100 best places to stay 2025: The Hotel Examiner's guide to Ireland's best stays
A best of the best, we hope you will use this guide to inspire your travels, to unearth new places to stay, and to support the finest that Ireland has to offer.
Since launching our new travel section in November 2023, our Hotel Examiner reviews have become one of the most popular parts of your Weekend read.
Week in, week out, Thom and I forensically put hotels through their paces, examining them from the top down, from first impression to final farewell.
Through years of experience as travel writers and hotel experts we know that a great hotel is more than the sum of its parts.
Whether a modest three-star or boutique guest house, glossy five-star or rambling country house, great hospitality looks and feels the same. It’s a sensation of feeling welcome, comfortable, and cared for. The feeling you get when you walk through the door.
Bricks and mortar, amenities and location, are all important components, but a great stay is so much more than the physical.
It’s the emotional experience, and the energy from the people who are taking care of us. It’s a feeling of warmth and the welcome that it creates.
Great hospitality begins at the front door, with the welcome, the attention, the focus. A great check-in sets the tone for a successful stay. (A successful check-out is equally important.)
Then there are all the elements in between. The service, the decor, the comfort levels, the breakfast. The little extras, like bedroom cookies, or Irish crafts, or local art or beautiful grounds.
Thom Breathnach and I have spent weeks working on this list, with a little help from the Lifestyle team, choosing our inaugural list of Ireland’s 100 Best Places to Stay.
Each included property has been carefully selected, and while many differ in size, style and offering, each of those featured meets the highest standards and shares one thing in common: They all know the value of the personal touch.
A great stay is always underpinned by caring individuals and unexpected connections. A thoughtful note or friendly chat. An interest in your day. A sincere welcome back. A special gesture.
We are also celebrating the focus on local that underpins so many of these quality hotels and guest houses. Listing provenance on menus and choosing to support local food producers and farmers. Focusing on seasonality, championing Irish distillers and breweries.
Supporting Irish artists and craftspeople, using their works to set a style and tell a story. Sharing local history through clever activities and offerings. These intrinsically Irish elements all help to enhance our experiences.
We stay in hotels for many different reasons: for business, for leisure, for romance, for celebrations, for escapism and no one hotel can be all things to all guests.
Exhaustive in its research, this list is our personal selection and does not represent every single hotel in the country, despite our best efforts to visit them all. But it marks the start of an exciting new tradition, an annual celebration of Ireland’s exceptional hospitality. It’s our 100 Best, and while we’ve ranked our Top 20, everyone on this list deserves to be here.
A best of the best, we hope you will use it to inspire your travels, to unearth new places to stay and to support the finest that Ireland has to offer.
When the Cootes commissioned Ballyfin in the 1820s, their neoclassical masterpiece was one of Ireland’s finest private houses.
Purchased in 2002 by US businessman Fred Krehbiel and his Irish wife, Kay, they didn’t just rescue the Co Laois estate, they transformed the wonderful old home-turned-boarding school into one of the most beautiful hotels in the world.
Restored with meticulous style, precision, and historic integrity, Ballyfin’s beauty is much more than skin deep. From first arrival, as you sweep round the bend, past the manmade lake, and spy a line of staff waiting to welcome you on the steps, you know this is going to be different.
The interiors are spectacular — luxe, ornate and exquisitely comfortable.
Service is fantastic and fun, bringing a relaxed air that you may not have been expecting. The grounds are glorious (the kitchen gardens are a real treat), the pool so peaceful and the combination of luxury, comfort and great hospitality creates a very special feeling.
The Gold Room may be Ireland’s most beautiful reception room, and the bedrooms here are all uniquely dazzling too.
Executive chef Richard Picard-Edwards earned a coveted Michelin star this year, and his clever cooking has been the final piece of the puzzle in Ballyfin’s quest for perfection.
Ballyfin always feels perfect, yet every time we stay it gets better. And with a newly appointed general manager, Kasia Riebandt fresh from The Park Kenmare, we know this jewel of a hotel is set to further sparkle, seduce, and continue to delight all who visit.
- Visit ballyfin.com
Ashford Castle is the promise that delivers. The minute you spy the fairytale turrets and cross the stone bridge, your pulse will quicken. Check-in will be effusive, like connecting with old friends, before you’re shown to your opulent bedroom.
The finest rooms are in the oldest part of the castle, but you’ll be surrounded by history and tradition in every corner of this immense property.
Every little act is special here — a morning walk with the resident wolfhounds, falconry on the estate, a cruise on Lake Corrib, or perhaps a visit to Alex Lavarde’s immaculate kitchen garden. Service is peerless, staff striking that perfect balance between friendly and professional, while housekeeping is immaculate.
Every meal, from a sensational breakfast to Liam Finnegan’s stand-out cooking in the George V restaurant (enhanced by superb sommelier, Paul Fogerty) and dazzling afternoon tea in the Connacht Room make Ashford Castle a national treasure.
- Visit ashfordcastle.com
Storied and chic. Chilled and cosy. Original and understated. Gregan’s Castle encapsulates the essence of relaxed Irish hospitality.
All country house cool and boho elegance, Simon Haden and Freddie McMurray’s charming creeper-clad 18th-century house offers a sense of fun and wonder through colourful textiles, slouchy sofas, vibrant art, and eclectic treasures all underpinned by a sophisticated Burren-inspired palette.
Managed by the effervescent Éanna Hassett, the welcome is warm and the staff informal and friendly.
We love tumbling into the atmospheric bar for tea and cake after a wild walk or enjoying after-dinner drinks in the comfy lounge overlooking the gardens.
Most of all, though, we love the imaginative seasonal cooking dreamed up by the talented Jonathan Farrell, and starting the day with one of the finest breakfast offerings in Ireland.
- Visit gregans.ie
Imagine if you had an aunt, who was an accomplished chef — from France — and she invited you to the luxury guesthouse she opened up in the most spectacular West Cork setting — and it may just give you a hint of the hospitality in store at The Fastnet.
Provence native, Hélène Lynch (and her husband, Edward) are behind this unique luxury property near Schull, where you can curl up fireside on Ligne Roset furniture while breathing in panoramic views out to Fastnet and beyond.
However it’s Hélène’s breakfast; a freshly curated feast comparable with a fine Parisian five-star’s, which is likely to rank as one of the most memorable petit-déjeuner of your life. It is expensive but an experience par excellence which warrants a spot on any luxury stay shortlist.
- Visit fastnethotel.co.uk
If you’re looking for wow factor, Adare Manor will not disappoint. A destination resort that works hard to impress, its magnificent limestone facade is matched inside by fantastically opulent interiors.
From the polished parquet to the 50 carved chimney stacks, the soaring lobby, sumptuous staterooms, and dramatic Gallery, the decor is exquisite and the sense of luxury and history palpable. Newcomers may be surprised at how relaxed it all feels, the service – under the watchful eye of GM Brendan O’Connor — charming and attentive yet never intrusive.
The Oak Room, once the Dunraven family’s dining room, is a magnificent setting for chef Mike Tweedie’s memorable Michelin-starred cooking. World class facilities, rivalled by few, include the course that will host the 2027 Ryder Cup, an intimate spa, chocolatier, and slick Padel Club with infinity pool. Unapologetically luxurious, Adare Manor is one special place.
- Visit adaremanor.com
What happens when a young couple; Vanessa Charron from Quebec and Matti Schulz from Germany, make the journey to Ireland to manage the guesthouse of their dreams? Mossie’s in West Cork, is what.
