The best hotels in Ireland, from coastal retreats to country estates
From grand medieval castles to chic boutique hotels, these are the best hotels in Ireland
Known as a land of staggering landscapes, mysterious ancient monuments and oh-so-friendly folk, the Emerald Isle is also the place to enjoy some serious R&R with a stay at the best hotels in Ireland.
Surrounded by the most majestic of scenery, many of these hotels are well-placed for a salt-whipped adventure along the Wild Atlantic Way or a winter beach break.
If you've already ticked off the country's capital and stayed at the best hotels in Dublin, it's time to explore the rolling hills of Yeats Country in County Sligo, or witness the sheer granite Cliffs of Moher, which stretch for nine miles along the coast of County Clare. Make it a culinary adventure in Cork, Ireland's unofficial foodie capital, or visit the secluded sandy bays and flintstone villages of Connemara, Galway and the Ring of Kerry. Of course, many are happy to come and hunker down in one of the black-and-white pubs scattered across the land, too.
Here, you can stay in beautiful stately homes like the Palladian-style Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow or a charming country manor like Currarevagh House in Galway, which overlooks Lough Corrib. All champion Ireland's home-grown produce, from the creamy Wicklow farmhouse cheese and sparkling fresh Dublin Bay oysters to organic grass-fed beef from Limerick.
From historical hotels like The Lodge at Ashford Castle in Cong, Galway, and Ballymaloe House in County Cork, to the Hollywood favourite, The Shelbourne or design-led newcomer The Hoxton in Dublin, these are the best hotels in Ireland to book right now.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Galway
When visiting Galway, there's no finer place to bed down for the night than the Glenlo Abbey Hotel, a grand country house hotel which overlooks Lough Corrib. A short hop from the dazzling delights of the city of Galway, this 18th-century hotel is just the spot for some R&R. Guests frequently borrow a rod and line for fishing in the lake, or play a round on the nine-hole golf course. Despite its grandeur, children are very welcome and can take part in falconry lessons or learn golf.
While the epicurean delights of Galway are tempting, make sure you spend at least one night dining at the hotel. There are two excellent restaurants, Palmers and the Pullman, both of which champion the best Galway produce. For atmosphere, you can't beat The Pullman, set in a pair of antique railway carriages which starred in Murder on the Orient Express.
Ballymaloe House, Shanagarry, County Cork
Regarded as the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine, Ballymaloe House is a spectacular country house hotel and a good spot for visiting gourmands. Run by the same family who started the legendary Ballymaloe Cookery School - two miles from the hotel – the Georgian house first opened as a restaurant by owner, Myrtle Allen, in 1964, and has been feeding the nation ever since. Relax by the open fire in the drawing room, scented by flowers picked fresh from the gardens, dine out in the immaculate restaurant, which uses locally sourced and home-grown food from the walled garden.
There are 30 rooms altogether, all differing in size, but all have a charming and warm country-style decor. There's also an outdoor swimming pool open in the warmer summer months, a brace of tennis courts and complimentary bikes for guests to use.
The Cliff House, County Waterford
Perched on a clifftop overlooking Ardmore Bay and the Comeragh Mountains, this modern boutique hotel in Ardmore, a traditional Waterford fishing village, offers a romantic getaway on Ireland's craggy southeast coast.
This modern hotel is swathed in glass, filling every corner with natural light. The rooms have a contemporary vibe with flashes of colour and rich fabrics, and all are blessed with sweeping sea views. Its main draw is The Well by the Sea, a spectacular boutique spa with an indoor infinity pool overlooking the coast, a full range of treatments, plus quirky outdoor tubs. If you're feeling really brave, try a brisk dip in the hotel's natural rock pool filled daily by the Irish Sea. Dining is a real highlight thanks to its Michelin-starred House Restaurant, which serves a lengthy tasting menu of exceptional Irish produce.
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Wicklow
Only a 30-minute drive from Dublin, Enniskerry is the gateway to exploring the Wicklow mountains and scenic coastline. Part of the historic Powerscourt Estate, the sprawling Palladian-style Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa is set in formal gardens and has a rather palatial feel. Inside, it's all sweeping staircases, arched windows and spectacular views over Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Country-chic rooms, fine dining restaurants and elegant bars, there seems little reason to leave the hotel. However, the concierge can arrange all manner of country pursuits from clay pigeon shooting to hiking in the mountains. But for many, it's all about the spa. Spread over two floors and opening directly out onto the gardens, it's become a star in its own right thanks to the 24-metre pool studded with Swarovski crystals.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Connemara
Surrounded by the dramatic Twelve Bens mountain range in Connemara, the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Recess, County Galway sits in 700 acres of private woodland and is an ideal place to really get away from it all. With acres of polished flagstone floors, grand drawing rooms heated by roaring fireplaces and reams of dark wood panelling running through the halls, this grand old manor house perched on the banks of Ballynahinch Lake offers country living at its best.
