The 20 Best Luxury Hotels in Ireland

County Armagh (County Armagh)

Sophisticated family-run country house hotel with excellent food. Original Georgian interiors have been updated with modern elegance - fireplaces, large sash windows, paintings, and tasteful furniture are highlighted by lots of natural light and subtle tones. A romantic escape with plenty to offer.

• Foodies - Fine three course dining offering seasonal dishes
• Great walks - Lurgan, Moira and Hillsborough Parks
• Sights nearby - Lurgan Park & Brownlow House
• Sailing - Kinnego Marina

Belfast

Stunning transformation of a former 19th century bank. Eclectic contemporary rooms evoke a romantic Napoleon III-style Paris - luscious velvets and silks, rich wool carpets, gold and red chintz wallpapers, and statement artwork. Superb bar, spa and gym plus a live jazz bar. Divine.

• Spa breaks - One of they city's most renowned spas with five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and a relaxation room
• Foodies - Berts Jazz Bar serves delicious dishes, fine cocktails accompanied by live music
• City Style - Historic accommodation in the heart of Belfast
• Sights nearby - UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway

Dublin (Merrion Square Park)

Effortlessly gracious grande dame that just happens to be only ten years old. Timelessly classic decoration that oozes understated elegance and grace - marble floors, colonnades, fireplaces, artworks, bedrooms in neutral tones. Beautiful garden, Michelin restaurant, and small spa.

• City Style - This Georgian masterpiece is the epitome of subtle style and effortless elegance.
• Sights nearby - Nearby Number One Merrion Square is the former home of one of Dublin's most famous sons, the writer and dramatist Oscar Wilde.
• Great walks - After a hearty meal take a stroll around the charming garden, or head down the road to the picturesque Merrion Square Park.
• Restaurant - Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud is Irelands only two starred Michelin.

County Wexford

Set in 35 acres of gardens sits a traditional country-house hotel with superb restaurant. The interiors ooze classical elegance - sparkling chandeliers, abundant fresh flowers, crackling fires and antique furniture. Grand bedrooms with four poster beds and garden views. A fab getaway.

• Romantic Break - Sumptuous suites, private in-room dining, lovely gardens and a spoiling spa
• Foodies - Several fine dining options
• Sights nearby - Pretty fishing villages, abbeys, castles and lush rolling countryside
• Local markets - Waterford Crystal Factory

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 Kildare (Kildare)

A 550 acre estate situated in the heart of Ireland’s equestrian county, The K Club is a winning combination of modern day comforts with period charm. The Ryder Cup has been hosted here but even if golf doesn’t appeal, The K Club's bucolic atmosphere, yet convenient location is sure to.

• Golf - Both designed by Arnold Palmer, The Ryder Cup Course and The Smurfit Course are considered among Europe's finest!
• Fishing - If you fancy a relaxing afternoon then there are plenty of spots to go off fishing
• Birdwatching - Falconry with falcons, hawks, owls and a golden eagle
• Swimming Pool - Indoor pool

County Laois (County Laois)

Immaculately restored, opulently furnished, Regency country mansion situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Five-star luxury throughout. Sumptuous rooms filled with original Irish art. The price tag is steep but it's an iconic stay.

• Country House - Considered the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland
• Outstanding location - Set in 610 acres of parkland and manicured grounds
• Artworks - Collection of Irish art and china
• Hotel

Belfast (Holywood)

Luxury hotel and spa overlooking Belfast Lough. Opulent interiors, great food and five star service. Ideal for a short spoiling break to Northern Ireland if you don't want to be in the heart of Belfast, and great for business travellers.

• Restaurant - The Mitre is one Northern Ireland's top eateries.
• Views - Fine views over the gardens and Belfast Lough
• Swimming Pool - Indoor Pool
• Spa -

Killarney

Exceedingly grand and luxurious country house hotel on the edge of a national park with a most special atmosphere and ambience for business, weddings, and fine dining.

• Foodies - Award winning restaurant.
• Luxury
• Views
• Romantic Break

Adare (Adare)

A simply stunning 19th century manor in the quintessential Irish village of Adare, Co. Limerick with Michelin star dining, a luxurious spa and stunning grounds. Adare Manor is without a doubt one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels.

• Restaurant - The Oakhouse Restaurant for award winning fine dining and the Carriage Restaurant for more relaxed dinners.
• Spa - Luxury spa offering offer the full spectrum of body treatments, massages and wraps.
• Swimming Pool - Large 15 metre indoor pool overlooking the River Maigue
• Great walks - Wonderful surrounding countryside

Kenmare (Co. Kerry,)

5-star luxury overlooking the Kenmare Bay. Boasting old-school service and traditional style. Individually styled rooms with chintz fabrics and sash windows. Open fires and excellent whiskies ideal post-outdoor activities. An excellent spa. Gourmet cuisine using local produce. Truly spoiling.

