Keavan’s Port Hotel on Dublin’s Camden Street is the first hotel to open in the city since the pandemic began. The 89-bedroom opened its doors today from 7.00am and is owned by JD Wetherspoon, the pub and hotel operators.
The site in Camden Street Upper and Lower was derelict for many years. It is comprised of eight Georgian buildings, seven of which are listed, and a former convent. Behind the front a series of new buildings will face onto Grantham Place at the rear, linked by a glass corridor.
The hotel was officially opened this morning by Michael and William Earley relatives of Earley Studios, an ecclesiastical stained-glass manufacturer, that was originally based where the hotel is now. The Earley name in stained-glass, has been retained over the entrance to the hotel.
The extensive building and renovation work was overseen by conservation architects and skilled craftsmen were employed for the development. It is a substantial property, with many areas to sit and relax, have a drink or eat. Part of the buildings had been the convent of the Little Sisters of the Assumption.
Huge Atrium Area
The hotel features a substantial outdoor atrium in the centre with a garden-like feel from the careful planting. Dotted around are lots of interesting pieces of art and sculptures. Unusual pieces of furniture and reclaimed planters, add to the interest. You could spend a day here just reading about all the memorabilia on the walls.
The original redbrick church of Little Sisters of the Assumption in the centre of the development. Much of its ecclesiastical fittings including the holy water font have been retained. It is now a restaurant.
Food served from 7.00am
The bar and hotel stock a wide range of beers, such as JHB, Jaipur India Pale Ale, Strongbow Cider, stout is Beamish and there is Kopperberg on tap. Cocktail Pitchers are available from two for €17 and wines from €5.25 for a small bottle. The restaurant opens at 7.00am and serves food all day, breakfast muffin from €3.90, Lavazza coffee for €1.25.
The carpets in the main areas of the hotel and linking to the new building were designed specially to look like stained glass. All the rooms are en suite and comprise of doubles and family rooms.
JD Wetherspoon have the following properties in the republic, The Three Tun in Blackrock, and The Forty Food in Dun Laoghaire. The Old Borough in Swords is the only other hotel. The Great Wood is in Blanchardstown and in Cork the pub is called the Linen Weaver. In 2018 the Tullow Gate opened in Carlow and in 2019 the Silver Penny on Dublin’s Lower Abbey Street.
Food will be available from 7am to 10.30pm, seven days per week. The introductory cost of a room is €85 (Sunday to Wednesday) and €125 (Thursday to Saturday), until September 26. Next weekend is already booked out. Rooms can be booked via the Wetherspoon website (www.jdwetherspoon.com) or on booking.com.
Keavan’s Port hotel and pub – 1-5 Camden Street Upper and 49-52 Camden Street Lower, Dublin 2.