Venue spotlight: Take a chance on The Chancery

If you're looking to mix business and leisure, as increasingly more of us are, there are few better cities to do it in than Dublin.

The Irish capital's reputation as a good-time destination is almost without parallel, as people flock from the world over to enjoy the unique craic on offer. And for business meetings and events too, the high standard of venues both large and small mark Dublin out as a real big-hitter.

To that list of top venues you can now add The Chancery Hotel, a standout addition to Dublin’s luxury hospitality scene, offering an exceptional setting for both business and leisure travellers.

Tucked behind Dublin Castle in the historic Little Italy district, the refined property provides a prestigious and convenient location for meetings and corporate events - or a weekend getaway, which is how I found myself in the Irish capital's latest luxury independent hotel. 

From the moment you walk in to the hotel's sleek, contemporary lobby, you feel welcomed, relaxed - and a little bit pampered.

After checking in, my eyes were drawn longingly to the bar, which looked like the kind of sophisticated hangout that would be perfect to kick off a night out in Dublin. So it proved - The Chancery Bar takes its cocktail programme seriously, right down to making all of its syrups in-house. My bespoke Negroni infused with dark chocolate and pineapple was a contemporary spin on a classic.

The short bar menu - soups, salad, sandwiches - was perfect for a light lunch showcasing the best of Ireland's larder.

The Chancery's rooms have a quiet sophistication, their calm, pared-back style achieved with natural, sustainable materials throughout. There are modern touches throughout as well, whether it's the VDA controlled blinds and lighting or the bedside USB ports.

The high ceilings of the lower ground floor Deluxe King rooms offer a great sense of airiness, while also imbued with the comfortably luxurious feel that pervades the whole hotel.

The Terrace Suites are the hotel's most exclusive spaces to stay - and at 26sqm, the most generously proportioned, extending to 26 sq metres. The four suite each feature panoramic views of Dublin’s modern and ancient skyline from their generous balconies.

The hotel’s event spaces are elegantly designed; modern and charmingly just-so. Whether hosting an intimate board meeting or a stylish corporate reception, the Chancery Hotel delivers. The meeting rooms are well-equipped with the latest technology, and the dedicated events team ensures seamless planning and execution. 

The wellness hub has a calming, peaceful atmosphere and feels like an oasis in the heart of the city, making it easy to switch off and escape the hubbub of busy Dublin.

The impressive gym facilities are high quality, with plenty of treadmills, weights and other machines to get in a proper workout. It's a great setup if you want to exercise before unwinding or heading out for the day.

My travelling companions both enjoyed a full-body massage, which one of them called "honestly one of the best I've had", hailing the professional and friendly therapist. The wellness staff were fantastic - helpful and welcoming without being intrusive, enabling everyone to feel relaxed and refreshed.

From wellness hub to wellness pub - those seeking a different kind of refreshment should head around the corner from The Chancery to one of Dublin's finest and most atmospheric drinking establishments, The Long Hall.

Entering the pub is like stepping back in time; the ornate Victorian fixtures and fittings have barely changed in 150 years. It's all carved wood, antique clocks and mismatched chandeliers - and is famed for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in Dublin.

Also in the immediate vicinity of The Chancery is the Chester Beatty, described by Lonely Planet as ‘not just the best museum in Ireland but one of the best in Europe’. Spending an hour or two in the company of the museum's stunning manuscripts, rare books, and other treasures from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, it's hard to disagree.