Head to the northside for a truly boutique hotel experience

Travel Bag: High dining with the Marker’s new menu; visit Lovely Leitrim for a a Victorian stay

A New North Star
The North Star Hotel, opposite Connolly Station on Amiens Street, has had quite the makeover. Launched by Brian and Ciara McGettigan, of the Irish family-owned McGettigan Hotel Group, The Address at Dublin 1 is a much-needed boutique experience on the city's northside. The hotel boasts 80 modern rooms, each with touchscreen technology, a rooftop club lounge, dining in McGettigan's Cookhouse & Bar and the addition of the chic Parlor café and workspace. The location is ideal for match goers or those on a city stay. Stay from €229 b&b at theaddressatdublin1.ie.

High Dining
The Marker Hotel has launched a new menu at its rooftop bar and terrace. Overlooking Grand Canal Dock with sweeping views of the city, the new rooftop menu includes ice-cream macaroon sandwiches, a selection of Tiki cocktails, fancy hot dogs including Belderrig lobster, smoked short rib of Irish beef and classic pork sausage, along with grazing sharing plates. To see the full menu or to make a reservation visit themarkerhoteldublin.com.

A Florence Flourish

Those visiting the Italian city would be wise to pop into the Gallery Hotel Art, which has partnered with Loris Cecchini for its latest sculpture called Waterbones. Cecchini has exhibited at prestigious galleries such as Palais de Tokyo, Musée d'Art and Centro Pecci and now takes up residence at the five-star to allow guests and visitors enjoy a fully immersive art experience. Visit lungarnocollection.com/gallery-hotel-art for more.

Lovely Leitrim

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Just outside the village of Mohill, on the grounds of the Lough Rynn estate, lies Brooklawn House, a four-star B&B in a Victorian cottage. The small but perfect house, decorated in antiques, offers guests a true slice of Irish hospitality, from the tea and cake on arrival to the full Irish each morning in the dining room overlooking the gardens. Stay midweek from €100 per room, bed and breakfast. Visit brooklawnbedandbreakfast.ie for more.