THE REAL THING AT THE MERRION
The Merrion in Dublin is the perfect backdrop for all things romantic in the heart of a city where none other than St. Valentine found his final resting place. Created within four Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, The Merrion has intimate drawing rooms, working fireplaces, a very private 18th-century style garden, an extensive art collection and a two-Michelin star restaurant. Three weekend escapes lead the way to romance:
Real Love: Looking to rekindle that flame? The Merrion has partnered with The Gate Theatre to offer guests the best seats in the house for the forthcoming production The Real Thing - “a play which reminds you why you go to the theater and why you fall in love, and why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort.” The Real Thing was written by Tom Stoppard, one of the giants of modern playwriting. His razor-sharp wit burns with passion in this tender and poignant semi-autobiographical play of marital manoeuvring and the mysteries of love, commitment and authenticity. Real Love at The Merrion includes two tickets to see the production, overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast in bed, a bottle of chilled rosé champagne, Valentine’s chocolates and a Champagne Afternoon Tea served in one of The Merrion’s log fired, cozy Drawing Rooms. Available from February 13 to 15, 2009 and priced at €515 (approximately $714), per couple, per night.
Lasting Love: For classic romance, it does not get much better than an overnight stay at one of Dublin’s best, Georgian addresses, with full Irish breakfast, a bottle of chilled Rosé Champagne, Valentine’s chocolates and a bunch of red roses upon arrival. Available throughout February 2009, priced at €380 per couple (approximately $527), per night.
All Loved Up: And for Valentine’s night itself (Saturday, February 14th, 2009), guests can enjoy a luxurious double room at The Merrion with full Irish breakfast, a bottle of chilled rosé champagne and Valentines chocolates upon arrival, and a candlelit, three-course meal in The Merrion’s Cellar Restaurant.Available Saturday, February 14, 2009 and priced at €530 (approximately $735) per couple, per night.
About The Merrion
The Merrion showcases 123 guestrooms and 20 suites in restored Georgian townhouses that have been merged with a specially commissioned contemporary Garden Wing. Guests also enjoy The Tethra Spa with a range of treatments and an in-house pool, The Cellar Restaurant featuring inventive Irish cuisine, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin restaurant called Patrick Guilbaud, and Ireland’s largest collection of private art outside the National Gallery on display throughout the hotel.
To know more, visit www.merrionhotel.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".