It may not be the most obvious choice for a relaxing break, but Dublin's infamous Mountjoy Prison could soon be the most exclusive place to stay in the city, with news there are plans to transform it into a boutique hotel.

A major new development strategy from Dublin City Council for the north inner-city suburb of Phibsborough will include the plans to transform the Mountjoy site.

It is understood the council is also intending to totally refurbish the area with a new village centre on the site of Dalymount Park football ground and the Phibsborough Shopping Centre, as well as substantial residential developments at the former Smurfit Printworks and several other locations within a 1km radius of the village.

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Two new primary schools and a new secondary school will also be located in the area.

The area includes Georgian houses and 19th Century terraces, which the council plans to keep. It is a low-rise village at four to six storeys in some areas with a small number of buildings of up to eight-storeys and two or three “landmark buildings” will be allowed.

A draft of the plans is to be released by the council for public consultation within the next couple of weeks.

(JM)