NUMBER 31

Boutique style B&B tucked in a Georgian mews

THINGS HAVE GONE GROOVY in the heart of Georgian Dublin. Look for the ivy-covered wall and discreet brass plate marklng Number 31 down a quiet side street, press the button and step into a green garden oasis.

Number 31 is actually two places masquerading as one. This totally chilled mews-style residence reached via a private courtyard, comprises a former coach house done up in funky modern style, and a tall Georgian townhouse linked via a garden. The result is  is one of Dublin's best little finds.

The coach house has been transformed by top Irish architect Sam Stephenson, creating a spacious, open-plan feel. Number 31's friendly owners Noel and Anne (dog Homer is also there to meet and greet) call this place a B&B. We’d say it feels more like a little boutique hideaway. Clock the fabulous sunken lounge with its mosaic floor, Hockney prints, open fire and black leather retro-style banquette sofas on the way in. The complimentary tea and cake served here as you check in definitely hits the spot.

Stand-out breakfasts

No two rooms at Number 31 are the same. Walls are cream or white with fabrics, wood and stone contrasting stylishly against cool, clean lines. Oriental rugs and original art are strewn around, and some rooms have private patios.

The Dublin townhouse alongside retains its air of shabby-chic elegance, with high ceilings, elaborate cornicing and tall graceful windows. All rooms have monogrammed linen and springy Hastens beds.

There’s a spirit of fun and bonhomie about the place, epitomised by the sunny conservatory, where stand-out breakfasts – served family style – win rave reviews. Delicious eats include mushroom frittata and freshly baked cranberry and walnut bread, not to mention home-made marmalades and granola.  Your engaging host and his top-notch friendly staff will happily suggest some good spots for dinner.

Dublin awaits outside the door of this appealing little enclave: you’re minutes from St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and Temple Bar.


Number 31 was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Only breakfast is served – and Number 31 is justly famous for it. House specialities include poached pears in vanilla syrup, freshly baked soda bread with homemade preserves, smoked kippers and artisan yoghurt. Better still, fill up with the full Irish (everything you’d expect plus potato cake) and you won’t want to eat all day.


Breakfast
Excellent breakfasts are served until 10.30

Room service
No



See & Do
Fans of the black stuff should make a pilgrimage to the Guiness brewery, where of course tastings come with the tour. Breathe in some of the city’s history at Dublin Castle or Croke Park, spiritual home of Gaelic Games. Cross leafy St Stephen’s Green (or picnic there), see the ancient Book of Kells in the awesome library of historic Trinity College, see the statue of buxom Molly Malone and stroll through the squares and terraces of Georgian Dublin.

Diary Dates
March
Go green for the big St Patrick's Day festival (yes, even the beer is green), with five days of parties, parades and fireworks.

October
See the ghosts and ghoulies at the Samhain (Halloween) parade, complete with parades, street theatre and dancing.

GETTING THERE

Location
Leeson Close, Lower Leeson Street Dublin 2

Parking
There is free guest parking.

Trains
Connolly station – ten minutes

Taxis
Around EUR 10 from the station

Airport
Dublin – 10km

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
From EUR 150

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
Midday

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Children
Welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No