Set over four floors of a century-old building overlooking Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge and the River Liffey, The Woollen Mills is a lively all-day hangout with plenty of character. It's part of Elaine Murphy's well-loved restaurant group, alongside sister venues The Legal Eagle, Winding Stair, The Washerwoman and The Yarn, each one embracing the history of the building it now calls home.
At The Woollen Mills, that means making the most of a former haberdashery with two stylish private rooms, perfect for intimate dinners. On the first floor, directly above the buzzy main dining room, The Riverrun Room offers large Georgian windows looking out over the River Liffey. Ceilings soar overhead, long wooden tables are dressed with flower vases and the cushioned window sills make for a properly cosy spot to settle in. It's a historic setting built for fine Irish produce, served without any fuss.
Head up to the second floor for The Joyce Room, a smaller private space with views of the landmark Ha'penny Bridge. Named in honour of James Joyce, who once worked as a salesman in this very building, the room is south facing with impressive double aspect windows and original Georgian fittings. Bathed in natural light, it works equally well for an intimate dinner or a corporate meeting.
Once dinner wraps up, make your way to the rooftop, or pop down to first floor sister spot The Yard Pizza & Booze, for after-dinner drinks. Expect inventive cocktails, wine from boutique wineries and craft beer, along with another chance to soak up those Liffey views, this time under darker skies with a seasonally inspired cocktail in hand.