Dooly'S Hotel Birr | Historic Hotel Since 1747

Name: Dooly'S Hotel, Birr
Address: Emmet Square, Birr, Offaly
Price range: US$71+
Rating: 7.6

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Key details

About the Hotel

Emmet Square, Birr

Close to Birr Castle

Very good

7.6

/10

5.0

4.3

Loved by Dooly'S Hotel guests

Comfortable room

Friendly staff

Delicious food

Excellent location

"Once inside, you're likely to be greeted by a genuinely kind person who will show you to the breakfast area and give you sightseeing and restaurant suggestions."

Marie-therese from United States

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"I enjoyed a curry my first night in the hotel restaurant, and you cannot beat the quality and portion of the complimentary breakfast."

Marie-Therese H

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"It is the oldest hotel in the country which I did not know until the young gentleman on reception shared with us when I arrived."

Kiki

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3-star hotel in the heart of Birr with a lively bar scene

Accommodations

Dooly's Hotel offers 17 boutique style guest rooms featuring a blend of old world elegance with current standards. Each room is equipped with comfortable furnishings that make for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy midweek quietness or lively weekend nights in a central location.

Dining Options

The Emmet Restaurant at Dooly's delivers a renowned local reputation for quality food and service with a diverse a la carte menu. Guests can experience light bites or full meals in the Coach House Bar, which serves local dishes daily. The Bianconi Courtyard provides an outdoor setting for alfresco dining in a unique atmosphere.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The hotel features Melba's Nightclub, an exciting venue known for its energetic atmosphere and house DJs. Guests can unwind at the traditional Coach House Bar with a vibrant drink menu and live music on weekends. Dooly's also offers options for hen parties and stag parties, creating memorable experiences.

Event Spaces

Dooly's Hotel accommodates various event sizes, with the capability to host up to 300 guests in its wedding venue. Meeting rooms include options for all layouts, catering to both small and large groups. This flexibility allows guests to plan corporate events or personal celebrations with ease.

Local Attractions

Located centrally in Birr, Dooly's Hotel is surrounded by local activities and attractions, including championship golf courses and historical sites like Birr Castle. Guests can explore the Slieve Bloom Mountains for hiking and outdoor adventure. The hotel is also close to boating and fishing on the River Shannon, offering exciting day trips.

Highlights

Location: Centrally located in Birr

Dining: Emmet Restaurant with a la carte menu

Entertainment: Melba's Nightclub for vibrant nightlife

Event Spaces: Seating for up to 300 guests

“For travelers wanting to experience the heart of Birr, this long-standing hotel places you squarely in the center. History permeates the building, dating back to 1747, though some may find elements of the decor a bit behind the times. The friendly staff and plentiful breakfast stand out, creating a comfortable, if not cutting-edge, stay.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningTasty Dishes

The restaurant served a varied menu with locally sourced ingredients. Delicious food and a cozy atmosphere!

Michael from United Kingdom

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Plenty of free parking spaces available; no stress finding a spot!

Ingrid from Sweden

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Room FeaturesCozy Stay

The room was clean, warm, and comfortable. It was the perfect place to relax after a long day.

David from Canada

Review on

BathroomClean Bathroom

The bathroom was spotless. The water pressure in the shower was excellent. Everything was functional.

Emma from Australia

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Select your room type

Dooly'S Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Dooly'S Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Free parking
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Horseback riding
Golf course

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Dooly's Hotel presents a delightful array of dining options that celebrate local ingredients and rich history. Guests are invited to indulge in the charming atmosphere of The Emmet Restaurant and the cozy coffee shop, each offering a unique glimpse into the culinary traditions of Birr.

The Emmet Restaurant
Irish cuisine with a focus on local produce
Ambiance
A historic setting adorned with portraits and photographs that tell the story of the inn's past
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include Barbary duck and pan-fried sea bass, alongside an award-winning a la carte menu and a hearty Sunday Lunch
Reservation
Reservations recommended
Open for lunch and dinner from 12:30 PM to 9 PM daily
Coffee Shop
Casual café offering home-cooked fare and pastries
Ambiance
A welcoming space perfect for groups or relaxing afternoons with friends
Key Offerings
Fresh pastries, delightful afternoon tea, and a variety of homemade dishes to choose from
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary

Dooly'S Hotel Location

Emmet Square, Birr

Explore Birr

Explore Birr: Attractions & Activities

Birr Castle

11 minutes' walk

Historic castle with stunning gardens and unique science museum, ideal for families and history buffs.

