Our History
Affectionately known as ‘The Grand Dame of Dublin’, this historic 5 star hotel located on St Stephen’s Green stands as a witness to many pivotal moments in Irish history and played host to many of the legendary figures who played their parts.
Social & Cultural History
Dublin’s Grande Dame
Since 1824 when Martin Burke first conceived the notion of establishing a lavish and sophisticated hotel in Dublin’s premier locale, The Shelbourne has captivated visitors from around the world. His penchant for innovation that included the introduction of gas lighting and opulent drawing rooms simply added to the allure.
A Magnet for Glamour
During what came to be known as Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Shelbourne was the hotel of choice for an illustrious band of luminaries from stage and screen. From Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy, to Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and so many more, their undeniable glamour was eclipsed only by our own.
Words and Music
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.
High Jinks
Although not officially documented anywhere, rumoured high jinks amongst famous guests include Peter O’Toole insisting on bathing in champagne and James Cagney dancing on the piano in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge. Obviously, any staff in attendance at the time were far too discreet to confirm or deny.
The Original Ladies Who Lunch
In the days when it was less than acceptable for women to frequent bars – even with their husbands – The Shelbourne provided The Causerie, a beautiful lounge overlooking St Stephen’s Green where ladies could indulge in a smorgasbord of dainty open sandwiches while recuperating from their trawls through Dublin’s finest shops.
Political History
Michael Collins
An iconic figure in Irish history, Collins led the Easter Rising of 1916 and co-founded the Irish Free State. Despite controversy, he symbolises independence as, in 1922, he convened at The Shelbourne Hotel’s Room 112 to draft Ireland’s inaugural constitution.
Constance Georgine Markievicz
Depicted in the Paul Slater mural in the Shelbourne’s 1824 Bar, Countess Markievicz was an aristocratic feminist and champion of the poor whose revolutionary spirit sustained her as both politician and prisoner during the Irish revolution. Suite 538 is named in her honour.
Room 112
In 1922, a committee chaired by Michael Collins convened in Room 112 to draft the first Irish Constitution, making The Shelbourne the backdrop to the birth of the Irish Free State. Now named the Constitution room, the original antique chairs and the table on which this historic document was signed are still there.
Easter Monday 1916
On Easter Monday 1916 when fighting broke out on Stephen’s Green, the typically understated reaction of The Shelbourne staff was to move Afternoon Tea from The Drawing Room to the Writing and Reading Room for safety. The following morning, however, the hotel windows were sandbagged and shuttered and the grand entrance barricaded.
High Society
Arguably, the inception of The Shelbourne’s political history was her strategic naming after William, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, former British Prime Minister and previous owner of the site. There is no doubt that this significantly helped align the hotel with nobility and aristocracy, establishing it as the pinnacle of Dublin society.
Our Guests
Stars of the Silver Screen
Once Hollywood royalty and a darling of director Alfred Hitchcock, Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco simply loved The Shelbourne and visited on many occasions over the years. Over time they developed a fondness for a particular suite that was subsequently named in honour of the princess.
John Ford
Hollywood Director John Ford was a frequent guest of The Shelbourne, leaving behind personal correspondence with Maureen O’Hara, showcased in her namesake suite. His iconic film “The Quiet Man” earned him his 4th Oscar, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
William Makepiece Thackeray
On his famous visit to Ireland in 1842 the Irish Sketch Book author’s stay at the Shelbourne set him back six and eightpence a day and included, in his own words, a ‘queer little room’, a ‘copious breakfast’, a ‘perpetual lunch’, and a ‘plentiful dinner, served at six o’clock’.
Maureen O’Hara
Renowned for her spirited charm, fierce beauty and captivating wit, Maureen O’Hara, Hollywood icon and beloved Irish heroine, found solace and inspiration at The Shelbourne, her cherished Dublin haven. Her unforgettable role in “The Quiet Man” further solidified her place in Irish hearts worldwide.
A President’s Choice
Even before becoming President of the United States, John F Kennedy recognised that only The Shelbourne would provide the elegance, luxury and social stimulation he was seeking when he visited Dublin with his wife Jacqueline in 1958. Naturally, it was again his choice when he returned to Dublin for an official visit in 1963.
FAQs
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