While it lacks luxury features like spas and swimming pools, it offers a more wholesome appeal with guided country walks, salmon fishing on the lake and clay pigeon shooting. Spacious rooms have a warm, country-chic vibe with plush furnishings and antique features; some have four-poster beds and fireplaces. The hotel offers a trio of dining options, including the elegant Owenmore Restaurant, which serves excellent Irish fine dining overlooking the lake.
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kerry
Moments from the scenic Ring of Kerry driving route, there is no finer spot to rest a weary head than the Park Hotel Kenmare, one of the best hotels in Ireland. Perched on the fringes of the charming town of Kenmare, this beautiful Victorian country house is awash in regal glamour; think oak-panelled drawing rooms, pale-pink velvet banquettes and gilt-edged fine art.
The 46 rooms are deliciously grand with heavy silk drapes, polished walnut furnishings and antique oil paintings. Soak away in the Samas spa, which has a thermal outdoor pool overlooking the woodland and the Kenmare River. It also has an indoor pool and a yoga pavilion. There's even a tiny cinema and a fancy fine dining restaurant serving seven-course tasting menus.
Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny
Set in 170 acres of parkland, the sprawling Lyrath Estate is a short drive from Kilkenny, a charming medieval town built in 1195 by Norman occupiers which has a maze of cobbled streets and an atmospheric castle. Originally built in the 17th century, the grand country manor house now features a luxury spa with a hydrotherapy pool, a thermal suite and saunas, as well as an indoor pool and steam rooms. The 22-seater private cinema provides an added treat.
The 139 rooms and suites are a mix of warm country manor and contemporary, but all have high ceilings, antique hints and a cosy, comfortable vibe; many have private balconies or terraces overlooking the grounds, too. Enjoy an award-winning afternoon tea served in Lady Charlotte’s Drawing Rooms or sit down to Irish fine dining in the elegant Yew restaurant, which proudly has two AA Rosettes.
The Imperial Hotel, Cork
Widely regarded as Cork's grande dame, the Imperial Hotel has seen many illustrious guests in its time, from the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt to author Charles Dickens. Aside from its grandeur and history, its central location on South Mall makes it a good base for exploring Cork and is moments from the Opera House, the Crawford Art Gallery, and the independent shops and restaurants on Grand Parade. Inside the hotel is suitably grand with a vast marble-clad lobby lit by a giant crystal chandelier, while its plush rooms and suites are equally as impressive, all with high ceilings, ornate cornicing and elegant country-chic furnishings.
Whether you want to relax in the Escape Spa, which has a plunge pool, steam rooms and treatments, sip cocktails in No.76, the hotel's contemporary bar, or dine out in the heart of Cork City at Sketch, The Imperial makes the perfect base for a Cork escape.
Kilkea Castle, County Kildare
Built in 1180, Kilkea Castle is famously one of the oldest castles in Ireland. Now a grand greystone hotel with a championship golf course, it overlooks Killeshin Hills and is moments from the region's ancient Mullaghreelan Woods. There are 140 rooms spread across lodges, carriages and the castle. All are plushly decorated with rich jewel-like colours and fabrics, antique furnishings and flashes of contemporary features. The fanciest rooms are found in the castle, including the magnificent FitzGerald Suite in the Round Tower, which offers 360-degree views of the estate.
Enjoy drinks in The Keep, the medieval bar, before sitting down for dinner in Restaurant 1180, a fine dining restaurant in the castle which serves dishes like rabbit with black pudding and summer berries, or sea bream with samphire and spinach. There's also a boutique spa with a thermal suite and a hydrotherapy pool.
The Shelbourne, Dublin
One of the oldest hotels in Dublin, The Shelbourne on St Stephen's Green, is so well regarded by its illustrious guests that it's called one of Ireland's national treasures. It first opened its doors in 1824 and has seen everyone from Hollywood greats, Greta Garbo and Clark Gable, to Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, stay within its hallowed halls. The rooms and suites are suitably opulent, and many feature roaring fireplaces and glittering chandeliers. You can relax in the fancy spa, which has an 18-metre indoor pool, or treat yourself to afternoon tea in the Lord Mayor's Lounge.
Naturally, it has a host of fancy restaurants and bars. Don't miss a whiskey nightcap in the Horseshoe Bar, where some of Ireland's greatest authors, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Seamus Heaney, once roamed.
The Hoxton, Dublin
Dublin's most anticipated new edition in recent years comes under the stylish Hoxton Hotels umbrella, bringing its signature design-led, community-focused style to Exchequer Street in Dublin's city centre. As well as housing a Peruvian all-day dining spot and a natural wine bar, The Hoxton Dublin is home to Groundwork, The Hoxton’s first-ever nightlife venue, bringing late-night energy to the city's creative corner. For those who favour an early-evening nightcap, the cosy library bar is open from 3 pm Thursday to Sunday and serves comfort food like Guinness and cheese toasties next to a roaring fire.
With its prime location, guests have easy access to Dublin's many attractions, and it's within walking distance of Drury Street, where you'll find boutique shops, independent cafes and a diverse range of restaurants.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Cork
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of West Cork, this charming oceanfront hotel offers a beachy alternative to Ireland's more traditional country hotels. Flooded with sunlight, thanks to the wall-to-ceiling windows, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is decked out with contemporary furnishings, modern art and plenty of natural wood. The light and spacious rooms are comfortable, some have modern four-poster beds and many have sweeping views over the Atlantic.
