The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin

I spent the afternoon of my 2nd day in Dublin whisking myself through The National Museum of Archaeology. Afterwards, Amiee and I skipped along Grafton Street and opted to freshen up and relax before dinner.

A national treasure built in 1824, The Shelbourne Hotel has been magnificently restored and is wildly known as the creme de la creme in five-star accommodation and dining in Dublin. This is where visiting celebrities are spotted, rock bands party hearty, notables pop by for a feast. I arrived before the rest of the group as I wanted to explore their public spaces. I was thrilled to see the lobby bar was packed and elegant as ever with chandeliers dangling overhead.

I was ushered into the hotels fine dining concept, The Saddle Room and whisked past their oyster bar and open kitchen. With a glass of champagne in hand I reveled in the regal. By 6pm the room had filled with my press peeps and everyone was ready to relax and indulge in a proper culinary parade. I’m always amazed at how a delightful meal can be quickly logged into our memory as “a special one” thanks to the smile induced banter from those that sit with us at the table.

The kitchen at The Saddle Room really is doing a marvellous job at executing perfect plates that resonate with Irish terroir and haute cuisine sensibilities. Highlights included a goat cheese centric salad, roast chicken with morteau sausage and a whisky soaked bread and butter pudding. Next time you find yourself in the Irish capital be sure to treat yourself to a memorable meal time in the lap of luxury at The Shelbourne Hotel’s Saddle Room.

Special thanks to Tourism Ireland for hosting my dinner at The Saddle Room.

The Feast:

Salad of St Tolas Goats Cheese

beetroot, apple, candied pecans

House Cured Castletownbere Salmon

citrus segments, honey mustard emulsion

Roast Breast of Chicken

coco beans, morteau sausage, crispy bacon

Grilled Seatrout

baby broccoli, hollandaise sauce

Sirloin Steak

sauteed spinach, onion rings