Above: An artist’s impression of the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel Dublin. Image: Digital Aspect

Hard Rock International has announced plans to expand its portfolio to Ireland, with Hard Rock Hotel Dublin set to open in 2020.

The organisation is working in collaboration with Tifco Limited on the project, which will be located in the city centre on Lord Edward Street. The impending hotel will comprise two structures – an existing listed property originally known as the Exchange Buildings (currently the site of the Parliament Hotel) and the Fashion House Building next door.

The Fashion House is set to undergo a complete transformation and will house the new hotel’s entrance and reception, with a glass link bridge connecting guests to the refurbished Parliament Building. While the latter will retain its 20th-century facade, the interior will be given a more contemporary makeover, inspired by music and featuring priceless memorabilia.

“Dublin’s vibrant cultural scene makes it one of the hottest European cities to visit, attracting over 5.5 million overseas visitors annually. Hard Rock Hotel is an iconic, global brand that will be bringing something very different in its own distinctive style to this vibrant part of the capital city,” said Enda O’Meara, CEO of Tifco Ltd. “The hotel’s custom design based around the existing handsome early 20th-century building will be unique, modern and sophisticated, offering upscale 4-star luxury with a standalone F&B proposition that we plan to put on the map. Hard Rock Hotel Dublin will be the place to see and be seen with live music nightly, excellent food and cocktails, and authentic Irish service.”

Alongside an all-day dining restaurant with a focus on Irish ingredients, the company has said the hotel will feature 120 guest bedrooms and suites as well as a casual bar serving food and cocktails. Guests can enjoy The Sound of Your Stay music programme – complimentary vinyl players and records or the opportunity to test out a Fender guitar – or opt for the Rock Om wellness programme offering an in-room yoga experience that fuses yoga and music beats.

“Ireland has always been a place close to our hearts, and it only seems right to open a Hard Rock Hotel in Dublin, given the city’s musical roots,” said Todd Hricko, SVP & Head of Global Hotel Development for Hard Rock International. “This is an exciting opportunity to extend our presence in Europe and elevate the one-of-a-kind offering at Hard Rock Hotels to the next level.”