Marking 20 years is no small feat in an ever-changing industry and the Carlton Hotel Group is going from strength to strength – while also embracing a more sustainable, greener approach.
Michael Kearney is the Irish businessman and Chairman/CEO of the Carlton Hotel Group, who is behind its success. At a recent 20th-year celebration at the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport, he shared stories of how it all began. As an entrepreneur, he combined his business and property experience and focused on two hotels in Dublin – the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport and the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, both four-star hotels.
The Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport opened in 2006 after years of planning. In such a prime location, there was very little for the size of the community. It began as a café/restaurant spot called ‘Kittyhawks’, which was originally catering for the locals and travellers to Dublin airport. It took off (pardon the pun) with all kinds of family celebrations offered to locals and the community in the restaurant. It underwent a major transformation in the early 2000s, which then became the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport. Kittyhawks is a huge part and identity of the hotel and is now a spacious ground-floor bar and restaurant catering to hotel guests, airport workers and locals.
Roll on 20 years and the hotel is still evolving. The hotel has introduced a new Irish mythology-themed cocktail menu and also a new dining menu in the Runway 28 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. The dining is exquisite and is led by Head Chef Cian O’Leary, incorporating locally sourced ingredients. I was lucky to sample some of the food, including West Cork black pudding with Pink Lady apple and Irish apple cream and my main course was a slow-cooked Wicklow lamb shoulder. My fellow guest diners had the choice of potato gnocchi with spring vegetables or a fillet of Atlantic Halibut with a Dublin Bay prawn bisque, followed by the tastiest dessert selection of Baileys bread and butter pudding or Chocolate mousse with raspberry, hazelnuts and coffee liqueur.
To wash it all down, they also have a brand new cocktail menu inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. It’s called the ‘Essentials of Drinking Etiquette’ and the menu felt like opening a coffee table storybook with Irish legends brought to life through beautifully crafted drinks. Each cocktail is signature-made and there’s even a playful guide on when to enjoy each one, following the ‘clock etiquette’ – think of, “It’s 5 O’clock somewhere in the world.” Their names include Síoga (fairies), Ealaí (swans), Púca (ghost) and Capall (horse) – they are all uniquely made and ingredients range from bourbon, Irish whiskey, Guinness syrup, Angostura bitters, espresso, coconut syrup, Frangelico and lots more bespoke flavours. You couldn’t just try one!
The Runway 28 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar has a great covered outdoor area and if you like watching planes take off, you can watch them from here while sipping a cocktail or three. Why not book an overnight stay to really treat yourself to the whole hotel guest experience? The buffet breakfast has all the authentic offerings for every palate and I sampled the very tasty Biscoff overnight oats as well as a traditional full Irish breakfast.
The rooms are very spacious, with the emerald colour in its full Irish form from the furnishings and décor, to the swirl of green in the carpet design. And who doesn’t like a silk bespoke eye mask to ensure you get that good night’s sleep (which you will, they have the best pillows). Rooms suit families too, with plenty of space for a family of four. It is definitely a nice additional treat for a family heading off on their holidays and will ensure the ease of a sometimes chaotic airport experience. You can park your car at the hotel and avail of the regular shuttle buses.
They have everything covered. The Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport are currently launching a Platinum Chapter Stay. This includes a luxury rooftop suite with champagne and macarons on arrival, a celebratory dinner and cocktails at Runway 28, exclusive relaxation comforts and a full Irish breakfast. The experience also includes direct transfer to Dublin Airport and lounge access for a seamless, stress-free journey.
It seems rude not to avail of all or some of these stress-free amenities. From the origins of the infamous and popular Kittyhawks, the Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport offers guests a warm Irish welcome and a seamless guest experience.
Céad Míle Fáilte Romhat is alive and kicking on the old airport road.
Travel Facts
The Platinum Chapter Escape is priced from €565 for two people sharing.
Stay, Park & Fly offer at Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport is designed to take the stress out of travel. It combines comfortable accommodation with convenient long-term parking and seamless airport transfers – minutes from Dublin Airport’s terminals. Prices from €225 per room with discounted parking bundles to be added.
A family of 4 in one of their Premium Rooms is from €245 and a family of 5 could choose to book a classic interconnecting room from €459.
Article published in the Irish Daily Mail 14/3/2026
