Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar

There's something deliciously ironic about sipping a craft cocktail in what was once a Victorian schoolhouse. The Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar in Dublin has masterfully transformed a place where children once dreaded Monday mornings into somewhere adults can't wait to spend their evenings. And trust me, this is one instance where going back to school is actually a pleasure.

Walking through the doors of this architectural gem in Dublin's leafy Ballsbridge neighborhood feels like stepping into a perfectly curated blend of past and present. The original 1859 schoolhouse bones are everywhere you look – soaring ceilings, tall windows that flood the space with natural light, and exposed brick walls that have witnessed more than 150 years of Dublin history. But don't worry, there's not a stern headmaster or boring textbook in sight.

Instead, the Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar has become one of Dublin's most atmospheric spots for everything from morning coffee to midnight nightcaps. The restoration work here deserves an A+, preserving the building's Victorian character while injecting it with contemporary comfort. Original features like ornate cornicing and wooden beams mix seamlessly with plush leather seating and modern lighting that creates the kind of ambiance that makes you want to linger for "just one more."

The GastroBar is where the real magic happens. Picture yourself settling into a cozy corner booth beneath those towering windows, perhaps with a perfectly poured Guinness or one of their signature cocktails in hand. The bar staff here are like the cool teachers you wished you had in school – knowledgeable without being pretentious, ready with a recommendation or a bit of banter, whichever you prefer. Their cocktail menu reads like a delicious history lesson, with each drink telling its own story.

The food offering is equally impressive, and thankfully bears no resemblance to school cafeteria fare. The kitchen team has crafted a menu that celebrates Irish ingredients with contemporary flair. The beef comes from local farms, the seafood was likely swimming in Irish waters yesterday, and the produce is so fresh you can practically taste the morning dew. Whether you're dropping in for a casual lunch or settling in for a romantic dinner, the quality remains consistently high.

Breakfast here deserves special mention – it's the kind of morning feast that makes getting out of bed worthwhile. From perfectly poached eggs to house-made pastries that would make a French baker jealous, it's a spread that puts most hotel breakfasts to shame. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake up even the most reluctant morning person.

The hotel rooms themselves continue the clever school theme without overdoing it. Each one is named after a famous Irish writer (how fitting for a former schoolhouse), and they manage to feel both historic and thoroughly modern. Think high ceilings, original sash windows, and incredibly comfortable beds that make you want to skip your morning classes – or meetings, as the case may be.

What really sets the Schoolhouse apart, though, is its staff. In my numerous visits (all in the name of research, of course), I've witnessed them handle everything from romantic proposals to business meetings with the kind of effortless grace that makes hospitality look easy. They remember returning guests' names and drink preferences, and somehow manage to make everyone feel like the star pupil.

The location is another ace up its sleeve. Tucked away on a quiet street in Ballsbridge, it's removed enough from the tourist trails to feel like a local secret, yet close enough to the city center that you won't spend a fortune on taxis. The nearby Aviva Stadium makes it perfect for match days, while the peaceful surroundings make it equally suitable for a quiet weekend getaway.

If you're looking for a uniquely Dublin experience that combines history, hospitality, and seriously good food and drink, the Schoolhouse Hotel & GastroBar should be at the top of your list. And unlike your actual school days, this is one place where you'll definitely want to show up early and stay late. Just don't forget to make a reservation – this is one lesson you don't want to miss out on.