This delightful five bedroom guesthouse, named after the farmer who once dwelt here, brings a sanctuary of Hibernian hygge to the wilds of the Beara Peninsula.
Keenly priced luxury guestrooms are themed, from the Victorian room to the lavish, villa feel, Ulusker room.
Add in inviting common lounges and dens where fresh flowers, glimmering candles and Philip Glass pulsing from the sound system create dreamy conditions to unwind. Breakfasts are a delight while guests can relax in Mossie’s gorgeous stone wall sauna after some fine local hiking.
- Visit mossies.ie
By honouring heritage, Didi and Simon Ronan may have just tapped into the future of Irish stays.
Their new, sustainability-steered guesthouse in boho Ballydehob sees native vernacular design — and the three bedroom guest house’s original farmhouse roots — serenely celebrated.
The resulting aesthetic sees a sublime showcase of mid-century Irish furniture, from stylish Crannac arm-chairs to antique treasures snapped up at the set auction from The Banshees of Inisherin.
Energy-efficient hemp-plastered walls, sheepskin throws and ambient lighting all add to a beautifully atmospheric communal space where gentle lounge beats woo you to linger.
Guestrooms, which feature an orange-burst profusion of Nat Geo editions are a haven of cosiness, a locavore breakfast is served in the new milking parlour space, while Native’s oasis garden sauna adds to the zen.
- Visit native.ie
Few hotels can rival Ballynahinch Castle’s dramatic setting on the banks of the Owenmore River and enfolded by the mighty Twelve Ben mountains in wild Connemara. Here, the impressive country estate seems to operate on its own terms in its own time zone.
It’s a world where fishing rods, wellies and roaring fires sit happily alongside art by Swanzy, Scully and Patrick Scott.
A world where riverside saunas and a buzzing bar sit alongside notable fine dining by the talented Danni Barry. A world where staff have time to chat, advise and regale.
Guestrooms, tastefully refurbished in 2019, and brand new suites unveiled this year, offer cosy and stylish sanctuaries with knock-out views.
On a summer’s day, the terrace — overlooking the river — is a smart new dining addition making the most of the 360 views. Laid back and luxurious, Ballynahinch feels like the quintessentially Irish escape.
- Visit ballynahinch-castle.com
Ireland is blessed with the most wonderful crop of country house getaways, but Ballyvolane House in Castlelyons (in East Cork or North Cork, depending on who you ask) is one of the most handsome of them all.
The Georgian pile has been the family home of the Greene family since 1953 and sits surrounded by storybook rose gardens, croquet lawns and farm pastures, dotted with grazing Friesians. One of those very cows, Big Bertha, lent her name to Ballyvolane’s very own gin, a successful 10-year project with bottles still in circulation for a pre-dinner tipple.
As for the dining, expect moreish country kitchen dishes served on willow pattern china in a convivial long table setting. Plush, period guestrooms make the perfect surrounds to unwind following a day of peak country house living.
- Visit ballyvolanehouse.ie
This West Cork gem has been rolling out a céad míle fáilte for 90 years, yet it still remains one of Ireland’s best secrets.
Nestled in a serene valley of Gaeltacht Mhúscraí, home to both the iconic St. Finbarr’s Oratory and the source of the Lee, this landmark four-star hotel occupies one of Ireland’s most epic Eircodes.
Neil and Katy Lucey’s property lives up to the setting. Tradition, nostalgia and character seep through the walls here from a Victorian tiled reception to a secret nook bar, to charming guestrooms which take full advantage of lake and mountain vistas.
Service is ebullient (and often as gaeilge!) while Katy’s dining menu is top drawer for quality and blas.
- Visit gouganebarra.com
Meticulously transformed by the Magnier family, the former archbishop’s palace-turned-hotel is jaw-dropping in its beauty.
Brimming with character, the Palladian manor offers a world of warmth and luxury under the watchful eye of GM-extraordinaire Adriaan Bartels and his superb team.
A guestroom in the Main House is the ultimate treat, all high ceilings, sash windows, fireplace and opulent bathroom (we love the all-Irish room offering including mini bottles of Cashel Palace gin).
Prepare to lose track of time lounging by the fires, strolling the private gardens, chatting with staff or admiring the incredible art. Despite being in the heart of Cashel, it’s a remarkably relaxing place, enhanced by private gardens and a glamorous light-flooded pool and spa. Dinner in the Michelin-starred Bishop’s Buttery is a stand-out.
- Visit cashelpalacehotel.ie
There are properties with personality. And there’s a property run by hotelier powerfrau, Melanie Harrison. After purchasing and renovating a Victorian townhouse on Belfast’s vibrant Malone Road, she crafted it into the city’s hottest new boutique hotel.
Just a few years and further extensions later and the property is legendary.
And it’s not just Melanie who brings colour. Each of the boutique rooms is fantastically themed around a Belfast-linked legend from Van Morrison to the Brontë sisters: expect four poster beds, roll top baths, vinyl and literature along the way. Beyond the sumptuous seomras, guests can get their jazz hands ready for regular live music (and artisan cocktails and cheese boards!) in the hotel’s vibey bar.
When is a cabin not a cabin? When it’s part of The Montenotte’s Woodland Suite Experience. In a world of cookie-cutter hotels, Woodland Suites delight and excite with an original concept that has been cleverly executed.
Creating a novel luxury stay in the woods below the Montenotte Hotel, guests are whisked away to a private clubhouse check-in with champagne. Accommodation is in nine cantilevered cabins that have been luxuriously tricked-out in Japandi-style luxe minimalism by Roisin Lafferty.
A design lover’s dream, the giant sleigh bed, free-standing bath, exquisite furnishings and private deck are all highlights.
Complimentary sundowners with canapés in the Clubhouse feel special, while breakfast the next day in the residents-only clubhouse doubles down on that exclusive, intimate and fun feeling. Sleek and chic, with lovely service, this all-suite experience is a delight.
Our list is dazzled with treasures from the beloved Ireland’s Blue Book collection, but as the self-proclaimed “dinkiest” in the collection, intimate Newforge House may well be our favourite of them all.
Owners John and Louise Mathers have retained the original scale and integrity of the Georgian property, with just six bedrooms, creating a distinctly homely rather than hotel-y atmosphere.
Rooms, named after matriarchs of the family, are wonderfully appointed with heirloom furniture passed through six generations and offer views to the gardens or courtyard through characterful sash windows.
A set four-course dinner menu celebrating the best of Armagh fare is a true highlight and the snuggle-up drawing room makes the ideal habitat for a warming nightcap. In all, the perfect spot to discover the Orchard County.
- Visit newforghouse.com
Built in the 1850s as a hunting lodge for flush visitors to The Kingdom, today this glorious Georgian property on the banks of Caragh Lake makes for one of Munster’s most sublime escapes.
It’s a family affair at the property: Frank and Mary Slattery, and their daughter Claire Slattery, are the owner-hosts par excellence, while long-time head chef, Patricia Teahan, creates wonderful locally inspired menus where the likes of Atlantic cod and Kerry lamb are offered with heavenly accompaniments.
Guestrooms are on point while the glorious drawing rooms and myriad nooks and lounges are a treat here, and make wonderful havens to hide away with a book, a board game or a glass or wine. Kayak in one of the county’s most unspoiled lakes while here, too.
- Visit carrighouse.com
Those resistant to change had nothing to fear when the Brennan brothers put their beloved Park Hotel Kenmare up for sale in 2023. One of the country’s best-known hotels, the Victorian railway hotel is in the safest of hands with its new owners, the Meehans.
