HISTORY OF Mount Herbert Hotel

Mount Herbert Hotel is sited on the Old Haig’s Distillery. The distillery was founded by Robert Haig, who was descended from John Haig, Laird of Bemyrside, the first distiller of the famous Scotch whiskey. The distillery was set on 21 acres of land, and was operated from 1789 to 1860. The nearby river Dodder supplied power to the distillery, through a sluice running wheel on the river. 

The distillery had become notorious by reason of its frequent conflicts with the Revenue authorities, and the audacity with which its operations were conducted both by day and night. Many strange stories were told as to encounters with excise officers in its earlier years, and the rumour was current in the neighbourhood that several of these unpopular functionaries had mysteriously "disappeared" in the establishment. Haig undoubtedly fought the Revenue both legally and physically by every means that his ingenuity could devise, but being beaten, he had to succumb. And in the end, his concern was ultimately dismantled. A local builder purchased the old buildings some years afterwards, and it was understood that he had effected an excellent bargain, as the debris included a great quantity of copper tubing and machinery.

The hotel consists of 8 interconnected Victorian houses which were originally constructed in 1866, and were built with bricks from the old distillery.

The houses were, for over 100 years, homes of the aristocracy of Dublin. Famous residents include Sir Henry Robinson, Vice President of the Irish Local Government Board from 1879 to 1891, and, more recently, the famous writer, Mary Kenny.

The hotel was founded in 1955 by a couple from Northern Ireland, the late George Loughran, from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, and his wife, Rosaleen, from Downpatrick, Co. Down. The hotel remains within the family with their son, John, and their grandson, Gerard, both directors.

From a humble beginning of 4 bedrooms in one house (No. 7 Herbert Road), over time, 7 adjoining houses were acquired and the hotel now has 168 bedrooms, Restaurant, Bar, Conference Suites and Private Parking.

For many years, Mount Herbert was known as a “Temperance Hotel”, as it did not have a public bar. To many Dubliners, it still carries this tag, although now fully licensed for many years. Guests can enjoy a relaxing drink in our modern designed Tritonville Bar and Terrace

Mount Herbert Hotel is known as a "Home away from Home" for many of its customers. The Loughran family has been welcoming guests to the hotel for over 50 years. As one of the last remaining family run hotels in Dublin, it is renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere.