Overlooking St. Stephen's Green, the oldest and most prestigious of Dublin's squares, Brownes Townhouse and Brasserie has a superb location. Brownes strikes a fairly good balance between traditional comfort and a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. With 12 rooms and suites, it has all of the intimacy, warmth and character of a privately run townhouse, yet provides the convenience of ISDN, direct dial telephone, fax lines, cable TV and air conditioning. Brownes Brasserie is one of Dublin's most stylish restaurants, offering
really outstanding food served in a spectacular dining room. Brownes is just steps away from Grafton Street, the city's fashionable shopping district and close to Temple Bar, Trinity College, Parliament Buildings, museums and galleries. The townhouse is surrounded by Dublin's best pubs, renowned for their traditional music sessions. At Brownes, you are in the heart of the city, yet it feels like staying at your favourite country house hotel. Thats the up side.
The down side is that whilst some of the rooms are absolutely huge and splendid, others are definitely on the small side, not to say pokey! The other drawback is that the ground floor is entirely taken up with the restaurant, so there is little in the way of public circulation space - no elegant lounges in which to have assignations. However the prices for the quality of accommodation,
food and service cannot be rivalled. It offers great value.
§ Air conditioning and cable TV in all rooms.
§ ISDN, direct personal phone and fax lines in all rooms.
§ 3 storeys high - no elevator!
History
The house itself is steeped in history. Before 1791, there was a single large house, home to Henry, Earl of Shelbourne.
In 1712 it was home to John Pratt of Cabra Castle in Co. Cavan. Various owners were resident in the house over the years. In 1728 Mary Ormsby widow of John Ormsby of Athlaccagh, Co. Limerick took over the house.
In 1790 Thomas Leighton took control of the house, demolished it and build two replacements to be known as 22 and 23 St Stephens Green.
In later years, the house was purchased by the Ancient and Most Benevolent Order of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick. On St. Patricks day in 1886, the first meeting took place in what was to be a long relationship between the brothers and the house. Their mission was to stamp out duelling, and they still continue to meet in the Kidare Street Club, a few doors away.