Science Centre at Birr Castle

11 minutes' walk

Interactive exhibits housed in the castle, perfect for hands-on learning and entertainment for all ages.

Cumberland Column

7 minutes' walk

Iconic monument commemorating the 3rd Earl of Rosse, offering picturesque views and a touch of history.

Woodland Cottage Garden

14 minutes' walk

Charming gardens featuring an array of native plants, ideal for a relaxing stroll amidst nature.

Hiking in the Slieve Bloom Mountains

25 minutes' drive

Scenic trails for all skill levels, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to explore nature.

Relaxation at La Maison Spa

10 minutes' drive

Spa offering a range of treatments and therapies focused on rejuvenation. Booking recommended.

The Red Apple Cafe

10 minutes' walk

Cozy café known for its hearty breakfasts and delicious light lunches, with vegetarian options available.

The Church Restaurant

3 minutes' drive

Unique dining in a converted church, offering contemporary Irish cuisine with outstanding seafood dishes.

Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

5 minutes' drive

Local venue featuring live performances and cinema, hosting monthly film nights and community events.

The County Arms Hotel Bar

5 minutes' drive

Lively bar with live music on weekends, offering a warm atmosphere for a relaxed evening out.

Getting around

City Centre
Birr 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Shannon (SNN) 159 min · 65.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs EUR 9.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Dooly'S Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Dooly's Hotel, situated in the center of Birr, is often praised for its spacious rooms and convenient location, especially for those arriving by bus from Tullamore, as it's right on Emmet Square near Birr Castle & Garden. Guests frequently enjoy the food served in the traditional-style bar/restaurant, including the full Irish Breakfast and homemade soup with brown bread, with many appreciating the generous portions and delicious coffee in Dooly's coffee shop. While some guests have mentioned the occasional need for bathroom upgrades and the absence of hotel parking directly in front of the hotel, the hotel remains a popular choice.

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Review score

Based on 146 verified reviews

7.1 /10

Very good

65 %

Recommend

Free WiFi

9.5/10

Location

9.1/10

Facilities

7.4/10

Value for money

7.6/10

Pros

Excellent location

Comfortable bed

Kind staff

Cons

Breakfast time

Renovation noise

Poor facilities

Martin from United Kingdom

Single

single room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

9/10

delicious breakfast helpful staff early check-in

The location was great. Breakfast was delicious. the staff were friendly and helpful. i got an early check-in and appreciated it.

the shower pressure was a little weak, but it wasn't a big deal.

0 Helpful

Oscar from Ireland

Single

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 14, 2025

6/10

mixed experience

broken window handles moldy window

the food was good, i will say that much.

The room i got wasn't great. The window handles were broken. there was also mold all over the inside of the old sash window (charming, i guess). a piece of plywood replaced a square in the roof. A real touch of class, that was.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Dooly'S Hotel

Is there a secure place to keep my bicycle if I decide to stay at Dooly's?

10 November 2024

Yes, there is a designated area available for bicycle storage to ensure it stays safe overnight.

Can I access free Wi-Fi in my room during my stay?

15 December 2024

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms, allowing you to stay connected throughout your visit.

Are there televisions provided in the guest rooms?

22 January 2025

Each room is equipped with a television for your entertainment.

Is there an elevator in the hotel for easier access to upper floors?

30 January 2025

Unfortunately, there is no lift available in the hotel, but assistance will be provided to help you get to ground-level rooms if needed.

What are the breakfast hours for hotel guests?

05 February 2025

Breakfast is served for residents from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

What dining options are available for guests at Dooly's Hotel?

12 February 2025

Guests can enjoy dining at The Emmet Restaurant, which offers a variety of menus, or opt for casual dining at the Coach House Bar and the Coffee Dock.

Are there outdoor dining spaces available at the hotel?

18 March 2025

Yes, the Bianconi Courtyard offers a vibrant outdoor dining atmosphere, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco.

Can Dooly's Hotel accommodate large events or meetings?

25 March 2025

The hotel offers various meeting rooms and can cater to groups of different sizes, making it suitable for events and conferences.

Are there nightlife options at Dooly's Hotel?

30 April 2025

Guests can enjoy late-night entertainment at Melba's Night Club or relax with drinks in the Coach House Bar.

What local attractions can I explore while staying at Dooly's?

15 May 2025

Dooly's Hotel is in close proximity to various attractions, including Birr Castle, local golf courses, and scenic hiking and biking trails.