When I was planning our trip to Ireland, I knew we would be moving around a lot. We would be staying in six different accommodations in two weeks, and the choices that we made had to keep us comfortable and safe. With thousands of options from Airbnb to converted castle stays, I had a big task ahead of me. When researching Dublin hotels on aggregate sites like TripAdvisor, Booking, and Hotels.com, The Address Connolly stood out as pricey yet perfectly located from Connolly train station — ideal for our train arrival from our epic trip to County Donegal.
Standard Room – The Address Connolly Dublin – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
Short reviews hinted at modern comfort and good location but lacked the detailed firsthand insights readers expect from Hotel Scoop’s travel writers. That’s why we share our full experience on matters for travelers weighing convenience against reality.
The Address Connolly traces its roots to 19th-century Amiens Street, built to welcome rail travelers in Dublin’s Georgian heyday. Revived by the McGettigan family from a small 20-room inn in the 1970s, it grew into a sleek hotel under The Address Collective banner in 2020. This modest chain has properties in Dublin, Cork, Sligo, and Glasgow.
Prime Transit Location
Arriving from Sligo in County Donegal, we stepped off the train at Connolly Station and crossed the street to the hotel – this is pure convenience for train travelers exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. To my surprise, the surrounding area felt a bit suspect after dark, with a gritty urban edge, and loud trains running overhead, which gave us pause. I’d be amazed if I didn’t suggest caution when you wander out in the evening. It’s best to stick to bus and tram routes – this was the only time we felt trepidation when walking around Dublin in the evening.
EPIC Museum – Dublin – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
That said, if you are attending a concert at the 3 Arena or want to walk to the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum, this is a great location. The other reason this works is the proximity to the Busaras bus station (we took the bus from Dublin to Letterkenny earlier in our trip). In the morning we walked from the hotel to our meeting point for our Rabbie’s Tour of Northern Ireland, the streets were busy but it was best to walk the 20 minutes than to take public transit.
Chaotic Check-In, Room Shortfalls
Check-in unfolded amid peak-hour chaos, with long lines and inefficient processing that tried our patience despite the staff’s polite demeanor. Our assigned room, disappointingly near the elevators despite requests for quiet, greeted us with a leaking air conditioner (towels sopping on the floor) and finicky lights; maintenance arrived promptly but merely shut off the AC, giving us a bit of a stuffy, fitful sleep. At this price point—steep for Dublin visitors—it felt more 3-star in execution than the promised luxury I had been led to believe.
Room Drawback and Perks
Standard Room – The Address Connolly Dublin – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
A/C and lighting problems aside, our standard room had a view of an office/apartment building directly across from a pedestrian street and the elevated train tracks close by. Looks can be deceiving; this was not a quiet hotel or location. Overall, the room was fairly standard for a city property with two beds, a desk with plenty of outlets, a small safe, a mini-fridge, and a hot beverage tray. There was room to hang up clothes, and the bathroom was large enough to have a bathtub – readers of my reviews know I love this feature!
Bathroom – The Address Connolly Dublin – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
I was curious about the dedicated elevator and asked about where this led. I later found out it was for the exclusive Club Room/Suites and the Club Lounge. Located on the 7th floor rooftop, with panoramic views, continental breakfast, and all-day refreshments—these rooms are available behind a paywall for Club Room/Suite guests only, out of reach on standard bookings like ours. When we requested a room change due to leaking AC and faulty lights, no upgrade to these VIP rooms or perks was floated as an option (for a supplement of €30+)—a missed chance to salvage our stay at those premium rates.
This may be something to look into when booking, as these Club Rooms have restricted elevators to Club floors, including complimentary newspapers, Wi-Fi, and comfy seating with TVs and complimentary breakfast, making the additional cost worth it.
Amenities and Dining Notes
The Address Connolly offers solid amenities like a 24-hour front desk, sauna, gym, and smart-room tech in its 278 refreshed bedrooms, blending Georgian character with Irish touches. The fitness Centre is fairly large with enough gym equipment to satisfy exercise enthusiasts.
Fitness Centre – The Address Connolly Dublin – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
On-site eating spots include NORTH for Irish fare and The Parlor lobby bar for drinks. We did not visit NORTH or The Parlor but opted to walk around the neighborhood in search of a quick bite – something that was easier said than done. We ended up walking about four blocks away, only to pick up groceries at the Tesco and bring them back to the hotel.
NORTH offers an early bird menu from Sunday to Thursday between 3 – 6 pm for a reasonable €29-34.50 for 2 or 3 courses. In a city that loves crafted cocktails, you will find a selection of both alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks at any of the eating options.
Lobby – Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
On a side note, if you are on a budget or in a hurry, there is a SPAR convenience store beside the hotel for cheap eats and cold beverages (the sausage rolls are good for grab-and-go breakfast). If you decide to upgrade to a Club Room, a complimentary continental breakfast and all-day tea/coffee are available in the lounge.
Alternative Options
For train hoppers needing a quick, location-driven stay across from Connolly Station, The Address Connolly delivers solid convenience amid its rich Georgian heritage. Yet at premium nightly rates often exceeding €350-€450+ in peak season, the service inconsistencies, maintenance mishaps, and gritty area vibes demand scrutiny—landing it closer to a 3-star experience with a 4-star price tag.
Check rates online for The Address Connolly at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
When stacked against peers like the Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane (€220ish, offering consistent luxury near the Luas without the questionable surrounds), there are other options to consider.
Check rates for the Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin Airport – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
A quieter airport-adjacent escape proved far more pleasant in my recent stay at the Radisson Blu Dublin Airport, where smooth service, comfort, and calm outpaced this spot’s chaos despite being out of town. Alternatives like the historic O’Callaghan Davenport Hotel or polished The Merrion Hotel deliver a more elevated experience with added charm, while the eco-luxe Iveagh Garden Hotel offers serene luxury. Stay tuned for my upcoming review of the budget-friendly easyHotel Dublin, further in town to free up your pocketbook for splurging on dinners, drinks, or attractions.
Honest Recommendation
For rail travelers, The Address Connolly excels due to its prime location directly across from Connolly Station and Busaras Bus Station. Mature travelers seeking greater tranquility and value may prefer alternatives highlighted in other Hotel Scoop.com reviews, or consider reserving a Club Lounge upgrade in advance online. The expanded rooms, complimentary breakfast, rooftop vistas, and exclusive perks often elevate the experience beyond standard accommodations.
