The Fitzwilliam Hotel occupies a corner position on the west side of St Stephen's Green in Dublin 2, facing the park across Grafton Street's southern end. The LUAS Green Line stop at St Stephen's Green is immediately outside the hotel's entrance; Trinity College is an eight-minute walk to the northeast, and the National Concert Hall is a five-minute walk on Earlsfort Terrace.
The hotel opened in 1998, designed by architect Terry Farrell in a contemporary idiom that stands in deliberate contrast to the Georgian streetscape of the Green. The exterior is clad in pale limestone with a restrained modern finish, and the interior continues this contemporary tone through clean lines, neutral palettes, and contemporary Irish artwork. A rooftop garden terrace on the eighth floor provides an outdoor space rarely found in Dublin city centre hotels.
The Fitzwilliam has 139 rooms and suites. Superior and Deluxe rooms run from approximately 30 to 40 square metres; Junior Suites add a separate sitting area, and the Penthouse Suite on the top floor has private access to the rooftop terrace. Rooms facing St Stephen's Green carry a premium and enjoy elevated views over the treetops.
The principal restaurant is Glovers Alley, operated by chef Andy McFadden and holder of a Michelin star. The menu is modern European with strong Irish produce sourcing; the chef's tasting menus are among the most discussed in the Dublin dining scene. The Twist cocktail bar on the ground floor operates with an independent identity, drawing a local evening crowd.
The Fitzwilliam does not have an on-site spa or swimming pool, but a well-equipped fitness centre is available to guests. The absence of a pool is the main practical distinction from the Merrion and Shelbourne at a comparable price point.
Service is attentive and discreet. The hotel maintains a quieter profile than some of the larger luxury properties and is favoured by guests seeking a less formal atmosphere. Business amenities include a small meeting room suite.
Room types
- Superior
- Deluxe
- Junior Suite
- Penthouse
Amenities
- Restaurant (Glovers Alley — Michelin starred)
- Bar (Twist)
- Gym
- Rooftop garden
Location
St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 RV96
53.3376, -6.2614 View on map
Highlights
- Glovers Alley restaurant — Michelin-starred modern European dining by chef Andy McFadden
- Rooftop garden terrace on the eighth floor, one of the few outdoor hotel roof spaces in central Dublin
- St Stephen's Green corner location with LUAS stop immediately outside the entrance
- Contemporary architecture and interior design offering a different character to the city's Georgian hotels
- 139 rooms at a scale that allows more personalised service than the larger luxury properties
Tips for visiting
- Secure a Glovers Alley reservation before arriving — the restaurant books out weeks in advance, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinner.
- The rooftop garden is open to guests in warmer months; check with reception on arrival, as access is weather-dependent.
- Green-facing rooms cost more but the park views are particularly good at dawn and dusk when the city is quieter.
- The Twist bar is a good option for a pre-dinner cocktail without a hotel reservation — it draws a mix of locals and guests.