Book an overnight stay and make the most of the hotel’s collaboration with The Gate theatre this autumn …
The family-owned Doyle Collection is synonymous with many things – elegant hotels, gorgeous terraces, an impressive art collection, and cultural partnerships in the cities where they are based. For example, in London, The Kensington has exclusive offers with the neighbouring V&A Museum which are not to be missed. At the moment, guests can enjoy tickets to “Naomi: In Fashion” – one of the hottest fashion exhibitions in the capital.
In Dublin, The Croke Park offers guests the “15-Minute Dublin” experience which gives them an insider’s guide to the city, highlighting local gems as well as giving exclusive access to new productions at the nearby Gate Theatre on Parnell Square.
I checked in recently to enjoy this offer and also take in one of the sell-out performances of Brian Friel’s play Dancing at Lughnasa. Set in Donegal in the fictional town of Ballybeg, this “memory” play centres around the Mundy sisters and their hopes for a summer of love. Although inevitably tragic, it’s beautifully directed by Caroline Byrne and celebrates female resilience with mesmeric performances by Zara Devlin, Lauren Farrell, Nickey Harley, Molly Logan and Ruth McGill. I particularly liked the melancholic, dreamlike nostalgia evoked which was reflected in the superb lighting and the set where the silhouette of a field and its crops added to the ambiance.
The play was the finale of a carefully choreographed evening which began with a cocktail on the pretty Garden Terrace of The Croke Park, which was bathed in sunlight. The Terrace has its own cocktail bar, retractable awning and heaters, so it’s a great year-round outdoor space (and is also available for private hire).
I recommend the pre-theatre dinner (€35 for two courses, or €41 for three) in the glamorous Hawthorn restaurant. It was part of a recent renovation project at Croke Park – during which the ground floor was totally reconfigured. The Hawthorn’s panelled dining room features comfy velvet banquette seating, with specially commissioned artworks from Adam Ellis Studio, which nod to the hotel’s sporting heritage. Croke Park, of course, is a one minute stroll from the hotel as is the vibrant Drumcondra foodie neighbourhood.
The Hawthorn’s menu champions local seafood, (from Wrights in nearby Marino), as well as excellent John Stone steaks, Quigley’s lamb and chicken, and vegan-friendly options. It’s only a five minute taxi ride, or short walk, to the Gate Theatre, so there’s no sense of rush before the curtain call.
My companions and I enjoyed a post-theatre debrief and nightcap in The Sideline Bar (try the Maverick Martini), before retiring to our rooms. My Deluxe room was comfortable and quiet with king size bed, huge television screen, Nespresso machine and toiletries by The White Company in the bathroom. I slept well and felt grateful for having discovered such a stylish destination. No doubt The Sideline Bar and its terraces are the place to be over forthcoming weekends when AC/DC and Coldplay play Croke Park stadium.
Need to Know: 15 Minute Dublin: Celebrating female stories at The Gate Theatre is available to book for a one-night stay in The Croke Park every Thursday through to Saturday until September 21, with rates starting from €375 for two guests sharing. www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-croke-park-hotel/