Best Luxury Hotels in Ireland

This waterside property is flanked by epic scenery. Rising from the banks of Lough Eske and surrounded by mature gardens, the castle also looks toward the rugged backdrop as Donegal stretches inland. Decorated in a baronial style that reflects its past, the hotel sports majestic staircases, open fires, wood-panelled walls, chess sets and oil paintings. This is contrasted by a bright, airy and modern spa – floor to ceiling picture windows in the pool and hydro suite proffer a pretty garden outlook. While the 96 rooms are a mix of the old and the new. Outdoor activities are plentiful and include surfing, fishing, golf and horse riding.

Fully titled The Kildare Hotel and Golf Club (abbreviated to just The K Club), this is Ireland’s First AA 5 Red Star Hotel. Housed in a sprawling 1832 French-château-style mansion it has also been awarded the RAC Gold Ribbon. The K Club’s two championship courses ensure it’s sought out by golfers (it also played host to the 2006 Ryder Cup and 2016 Irish Open). But the expansive grounds also offer the opportunity for pursuits including fly-fishing, putting, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, walking and cycling. The spa and hydro suite open up to a restorative Zen Garden outdoor space. And there’s a fine French restaurant.

A palladium-style mansion in the lush green valleys of County Wicklow is home to Powerscourt Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection. The large estate not only offers guest accommodation but is in itself a tourist attraction. Look out onto Sugar Loaf Mountain as you drink and dine at the elegant glass-walled Sika Restaurant. Or listen to live music and enjoy a traditional pub experience at the venue’s pub, McGill’s. Epitomising luxury, the hotel has a 20m Swarovski crystal-lit indoor pool and some suites come with their own rooftop terrace and jacuzzi. This is an excellent choice for your east coast staycation.

Hidden beside mountains and lakes in the famed area of Killarney this sleek property boasts views over the town, lough and national parkland. As such, it’s well placed for a variety of sightseeing trips. But with a golf course, tennis court, spa, pool and fitness centre on-site, there’s much to do within the hotel’s perimeter. Guests can also drink in the landscapes while dining in its Lake Room or sipping cocktails on the outdoor terrace. 74 rooms have been recently renovated with extras such as Bose sound systems, fluffy robes, balconies and – in two of the suites – kitchenettes.

Take an upscale beach break at this modern five-star establishment. The Cliff House Hotel’s modern Irish cuisine has earned it a Michelin star. But a BBQ and picnic area serves as a more relaxed alfresco dining option (and there’s a light bar menu). Each room has its own balcony overlooking the sea and guests can luxuriate in the hot tub, or in an outdoor seaweed bath. A subterranean pool allows for a dip, even when if the weather proves inclement. Water is a running theme here, as seen through the decor and artwork (commissions from local artists are dotted around the building).

The Westin Dublin is located in central Dublin, overlooking Trinity College and close to the Luas Tram Line. This luxurious five-star property is set in a historic building that used to be used as a bank and makes a perfect getaway. Guests are pampered with Westin Heavenly Beds in each room, along with HD TVs, comfy bathrobes, deluxe toiletries, and some rooms have balconies. There are several dining options available at the hotel – the Atrium Lounge and Moreland’s Grill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while The Mint Bar offers a more lively evening atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy a 24-hour modern gym and a spa service in-room.

The Conrad Dublin is located near the shopping area of Grafton Street, opposite the National Concert Hall. This five-star luxury hotel offers guests air-conditioned rooms that are bright, airy, and spacious, and finished with wooden floors, Irish art, and oak paneling. The hotel restaurant is the Coburg and serves fantastic seafood such as mussels, crab cocktails, and bouillabaisse. Cocktails are also available at Lemuel’s lounge bar, and Alfie Byrne’s bar offers craft beers on its stylish outdoor terrace. There is a range of facilities for guests such as a business centre, a gym and fitness centre, and 24-hour room service.

The Merrion Hotel is an award-winning five-star hotel located in a restored Georgian building with beautiful gardens in the centre of Dublin. The fantastic Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud has won 2 Michelin stars for its fine French influenced gourmet cuisine. Irish cuisine can be had at the Cellar Restaurant, while the No. 23 bar serves up stylish cocktails. The rooms are spacious and all have either garden or city views, modern facilities, and Italian marble bathrooms with luxury toiletries. The hotel provides guests with a state of the art gym, a beauty spa, and a steam room made from Italian marble.

The College Green Hotel Dublin is a five-star hotel in the heart of Dublin, overlooking Trinity College and College Green. Housed within three historic financial buildings the hotel combines historic grandeur with modern comforts.

Comprising 191 stylish rooms and suites, including the exclusive Library Suite and The College Suite, guests can expect luxury bedding, Italian marble bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and complimentary high-speed internet, along with plush bathrobes, slippers, and zone climate control.

Dining options include contemporary Irish cuisine at Morelands Grill, Afternoon Tea in The Atrium Lounge and innovative cocktails at The Mint Bar. The historic Banking Hall serves as a distinguished venue for weddings and events, while a 24-hour fitness centre caters to health-conscious guests.

With a prime location places visitors are within walking distance of Grafton Street’s shops, the cultural hub of Temple Bar, and many of Dublin’s iconic landmarks. The College Green Hotel Dublin offers an elegant stay in one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

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.