• Spa breaks - The SÁMAS spa is one of Ireland's finest. Embark on a 3hr 'journey' incorporating thermal and holistic treatments.
• Country Escape - It's all about fires, coastal walks, indulgent food and excellent aged-whiskey.
• Sailing - Take a seal-spotting boat trip around Kenmare.
• Romantic

Killarney (Killarney)

A luxurious 5 star property in the quaint town of Killarney. Traditionally styled rooms are light and airy with large sash windows, antique furniture and contemporary bathrooms. A spoiling spa and indoor pool are the perfect place to unwind after a day in the great outdoors. Fabulous.

• Local exploring - Ideally located to enjoy the quintessentially Irish town of Killarney as well as the surrounding countryside.
• Total relaxation - Complete with fabulous spa, exemplary restaurant and five star service, wish for nothing at this property.
• Great walks - Explore the Killarney National Park just minutes from the property.
• Kayaking - Paddle across one of the scenic Lakes of Killarney.

County Meath (Rathkenny)

Brimming with period charm, Tankardstown House is a gorgeous Georgian property in Meath. Set amidst 80 acres of beautiful woodland, the house boasts delightful rooms, an excellent restaurant and landscaped gardens. A sumptuous countryside getaway.

• Great walks - The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking.
• Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Slane Castle.
• Full of character
• Spa

County Cork (County Cork)

A beautiful country house widely known for its professional cookery school. Offering an unsurprisingly good restaurant and numerous on sight activities including golf, tennis and a heated outdoor pool. The interiors are traditional without being fussy. The perfect country escape.

• Country Escape - A country house that has it all - excellent food, cosy lounges, pretty surrounds and numerous activities.
• Cooking classes - Learn to make Irish soda bread with the property's baker.
• Tennis - Play a game on the hotel's outdoor court.
• Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool

County Kilkenny (Co Kilkenny)

A luxurious Georgian manor house is the setting for this boutique getaway in County Kilkenny. The family heirlooms and 18th-century artefacts that pepper the property add a personal touch to the elegant guestrooms; book a suite for a cosy fireplace. Take afternoon tea in the lounge; a stately hotel.

• Foodies - Be sure to reserve a table at the hotel's Michelin-starred Lady Helen Restaurant, which focuses on locally sourced ingredients
• Weddings - This magnificent Georgian manor house makes a picturesque setting for your special day; enquire with the hotel for packages
• Country Escape - Set on a verdant Georgian estate in County Kilkenny, this hotel makes an idyllic escape to the country
• Fishing - Mount Juliet House is set on a large estate which offers private fishing on the middle to lower reaches of the River Nore

Dublin (St Stephen's Green)

Without a doubt, Dublin’s most famous hotel, The Shelbourne is a landmark property, also known as ‘The Grand Dame’ of the city. Since opening its doors in 1824, The Shelbourne has been synonymous with Dublin history and society. Book a suite for a distinguished stay; a stately hotel.

• Local exploring - The hotel's prime city centre location makes it a great base for local exploring, with all the main attractions close by
• City Style - Set in a beautifully appointed period property in the heart of the capital, this hotel has reams of local Dublin style
• Romantic Break - Couples love the romantic atmosphere at this luxury hotel; book an in-suite couples' massage for a special occasion
• Sights nearby - Visit Dublin Castle, one of the top attractions in Dublin; for 700 years the castle was the seat of British power in Ireland

County Kilkenny (Co Kilkenny)

Set on a verdant, Georgian country estate, this five-star hotel offers a luxury escape from the city. Duck feather pillows promise a restful night's sleep in the hotel's bright guestrooms; book a suite for a marble-topped bathtub. Dine at the acclaimed hotel restaurant, The Hound. A stylish getaway.

• Country Escape - Set on an idyllic Georgian estate in County Kilkenny, this hotel offers many rural delights from fishing to golf and riding
• Families - Families are well-catered for at this hotel, with family rooms available and great activities for children
• Foodies - Dine at the hotel restaurant The Hound, awarded a Michelin Plate and two AA rosettes
• Fishing - Go fishing in the River Nore; the hotel has a fishing room onsite and all the equipment you could need

Galway (County Galway)

This luxury hotel is located on a peaceful country estate in Galway, on the banks of Lough Corrib. Guestrooms have period furnishings in keeping with the 18th-century property; book the Presidential Suite for opulent living space. Spend a day on the hotel's acclaimed golf course; a stylish retreat.

• Country Escape - Set on a charming country estate with an acclaimed golf course, book this hotel for your next escape from the city
• Local exploring - With easy access to Galway, and plenty of natural beauty around the hotel, there is lots to explore here
• Foodies - Foodies will love the stylish Pullman Restaurant, housed within a former train carriage
• Views

County Clare

An imposing castle set in 450 acres of parkland and boasting its own 18-hole championship golf course. Rooms are suitably grand with a heady blend of traditional style with contemporary luxuries. The restaurant is highly acclaimed and there's a wide range of rural activities on offer.

• Active Holiday - Boasting its own golf course and numerous other rural pursuits this is perfect destination for those who like to get outdoors
• Golf - Play a round on the impressive 18-hole championship course on the property grounds
• Country Escape - An imposing castle set in acres of manicured grounds; a luxurious rural escape
• Swimming Pool - Indoor pool