About Us

Marine Hotel History

The Hotel was built in 1897 in what was a sleepy outlying area of Dublin City. The Hotel was then known as the Golfers Hotel, later becoming the Strand Hotel and finally in 1913 the Marine Hotel. It was one of the first businesses to have a telephone, its number being “Sutton 25”.

About Us

Originally owned and managed by the Gerarty sisters until 1959, the hotel was a beloved cornerstone of the community. That year, Oswald Johnson took the reins and introduced a truly pioneering feature: a seawater indoor swimming pool, a rarity at the time that set the hotel apart and elevated its reputation as a premier venue for banquets and weddings.

In 1989, the hotel entered a new era under the Ryan family, owners of the Grand Hotel in Malahide. Their commitment to excellence sparked a wave of investment that brought:

A new swimming pool, continuing the aquatic legacy
A modern banquet room, perfect for elegant celebrations
A refined restaurant, offering culinary delights
Meeting rooms for business and gatherings
An additional 25 bedrooms, expanding our capacity to welcome guests

Today, the hotel is proudly part of the Ardán Collective, a group known for blending contemporary design with timeless hospitality. Under their stewardship, the hotel continues to evolve—embracing smart renovations, guest-focused upgrades, and a fresh aesthetic that honors its rich heritage while meeting modern expectations.

As we look ahead, we remain guided by the standards and spirit that have defined us for decades. With Ardán Collective’s vision and care, our hotel is not just preserving its legacy—it’s elevating it.

Curiosities

One evening in the 1930’s there was a fire in the Hotel. Guests in the Bar rescued their drinks and the piano before redeploying to the garden. There, they sang songs and partied until the Fire Brigade doused the fire. Apparently a great time was had by all!

On 7th October 1977 U2 played one of their early gigs at the Marine Hotel under the original name of ‘The Hype‘. U2 appeared under the name The Hype and played a number of covers, including Suffragette City with Gavin Friday. They also performed an original song called What’s Going On (not the famous song of the same title by Marvin Gaye that U2 covered at all shows on the third leg of the Elevation Tour)