Respecting the character of the five-star favourite, they’ve set about creating a beguiling new narrative.
Ever-relaxing and welcoming, the bold contemporary art collection breathes new energy into this traditional space, complementing the stylish refurb carried out by star designer Bryan O’Sullivan. The service is still gold standard, perfectly pitched to read guests.
Dinner in Landline, the Sean Scully-rich restaurant, is a grown-up treat and we love the tradition of complimentary tea and cake served every afternoon in the drawing room. The cool spa – earmarked for a refurb – still delivers too.
- Visit parkkenmare.com
Here’s a perhaps lesser known but absolute stellar stay. The Old Inn, scenically set within the heart of the whitewashed village of Crawfordsburn, Co Down, has been welcoming travellers for over four centuries.
That all points to an inn of considerable character from the atmospheric reception glowing by an open-hearth fireplace, to the character-laden 1614 bar and the hotel’s polished, old world rooms. The sympathetic melding of trending amenities is also impressive.
The hotel’s swish new Treetop Spa, fit to grace any Instagram grid, offers a blissful mood-switch with an outdoor pool, thermal suite, cabana and cocooning relaxation room overlooking the flora of Crawfordsburn Country Park. You’re also just a short stroll to the shores of Helen’s Bay while only a 15 minute drive to Belfast.
- Visit theoldinn.com
Despite its grand old age, the iconic Shelbourne is not one for sitting still. Reassuringly traditional, the Grand Dame has been rolling out improvements and experiences to stay on top of its game.
With views over St Stephen’s Green, the handsome landmark still enjoys one of the finest addresses in the capital.
Buzzy and busy, the hotel always feels connected to the city, whether staying over or just popping in for a Guinness in the glam No 27 bar, sensational afternoon tea in The Lord Mayor’s Lounge, Sunday lunch in The Saddle Room or a nightcap in the Horseshoe Bar.
Newer additions, like the intimate 1824 Bar, al fresco Terrace, Oyster Month and next stage of room refurbishment, show manager JP Kavanagh’s commitment to ensuring this glamorous 200-year-old institution is still as fashionable, relevant and welcoming as ever.
- Visit theshelbourne.com
One of the most complete hotel packages in the country, Ballygarry Estate in Tralee offers superb country house hotel accommodation, excellent dining options, plus all the bells and whistles of an Instagram-worthy spa to delight guests of all generations.
Owned and managed by the McGillycuddy family for three generations, attentive Kerry hospitality is keystone to the stay here. As is an eye firmly on sustainability.
Thanks to expansion efforts in recent years, Ballygarry now spans 180 acres of glorious native meadows, wetlands and woodlands with views spanning to the Slieve Mish Mountains and the Dingle Peninsula beyond. Add in superb service across the team and you’ve found the sweet spot for a pretty perfect stay. Check out their new estate cabin additions for 2025, too.
- Visit ballygarry.com
It’s hard to believe that The Merrion Hotel didn’t exist 30 years ago. Today, it’s an iconic part of Dublin, a city sanctuary withinfour handsome Georgian townhouses. Much like its elegant facade, everything inside looks and feels just right, creating a welcoming vibe.
Check-in is one of the nicest around, lulling you into a world of opulence and comfort where staff are discreet and excellent. Drawing rooms with high ceilings, deep sofas and roaring fires sparkle beneath chandeliers, while notable Irish artworks enhance an already beautiful interior.
Sumptuous and spacious guestrooms are immaculately presented – though bedrooms in the Main House are the real stars – and it all feels delightfully special.
The Garden Room serves a blissful breakfast and all-day dining, and there’s the legendary Guilbaud’s, with its two Michelin stars. Add in a great little spa and pool and it’s hard not to love it.
- Visit merrionhotel.com
It’s the wild Atlantic stay along the Wild Atlantic Way. The hugely popular four-star Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, Co. Clare, soaks up its ocean setting with fine sea-view rooms, one of Ireland’s best vibe hotel restaurants with Aileen’s and a laudable B Corp status that reflects the hotel’s genuine green credentials.
Almost all rooms here offer sea-views as standard while the standout Seascape Suite, which boasts floor-to-ceiling views, a copper bath and thoughtful Irish touches from a bar of Wilde’s chocolate to a copy of Ken O’Sullivan’s Stories from the Deep, may well rank as the most dramatically perched guestrooms in the country.
Since our last visit, recent refurbs and the addition of a new coastal cabin reflect the Armada’s ever vibrant vision too.
- Visit armadahotel.com
It takes skill to create a family-focused hotel that adults will enjoy just as much. That’s what makes Amber Springs so remarkable. Owned by the Redmond family, investment is on-going and always so well judged under the watchful eye of GM Eibhear Coyle.
The hotel’s brilliant Amber Park offers a mini-farm, go-kart track, mini-golf, football pitch and much more alongside the hotel’s playroom, gaming room, teen zone, cinema and swimming pool.
Then there’s the clever family bedrooms, including suites and dens with separate bunk rooms.
Good food is a focus and includes excellent beef from the Redmond family’s own farm, just five miles away.
- Visit ambersprings.ie
When Castlemartyr Resort first opened as The Capella in 2007, it marked a new era of luxury Irish hotels, with rooms starting back then from an eye-watering €425 per night.
Eighteen years, several owner-switches, and a significant rates slash later and this East Cork favourite has pivoted to become one of the best-value five-star escapes in the country.
Guests can experience highlights including the sumptuous Knight’s Bar, a wonderful art collection throughout the property and Castlemartyr’s two Michelin-starred restaurant Terre which has brought added cachet to this address.
- Visit castlemartyrresort.ie
Ciara O’Brien’s guesthouse in Mitchelstown is an example of how fine accommodation, a close-knit local business community and effective social media marketing can see a fresh new property yielding a regenerative impact on an area.
The mid-1800s farmhouse, which has enjoyed a rustic boutique glow-up, offers four guestrooms with fresh plans to expand to existing outhouses already apace.
Love hiking? With the Galtees just a short spin away, this wholesome hideaway makes a perfect escape for outdoorsy couples, solo travellers, or those with a canine plus one.
- Visit barnahown.com
The jewel in the Doyle Collection crown, The Westbury is a charming blend of old world elegance and contemporary energy.
With views of Grafton Street from the immense first-floor gallery, it feels delightfully enmeshed in the capital’s buzz. Inside, an elegant art deco theme is thoughtfully woven throughout the decor, from the glossy public areas to the glamorous Sidecar bar, Wilde restaurant and plush bedrooms.
Service – always attentive and personal – leaves a lasting impression.
Drinks in the marble-and-leather Sidecar cocktail bar (served by mixologists in white tuxes), afternoon tea in The Gallery and brunch at Balfe’s are all Dublin rites of passage.
- Visit doylecollection.com
A charmingly converted railway junction, it’s hard not to fall for the nostalgia and character of this family-run establishment that last welcomed trains in 1947.
Opened by the Slattery family in 1984, their daughters continue the tradition of welcoming guests and ensuring a delightful experience. Country house cosy, with 12 acres of gardens and woodland, the decor is stylish, considered and homely.
A cute bar, comfy restaurant with good food, and smart terrace, make it welcoming for all seasons while the friendly staff lend real warmth and charm.
- Visit stationhousehotel.ie
Tucked along Killarney’s “Hotel Walk of Fame” (aka Muckross Road), The Victoria may be less fanfared than some of its neighbours, but it well merits being on your radar for your next Kerry escape.
Built in the 1990s yet dressed like a heritage gem with Virginia creeper walls and characterful gables, the property offers dapper boutique interiors, elegant guestrooms, and peak Killarney hospitality all thanks to a wonderful front-of-house team.
