11 Best Luxury Hotels In Ireland
Irish hospitality is world-renowned, finding the perfect balance between being fiercely proud, but always with self-awareness and humour. Known for its music, literature, history, lush green countryside, dramatic coastline, and, of course, the best pints of Guinness in the world, there’s an endless amount to explore on the Emerald Isle.
From quirky Georgian townhouse hotels in Dublin and fairytale castles in Galway to foodie homestays in Cork and coastal spa retreats in Kerry, here are the best hotels to book in Ireland.
Best luxury hotels in Ireland
Number 31, Co. Dublin
This quirky boutique hotel is split into two parts – a plush Georgian townhouse and a sleek, modern mews building, connected by a secret garden. The Leeson Street location is ideal, and must-visit Dublin spots like St. Stephen’s Green, The National Gallery, Grafton Street, Temple Bar, and Trinity College are all within short walking distance.
It’s slightly eccentric, undeniably cool, and serves one of the best hotel breakfasts in the city, including the famous homemade cranberry and orange nut loaf.
where: 31 Leeson Cl, Dublin 2, D02 CP70
website: number31.ie
Slieve Donard, Co. Down
Slieve Donard opened at the end of 2023 after undergoing a £16 million facelift. The establishment reopened under the Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts brand (which also owns the boutique Scottish hotel, Marine Troon), and it’s truly breathtaking. Featuring four restaurants, and its famous spa, this Newcastle destination is one to visit if you feel like escaping the town for a luxurious weekend away. If golfing is your thing, Royal Co. Down, often considered the best in the world, is just a few minutes away.
Slieve Donard opened at the end of 2023 after undergoing a £16 million facelift
where: Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 0AH
website: www.marineandlawn.com
Sheen Falls Lodge, Co. Kerry
Arguably the most beautiful county in Ireland, Kerry in the South-west is wild and remote. The idyllic Sheen Falls, part of the prestigious Relais and Châteux group, is set on 300 acres of the Kenmare Bay coastline, and boasts a range of activities, from a two AA rosette restaurant to the Easanna Spa, falconry, kayaking, golf, and archery.
The location also means it’s a perfect jumping-off spot for those looking to explore the surrounds; close by is The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, historic towns of Kenmare and Dingle, and, for prospective hikers, Ireland’s tallest mountain Carrauntoohil.
where: Kenmare Old, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
website: sheenfallslodge.ie
Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo
This medieval castle has been standing for 800 years and used to be owned by the Guinness family before being turned into a luxury hotel. Situated on the shores of Lough Corrib near the Mayo-Galway border, this is one of the jewels of the West of Ireland.
If staying in a castle wasn’t opulent enough, its spa has also been awarded the best in Ireland for eight years running, and the 350-acre estate is perfect for cycling, kayaking, tennis, picnicking, and exploring.
where: Cong, Co. Mayo, Ireland
website: ashfordcastle.com
Harrison, Co. Antrim
When staying in a city hotel, you want a bit of personality, and this eccentric boutique hotel has that. Belfast has a deep history, and each room in the Harrison tells the story of a different icon who helped shape the city. No two rooms are the same, and each is packed with unique quirks to discover.
Situated right next to the famous Lyric Theatre, Ulster Museum, and Botanic Gardens, this is an ideal launchpad to explore this underrated city break.
where: 45 Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 6RX
website: chambersofdistinction.com
Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway
Ballynahinch is so picturesque it is scarcely believable, nestled under a mountain on the shore of Ballynahinch Lake. Another Relais and Châteux jewel, it is situated in the beautiful and mysterious Connemara region in Galway, known for its rugged coastline, vast expanse of mountains, lakes, and heathland, and the setting of some of the most famous works of Irish poetry.
Unpretentious (as much as a castle hotel can be), Ballynahinch is all about creating a homely feel through log fires, stunning surroundings, and fine dining.
where: Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway
webiste: ballynahinch-castle.com
Adare Manor, Co. Limerick
For the absolute pinnacle of grandeur, Adare Manor is not just one of the finest resort stays in Ireland, but the entire world. Built in the 19th Century, the house was the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven.
Multi-award-winning, Adare Manor is set in a whopping 840 acres of luxury. The highlights are everywhere you look – for golf fans, the renovated golf course is considered one of the best in the world and will host the 2027 Ryder Cup. For foodie fans, the Oak Room restaurant holds a Michelin star, serving a seasonal menu based on Ireland’s best artisanal ingredients.
where: Adare, Co. Limerick
website: adaremanor.com
Ballymaloe House, Co. Cork
A foodie paradise. Cork has long earned its reputation as the culinary capital of Ireland, and Ballymaloe is an undoubted highlight of its foodie scene. Irish people will know the name from its iconic relish brand – a staple found in every household across the country – and the Hotel has food at its core.
Based on farm-to-fork principles, the focus here is on local produce, local suppliers, and fresh, organic produce based on seasonality. There’s even an award-winning cookery school you can attend if you want to bring some of the Ballymaloe magic back home.
where: Ballymaloe More, Shanagarry, Co. Cork
website: ballymaloe.ie
Lough Eske, Co. Donegal
A former seat of the Donegal clan the O’Donnell’s, Lough Eske has been in the hospitality game since 1861. Perfectly located in Ireland’s most northerly county, Donegal has some of the best beaches and most dramatic cliffs in Ireland.
Set on 350 acres, enjoy spa treatments, five-star dining, and whiskey tasting from the local Crolly and Sliabh Liag distilleries.
Donegal has some of the best beaches and most dramatic cliffs in Ireland
where: Lough Eske, Co. Donegal, F94 HX59
website: lougheskecastlehotel.com
Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare
Clare is home to some of Ireland’s most iconic spots – The Burren, The Cliffs of Moher – and Dromoland Castle is the most iconic hotel in the county. A Michelin-starred restaurant from chef David McCann, a world-class golf course, spa treatment, and a host of activities throughout its 500-acre estate make this an idyllic getaway.
A standout feature for visiting tourists, they have an on-site genealogist who can help guests trace their Irish roots – perfect if you’re angling for a Brexit-defying Irish passport.
where: Dromoland, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare
website: dromoland.ie
The Leinster, Co. Dublin
Recent opening The Leinster has a lot of things going for it – sumptious interiors by Irish design team O’Donnell O’Neill, world-class dining options and a central location, nestled on the corner of Merrion Square right in the heart of Dublin’s Georgian area. Modern without losing any of the traditional that makes Irish hospitality renowned, this is a great entry to Dublin’s offering – read our full review here.
where: 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 WK33, Ireland
website: www.theleinster.ie