Travel - Hotels - Irish Examiner

S The insider's list: 20 of the best Irish hotels for your 2026 getaway

From newcomers to revamped favourites, Thom Breathnach selects 20 of Ireland's most noteworthy accommodation to book now

Wed, 28 Jan, 2026

S Hotel review: Homely meets hip at this dog-friendly newcomer with luxe vibes

The landmark Victorian building, all warm red brick and large windows, fills a block close to Wicklow Street, surrounding it with shops, attractions and good transport connections

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

S This is the secret — and free — ingredient all Irish hotels should be harnessing

With another year of hotel reviews under our belts, Jillian Bolger highlights the secret (free) ingredient all hotels should be harnessing

Thu, 01 Jan, 2026

S Hotel review: Impeccable taste, wealth, and style — this is the Irish Examiner's Hotel of the Year

Its impressive 614-acre estate sits serenely into the rolling countryside

Mon, 29 Dec, 2025

S Hotel review: This Wild Atlantic Way star offers one of the best value dining escapes in the country

Nestled in the renowned but pint-sized Co. Clare village of Doolin, this charming, characterful hotel woos visitors with surely one of the most “peak-Ireland” settings in the country.

Sun, 14 Dec, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this cool Dublin five-star your new city break go-to?

Bold architecture and edgy design belie this soft-centred five-star where feel-good service will sweep you off your feet.

Thu, 04 Dec, 2025

S These are the top 20 places to stay in Ireland, according to the Hotel Examiner

These are the top 20 from our inaugural list of Ireland’s 100 Best Places to Stay.

Mon, 24 Nov, 2025

S 100 best places to stay 2025: The Hotel Examiner's guide to Ireland's best stays

It doesn’t matter if it’s a modest three-star or a luxury retreat, great hospitality is all about a feeling, say Jillian Bolger and Thom Breathnach

Sun, 23 Nov, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this iconic East Cork landmark the best seafood stop in Munster?

"Park your preconceptions: this East Cork classic is one of Ireland’s best value escapes for seafood lovers"

Fri, 31 Oct, 2025

S I spent the night in a haunted castle in Tipperary, here's what happened

Maeve Lee spends the night with a team of paranormal investigators in a haunted castle, and discovers why 'ghost tourism' is on the rise in Ireland

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

S Hotel review: This coastal Waterford escape is full of potential

One of Ireland’s finest coastal hotels, but perhaps the true wow-factor of this property remains unharnessed.

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this Co Down escape the peak of Irish nature tourism?

"Expensive but exemplary, this world-class Co. Down hideaway could be Ireland’s best nature escape for couples."

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this the perfect town centre base for a Killarney getaway?

Superb staff, a quality breakfast and great pricing make this old school find a real steal

Sun, 12 Oct, 2025

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

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

Sun, 28 Sep, 2025

S Hotel review: This Kildare five-star blends history with a trendy dining experience

A grand Palladian estate reimagined for the modern traveller, this lavish five-star delivers historic splendour and exceptional dining

Sun, 21 Sep, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this hotel the essential Limerick City getaway?

With sweeping Shannon views, this contemporary city hotel offers comfort, centrality and food worth lingering over.

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this family-owned hotel the best stay in West Cork?

Homely and cosy with real heart, this family-run boutique Clonakilty hotel offers West Cork value and style

Thu, 04 Sep, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this extraordinary Munster hideaway the perfect Irish escape?

"Dreamily decadent and welcoming, this magnificently restored Palladian manor offers a masterclass in Irish hospitality."

Thu, 28 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: This four-star retreat is a slice of coastal paradise in West Cork

Rooms with a view and great staff make this seaside spa resort a West Cork favourite

Tue, 26 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: This West Cork hotel has been a treasure for 200 years

About to celebrate 200 years, this country house has just completed a stunning 16-bedroom extension. One of West Cork’s hidden treasures

Sun, 24 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this beloved Cork resort the ultimate spa experience?

Set in the heart of a private estate, its peaceful location seems a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Cork City, while it is also close to the tourist hotspot of Cobh and next door to the ever-popular Fota Wildlife Park.

Sun, 17 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this West Cork property the perfect coastal escape for food lovers?

Just a few minutes from the bustle of Clonakilty, yet a serene world apart, Dunmore House sits on a panoramic headland overlooking Inchydoney, Clonakilty Bay, and some of the easternmost shores of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Thu, 07 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: This landmark Cork hotel has had a serious revamp, but was it worth the wait?

The Metropole’s fresh new look sees this Grande Dame marry modern luxury with tradition in Cork’s buzzing Victorian Quarter.

Sun, 03 Aug, 2025

S Hotel review: Is this the perfect base for a trip to Kerry's north and west county?

This impressive family-run Kerry estate appeals with style, a spa and serious green credentials

Sun, 27 Jul, 2025

S Hotel review: This castle in the capital offers real character, superb food and excellent value

"A 15-minute drive from the city centre, and 10-minute stroll to Clontarf promenade, this four-star Dublin castle in leafy Clontarf offers city and coastal escapism in one go."

Sun, 20 Jul, 2025

Hotel review: This cosy townhouse is a rare retreat in Dublin

Hotel review: Don’t bypass this Macroom favourite if you’re seeking a bargain, culture, or coffee

Hotel review: This large hotel is ideal for a stress-free flight from Cork Airport

Hotel review: There's lots to like but room for improvement too at this Kilkenny five-star

Hotel review: A stylish stay on the doorstep of Dublin’s biggest sporting moments

Hotel review: This cosy and chic townhouse is a vibrant stay in the heart of Kenmare