You can dine in the Gulfstream restaurant, where local produce is highly favoured and Irish dishes are executed with style. There's also a relaxed pub-style bistro. It's a family-friendly hotel in Ireland and the staff can organise surf lessons, while teens can hang out in the Netflix room or the games room. Adults tend to favour the spa with its heated saltwater pool, steam rooms and seaweed treatments.
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal
For friendly Irish hospitality but with a five-star swanky setting, the 15th-century Lough Eske Castle makes for a rather regal weekend. Perched on the shores of the atmospheric Lough Eske, this stately pile is within easy reach of the town of Donegal and a 30-minute drive from the dramatic sea cliffs of Slieve League.
The 96 rooms have an upmarket country manor vibe, while the bars and lounges are pleasingly baronial: think oak-panelled walls, huge stone fireplaces and fancy antiques. Dine out in the charming Cedars restaurant, which overlooks the castle's 43 acres of woodland. Alternatively, you can spend the weekend relaxing in the CARA Organic Beauty Spa, which has an indoor infinity pool, saunas and steam rooms. The staff can also arrange horse riding, surfing and hiking excursions in Donegal.
The Ice House Hotel, Mayo
Perched on the banks of the River Moy, The Ice House Hotel in Ballina was once a 19th-century stone ice store for the salmon fishery. It's well placed for exploring the ruins of Moyne Abbey, visiting Rosserk Friary, which dates back to the 15th century, or as a launching pad for driving along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Despite its century-old heritage, this modern boutique hotel in Ireland has a contemporary vibe with swathes of glass offering views up and down the river. The rooms are warmly decorated, some are more contemporary than others, while riverside suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows and views over the Moy. Relax in the Chill Spa, which features outdoor seaweed baths, while the modern restaurant has an emphasis on fine seafood.
Ashford Castle, Galway
For opulent Irish grandeur matched with warm, friendly service, look no further than Ashford Castle. Originally built in 1228, the former home of the Guinness family on the banks of Lough Corrib is moments from Cong, the rural village where the 1952 film The Quiet Man was set and makes a good base for exploring Connemara.
From the emerald green marble from Connemara to Waterford crystal chandeliers, the hotel champions all of Ireland's bounty. Statement rooms swathed in rich velvets and gilt-framed oil paintings are fit for royalty. You can relax in the spa, which has an indoor pool, play a round of golf, learn falconry and archery, or go salmon fishing on the River Cong, all of which works up an appetite to dine out on fine Irish cuisine in the George V Dining Room.
The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney, County Kerry
This sprawling lakeside hotel draws in crowds thanks to its incredible location on the shores of Lough Lein, overlooking 26,000 acres of National Parkland. For nature lovers, there's so much to see and do, with Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe, a breathtaking 11km mountain pass, on your doorstep, as well as the chance to try fishing or horse riding around the grounds of The Europe Hotel & Resort.
This beautiful property pairs minimalist design with views that take centre stage, boasting huge windows and an outdoor infinity pool that almost feels like an extension of the lake.
No. 1 Perry Square Hotel and Spa
This pretty boutique hotel is near Limerick's town centre - but with such plus amenities, you might not want to leave. The cosy townhouse-style hotel has an acclaimed restaurant and plush bar, as well as an on-site spa in the vaulted basement, where guests can sample a traditional seaweed bath or unwind in the coal-bunker sauna or with a VOYA seaweed treatment.
No. 1 Perry Square Hotel and Spa has only 21 rooms, which means staff can provide attentive, personal service to guests, promising a warm, welcoming atmosphere Ireland is so famous for.
Currarevagh House, Galway
With dramatic sweeping views of a mist-laden Lough Corrib, this intimate country house hotel set in a 180-acre private estate is simply packed with character and charm. Run by five generations of the Hodgson family, who've lived here since 1840, the Currarevagh is Ireland's longest running hotel and is the perfect base for exploring the wilds of Connemara - don't miss a steam in the lakeside sauna, heaven after a day's hiking.
The 10 rooms have a Downton Abbey vibe and either lake or mountain views. A fine Irish breakfast is included in the rate, while a complimentary afternoon tea with homemade cakes is laid out for guests each day. Dinner is a rather grand affair as the chef prepares a set four-course meal (not included) every evening.
Tracey Davies a freelance travel writer who contributes to Good Housekeeping, Red Online, Prima and Country Living, as well as a host of national newspapers. She is also the co-creator of the Wayward Wimmin Substack, about the trials and travels of midlife women.
Over the years, Tracey has covered everything from luxury resorts in Bora Bora, wild road trips across the States to walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. One of her many career highlights was swimming with the legendary Weeki Wachee mermaids in Florida.
Outside of work, Tracey is a stand up comedian and a smug sea swimmer. You can follow Tracey on Instagram @wayward_wimmin and @therealdollysday.
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