These are the top 20 places to stay in Ireland, according to the Hotel Examiner
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.
Find the full list of the 100 best places to stay here.
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
Kenmare, Co Kerry
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
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