
In the 1930s, The Shelbourne became a haven for Ireland’s renowned literary and musical talents. Composer Seán Ó Riada and tenor John McCormack, poets Patrick Kavanagh and Seamus Heaney and playwright Brendan Behan were frequent patrons. Legend has it, in The Horseshoe Bar, O’Riada suggested The Chieftains as the name for musician Paddy Moloney’s new group.
The Shelbourne is undergoing room renovations from June 2026 to May 2027 – some daytime noise may occur. The Spa, including the swimming pool, closes from 6th June 2026.