Found just off the N25, commutable to the city centre, this 17th-century country house is, enviably, adjacent to the ruins of an eight-century-old castle. A lake, streams, walled garden impeccably manicured frontage and water fountain greet guests arriving on the property. Step inside and you’ll discover a cosy antique vibe, with rooms both in the main house and a modernised wing. Dine in one of four eateries, enjoy ESPA and Germaine de Capuccini treatments and swim in a 66-ft pool. And while it may be fancy, Castlemartyr is also family-friendly with some interconnecting rooms, a playroom, babysitting services and menus for younger palates.

A 20-minute drive from the airport and a short hop to the centre, Fota Island is a self-contained mini village. The sprawling resort encompasses an 18-hole championship golf course (that’s hosted four Irish Opens), a tennis court, four-bedroom two-storey guest villas, 40 bedrooms, and a large spa with a thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and 18 treatment rooms. Its 500 acres also hold a terrace, playgrounds and ponds, ideal for families wanting to roam outdoors (plus there’s a holiday kids’ club). Both formal and more casual dining is available, with afternoon teas and breakfasts served in the signature restaurant.

An alternative city break destination, Cork’s is easily explored on foot and bubbling with culture.  Spend your time here at the boutique Hayfield Manor, an 88 bedroomed central new build, that’s been designed with a heritage look and feel. While the property itself is but two decades old, the mature gardens date back well over a century. Two restaurants serve meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients (Cork’s famous market is but a stone’s throw away.) An outdoor hot tub is a particular highlight, plus there’s an ELEMIS spa, fitness centre (with pre-bookable personal trainers), a pool and a residents library.

Lauded milliner Phillip Treacy was the designer behind this destination hotel. It has Galway’s only five-star spa, the deeply sophisticated ESPA at the g. Spread across two floors, this includes treatment rooms, a thermal suite and a glass pavilion overlooking the rooftop Zen bamboo terrace. g’s Signature Lounges provide expansive views across Lough Atalia and Restaurant gigi’s serves two AA Rosette-awarded food. Some of the 101 bedrooms also have lough views, while others are interconnecting, to cater for families and groups. All have luxuries like interactive suite pads, bathrobes, ESPA toiletries, RESPA beds and down pillows. Don’t miss g’s Grand Salon, with its mirrored display by lighting designer Tom Dixon.

Owned and managed by the McEvilly family, Cashel House has an AA Inspector’s Choice Award, along with two AA Rosettes and four stars. Its 50 acres (including award-winning gardens) border Cashel Bay on the one side and the Cashel Hills on the other. Built in the mid 19th century, the house became a hotel in the mid 20th century, offering 32 types of accommodation for guests. The decor pays homage to its Victorian roots with vintage furnishings and antique pieces throughout, while the restaurant is housed in a large Victorian conservatory. Walking trails run from the house down to the beach, winding through the estate’s charming woodland.

New to the city, The Dean is very much a grown-up hotel, but with a super fun vibe. Just off Eyre Square, it boasts Galway’s first Elephant & Castle eatery. Guests can also drink and dine at Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, a stunning space offering great views across the skyline from the large picture windows inside, and from the wrap-around glass balustrade balcony outside. Bedrooms come with a host of tech gadgets, funky, unconventional decor, fully stocked mini SMEG fridges and all-Irish treats. Higher grade suites have huge handcrafted beds, a Marshall Amp and Rega RP1 turntable with classic vinyl, a Martin & Co. limited edition guitar and a vintage drinks cabinet.