Dining at the Ivy Lounge, along with a fine silver-service breakfast hit the spot too.
- Visit thevictoriakillarney.com
Overlooking Kenmare Bay, Sheen Falls Lodge feels like it has always been there. Yet the riverside hotel with glorious views only opened in 1991, fashioned from a 17th-century fishing lodge.
New owners took it on in 2018, further investing in the celebrated five-star hideaway. Synonymous with relaxed luxury, its riverfront setting, plush interiors and warm service make for an escape that’s indulgent yet unpretentious.
Guests can enjoy country pursuits or just sink into an armchair with a whiskey. Romantic yet family-friendly, the elegant Falls Restaurant delivers memorable fine dining but opt for The Stables Brasserie if the kids are in tow.
- Visit sheenfallslodge.ie
Nestled within the foothills of Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Co. Armagh, Killeavy Castle Estate may well be the destination hotel on our list you didn’t know about.
Just one hour from Dublin or Belfast, this relatively new property (opened 2019) centres around a restored 19th-century castle twinned with a contemporary 45-room hotel build.
Guestrooms are on the money, there’s a stylish pool and spa, while dining at its two-AA-rosette restaurant impresses with farm-to-fork dishes straight from the estate’s own pastures. The estate features its own community farm shop too.
- Visit killeavycastle.com
Handsome and grand, this curving row of Regency townhouses makes quite the impression in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter.
Inside is equally startling, four fine interconnecting residences offering a luxurious confection of original heritage features and individually decorated rooms. Each room and suite has its own distinct personality, all rolltop baths, fireplaces, deep sofas and luxe textiles.
Attentive and friendly service underpins everything, while custom-stocked mini-bars, a charming first-floor drawing room with all-day dining, and chic wellness suite with ice plunge, sauna and hot tub, make this one stand-out city stay.
- Visit regencyhouse.co.uk
When it comes to Ireland’s Blue Book properties, the Mustard Seed must offer one of the most quintessential country-house escapes of them all.
This former convent perched above the Limerick village of Ballingarry is today a characterful rustic hideaway where guests can check-in into charming rooms, nestle into cosy fireside lounges and enjoy excellent dining thanks to chef Angel Pirev and his wonderful kitchen gardens.
A warm welcome from owner John Edward Joyce (and welcome drink!) are par for the course here too. Why not pair a visit with a stay at No. 1 Pery Square for the perfect urban/rural Limerick escape?
- Visit mustardseed.ie
Just ahead of its 200-year anniversary in 2026, Fernhill House has completed a smart 16-bedroom extension. The new rooms are plush and opulent, but the welcome is grounded and down to earth at this West Cork landmark.
The Georgian manor enjoys a prime position on the Wild Atlantic Way, enhanced by rewilded acres and extraordinary Celtic gardens designed by Chelsea Gold Medal winner, Mary Reynolds.
Family-run, and now in the hands of the fourth generation of O’Neills, the hotel is, understandably, a popular wedding destination.
- Visit fernhillhousehotel.com
One of best options in the country for mid-budget luxury, Castlewood House is a stellar boutique guesthouse with a fine bayside setting in Dingle.
Though built in the early noughties, the property by Helen and Brian Heaton already exudes a sanctuary status with luxury lounges and myriad sensory delights from landscape art to mood music and a profusion of fresh lilies.
Rooms are decorated and kitted to luxury country house standards while breakfast is the real showstopper at Castlewood with a lavish buffet and one of the most extensive a la carte menus in the business.
- Visit castlewooddingle.com
How many many properties can boast their own secret cove?
That’s just one USP of Dunmore House, the wonderful West Cork coastal escape tucked just outside the happening town of Clon. Family-run by the Barretts since 1948, the four-star retreat makes a particularly tasty option to bookmark for a dining break thanks to its ambitious restaurant, Adrift.
Expect sophisticated, occasion country house dining (much sourced from the coastal gardens) with menus delivering keenly priced quality. Insider tip: one to recommend for anyone gluten-free in your life.
- Visit dunmorehousehotel.ie
Dromoland belongs to the exclusive fold of Irish hotel brands where its very name conjures up a sense of peak grandeur. But wind up the lakeside driveway in county Clare’s most exclusive property estate and the wow factor is true to life.
Guests can expect all the trappings from a 16th-century five-star castle; exceedingly maximalist plush surroundings, luxury rooms and suites hidden in the castle’s turrets and dinner (or breakfast) at The Earl of Thomond restaurant which is truly experiential. Service here raises the bar all the more.
- Visit dromoland.ie
Fresh. Exciting, Beautiful. The Leinster manages to impart a frisson of excitement each time you visit. It’s in those thoughtful details – original art, a retro lift, joyful carpets, cool corridors, great in-room snacks – and in the luxuriously tricked-out bedrooms, with bright headboards, comfy seating and exquisitely designed bathrooms.
Food is exceptionally good in the rooftop Jean-Georges restaurant while the gorgeous Collins Club is a destination cocktail bar with style. Chirpy staff, rooftop views and a great location off Merrion Square seal the deal for a memorable Dublin stay.
- Visit theleinster.ie
Tucked behind UCC, Hayfield Manor enjoys that enviable combination of an urban address with country house DNA. Owned by the Scally family, there’s a warm intimacy to the service. Old school and welcoming, it’s wrapped in beautiful grounds, with newly revamped rooms and all the trappings of great hospitality.
Highlights include a theatrical afternoon tea, drinks in Bloom in the garden, the light-filled pool and classic dining in The Orchid Room. Staff have been empowered to let their personalities shine, resulting in charming interactions and really impressive service everywhere.
- Visit hayfieldmanor.ie
Originally an 80’s era B&B, Fitzgerald’s Woodlands Hotel & Spa has been remodelled and evolved over the decades into one of the finest family-friendly hotels in Munster.
The powerhouse hotelier family, who are a warm, hands-on presence across operations, have an excellent record in both gear-shifting towards and paving new trends.
With organic gardens, a fine spa and amenities from an animal farm to a vibrant food truck market, it’s a hugely popular one-stop shop for families. Timmy Mac’s Bistro is a find too.
- Visit woodlands-hotel.ie
A four-star country house and 13th-century castle sitting on 20 acres, Barberstown Castle delivers views across to the Wicklow mountains from the castle heights. Eight centuries of history see it blend Victorian and Elizabethan extensions with the original medieval keep, its private owners upgrading it from 10-bedrooms to 58.
Pable Barnardo’s cooking in The Barton Rooms is making waves and refurbishments are ongoing by the new owners, with the design team behind Kenmare’s Park Hotel bringing a plush new interior vision to life. We are watching eagerly.
- Visit barberstowncastle.ie
It’s a little overwhelming to fathom just how historic this property is, but The Bushmills Inn, which lays claim to being Ireland’s oldest hotel, has been welcoming guests since 1608!
The character-steeped inn along Antrim’s Causeway Coastal route, with its quaint guestrooms and yesteryear gaslit bar with cosy inglenook fireplaces is one of the most inviting properties to steal away too, particularly in winterish weather. But blockbuster attractions on the doorstep from the Giant’s Causeway itself to Dunluce Castle add to its appeal too.
- Visit bushmillsinn.com
There’s a reason this castle hotel in the capital is so popular. Just off the coast road, the handsome crenellated tower with a neo-Gothic extension makes a striking setting and the drama continues inside with a huge fireplace and suits of armour.
They’ve done a great job capitalising on the architectural features and Knights Bar is especially ornate and comfy.
