The 18 Best Beach Hotels in Ireland

County Down (County Down)

Relaxed private country house in a beautiful coastal setting with its own private beach, polo ground and glorious wooded parkland. Three classical bedrooms with original Georgian features and elegant furniture. A wonderful B&B country escape for those who like to enjoy country activities.

• Active Holiday - Golf, polo, walks and excellent riding trails on your doorstep
• Country Escape - Enveloped by some of Ireland's best emerald countryside
• Sights nearby - Visit the many local National Trust houses and gardens.
• Fishing - Trout fishing can be arranged locally

County Down (Co. Down)

One of Northern Ireland's best known hotels set between the mountains of Morne and the sea. State of the art spa and pool complex, stylish contemporary rooms, and extensive conference facilities on the doorstep of the Royal County Down Golf Course. A great spot for avid golfers.

• Spa breaks - State-of-the-art leisure and wellness facilities including 20m indoor pool, thermal suite, rock sauna and ESPA-led spa
• Total relaxation - Whether a few rounds on the golf course or treatments in the spa - there is something for everyone here
• Romantic Break - Spoil yourself and a loved one
• Weddings - A popular wedding location

County Wexford

A quiet luxury retreat with spa and golf course just an hour from Dublin. Fantastic for groups, families and weddings. Beautiful sea views from crisp bedrooms - some with balconies. Perfectly unspoilt sandy beaches are great for long walks. A charming and quiet spot, ideal for a weekend getaway.

• Families - The Gate Lodge is perfect for groups or families.
• Spa breaks - Winner of the Tatler Hotel Spa of the Year 2012.
• Great walks - Gardens at Marlfield House
• Sights nearby - Wells House and Gardens

County Waterford

Contemporary hotel with spectacular sea views and an award-winning restaurant. Ultra modern design from the infinity pool to the spectacular glass-walled dining room and spa. Bright bedrooms with lots of natural light and private balconies. An utterly unique homage to modernist design and comfort.

• 5* Luxury - This is the only hotel in Ireland offering 5 star luxury, at a coastal location.
• Sea Views - The seaviews are spectacular at the only luxury seaside hotel in Ireland.
• Outstanding location
• Coastal

County Galway (Letterfrack)

Traditional country house. Elegant bedrooms feature antique furniture, four poster beds and large bathrooms. 30 acres of woodland grounds, conservatory and sitting room with fireplace. Great dining with focus on seafood.

• Country Escape - Ideal spot for blowing out the cobwebs, with the National Park and coastal walks and cozy fireplaces to return to
• Fishing - With the "Brazen Hussy" company
• Great walks - Through Connemara Loop route
• Restaurant

County Mayo (Ballycastle)

19th century coast guard house turn small coastal hideaway. Lovely guest-rooms feature antique furniture, fireplaces and views. Conservatory lounge and bar. Excellent modern Irish cuisine in the cosy restaurant. Abundance of activities nearby and a truly magnificent location.

• Country Escape - Superb local activities, from scuba to art classes in a sensational cliffside location
• Views - Stunning views both out over the Atlantic and the County Mayo countryside.
• Fishing - Moy Weir is located in Ballina, a short ride from Ballycastle
• Sights nearby - Archaeological site of Céide Fields is 5 minutes' drive

County Donegal (Rathmullan)

A charming boutique hotel surrounded by forests, with lawns rolling down to the shores of the Lough Swilly. Rooms are decorated in traditional-style with high ceilings, period furniture, fireplaces and elegant interiors. With a choice of two restaurants,a bar, a pool and tennis court.

• Back to Nature - In the beautiful Glenveagh National Park, with lush greenery rolling down to Lough Swilly and the blue hills of Inishowen.
• Hideaway - An elegant and chic country retreat with splendid grounds, swimming pool and fantastic food.
• On the beach - Rathmullan beach is one of the finest in Donegal and can be access directly from the garden!
• Great walks - Take a hike into the mountains or walk along the beach.

County Cork

A luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular location set on the rugged and beautiful coastline of West Cork. Plush rooms are contemporary in style and boast enormous floor to ceiling windows to take in the fabulous views. The third floor restaurant is exceptional and spa utterly spoiling.

• Spa breaks - A spoiling spa set in an outstanding location amidst the natural beauty of West Cork.
• On the beach - Overlooking the Atlantic and a gorgeous blue flag sandy beach on Clonakilty Bay
• Surfing - Nearby Inchydoney Beach has perfect conditions for surfing.
• Great walks - Embark on long walks along the rugged coastline.

Portstewart

Overlooking Portstewart Strand, the Saltwater House is a stylish, modern B&B. With a selection of elegantly designed rooms and delicious breakfasts, it's a great base from which to explore the surrounding coastline. An especially good spot for keen golfers.

• Sights nearby - Take a trip to the magnificent Giants Causeway.
• Great walks - Go for lovely walks along Portstewart Strand.
• Restrictions on children - Adult only
• On the beach

County Kerry (County Kerry)

A luxury B&B boasting an enviable location overlooking The Wild Atlantic Way. Elegant rooms are decorated with soft hues, antique furniture and traditionally patterned fabrics. The restaurant is superb. This is the perfect spot for an active break or to simply completely unwind.

