Galway

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.

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.