Hotel review: This new luxury boutique escape makes a perfectly-tailored Dungarvan base

The reception at Dungarvan's Hat Maker.

The Hat Maker, Dungarvan, Co Waterford

Our rating: 8.75/10

Location

Over the last decade, perhaps no town along the Munster coastline has seen its tourism credentials soar like Dungarvan — which is what makes a new hotel opening in the town all the more exciting.

Tucked just off bustling Grattan Square, The Hat Maker on Parnell Street is an enticing luxury base to discover Dungarvan on your doorstep. 

While here, you’re also perfectly perched to enjoy West Waterford’s myriad highlights, from swims and saunas at Clonea Strand, seaweed baths in An Rinn, or hiking the epic Coumshingaun.

The only downside is you’ll have to self-park in town, but Scanlon’s Yard (public car park) is located behind the hotel with a private entrance to the property.

• 8.5/10

Style & Design

The Hat Maker is neither a takeover, nor a rebrand, but rather a fresh-out-of-the-box offering, with a name which lends a literal hat-tip to the property’s millinery heritage.

The former shop of William Orr was purchased in 2020 by local couple David Burke and Rebecca Queally, and following five years of planning and renos, the landmark townhouse is today reimagined and freshly evolved as a luxury boutique hotel.

The hotel’s reception offers initial bolts of bold design with a faux leopard-print love seat and thick, boudoir-style drapes shielding the doorway, while beyond, a richly wallpapered hallway dappled with curated art leads to the hotel’s cafe bar.

The bar is The Hat Maker’s only communal space of note, and has a mid-century Parisienne aesthetic with its marble-topped tables, pink banquettes, and monochrome floor tiles.

Trés chic, all around.

• 9/10

Service

The team at The Hat Maker are excellent. Jakub Majewski is the affable manager and main front-of-house figure. 

Elsewhere, the young team of baristas and servers in the cafe bar for both evening and breakfast duty are warm, savvy, and a delight.

• 9/10

Guest Rooms

A double retreat room at the Hat Maker.

The hotel offers 16 boutique rooms, from compact double retreats to roomier luxury retreats, a master suite and a mezzanine guest room. 

Designed by Anne Kirby and billed as elegant maximalism, rooms boast a polish on par with any big-city bolthole, with trademark features including stylish beds with statement headboards and characterful furniture, from antique pedestal desks to Japandi-style wardrobes. 

Other nice touches include bevelled water tumblers, contemporary mugs from Belleek Living, and a profusion of live plants which adds a vibrant architecture and real energy to the spaces.

My luxury retreat double also features an architecturally impressive ensuite, where double doors reveal a centrepiece bathtub set in an illuminated alcove. 

Products are by bougie British company Urban Apothecary. Standard rooms are more compact, with walk-in showers, so considering the extra space (and that pretty fabulous tub) in the luxury retreat, I’d consider the upgrade for an extra €30-€45 if you’re planning to linger.

• 9/10

In-Room Perks

The bathroom at the Hat Maker's luxury retreat room.

All rooms feature in-house bottled water, a Nespresso machine, Barry’s tea, packaged cookies and, very much the minority, fresh milk in the fridge. 

Guests also receive a voucher for a welcome drink from the Café Bar choice — a nice way to start off a stay.

• 9/10

On the Menu

Breakfast is served at the Hat Maker.

Café Bar serves charcuterie, cheeseboards and freshly baked goodies from 11am to 8pm. 

Breakfast offers a continental spread (cooked dishes are not on the menu), but with its options from bakery-fresh croissants to cold cuts and cheeses, it stacks up pretty well. 

I built my own toasted bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon (becoming rare in hotel buffets) and washed them down with the “sweet greens” shot of the day and Badger & Dodo coffee. 

Some people may appreciate the option to eat out elsewhere, but I do notice that all booking rates include breakfast.

• 8/10

Activities & Amenities

The Hat Maker doesn’t offer spa facilities nor on-site amenities, which puts a slight dink in its allure as a destination hotel (particularly as there’s also no lounge), however if you find yourself an attractive rate, this vibrant property is still dressed to impress.

• 6/10

Checking In:

The Bill? B&B for two from €195 (or from €175 for two night stays)

Room to Improve? Rooms are very attractive, but a little anonymous geographically. The addition of some local art or books on Dungarvan (or indeed fashion) could copperfasten a sense of place and heritage. Perhaps more planting, or a covered terrace could add a greater oasis appeal to the café bar’s al-fresco alley.

Accessibility? One accessible retreat guest room.

Family-Friendly? While the hotel is designed with adults in mind, babies can be accommodated with prior notice.

Dog-Friendly? Dogs welcome outdoors at café.

EV Chargers? No parking on site.

• The Hat Maker
• 12 Parnell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
• thehatmaker.ie
• The Hotel Examiner was a guest of The Hat Maker.