Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin: 10 years of history and innovation in the heart of Ireland
24 September, 2026 Share
In 2026, Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin, owned by RIU Hotels & Resorts and located on Dublin’s iconic O’Connell Street, is celebrating its 10th anniversary after joining the RIU family in 2016. This iconic 4-star hotel combines more than 200 years of Irish history with a comprehensive refurbishment carried out in 2024.
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What is the story behind Dublin’s more than 200-year-old Gresham building?
In the heart of Dublin, the echoes of the past and the weight of history can still be felt. On the iconic O’Connell Street stands a centuries-old building with yet another milestone to celebrate: it has now been part of the RIU family for 10 years.
Much has been written about the origins of Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin. Its founder was a man who, as a child in London, was abandoned on the steps of the Royal Exchange. He came to Ireland at a very young age in search of a better life and, after working in various jobs in Dublin, eventually acquired the building at numbers 21–22 on the former Sackville Street, now O’Connell Street. Gresham began his business as a guesthouse for wealthy aristocrats and visiting members of Parliament, unaware that he had just founded one of the city’s most renowned establishments.
The Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is the oldest building in the RIU chain. Its original construction dates back to 1817, making it a building that is especially important to RIU, not only because of its unrivalled location, but also because of its place in Ireland’s history and its special significance to the Irish people. Over the years, its elegant facilities have welcomed people as famous as Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and former US President Dwight Eisenhower.
What facilities and new features does the renovated Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin offer?
This iconic 4-star hotel combines the best of the Irish capital’s traditions with the latest in comfort following a comprehensive refurbishment in 2024. At RIU, we want you to enjoy an unforgettable experience, which is why we have designed every space with the needs of today’s traveller in mind.
The hotel now offers a total of 404 fully refurbished rooms, equipped with the latest modern amenities.
Highlights include:
- 11 fully equipped meeting and conference rooms, ideal for corporate events and banquets.
- A modern, fully equipped gym where you can keep up with your training routine during your trip.
- Various dining options, including the welcoming “Writer’s Lounge” bar and two benchmark restaurants: “Gallery”, where we serve our breakfast buffet every day, and the acclaimed “Toddy’s Restaurant”.
Where is the hotel located, and which of Dublin’s iconic landmarks can you get to on foot?
The hotel’s location in the heart of the Irish capital is unrivalled. From our doors, guests can easily walk to countless places of tourist and cultural interest, including:
- The River Liffey and its famous bridges.
- Historic Dublin Castle.
- The iconic Temple Bar district, famous for its atmosphere and live music.
- Croke Park stadium, the heart of Gaelic sport.
- The popular Henry Street shopping area.
We are also just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport, close to the Dublin Convention Centre and only a few steps from Abbey Street tram stop, making it easy to reach every corner of the city.
How does the hotel contribute to our Proudly Committed sustainability commitment?
At RIU, we are firmly committed to responsible tourism. As part of our Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, the iconic Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin uses 100% green electricity, ensuring that all the electricity consumed at the hotel is certified as coming from renewable sources.
Key facts about the Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
| Data and Specifications | Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin |
| Category and Capacity | 4 stars / 404 rooms refurbished in 2024 |
| Original Construction Date | 1817 (more than 200 years of history) |
| Joined RIU Hotels | 2016 (10th anniversary in 2026) |
| Main Location | O’Connell Street, Dublin (Ireland) |
| Connections | 20 minutes from the airport and next to Abbey Street tram stop |
| Event Spaces | 11 meeting and conference rooms |
| Dining Options | Toddy’s Restaurant, Gallery Restaurant and Writer’s Lounge |
| Sustainability | 100% certified green electricity (Proudly Committed) |
| Distinguished Guests | Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Dwight Eisenhower |
Plan your Dublin getaway and celebrate with us!
Are you passionate about history, great food and Ireland’s unique atmosphere? We invite you to discover Dublin while staying in one of its most iconic buildings. Book your stay at the Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin through riu.com and enjoy an unforgettable experience, complete with our traditional Céad Míle Fáilte!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The hotel joined RIU’s portfolio in 2016, and in 2026 is celebrating 10 years as part of the chain.
The original building dates back to 1817 and was commissioned by Thomas Gresham, making it the oldest building in the entire RIU chain.
The Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin underwent a comprehensive refurbishment in 2024 to update its 404 rooms and facilities.
The hotel is just a few steps from Abbey Street tram stop and only 20 minutes from Dublin Airport by public transport or car.
As part of RIU’s Proudly Committed strategy, the hotel uses exclusively green electricity from 100% certified renewable sources.
The hotel offers the Writer’s Lounge bar, the Gallery buffet restaurant for breakfast and the à la carte Toddy’s Restaurant.
