If you are planning a trip to Dublin and weighing up a hotel that splits the difference between the airport and the city centre, the Dublin Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra is a practical contender. This family-run, four-star property sits on the main road about ten minutes’ drive from Dublin Airport and barely five from central Dublin, according to its official website. In this review we pull together verified facts, guest sentiment from multiple platforms and practical logistics so you can decide whether it fits your stay.
Last checked: 2026-09-23
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Location: Drumcondra village, between Dublin Airport and city centre · Star rating: 4-star · Rooms: 126 · Distance to Airport: 10 minutes by car · Distance to City Centre: 5 minutes by car · Property type: Family-run establishment
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-23.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK rating summary, Discover Ireland tourism listing, Trivago comparison page.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interview took place, and no live price verification was performed against current rates.
Snapshot: Dublin Skylon Hotel
- 27 Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9, D09 V1Y2, Ireland (KAYAK)
- 8.3/10 from 5,493 reviews on Booking.com; 8.7/10 from 6,080 ratings on KAYAK
- National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Cemetery and Croke Park within 10–15 minutes on foot (TripAdvisor)
- Free Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking, electric‑vehicle charging stations (Booking.com)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Drumcondra village, between Dublin Airport and city centre |
| Star rating | 4‑star |
| Rooms | 126 (some listings mention 100 – see note in article) |
| Distance to Airport | 10 minutes by car |
| Distance to City Centre | 5 minutes by car |
| Property type | Family‑run establishment |
| Free Wi‑Fi | Yes |
| Notable amenities | Terrace, concierge services |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official address | 27 Upper Drumcondra Road, Dublin 9, D09 V1Y2, Ireland |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 15:00 / 12:00 (Booking.com) |
| Parking | On‑site parking available; EV charging stations present |
| Wi‑Fi | Free throughout property |
| Concierge | Available |
| Nearest major landmark | Croke Park Stadium (within walking distance) |
| Property history | Third‑party listings suggest built 1967, renovated 2023 (unconfirmed) |
Pros and cons according to guest reviews
What guests praise
- Cleanliness and comfort – sub‑scores of 8.9/10 on Booking.com
- Helpful, friendly staff – rated 8.8/10
- Convenient location for Croke Park, Botanic Gardens and local shops
- Free Wi‑Fi and on‑site parking
Recurring criticisms
- Perceived high room prices against value – value‑for‑money score 7.9/10
- Additional charges for parking and breakfast, when not included in rate
- Occasional parking constraints during busy periods
- Some reports of inconsistent service (TripAdvisor)
Dublin Skylon Hotel reviews: what guests actually say
With several thousand reviews across multiple platforms, the Dublin Skylon Hotel earns generally positive marks, though the numbers vary by site. On Booking.com, the overall score is 8.3 out of 10 from 5,493 reviews; on KAYAK, it reaches 8.7 from 6,080 ratings. That gap likely reflects different review collection methods and guest profiles, but both figures sit above the 8.0 threshold most travellers consider “good.”
Overall rating and sub‑scores
Booking.com’s detailed sub‑scores provide a clearer picture: cleanliness and comfort each scored 8.9, staff 8.8, location 8.5, facilities 8.5 and value for money 7.9. The value score is the soft spot – guests often comment that the base rate is reasonable but extras like breakfast and parking push the final bill higher. One reviewer noted the “convenient location” but felt the overall cost was steep for a four‑star property outside the centre.
Service quality and cleanliness
Multiple reviews highlight the helpfulness of staff and the cleanliness of the rooms. The hotel is family‑run, and several guests mention a personal, welcoming tone at check‑in. “The staff were lovely and the room was spotless,” summarises a typical KAYAK review. Cleanliness sub‑scores are consistently among the highest on both major platforms.
Location comments
Guests appreciate the balance the Drumcondra address offers: quiet enough for a good night’s sleep, yet close enough to walk to Croke Park in about 10 minutes. The hotel’s own site states that the National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery are within a 15‑minute walk. On TripAdvisor, one visitor called it “a very well‑situated hotel lying between the airport and downtown Dublin.”
The bottom line: Review scores are solid, especially for cleanliness and staff. Value for money is the main trade‑off – check what is included in your rate before booking.
Dublin Skylon Hotel location: airport proximity vs city‑centre access
The Skylon’s strongest selling point is its position in Drumcondra, a residential village on the north side of Dublin. The official website describes the journey to Dublin Airport as “approximately 10 minutes” and to the city centre as “approximately 5 minutes” by car. Third‑party listings such as KAYAK put the distance from the centre at 3.2–3.3 km, which is a 35‑minute walk or a short bus ride.
Distance to Dublin Airport
Public buses stop close to the hotel and serve the airport route. Trivago’s listing notes airport journeys of around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic and the service used. During peak times, add 10–15 minutes; late‑night transfers will be quicker.
Distance to Dublin City Centre
Central Dublin – including O’Connell Street, Temple Bar and the shopping districts – is roughly 3 km away. The hotel’s location means you trade a longer walk or bus trip for easier airport access and lower street noise. Guests heading for Temple Bar can take a bus from nearby stops or a taxi that should run under €12.
Neighbourhood character: Drumcondra village
Drumcondra itself has a handful of pubs, a supermarket and casual dining options. The area feels more local than tourist‑oriented. For visitors who want to explore north Dublin, the hotel puts Croke Park, the Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery within a comfortable walk. The official site says the gardens and stadium are “within 15 minutes on foot”, a claim backed by multiple review comments.
What this means: If your itinerary includes events at Croke Park or you have an early flight, the Skylon’s location is a real advantage. For daily city‑centre sightseeing, factor in the bus or taxi time.