• Active Holiday - Find a host of outdoor pursuits nearby the property.
• Fishing - Fishing excursions start straight from the property's deck.
• On the beach - Barrow House enjoys an enviable beachfront location.
• Great walks - Take long walks along the pristine beaches.

Portrush

An impeccably designed boutique B&B boasting a coastal position in Portrush. Accommodation mixes the old and new with polished wooden floors, a few select antiques, white-washed walls and soft grey hues. A charming base to discover the region.

• Active Holiday - Find a host of outdoor pursuits in the surrounding region.
• Great walks - Take a stroll along the scenic Portrush promenade and beach.
• Restrictions on children - Adult only
• Boutique

County Cork (Clonakilty)

A luxurious hotel offering a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Bright contemporary rooms are decorated with soft hues and simple light wood furniture; the best have private terraces. Boasting its own golf course and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. A superb country escape.

• Riding - Ride along the beach on one of the hotel's horses. There's also stable space for those who want to bring their own horse
• Active Holiday - Situated on the coast and boasting its own golf course this is a perfect escape for those who like to keep active
• Golf - Play a round on the hotel's own 9-hole course
• Restaurant - Adrift Restaurant serves dishes from locally sourced produce with a focus on the delicious seafood!

County Kerry (Co. Kerry)

A luxury hotel and spa boasting a spectacular setting with a backdrop of the Kerry Mountains and sea views. Spacious rooms are contemporary and bright yet there's a traditional feel with chandeliers and antiques. Golf and tennis available and the spa is utterly indulgent; a chic country escape.

• Active Holiday - With its own golf course and plenty of outdoor pursuits on offer this the perfect spot for those who like active holidays
• Spa breaks - The indulgent spa features a fabulous indoor pool, a selection of outdoor hot tubs, and an array of treatments
• Local exploring - Perfectly located for exploring both the Ring of Kerry and Wild Atlantic Way
• Restaurant - Various dining options including fine dining at the Pygmalion Restaurant which features modern Irish cuisine

County Galway (Galway)

A modern hotel in the quaint village of Barna with a destination restaurant and one of Ireland’s finest wine lists. Sophisticated guestrooms and spacious suites. The location, a stone’s throw from Barna pier is perfect for a brisk morning walk after a hearty breakfast in Pins Gastro Bar.

• Local exploring - There is lots to explore close to the hotel; see the coast on a long walk or rent bikes in the village and explore nearby Galway
• Hideaway - Set in a charming village on the Galway coast with a spa and acclaimed restaurant, this hotel makes the perfect luxury bolt-hole
• Families - This hotel caters to families well, with spacious family suites that can accommodate children
• Great walks - Take a long walk and discover the best coastal paths on this stretch of the Irish coast; enquire at the hotel for routes

County Cork (Castlemartyr)

A family-run hotel boasting a spectacular location on the coast in County Cork. Reception rooms are grand and traditional complete with antiques and roaring fires. The innovative restaurant turns-out impeccable dishes; while rooms are contemporary and indulgent. Superb.

• Country Escape - With a beach within walking distance and plenty of beautiful countryside to explore this is the perfect rural escape
• On the beach - Located directly in front of Garryvoe Beach, a five mile stretch of golden sand!
• Local markets - Sample local produce at the Midlteon Farmers’ Market
• Great walks - Head out on long blustery walks along the coast

County Galway

A luxurious contemporary hotel boasting a spectacular setting overlooking the dramatic Connemara coastline. Chic interiors are fresh and modern with large expanses of glass to fully take in the views. There's also an indulgent spa and two restaurants. A spoiling option for a rural getaway.

• Country Escape - Set on the Wild Atlantic Way and the shores of Galway Bay, a rugged spot to explore picturesque Connemara from
• Families - With a kids club, outdoor playground and excellent family accommodation, this is ideal for a family break.
• Kids Club - There's a kids club for morning and evening activities which is open during the school holidays.
• Spa - There are a wide range of holistic treatments and therapies available

County Cork

An elegant cliffside hotel set on a picturesque peninsula. Smart rooms are traditionally dressed with antiques, soft hues and large windows to enjoy the superb views. The formal restaurant uses local produce in innovative gourmet dishes and there's a traditional bar too. A luxury coastal stay.

• Country Escape - With excellent walking opportunities, lovely sea views, and hearty cuisine this is ideal for a rural break
• Local markets - Head to the Courtyard Craft & Exhibition Centre to shop for local artworks and crafts
• Restaurant - Renowned restaurant serving the freshest, local and seasonal ingredients
• Cooking classes - Take a cookery course at the renowned Ballymaloe Cooking School

County Donegal (Inishowen)

A charming Georgian country house boasting a secluded spot right on the coast. The four suites are each individually styled with soft hues and contemporary furniture; the best offer wonderful sea views. The restaurant is a real draw and serves particularly good seafood. A friendly rural escape.

• Country Escape - A quaint country house occupying a secluded spot near the coast
• Foodies - The Red Door is a must for any foodie visiting the area.
• On the beach - Situated just 250 yards from the golden sand of Lisfannon beach
• Sights nearby - View the the Aurora Borealis also known as the Northern Lights