Staff are great and the hotel’s walls are hung with an interesting collection of contemporary art. Fahrenheit, where dinner and breakfast are served, is a beautiful dining room and Paul Devoy’s cooking is both exciting and acccomplished. An atmospheric value choice for the capital.
- Visit clontarfcastle.ie
It’s been around since 1998, but the newly revamped Fitzwilliam Hotel deserves a second chance. Everything about the St Stephen’s Green five-star has been elevated, creating a fresh new vibe and impression from the get-go.
We’re talking a chic new lobby with the offer of prosecco at check-in. Then there’s the glamorous new Lounge, that feels vibrant and premium (the Bloody Mary menu is genius).
Gorgeous guestrooms are some of the most stylish and best designed in the city, with subtle art deco vibes. Service is good and there’s a real sense that everyone’s striving to make an impression.
One of eight Killarney properties on our list, Cahernane House appeals with being just 1 km from the main town square while feeling a true world apart from the tourist hustle. A classical Victorian manor escape, it is ideal for those seeking a luxury stay without resort amenities.
Book your choice of house or garden-wing rooms, with new offerings in the refurbed coach house. A tip? Try to grab an early table at breakfast — you’re very likely to see red deer grazing as you tuck into your eggs Benedict.
- Visit cahernane.com
The River Lee Hotel is clever. It feels international and slick yet local and personal. Sister property to The Westbury, in Dublin, this sophisticated four-star enjoys Doyle Collection’s signature good looks and attention to detail. Its decor is striking and rooms both well designed and spacious.
A floor of Deluxe Rooms offers extra space, added perks and access to a well appointed Executive Lounge with limitless snacks. Check-in is welcoming and breakfast is excellent, served, by a charmingly ebullient host. With a health club and pool it ticks boxes for all kinds of stays.
- Visit doylecollection.com
When you’re staying in a four-star property and wondering whether it may actually be a five-star, it’s always a good sign.
Parknasilla well-nigh ticks every box for the perfect hotel break. The beauty here is the huge array of complimentary amenities and scheduled activities, from nature walks to storytelling, which will appeal to couples, solo guests and families.
Accommodation includes an eclectic selection of old manor rooms, while the corner suites overlooking Kenmare Bay would rival many higher-tier offerings for wow factor and, certainly, views. The outdoor infinity pool is wow, too.
- Visit parknasillaresort.com
Set on the shores of Blessington Lakes, Tulfarris strikes that sweet spot between laid-back and luxe.
In addition to the main hotel the newly launched 18th-century manor house blends history with a modern four-star hotel and golf resort, making it the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts or those yearning for a countryside reset close to Dublin.
The Fairway restaurant impresses, as does the new spa, and the lakeside views do the rest.
- Visit tulfarris.com
Fresh from a lavish revamp, Carton House has reclaimed its place among Ireland’s top destination hotels. The 18th-century Palladian mansion exudes grandeur and real wow factor.
Splurge on a state room in the magnificent old house with Michelin-starred dinner in the exquisite Morrison Room or enjoy a more affordable experience in a modern Garden Wing room with casual dining at Kathleen’s Kitchen.
Book into the history tour to unlock the estate’s secrets and commit to afternoon tea, one of the very best around. A standout spa, championship golf course and charming service enhance that true five-star feeling.
- Visit cartonhouse.com
The Europe’s expansive estate always wows, not least with its spectacular setting overlooking the famous lakes. While its five-star spa and leisure facilities are legendary, and never fail to impress, The Europe manages to always keep things fresh, pairing classic grandeur with contemporary polish.
From smartly appointed rooms with breathtaking lake and mountain views, to interesting terrace dining and quality cocktails by the water, this is stylish Irish hospitality done the Kerry way.
- Visit theeurope.com
For pin-drop serenity, Castle Leslie is perhaps the most peaceful of them all. The 18th-century Gothic castle, surrounded by a 1,000-acre estate of stunning lakes and woodlands (keep an eye out for pine martens) offers one of the most serene big country house escapes in the land.
Accommodation ranges from castle rooms to lodge retreats. Horse lovers can saddle up for one of the finest equestrian centres in the country, while the self-catering Old Mews accommodation makes an excellent base for a dog-friendly break.
- Visit castleleslie.com
Co. Laois may be one of Ireland’s least visited counties, but Roundwood House is reason enough to make it a destination. The magical Palladian manor, run by Hannah and Paddy Flynn, offers a quintessential country house escape. With only four guestrooms and the family’s hands-on hospitality, Roundwood feels more homely than most.
Rooms are charming, a gong announces a wonderful nightly dinner, and family sing-songs are not unusual. Local attractions like the Slieve Bloom Mountains give plenty of reasons to linger.
- Visit roundwoodhouse.com
Killarney has some magnificently located hotels, but it’s this family-run four-star that may well boast the most prime location of all.
Majestically set on the banks of Lough Leane, The Lake Hotel is a top recommendation for those who prefer timeless charm over Pinterest trends, thanks to inviting, traditional interiors, while a new spa, thermal suite and infinity pool should satisfy the Insta set.
Balcony views from rooms, featuring fireball sunsets over the Reeks, are truly some of the most breath-taking hotel views in Ireland.
- Visit lakehotelkillarney.ie
Overlooking the River Shannon, the Limerick Strand blends city energy with comfort-first hospitality.
Surprisingly spacious rooms, a strong food offering at The River Bar & Restaurant, a great breakfast, 20-metre pool and its prime location are just some of the reasons it’s a go-to for business and leisure guests.
Affordable and reliable, there is a reason that this is a genuine local favourite rather than a chain hotel with a Limerick postcode.
- Visit limerickstrand.ie
A short stroll from Iveagh Gardens, the Conrad Dublin mixes corporate luxury with warm service and standout dining — from inventive cocktails at Lemuel’s to the perfect chargrilled steak in The Coburg.
Clever new packages seek to introduce guests to unique local experiences, demonstrating the hotel’s drive to forge deeper connections with its hometown.
Rooms are comfortable and well appointed with welcome touches like Byredo toiletries and Butler’s chocolates.
The highlight? A five-star breakfast experience complete with DIY Bloody Mary cocktail station, fresh green juices and raw honeycomb.
- Visit conraddublin.com
This five-star Killarney classic entered a new chapter in 2025 following a multi-million-euro makeover. Highlights of the new look are the lavishly refurbished guestrooms, which with glorious motif wallpaper inspired by the national park, feel like a pop-up love story to Killarney.
Elsewhere, guests can enjoy supremely concocted cocktails in the hotel’s polished bar while Peregrine Restaurant offers one of the most enticing cheese trolleys in the country. Keep an eye out for further refurbs in the pipeline.
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- Visit killarneyparkhotel.ie
For many of our readers, Derry is quite the distance, so all the better when you’ve an excellent check-in to look forward to post road trip. Enter The Ebrington: an elegant new spa hotel Foyleside inspired by the town’s past, featuring a rich industrial-meets-art-deco palette.
A pool and spa add a neat wellness element and there’s very impressive dining in the Oak Room restaurant. Set in the regenerated brewery district, you’re just a short walk across the Peace Bridge to the heart of the city too.
- Visit theebringtonhotel.com
Built as The Johnstown House, the manor was originally a private country residence and still bears the hallmarks of its origins, with manicured grounds and restored gardens outside, and elaborate cornicing and chandeliers inside.
Privately owned, the hotel was completely re-imagined eight years ago with a €10m refurbishment, that includes elegant guestrooms and two smart restaurants.