Is breakfast included at the Dublin Skylon Hotel?
None of the sources we reviewed explicitly confirm whether breakfast is included in the standard rate. Booking.com lists room‑only and bed‑and‑breakfast options, suggesting the property offers both. The official website mentions a breakfast service but does not state whether it is bundled. Because the policy may vary by rate plan, guests should check the specific terms when booking or contact the hotel directly.
Breakfast policy
Based on the typical practices of similar four‑star hotels in Dublin, breakfast is likely an optional extra costing between €10 and €18 per person, but this is an inference, not a verified figure. We recommend confirming inclusion before you pay.
Dining options on‑site
The hotel’s website describes a restaurant and a bar on the premises. A number of reviewers mention having a meal in the bar, though few detail the menu. For a fuller range of dining, Drumcondra offers a few Irish pubs within a short walk, and the city centre is a short taxi ride away.
Nearby cafes and alternatives
Guests who prefer self‑catering or lighter options can find a supermarket and a coffee shop in Drumcondra village, about a five‑minute walk from the hotel entrance.
The catch: Breakfast inclusion is not transparent from the data we have. Always check your rate details or ask the hotel before arrival.
How the Skylon compares to Dublin’s top‑tier hotels
The Dublin Skylon Hotel is a four‑star property and does not position itself as a luxury option. The most luxurious hotels in Dublin – such as The Merrion, The Westbury and The Shelbourne – are five‑star properties in the city centre, with higher room prices, fine dining and spa facilities. The Skylon offers a different value proposition: a family‑run atmosphere, free parking and proximity to both the airport and north Dublin attractions. For a traveller on a budget who values cleanliness and a quiet location, the Skylon may be a better fit than a central five‑star hotel that costs three times as much.
The trade‑off: You give up central location and luxury amenities in exchange for free parking, lower rates and easier airport access.
Best for which type of traveller?
- Business travellers – close to the city centre, reliable Wi‑Fi, concierge service and a quiet neighbourhood for working.
- Families – family‑run ethos, spacious rooms (according to several reviews), and proximity to Croke Park and the Botanic Gardens.
- Transit passengers – 10‑minute drive from the airport, on‑site parking, and easy bus links for a short stopover.
- City‑break couples – a practical base if you plan to spend most of your time in north Dublin or are attending an event at Croke Park.
Getting to and from the Dublin Skylon Hotel
By car: The hotel sits on the main road from the airport into Dublin city centre. Free on‑site parking is available, and there are EV charging stations (official site). From central Dublin, follow signs for Drumcondra (N1). The journey takes about 5 minutes outside peak traffic.
By bus: Several Dublin Bus routes stop on Upper Drumcondra Road, including the 16, 41, and 33. These connect to the city centre and the airport. Fares are standard city rates (€1.20–€2.50 for a single journey). Check the Dublin Bus website for current timetables.
By taxi: A taxi from Dublin Airport to the hotel should cost around €15–€22, and from the city centre approximately €10–€15, depending on traffic.
On foot: The hotel is a pleasant 35‑minute walk from O’Connell Street, mostly along the N1. For a more scenic route, walk through the Botanic Gardens (open daily) and continue south along the river.
Our recommendation: who should book the Dublin Skylon Hotel
After weighing the verified facts, review patterns and location data, we recommend the Dublin Skylon Hotel for three reader types:
- Transit travellers looking for a straightforward stopover with free parking and quick airport access.
- First‑time Dublin visitors who want a quieter base and don’t mind a short bus ride to the main sights – and who appreciate the walkability to Croke Park and the Botanic Gardens.
- Budget‑conscious city explorers who prioritise cleanliness, free Wi‑Fi and a friendly atmosphere over a central address.
Before booking, confirm what extras (breakfast, parking) are included in your rate and check the room‑count discrepancy (some databases say 100 rooms, others 126). If you value amenities like a fitness centre, spa or 24‑hour room service, you may prefer a larger chain hotel in the city centre.
“Located in the heart of North Dublin.”
— Dublin Skylon Hotel, official website
“The National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin Cemetery, and Croke Park Stadium are within 15 minutes on foot.”
— Hotel listing description reproduced by TripAdvisor
Related reading: Dublin City Centre Hotels: Compare Best Areas & Prices ? Dublin Hotel Gyms: Compare Memberships, Hours & Facilities
tripadvisor.ie, trip.com, trip.com, skyscanner.ie, skylon.dublinihotel.com
Frequently asked questions about the Dublin Skylon Hotel
What is the address of the Dublin Skylon Hotel?
27 Upper Drumcondra Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, D09 V1Y2, Ireland (official site).
Does the Dublin Skylon Hotel have free Wi‑Fi?
Yes – free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the property (official site).
Is parking available at the Skylon Hotel?
Yes – on‑site parking is provided, and electric‑vehicle charging stations are also available.
What landmarks are near the Dublin Skylon Hotel?
Croke Park Stadium, the National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin Cemetery are all within a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk.
Is the Dublin Skylon Hotel family‑run?
Yes – the hotel describes itself as a family‑run establishment, a point echoed by multiple review platforms.
What star rating is the Dublin Skylon Hotel?
It is a four‑star property.
How many rooms does the Dublin Skylon Hotel have?
Listings vary – Discover Ireland states 100 rooms, while the hotel’s own site and most booking platforms list 126. We recommend confirming the exact count with the hotel if it matters for your booking.
Does the Dublin Skylon Hotel have a concierge service?
Yes – a concierge is available to help with travel arrangements and local recommendations.