Best Luxury Hotels In Ireland

A visit to Ireland is a journey through a land steeped in legend and lore, where every corner tells a story and every landscape seems touched by magic. From the bustling streets of Dublin, brimming with literary history and bustling pubs, to the historic charm of Cork and the medieval allure of Galway, each city adds its unique melody to Ireland’s captivating symphony. Venture into the heart of Belfast, where history and modernity merge, or lose yourself in the quaint streets of Limerick, rich in Georgian architectural splendour. Beyond these urban gems, the wild, windswept cliffs of Moher and the serene beauty of the Killarney National Park await. Ireland offers an irresistible allure for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Whether it’s staying in ancient castles turned five-star hotels, savouring gourmet cuisine that brings the local flavours to life, or exploring the hidden gems in its vibrant cities and quaint countryside, Ireland promises a journey of unparalleled opulence and captivating beauty and here are our favourite luxury hotels to stay at when visiting the Emerald Isle.



Dublin, Dublin County

The Merrion Hotel

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities142 Rooms & Suites In A Restored Georgian Building, Two Michelin-starred Dining At Patrick Guilbaud, Casual Dining Options & Bar, Spa, 18-Metre Pool, Gym, Pet-friendly, Located Near Key Cultural Attractions.

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
The Merrion Hotel

Dublin, Dublin County

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities265 Rooms & Suites Overlooking St. Stephen's Green, Fine Dining At The Saddle Room, Afternoon Tea, Casual Cocktails, Full-Service Spa, Indoor Pool, Health Club, Pet-friendly, Chauffeur Services.

The Shelbourne Hotel is a Autograph property that is located on St. Stephens Green just a short walk from some of Dublin’s best attractions. This historic hotel offers luxurious rooms, with marble bathrooms, bath products, robes, and slippers. Guests have access to free WiFi and flat screen LED TVs. The on-site Health Club has seven treatment rooms, a dance studio, a modern gym, thermal facilities, and a swimming pool to keep fit and active. There is also a range of beauty services available at The Salon such as facials and hairstyling.

BOOK YOUR STAY
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

InterContinental Dublin, an IHG Hotel

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities208 Rooms & Suites, Multiple Restaurants & Bars, Full-Service Spa, Indoor Pool, Gym, Chauffeur Services.

Found in the city’s leafy Ballsbridge district close to the sea (Sandymount Beach is less than 20 minutes walk away), this hotel is described as a five-star urban resort. It was previously known as the Four Seasons and exudes an old school glamour, with fashionable decor. There are three restaurants, a cafe, a deli and a bar, with 208 rooms plus a pool, sauna, jacuzzi and a spa offering ESPA treatments. Soundproofed rooms with blackout curtains and Egyptian cotton hypo-allergenic bedding, all contribute to a sublime night’s sleep. While family-friendly (connecting rooms can be booked), this IHG property offers romantic packages and is well-suited to a couples’ getaway.

BOOK YOUR STAY
InterContinental Dublin, an IHG Hotel

Lough Eske Castle

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities97 Rooms & Suites Amidst Picturesque Surroundings, Cedars Restaurant For Locally Sourced Cuisine, Father Browne Bar For Casual Dining, Award-winning Spa, Indoor Pool, Sauna, Wellness Treatments, Located Near Lough Eske & The Blue Stack Mountains.

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Lough Eske Castle

Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities74 Elegant Rooms & Suites, Fine Dining At The Lake Room, Casual Dining Options, Full-service Spa, Thermal Suite, Indoor Pool, Chauffeur Services, Close To The Wild Atlantic Way.

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa

The K Club

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities128 Rooms & Suites, Set On A 550-acre Estate, Fine Dining At The Barton Restaurant, Casual Dining Options, Two Championship Golf Courses, Full-Service Spa, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Archery.

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.

Newmarket on Fergus, Clare

Dromoland Castle Hotel

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities97 Rooms & Suites, Set On A 500-acre Estate, Fine Dining At Earl Of Thomond, Casual Dining Options, Spa, Indoor Pool, Various Outdoor Activities Like Falconry, Fishing, Golf, Close Proximity To The Wild Atlantic Way.

One of the most impressive castles in Ireland, Dromoland is the ancestral home of the O’Brien family. The turreted building dates back to the 16th century, with the Queen Anne Court and Moriarty Wings added in the 18th century. But it became a hotel in the 1960s and more recently, the 97 bedrooms underwent a multi-million Euro renovation. Formal dining takes place beneath glittering chandeliers with white-gloved silver service in the Earl of Thomond restaurant and more casual meals are served beside the fire in The Gallery. The estate also contains a Golf Academy and state of the art course, lake and spa with a pool.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Dromoland Castle Hotel

Hayfield Manor (Hotel), Cork (Ireland) deals, Cork, County Cork

Hayfield Manor

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities88 Elegant Rooms & Suites, Casual & Fine Dining Options, Full-service Spa, Indoor Pool, Gym, Pet-friendly, Located Near Cork’s Key Attractions.

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Hayfield Manor

Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Amenities198 Rooms & Suites With Views Of The Wicklow Mountains, Irish Contemporary Dining At Sika Restaurant, Full-service Espa Spa, Swarovski-lit Indoor Pool, Two Championship Golf Courses.

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.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection

Cliff House Hotel

Hotel
At a glance
Amenities39 Sea-Facing Rooms & Suites Overlooking Ardmore Bay, Michelin-Starred Dining Experience & Casual Dining, Wellness Treatments, Access To Nearby Outdoor Adventures & Golf Courses.

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).

BOOK YOUR STAY
Cliff House Hotel

* All the properties and products we feature are independently selected by our editors and contributors. If you buy something we may earn a commission.

Sign up for our newsletter for inspiration, exclusive previews & luxury tips