Parterre, a new garden terrace cocktail bar with retractable roof is a glamorous new addition this year and enhances the exceptional spa that is easily one of the best in the country.
- Visit thejohnstownestate.com
Hidden down Andrew’s Lane, mere steps from Grafton Street, lies Dublin’s first carbon-neutral hotel. Single rooms may run as small as 10 sq.m here, but cool and clever design makes the most of every metre.
Warm and cosy, guests don’t have to compromise on a great sleep, a fantastic shower or an artisanal morning coffee (via Wicklow-based roasters Epilogue) by opting for the sustainable option.
Waste-conscious menus in the hotel’s restaurant are impressive, as are the resident mixologist’s cocktails. Friendly service with a relaxed vibe elevates the experience.
- Visit wrenhotel.ie
A new hotel offering in Dungarvan, The Hatmaker is a wonderfully tailored option for those seeking a luxury break in the trending Waterford town.
Boutique luxury rooms designed by Anne Kirby are on a par with any big city escape, but if budget allows, opt for the retreat category which offers sumptuous en-suites with bathtubs to ramp up the experiential element.
Breakfast, served in the Parisian-style café bar, is a continental affair but, with green juices, croissants, bagels, and smoked salmon, there’s plenty of oh-la-la.
- Visit thehatmaker.ie
Tucked behind Dublin Castle, this Irish-owned hotel offers a peaceful retreat within a ten-minute stroll from the city’s busiest streets. Fawn, its smart restaurant is working hard at building a reputation too.
With top-class soundproofing and blackout blinds in the comfy bedrooms, a tranquil walled garden, and a small wellness centre with whirlpool, sauna, steam room and access to massage therapies, it offers a relaxing and affordable retreat in the heart of the city.
The bathroom, with gorgeous turquoise tiling and spacious walk-in rain shower, is a highlight.
- Visit thechanceryhotel.ie
Could this be Ireland’s most exclusive coastal hotel? Cliff House has been the accommodation jewel along the Waterford coast since it opened as a boutique five-star in 2008.
The pillars remain the same: coastal luxury, uninterrupted sea views and excellent dining from its oceanfront Bar to its Michelin-starred House Restaurant.
However, the Cliff Group is rightly renowned for its spa offering (they even create their own range of bathroom and spa products) and something like a simple seaweed bath overlooking the sea is a luxury to be lapped up.
- Visit cliffhousehotel.ie
A legend and icon of country house stays, you could say Ballymaloe House has written the book on hospitality — and as the founding member of Ireland’s Blue Book — it quite literally created it, too.
Guests at the East Cork property can expect a stay of rustic grandeur, lovingly steeped in tradition, with charming rooms, the OG of farm-to-fork dining and attentive hosting from Fern Allen and co.
A glorious outdoor heated pool is a hidden asset while its 300 acres of farmland and woodland are the kind of idyllic terrain which Hunter wellies were made for.
- Visit ballymaloe.ie
It looks big and bold upon approach, but Powerscourt Hotel has real heart and warmth. With spectacular views of Wicklow’s Sugar Loaf mountain, it sits neatly into the countryside, its decor grand and luxe and classic and comfy.
Relaxed and attentive staff deliver great service here, from the restaurant to the bar and spa.
Generous gustrooms offer cloud-like beds that deliver a wonderful night’s sleep. Cormac McCreary’s fine dining in Sika restaurant is noteworthy and the vast Espa spa, with its elegant 20m Swarovski crystal-lit pool, jacuzzi, thermal suite and restorative salt room, is a real draw.
- Visit powerscourthotel.com
One of Munster’s loveliest attractions has diversified its appeal in recent years by allowing guests to now check-in to its magical secret gardens.
Accommodation options at the Waterford estate range from charming gate lodges, a beautiful suite in the manor proper and a new smattering of luxury forest dens for all-year, glamping-style stays.
The on-site Stables Café makes a fine spot for brunch or afternoon tea while the novelty of being able to wander the gardens when all the day visitors have vacated is a treat.
- Visit mountcongreve.com
This century-old seafood restaurant and guesthouse in Youghal, East Cork, isn’t just a name in the coastal town, it’s an institution.
The Aherne and Fitzgibbon clan have been offering fine pier-to-plate dining and warm hospitality since 1923 with quaint guestrooms and two excellent dining options.
Choose between the art-dappled gourmet restaurant or the wonderful bar which is a popular local haunt for food lovers. Standard rates don’t bump up here at weekends either making it an affordable find.
- Visit ahernes.net
Somehow, it always feels like showtime at The Merchant. Belfast’s most luxurious five-star property and undisputed grande dame of the city makes the ultimate base for a visit Laganside.
It’s a lot of bling for one building: once Ulster Bank’s 19th-century HQ, the Grade-A listed landmark in the heart of Cathedral Quarter exudes opulence from its central domed Great Room restaurant to its Art Deco or Victorian splendour inspired rooms. A luxury spa, rooftop hot tub, regular live jazz and a seriously cinematic cocktail bar, gild the lily.
- Visit themerchanthotel.com
It’s hard to think of a hotel more enmeshed in Irish families’ holiday memories. The family-owned place beloved for inter-generational breaks, Kelly’s in Rosslare has been hosting for decades, yet still manages to matter.
It doesn’t depend on its past for popularity, but rather brings fresh new ideas, upgrades and innovation to attract newcomers, sate regulars and never lose its core values.
You want comfy accommodation, good food, a beautiful spa and pool, beach access and a world of excellent service? You’ll find it here, every stay.
- Visit kellys.ie
The Burren is one of the country’s greenest destinations to visit and this fabulous hotel is one the true sustainability leaders to thank for it.
Located in the postcard village of Doolin, the hotel offers smartly decorated bedrooms while this year sees the arrival of self-contained suites set in the complex’s village townhouses.
Three excellent dining options include Glas Restaurant, Stonewall pizzeria and Fitz’s pub. A highlight? Traditional music is played at least 364 days of the year so avail of fine value dining packages for a wonderful off-season break.
- Visit hoteldoolin.ie
Serenely set overlooking the tranquil Moy estuary in Ballina, Co. Mayo, The Ice House is one Ireland’s most impressive wellness wonderlands.
Centred around an original 19th fishery manager’s home and ice house, today most of the hotel’s guestrooms are a contemporary edition invisible from the exterior yet occupying almost suspended waterside views.
The hotel’s standout spa keeps the soothing levels up with outdoor baths and hot-tubs to soak in the view. Fine service and very pleasant dining in the 54° 9° restaurant complete this full-package property.
- Visit icehousehotel.ie
Passionately stewarded by sisters Margaret and Laura Bowe, and their parents before them, Marlield House is a top-tier Wexford escape and, as a member of both Ireland’s Blue Book and the Relais & Châteaux collections, offers an intimate cocoon of warm hospitality with oodles of opulence to boot.
Accommodations range from decadent manor rooms to bougie modernist sanctuaries thanks to their recent Duck Pond Suites additions.
Their acclaimed Duck restaurant is a vibrant it-spot while Sunday lunch in the glorious Turner conservatory is a delight.
- Visit marlfieldhouse.com
Galgorm is quite the find. A luxury spa village that’s constantly adding and evolving, it’s found its niche as a girls’ destination but does equally well for couples retreats.
Pampering is top of the menu at the sprawling estate with its vast collection of treatments and dedicated spaces.
With its thermal spa village, riverside bathing, treatment rooms, pool and gardens, you’ll fine peace and wellbeing around every corner.
