Our Story
Scroll DownThe Mercantile Hotel sits in the heart of Dublin, where the city’s character and history meet. Once nestled at 28 Dame Street, this historic establishment has evolved alongside the city and now stands proudly on the corner where Dame Street meets South Great Georges Street. It is the kind of city centre hotel where guests can settle in with a coffee and sandwich and lose track of time in Café28 or start a night out in the lively Mercantile Bar and Restaurant with a cocktail and meal. The bedrooms are stylish, cosy and comfortable, the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring Dublin’s theatres, pubs, and music venues. The Mercantile isn’t just a hotel, it’s part of the city’s story.
Rich in History and Character
Inspired by the character of Dublin City, we’re not here to rewrite history, we’re here to build on it.
The Mercantile Hotel & Bar, located in the heart of Dublin City at 28 Dame Street, has been a landmark for locals and tourists alike since 1835. As we re-open our doors to welcome guests into an extraordinary and fully revamped hotel, we’re not here to rewrite history – we’re here to build on it.
Dame Street derives it’s name from the medieval church of St. Mary del Dam, which was demolished in the 17th century. The term “Dam” refers to a dam built across the River Poddle to provide water power for milling. This river still flows under Dame Street today, deep underground and feeds into the River Liffey. In the 18th century, Dame Street was part of Dublin’s “Royal Mile,” connecting Dublin Castle to the Parliament building.
With a heritage spanning 190 years, the past and present blend seamlessly throughout the new hotel with every room thoughtfully reimagined, preserving the building’s timeless charm while introducing modern comforts and state of the art technology. The new design is described as Georgian elegance meets contemporary Dublin and is full of character – drawing inspiration from 19th century commerce and exploration, to bring out a new fun and vibrant hotel personality that will appeal to all ages.
At The Mercantile Bar, we’ve always believed that Dublin is so much more than just a city, it’s a living, breathing entity. For years, we’ve been part of the heartbeat of this place, celebrating and welcoming the characters and quirks that make Dublin and Dame Street truly unique. From the bustling paths of O’Connell Bridge to the charm of Temple Bar, Dublin’s energy is reflected in everything we do. Each item on our menu draws inspiration from the remarkable people, places, and moments that shape this city – bold, authentic, and always with a little bit of Irish humor.
At The Mercantile, we believe a stay should be more than just comfortable. It should be full of comfort and character. From the moment you walk through our doors, you will feel it: a sense of story, a little mischief, and two familiar faces keeping you company along the way.
Our spaces reflect their world: elegant yet playful, rich in detail, and full of nods to the history that surrounds us. From the rooms to the bar, every corner has a story to tell and a personality all its own.
This is not just a hotel with charm.
It is a hotel with character and characters.
