On arrival the drive up to the hotel was lovely, the grounds very well kept and giving you the feeling that your in for a surprise. Having read reviews from here on this hotel I did cringe a little and expected the worst. Maybe thats what made it exceptional. The best way to get around is to hire a car as you are a little outside the city however the dart (fast rail service) is available in Sandycove and very reasonably priced which takes you to the city. The hotel receptionist was male on arrival and welcomed me and my partner to the hotel. I was offered help with my bags and explained how to use my room phone for help. We both felt like a swim and as guests the use of the gym, pool, sauna and steam room is free. This was very relaxing and we were given towels and swim hats at the reception entering the gym as guests free of charge also. Be careful going into the steam room and sauna as I nearly slipped on the steps leading down there despite the warning sign I did see. The room was comfortable, bed was clean however the lace curtain needed a scrub. after that I have to say the room was very much 3 to 4 star style and very spacious room 329, this does not have a baloney but does offer a view of the harbor. As it was a Friday night the dungeon bar had a pianist playing and I enjoyed it very much with a very well presented cocktail which tasted divine but would want to at 9:50eur a glass. Before hitting the sack I decided to have one last cocktail upstairs in the main bar. Same price but badly presented and tasted awful. The room cleaners start early the next morning and like to make noise so make sure you hang your do not disturb up if you don't want them knocking the door down. Friendly staff. I'm sure you will enjoy your stay at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

This property is beautiful. It seems peaceful and serene. It is an imposing building and you really do feel that you are staying in a castle even if all you see is the car park. The lobby/lounge are quite impressive and you feel comfortable just grabbing a comfy chair and some tea.

To get your luggage up to your room, you first have to drag it down a couple of stair to get to the lift. This annoyed me and with a baby in a pram getting the baby up and down those two stairs just confuddled me as to their purpose.

Our room was nice. We had a balcony and a wonderful view of the harbor. The bed was comfy and the bedding was nice. There were the appropriate amenities. Towels were a little thin, and no wash clothes. However... the room and bathroom were dated and dingy. Not as in "yuck" but more as in, could you run a steam cleaner soon and perhaps take care of the mold in the door jam? The edges and the trim were falling apart and the bathroom fixtures were also quite dated and worn. The door into the room was thin- very, very thin. But it was a quiet room so I don't know that it was truly a problem.

We did walk into town to eat dinner and the walk took us about 15 down and 20 up. It is a steep-ish hill so plan on a cab if your knees aren't what they once were.

In closing, this was a great place to stay and I did enjoy it. But for the money I wasn't 100% sold and the dirty and worn parts did disappoint me. It was very peaceful though and sure beat the rush rush of Dublin.

In Dublin on business for 1 night I chose not to stay in the city and opted for Fitzpatrick's Castle instead.
I cannot recommend this hotel enough - beautiful, peaceful, clean, superb staff and a great setting.
Whether on holiday, on a stop off or on business you must consider this hotel as an option.
You must however do your travel homework. Do NOT get a taxi from the airport, charges are extortionate. Get the 747 bus which leaves every 10 mins and takes only 30 minutes to O Connel Street (6 Euro Single). there is a tourist info right by the bus stop.
grab a desk top map (free) and head for Tara Street (5 minutes walk) unless you want to go shopping - in which case head for Grafton St over the bridge. Take a look at the massive 'spike' as you go. At Tara street jump on the Dart South (2.5Euro single) and head for Dalkey. do not get off at Killiney like I did! it is a 25 minute serious uphill walk from there; the only bonus being you pass Bono's house and huge gates and later you see Enya's Castle. It is a 15 min stroll from the lovely Dalkey or hop in a taxi.
Get a sea view if you can.
Only 1 tiny complaint - the bedding is for Captain Scott, in June I was far too hot by far.
A really great alternative to the City - lovely hotel, highly recommended.

We stayed at the Fitzpatrick (formerly Killiney Castle Hotel) at the beginning of our holiday and it was a great place to stay.

We booked a suite and they gave us one at the corner with uninterrupted views of Dublin Bay and Dun Laoghaire harbour. I could have sat on the balcony and played harbour master all day.

Service was great and any need was promptly attended to.

Like others we found breakfast was a bit pricey. We had it one morning, but found the cafes in Dalkey to be a bit cheaper.

A lovely hotel, with great facilities and if Dublin is not your intended point of interest then this is a great place to call home. Personally I am well beyond finding Dublin of any interest and as such this hotel is the perfect location to base yourself in.

We have stayed here in the past, and will again in the future.