Luck was certainly on my side when I visited the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day. What I experienced captivated my heart and nourished my sense of wonder, which is due in large part to my unforgettable stay at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. With its unmistakable Irish charm — evident in every corner of the property and from every member of the hospitality team — the luxury hotel offered me a window into a side of Dublin often overlooked by tourists.
Historic Location: Docklands
Situated in the modern Docklands area, Anantara The Marker overlooks Grand Canal Square and the waterfront area near Dublin Bay, reflecting the city’s mix of contemporary charm, rich history and cultural heritage. Originally a Viking settlement and trade hub, Dublin has evolved with diverse architecture, including the engineering marvel of the Grand Canal Dock, now home to tech giants such as TikTok, Facebook and Google.
The hotel’s name, “The Marker,” honors the Grand Canal’s trading legacy: The canal’s 82 miles were once lined with cast iron “markers” that signified the distance until journey’s end; the hotel is located where the final marker was situated.
The property’s architecture, meanwhile, draws inspiration from Ireland’s natural landscapes, including the geometric shapes that exist naturally on the island — from the rugged Burren to the unique hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway.
Accommodations, Activities and Amenities
Each of Anantara The Marker’s 187 rooms and suites have striking views of either the city, Grand Canal, Dublin Bay or the mountains, thanks in large part to floor-to-ceiling windows. Accommodations feature ergonomic furnishings, high-tech amenities and indulgent bathrooms. My 377-square-foot Premium Room offered a flat-screen television, a Nespresso Zenius machine, a desk, a marble bathroom with a separate tub and rain shower and views overlooking the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and the Grand Canal.
In keeping with the Anantara philosophy, the hotel upholds the three main pillars of the brand — Indigenous, Expertise and Authentic Luxury — in everything that it does, and it can be felt all over the property. With a focus on wellness, the award-winning on-site spa offers a host of body treatments and massages, as well as a 75-foot indoor infinity pool, a steam room, a eucalyptus-infused sauna and a whirlpool tub. It was the best way to start my mornings before heading out for the day.
Credit: 2024 Karthika Gupta
But perhaps one of my favorite spots was the stylish rooftop bar and terrace that offers stunning panoramic views. Every evening, I headed up there to photograph the skyline and soak up dramatic sunsets that cast an orange hue over the city.
Experiences in Dublin
What truly sets Anantara The Marker apart are its unforgettable bespoke experiences; each is uniquely crafted to allow visitors to assimilate into local culture and lifestyle. For food lovers, the signature Spice Spoons journey with executive chef Gareth Mullins is a special treat.
Clients spend the day with Mullins as he takes them around the small fishing village of Howth, just 30 minutes from the city, then on a chartered fishing boat around Dublin Bay (where travelers will see dolphins and seals, if they’re lucky). Back at the dock, Mullins takes guests to Kish Fish, one of Ireland’s most prestigious salmon smokehouses, before heading back to the hotel for Irish soda bread baking lessons.
Credit: 2024 Karthika Gupta
Other curated experiences include Wild Swimming where guests plunge into a seaside swimming spot frequented by locals with the guidance of an open sea swimming coach; Irish National Stud and Gardens, a horse-racing deep dive with a leading horse trainer; and Afternoon Tea: Poetry and Places, which pays homage to Ireland’s literary history.
For me, the highlight was the Docklands Storytelling Tour, which features Derek Brennan, and Irish storyteller and guest experience and guardianship manager for Anantara the Marker. Brennan has been with the hotel since its inception in 2013 and showcases the rich history of the Docklands with his captivating narratives, weaving together history and tales that breathe life into the area’s past.
What to See Near the Hotel
Of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without seeing all the city has to offer. One must-visit is Epic The Irish Emigration Museum, located within walking distance of the hotel. The interactive museum covers the history of the Irish diaspora and emigration to other countries.
Just around the corner is The Ferryman Townhouse, a pub filled with locals who are more than willing to share a table with visitors and show them how to drink a pint in under 10 seconds. Grafton Street,The Temple Bar and Trinity College Dublin are about 30 minutes from the hotel if clients are up for a wander. And don’t forget to keep an evening free to visit the famous Guinness Storehouse. During a guided tour, travelers will learn all about the process of making Guinness and can even print a “stoutie” — a selfie on the beer’s foamy head.