Staff are excellent, the food good and there’s a wide choice of hotel rooms, cabins, cottages and shepherds’ huts.
- Visit galgorm.com
Perhaps the most renowned hotel of the whole Shannon Region, Wineport Lodge remains one of most sought-after getaways in the country.
First brought to fame by The Restaurant TV show, the exclusive four-star hideaway just outside the Westmeath village of Glasson has since established itself as one of Ireland’s most popular wellness escapes.
In fact, its Cedarwood Spa may well have led the charge with offering Instagram-friendly hot tub moments. If the weather plays balls, fireball sunsets over Lough Ree have viral potential too.
- Visit wineport.ie
Just 1km from Killarney town centre, The Brehon’s an old-school classic. Under the management of Neil Grant, upgrades have been on-going, with the new Heritage bedrooms, in a natural palette that reflects Killarney National Park, especially well designed.
Executive chef, Chad Byrne keeps menus interesting and breakfast is especially well done. Service is excellent with friendly staff encouraged to spend time chatting with guests.
The spa and vitality suite make a nice spot after a day’s walking in the national park.
- Visit thebrehon.com
A handsome house tucked off leafy Adelaide Road, The Wilder is a gorgeous urban retreat crafted from a Victorian red brick.
All cool design and quirky features, it’s a colourful confection that’s both intimate and elegant.
Historic features are enhanced by modern design, cool art, fun fabrics and cosy corners.
The light-filled breakfast room opens onto a garden terrace while the Gin and Tea Rooms are a lovely spot for refreshments and snacks.
Original and considered, with thoughtful staff, this is a delightful hideaway with real personality.
- Visit thewilder.ie
At Inchydoney Island Lodge, it’s all about the location. Floor-to-ceiling glass in the Gulfstream dining room, large windows in the relaxation room, and sea view bedroom balconies capitalise on the views over the magnificent Blue Flag beach below.
It’s also all about the staff, many of whom are local and have been here since it first opened.
Decor mixes coastal elegance with contemporary comfort and great local art, creating a real sense of connection with the area. The spa offers excellent thalassotherapy treatments, and the infectious vibe is relaxed and chilled.
- Visit inchydoneyisland.com
If you’re a fan of classic luxury and are seeking to mark a special occasion, this pretty-in-pink Kinsale escape could be very much on the money.
Located in the heart of Cork’s most salubrious coastal town, Perryville is a sublimely renovated 19th century townhouse where guests check-in to magically appointed rooms (many with harbour views) and whet appetites with one of the most polished breakfast experiences in Ireland.
The property is residents-only and only open from April to October which ramps up the exclusivity all the more.
- Visit perryvillehouse.com
Contemporary, current and cool, The Marker, enjoys a prime waterside location in Grand Canal Square by the Bord Gáis Theatre.
Regular investment in this design-forward five-star has seen welcome changes, like the introduction of Forbes Street, the smart restaurant helmed by Gar Mullins, which focuses on quality Irish produce.
Seasonal experiences on The Rooftop Bar and Terrace bring added fun and the newly revamped guestrooms keep the place feeling slick and fresh. The cocoon-like spa and glam indoor pool are just two of the hotel’s many trump cards.
- Visit anantara.com
Galway has a number of household names when it comes to hotels, but one of its lesser known hideaways is one of our favourites.
Set on a quiet city centre street overlooking the gurgling weirs of the river Corrib, the small period guesthouse offers a charming yesteryear stay in the heart of the city.
There are just three sympathetically appointed bedrooms while their “gourmet breakfast banquet” served in the property’s public tea rooms is a winner.
- Visit corribhouse.com
The Original Irish Hotels collection has some fine owner-run properties across the nation and Garryvoe Hotel in East Cork has been a family favourite for decades.
Set along the sweeping Ballycotton Bay, the four-star hotel is a welcoming coastal haven with bright, coastal-themed rooms, many with fine sea views.
There’s a good pool, thermal suite and gym and, for lounging, the hotel’s library with double length windows framing Ballycotton Lighthouse is a wonderful space.
Get your seafood fix at The Lighthouse Bar, popular with guests and locals alike.
- Visit garryvoehotel.com
Close to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Lodge is a new-build overlooking the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Course. Much thought has gone into creating this stylish five-star, from the informal drinks-in-the-bar check-in to the chatty and helpful staff.
Decor is clubby and smart, with a cool bar and chic restaurant. Bedrooms are large and comfortable, elegantly designed and brilliantly tricked out with every imaginable detail.
The boutique spa’s modest exterior in the gardens belies a really elegant space, with top treatments and a small relaxation room overlooking the woods. The attention to detail at Dunluce sets it up for a very bright future.
- Visit dunlucelodge.com
Could this be Killarney’s most affordable five-star hotel? Aghadoe Heights, spectacularly perched high above Lough Leane, offers luxury accommodation and a full catalogue of amenities for advanced purchased B&B rates that can dip below €200.
Guest-rooms offer impressive views of the reeks and beyond and if budget allows consider an upgrade to the new look suites with panoramic vistas across the national park.
There’s also a fine spa and thermal suite, and particularly excellent dining thanks to Cedric Bottarlini wearing the toque.
- Visit aghadoeheights.com
Overlooking St Stephen’s Green, Staunton’s has legions of loyal fans who refuse to stay anywhere else.
The reason? This little boutique oasis is charming and characterful and cosy. Comprising three adjoining Georgian townhouses on the Green’s south side, it has 64 guestrooms yet still feels intimate.
The late owner, Richard H Driehaus, had a keen eye for art, and amassed a notable collection for his hotel including a luminous Harry Clarke original. A key at reception can grant access to the Iveagh Gardens, the pathway lit by outdoor chandeliers hanging from Staunton’s trees.
It’s exquisite, like wandering through the pages of a fairy tale.
- Visit stauntonsonthegreen.ie
There is a sense of serenity at Fota Island Resort, wrapped in a private estate not too far from the bustle of Cork City. The large resort is a paradise for golfers, while a top notch spa with thermal suite, hydro pool, and outdoor sauna complements the popular swimming pool. Guestrooms are plush and comfortable and there’s a good choice of dining options, from the relaxed Clubhouse to Fota Restaurant and Amber Lounge, with its impressive whiskey collection.
- Visit fotaisland.ie
The Randles family are now into their fourth generation as a hotelier dynasty of Killarney and Tom Randles’ four-star property on the Muckross Road is one of our top picks for a base to explore the town and surrounds.
A former rectory, it has been transformed into a seriously polished and deceptively large 75-bedroom hotel where extremely inviting lounges and stylish outdoor terraces add all-season appeal. Check out their new luxury townhouse rental which launched this year too.
- Visit randleshotel.com
A grand dame constantly reinventing herself, The Metropole brings the glamour to Cork’s buzzing Victorian Quarter. Its recent glow-up strikes a balance between heritage and modern flair — think brass accents, lush velvet seating, and playful touches that nod to its 127-year story.
The Merchant restaurant shines with local produce and inventive flair (don’t miss the Beamish chocolate cake), while service throughout is polished and personable. With charm and character, a proper Cork welcome is guaranteed by the Lee.
- Visit metropolehotelcork.ie
This off-the-beaten-track West Cork escapes delivers a country stay with a difference, and offers guests a pick of four characterful self-contained apartments, from the Loft to the Piggery, all fashioned from the main manor’s outhouses.
A tasty breakfast is delivered to guests each morning, however, the real show-stopper at Blairscove is the dining experience which takes place in a mighty converted barn where chandeliers and high ceilings lend an almost ecclesiastical aura.
