Kilronan House

Kilronan House has 23 rooms spread between a white building erected in 1854 and a second, newer building. The older building is one of the few remaining examples in central Dublin of that period of architecture. The interiors maintain their old-world feel, with Waterford crystal chandeliers from the early 20th century and slightly chintzy floral upholstery. The reception area has rich red carpeting, an antique credenza, and a Tiffany-style lamp. The elegant Georgian parlor -- with parquet floors, yellow-striped wallpaper, antiques furnishings, dark wood accents, a fireplace, chesterfield sofas with needlepoint pillows, and pictures of Irish writers on the wall -- is a popular spot for guests to lounge and enjoy the homemade scones and fresh tea that are laid out throughout the day. Note that Kilronan House does not have an elevator, so guests with limited mobility should ask for a ground-floor room. Kilronan House largely draws a tourist crowd, especially couples who appreciate the history and intimate feel. As a family-run spot, the bed-and-breakfast feels warm and welcoming, and the owners are happy to assist with sightseeing, restaurant, and theater recommendations.

Kilronan House is located on Adelaide Road, a fairly busy street in Dublin's sedate Georgian Quarter. Residences and a few offices surround the inn. The Luas tram line runs on the street outside, and St. Stephen's Green is one stop (about a five-minute walk) north. The National Concert Hall is a three-minute walk north, the Iveagh Gardens are a five-minute walk northwest, and Grafton Street shopping is about a 10-minute walk north. The National Gallery and National Museum of Ireland are a 10-minute walk north and Trinity College and the Book of Kells are about a 15-minute walk away. St. Patrick's Cathedral is a 15-minute walk northwest, and Temple Bar's nightlife, Ha'Penny Bridge, and Dublin Castle are all about a 20-minute walk to the north. Aviva Stadium is an eight-minute drive east, the Guinness Storehouse is a 15-minute drive northwest, and the Old Jameson Distillery is a 20-minute drive northwest of the inn. Dublin Airport is a 25-minute drive north of the Kilronan. The hotel does offer some parking for a fee. 

The 23 non-smoking rooms at Kilronan House come in Economy, Single, Double, Twin, Family, and Triple configurations. All are simple but homey in style, with chairs, wallpaper, and wardrobes that channel the neighborhood's Georgian history; furnishings are high-quality and the soothing color palette leans heavily on beige, white, yellow, and ochre. Family Rooms have bay windows overlooking the terrace, while Single Rooms are a little small. All have orthopedic mattresses and memory foam pillows, as well as hairdryers, bottled water, coffee/tea makers, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Rooms do not have mini-fridges, minibars, or in-room safes. Bathrooms are clean and well-lit, if a little small, and there's not a lot of counter space around the sink. Some rooms have shared bathrooms. There's no bar soap or bottled shampoo, but rather a dispenser with a combination hair and body wash. Some bathrooms are shower only. Note that rooms on the front of the building have the best views, while those on the back are quieter.

As a small bed-and-breakfast, Kilronan House has limited facilities. The inn's main feature is its ample, high-quality free breakfast, served daily in the dining room. The menu features fruit salad, organic yogurt, muesli, cereal, pancakes, omelets, soda bread, scones, home-made jam, wild Irish smoked salmon with eggs, and a full Irish breakfast with black and white pudding, tomatoes, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, and eggs. The parlor is always stocked with homemade scones and fresh tea. Limited parking is also available for a fee, and staff are available 24 hours a day. The inn has a rack of tourist brochures and maps, and the staff are happy to assist with restaurant reservations, theater tickets, and sightseeing recommendations.