We travelled to Ireland and were able to experience Dublin and Galway with Radisson. The Radisson BLU Royal Hotel in Dublin and the Radisson RED in Galway are both excellent options — each offering a very different experience under the same international brand, here’s what you can expect from each hotel, and what makes their host cities so unique.

Radisson BLU Royal Hotel, Dublin

Located in the heart of Dublin, just a short stroll from St. Stephen’s Green and Dublin Castle, the Radisson BLU Royal offers a premium stay without being overly formal. The hotel strikes a great balance between modern comfort and understated luxury. The hotel is located within an 8KM radius of all the main attractions yes we tested it !

Spacious, sleek and exceptionally comfortable rooms here are modern, and generous in size — especially by city hotel standards. Think plush king beds, blackout curtains, a well-lit workspace, and thoughtful extras like a Nespresso machine, super-fast Wi-Fi, and a smart TV. The bathroom was a standout: beautifully tiled, with a powerful rain shower, premium toiletries, and in some upgraded rooms, a deep soaking tub that’s perfect after a long day of walking the city.

What truly elevates a stay here is Velvaere Spa, located just beneath the hotel. It’s a world away from the city streets above — dimly lit, beautifully designed, and immaculately serene.

Facilities include a vitality pool, salt room, sauna, and aromatherapy steam room, all part of their soothing thermal suite. Treatments range from hot stone massages and hydrating facials to tailored rituals using premium skincare brands. I opted for a Swedish massage, and from the calming welcome tea to the warm beds and expert pressure, it was easily one of the best spa experiences I’ve had in a hotel setting.

Even if you’re not staying here, Velvaere is worth booking for a bit of indulgence — but as a guest, having it just an elevator ride away was a real treat.

The hotel’s breakfast buffet offers both Irish classics and continental options in a bright, welcoming setting. If you’re staying during an event or private function, try to sneak a peek at the Caste Suite rooftop venue — with sweeping views over Dublin, it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

One added cool feature of this hotel is its deep connection to Dublin’s rich past. Building on its fascinating heritage, the hotel has recently introduced the Le Pole Trail—an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience that brings history to life like never before. By simply downloading the app (available on both Apple and Android) and scanning QR codes placed throughout the trail, guests can use their mobile devices to view stunning AR reconstructions of what this historic quarter looked like across the centuries.

It’s a brilliant blend of storytelling and technology that transforms a stay at the hotel into a memorable journey through time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Dublin’s hidden layers, great fun for all the family!

The Dublin Experience

Dublin is a city that combines history, nightlife, and culture in a walkable, welcoming package. Whether you’re exploring Trinity College, taking a literary pub crawl, or catching live music in a cozy bar, the city’s energy is infectious.

We were lucky enough to be hosted by The Irish House Party in Dublin. Set in an elegant Georgian townhouse just outside the city centre, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill dinner show. It’s intimate, genuinely traditional, and full of heart.

The evening began with a delicious three-course meal featuring Irish classics like creamy seafood chowder, traditional beef stew, and a decadent Bailey’s cheesecake. But it’s what came after that made it truly special: a live performance by professional musicians and dancers, hosted with warmth, humour, and charm.

The group played everything from lively reels to soulful ballads, sprinkled with funny stories and a bit of audience banter. What stood out most was the passion — it felt less like a performance and more like being invited into someone’s living room for a proper Irish session. It was the perfect cultural welcome and set the tone for the road trip ahead.

Lunch in Athlone: Guinness and History at Sean’s Bar

The next day we headed west toward Galway, taking the scenic route with a planned stop in Athlone — a lovely midlands town nestled along the River Shannon. It’s the kind of place you might miss on a tight itinerary, but don’t — because it’s home to something truly special: Sean’s Bar, widely regarded as the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 900 AD.

Stepping inside felt like crossing a threshold in time. The walls are lined with historical artefacts, and the floors are made of sawdust — a nod to centuries-old pub tradition. There’s something unbeatable about sipping a pint in a place that has stood the test of time for over 1,100 years.

Sean’s Bar is, officially, Ireland’s oldest pub. In fact, it’s the world’s oldest pub. This is because it dates back to, wait for it – 900 AD. In fact, it’s so old that it predates the Norman Castle you’ll find next door, which was built in the 12th century.

Radisson RED Galway

Over on the west coast, Galway offers a very different pace — and the Radisson RED reflects that perfectly. This newer property brings a bold, playful energy to a city already known for its creativity and charm.

From the moment you walk in, Radisson RED makes a statement. The lobby is sleek and modern with an edgy, urban design — think bold colours, striking artwork, and a soundtrack that hums with energy. It’s welcoming without being fussy. The staff were warm and casual (in the best way), and check-in was fast and easy.

This is a hotel that knows what it is: fun, contemporary, and ideal for city explorers or weekenders looking for comfort with personality. The hotel is based about a 10 minute cab ride away from the city centre which gives you a bit of calmness away from the centre of Galway.

Industrial chic meets cosy calm the room had a king-size bed with  punchy local artwork, and clever lighting that set the mood. Despite the modern styling, it didn’t feel stark — the mix of textures and smart use of space made it feel cosy yet cool. The bathroom was sleek and spotless, with again another powerful rain shower, fluffy robes, and luxe Irish-made toiletries.

The real gem was Lena’s — Galway’s first and only rooftop restaurant and bar. With panoramic views of Galway Bay and the city skyline, it’s the kind of place you could easily spend hours, whether you’re sipping cocktails at sunset or lingering over dinner.

The main menu at Lena’s is a well-curated mix of contemporary Irish and European dishes, with local ingredients and bold flavours at the forefront. Here’s a look at what’s on offer: highlights include West coast crab on toast , wild atlantic monkfish curry a dry-aged ribeye steak – the star of the show with a side of truffle & parmesan fries  a must-order side. For dessert a sticky toffee pudding – rich, indulgent, and worth every bite.

The cocktail list is inventive and leans on local ingredients — my favourite was the “Galway Girl”, a gin-based blend with elderflower and fresh lemon. The rooftop has a buzz without overwhelming the vibe. Extremely stylish but given its situated slightly outside of the centre there wasn’t an overly raucous crowd.

Exploring Galway

We had  a walking tour of the city — a brilliant way to get my bearings and dive into Galway’s fascinating mix of history, music, and modern energy.

Our guide led us through winding streets of the Latin Quarter, past iconic spots like the Spanish Arch and Lynch’s Castle, all while sharing tales of Galway’s merchant past, rebellious spirit, and musical soul. The city is incredibly walkable, and each corner seems to hold a new discovery — from colourful shopfronts and local crafts to talented street performers keeping the tradition of live Irish music alive and well.

After the tour we headed to salt hill beach and the diving platform. Bring your trunks and dive into the fresh water. Its an image that wouldn’t look out of place on the French Riviera. Definitely not one to miss!

Visiting The Radisson’s

In many ways, these two stays reflected the cities themselves:Dublin is grand and full of stories. Galway is expressive and full of life. Both Radisson hotels offer quality and consistency, but your choice will depend on your travel style. Wherever you go, both hotels make an excellent base to experience the best of Ireland.

If you’re travelling to Dublin find out more about the Radisson BLU and for those going to Galway here is the Radisson RED