Culinary highlights include lavish cold starter and dessert buffets where parties are chaperoned individually to make their delicious selection.
- Visit blairscove.ie
Don’t overlook the Hidden Ireland collection when seeking a secret escape to the country.
One of our favourites is Kilmokea House & Gardens in county Wexford which should spark interest for those with a love of horticulture, architecture and sustainable dining.
Emma Hewitt’s beautiful manor offers 13 period rooms, wonderfully fresh breakfasts, a heated indoor pool plus an eclectic calendar of activities from garden theatre events to forest bathing mindfulness.
- Visit kilmokea.com
Old-world elegance meets modern ease at Glenlo Abbey, a 5-star estate dating back to the 18th century. Mere minutes from Galway City, you can expect four-poster beds, open fires, and that rare sense of hush that makes you instantly exhale.
Prepare to be awed by authentic Orient Express carriages moonlighting as one of the country’s most memorable dining rooms, The Pullman Restaurant.
Come for a romantic escape, a trip to Glo spa, or a quiet reset with Lough Corrib lakeside walks, cinema nights and afternoon tea worth lingering over.
- Visit glenloabbeyhotel.ie
Perhaps the most renowned of Wexford’s fine crop of country house stays, Kevin & Catherine Dundon’s Dunbrody House makes for a truly special stay on the wonderful Hook peninsula.
The property offers classically stylish rooms while food and drink options include the Champagne Seafood bar, the charming Local gastropub and the signature Harvest Room restaurant. Hungry for more?
With a renowned cookery school on site, you can combine your stay with a one, three or five day cookery course, with Christmas entertaining and quick suppers just some of the themes.
- Visit dunbrodyhouse.com
There’s something extra cathartic about an escape to the wilds of Connemara and you’ll be hard pushed to find a cosier refuge than charming Rosleague Manor.
This old world country house offers traditionally decked-out guestrooms and one of the most classically appointed dining rooms in the country, where you can indulge in stellar dining showcasing local produce from Leenane mountain lamb and Cleggan Bay crab.
Another USP is Rosleague’s quite spectacular grounds with 30 acres of woodland plus private shoreline along Ballinakill Bay. Note that Rosleague closes for the winter season and will reopen in April 2026.
- Visit rosleague.com
A boutique hotel with character and heart, the Dylan is a delight. Individual and intimate, the former nurse’s home is an architectural beauty and its owners, the Ross family’s most recent revamp. feels more in keeping with its elegant exterior.
The Bloomsbury-edge decor, with superb Irish details feels luxe and considered. We love lunching on The Eddison’s terrace, sipping drinks in the gorgeous Ruby Cocktail bar and taking meetings in the Dylan Bar.
The team is always friendly and helpful and there’s a real calm in this chicly independent little five-star.
- Visit dylan.ie
A Derry classic that’s been a favourite for decades, this can-do hotel sits at the heart of Derry within its historic city walls. A characterful listed Edwardian property, dating from 1899, its been cleverly restored to introduce contemporary elements while celebrating the building’s heritage and deep connections with the city’s once turbulent past.
There’s a warm buzz throughout, from a welcoming check-in to content guests enjoying pints in The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar. The modern rooms are smartly appointed and this happy place runs like a well-oiled machine.
They broke the mould when they made Glasson Lake House, taking a non-descript golf hotel and turning it into a hip and happening escape.
First, they chose cool decor, all rustic log cabin vibes, with a roaring fire, slouchy sofas, maximalist fabric prints, reclaimed floorboards and bright art.
Then they added an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs and a spa. Then they decided dogs were very welcome.
Then they popped record players and vinyl in the bedrooms. Colourful, contemporary and cosy, this may be Ireland’s most fun hotel.
- Visit glassonlakehouse.ie
Cork City has seen a fresh generation of new hotels in recent years but the landmark Imperial on leafy South Mall remains as fine as any. The historic four-star property (which has hints of The Shelbourne in Dublin when it comes to history and grandeur) retains an old world decadence with its ornate lobby while guestrooms are delightful urban nests…particularly their hot tub terrace suites.
Food and drink options have long been a crossroads for Corkonians too, from Lafayette’s café to Helena’s restaurant and Fitzgerald’s bar.
- Visit imperialhotelcork.com
Traditional, reliable and welcoming, Harvey’s Point is many people’s favourite hotel for good reason. First, there’s that magnificent setting at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains hugging the edge of Lough Eske.
Then there’s the welcome, from excellent staff who can’t do enough for you. Then there’s the plush guestrooms and the popular Lakeside Restaurant with glorious views as you dine. The décor is traditional, sparkling and cosy, and there is always plenty to do at this vibrant classic.
- Visit harveyspoint.com
A five-star estate with an equestrian tradition, Mount Juliet’s Manor House is a beautiful slice of history. A former family home synonymous with great parties, the Manor House still feels like a place to kick back and indulge.
You’ll have no bother doing either, with great service, comfy bedrooms, pretty views and gorgeous public spaces. Dinner in the Lady Helen restaurant, with John Kelly’s Michelin-starred cuisine, is always a high point, as is a walk – or canter – around the rolling Kilkenny estate.
- Visit mountjuliet.ie
If you turned the set of Emmerdale into a five-star country retreat, you might have a sense of the chocolate box perfection that is this gorgeous escape.
This sister property to the entirely different Ardmore outpost, Cliff at Lyons is imagined from a 19th working demesne where the likes of a barracks, forge and old flour mill, surrounded by canals, ornate gardens and kitchen gardens, have been turned into a storybook hotel setting. Guestrooms are lovely, while the
- Visit cliffatlyons.ie
It’s rare that a guesthouse can pull off the standards of a luxury hotel with such aplomb. But such is the case of this little known property located a short scoot from Banbridge (or indeed the A1) in Co. Armagh.
New owners, Edele and Alessio Rampa relocated from Switzerland a year ago to take over Blackwell with reviews remaining as stellar as ever. Of those luxury rooms, you can choose from five exceptionally kitted out options, while the renowned dining here ranks as some of the best in the province.
- Visit blackwellhouse.co.uk
A glam Georgian townhouse on St Stephen’s Green and walking distance from Grafton St, this is the kind of stylish city pied-a-terre we all dream of. There’s a flamboyance to the decor, and something quite novel about checking-in to a city townhouse.
Period details and contemporary comforts have been thoughtfully combined in luxe bedrooms that vary in size and aspect. With Floritz restaurant on the ground floor and Cellar 22 in the basement, there’s excellent imbibing options all under the one roof. A boutique bolthole with personality and style.
- Visit townhouseonthegreen.ie
We love a hotel with character and this friendly Limerick hideaway has personality in spades. Owner Patricia Roberts’ sense of style is evident and the property feels well loved and comfortable while celebrating its Georgian DNA. Nab one of the spacious period-style rooms in the main house to enjoy the high ceilings, sash windows and original features.
Provenance plays a big role on menus, afternoon tea in the first floor drawing room is recommended and a subterranean visit to the little spa in the historic cellars will deliver a relaxing and memorable experience.
- Visit oneperysquare.com
Looking for a great value break in Kinsale? This charming Georgian townhouse in the heart of the town offers budget luxury with its fine period rooms (book from the more polished deluxe room category if possible). A treat here is that breakfast is served in the townhouse’s public café which feels like an elevated and more vibrant experience than many.
The property doesn’t offer dinner, but you’ve a trove of options in Kinsale, not least the Indian-inspired tasting menu of Rare, located in the hotel’s sister property, The Blue Haven.
- Visit oldbankhousekinsale.com
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