/coffee, and a fridge with milk sachets. The en-suite bathrooms are private, with a shower curtain and toilet; some are compact. The property has a lift, but there are a few steps to access it from reception. Many rooms have views of Christ Church Cathedral, but there are no rooms with a balcony. Bed preference can be selected at booking, including twin rooms with two single beds. The accommodation is generally older and more basic than modern hotels, with some rooms showing wear and tear such as stained or buckled carpets. Windows in some rooms are single-glazed, which can allow street and church noise into the room. The cathedral bells chime every 15 minutes through the night, and the bar underneath can be audible on lower floors. Light sleepers should specifically request a room at the back of the hotel.

Breakfast is served in the Copper Alley Bistro from 07:30 to 12:00 (last orders 11:45) and is an à la carte menu rather than a buffet, with options ranging from €6.50 to €9.95 - full Irish, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices are available. There is no need to pre-book breakfast; guests can pay the server directly or add it to their room bill. For early departures, the hotel can provide a bagged breakfast on request. The bistro also serves lunch and dinner, offering Irish and Mediterranean dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Darkey Kelly's Bar, located downstairs and accessible from the hotel, has traditional wooden décor, a wide range of drinks, and regular live entertainment including music and sports broadcasts. Its menu features hearty pub food; dinner portions are generous, but the bar can get very busy in the evening. The restaurant F.X. Buckley Steakhouse is a 3-minute walk away, and other dining options such as Leo Burdock's chipper and several cafes are also nearby.

The hotel does not offer a spa, wellness centre, or pool. Leisure options are focused on Darkey Kelly's Bar, which provides free live music, live sport event broadcasts, and evening entertainment seven nights a week. The bar stays open past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. For those seeking walking or sightseeing, the central location puts many of Dublin's attractions within easy walking distance.