Must-see hotels in Ireland

  • Hunter's Hotel

    County Wicklow

    Just outside Rathnew, 5km northwest of Wicklow town on the R761, this exquisite former coaching inn (one of Ireland's oldest) has 16 romantic rooms…

  • Raheen House Hotel

    County Tipperary

    Grand but homely, this gorgeous old country-house hotel offers high ceilings, massive rooms, some fine four-poster beds, wooden floors, a bar, a…

  • Roseville

    County Cork

    Despite being right in the middle of town, this B&B feels like a secret hideaway with its two luxurious guest suites beautifully furnished in modern style…

  • Auburn House

    Cork City

    There's a warm family welcome at this neat B&B, which has smallish but well-kept rooms brightened by window boxes. Try to bag one of the back rooms, which…

  • Leim Siar

    County Mayo

    Leim Siar means Jump West in Irish – a fitting name for a B&B just a short walk from the Blacksod lighthouse. A remote, end-of-the-earth feel combines…

  • Frewin House

    County Donegal

    This fine Victorian rectory in secluded grounds would make every weepy heroine's dreams come true. The house combines antique furniture and open fires…

  • Clifden Eco Camping

    Clifden

    You're just paces from a gorgeous white-sand beach at Ireland's first climate-neutral campground. The well-maintained facilities tucked into the dunes…

  • Cashel Lodge & Camping Park

    County Tipperary

    This converted 200-year-old coach house northwest of Cashel on the R505 (follow the signs for Dundrum) is a friendly and superb-value place with exposed…

  • Cliff Townhouse

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    As pieds-à-terre go, this is a doozy: there are 10 exquisitely appointed bedrooms spread across a wonderful Georgian property whose best views overlook St…

  • Pier House

    Kinsale

    Set back from the road in a sheltered garden, this is a lovely place to rest your head. Pristine rooms, decorated with shell-and-driftwood sculptures,…

  • Ritz

    Southwestern Donegal

    The name might be ironic and this isn't Piccadilly, but this superbly run guesthouse in the town centre has ritzy facilities, including an enormous…

  • Kinlay Hostel

    Galway City

    The central location, cosy lounge, mellow vibe, pool table and smart kitchen and eating area make this large, brightly lit hostel a winner. Dorms vary in…

  • Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa

    The West Cork Coast

    A superb seawater spa is at the heart of this sprawling resort 5km south of Clonakilty, where the service is outstanding, the food at the French-inspired…

  • Glass House

    County Sligo

    You can't miss this cool and contemporary four-star hotel in the centre of town, its sharp glass facade jutting skyward. Inside, the food areas have good…

  • Walcot B&B

    The Midlands

    Set back from the road amid sprawling formal gardens across from Birr Castle, this Georgian townhouse is close to everything. The five large, antique…

  • Westbury Hotel

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Tucked away just off Grafton St is one of the most elegant hotels in town. The upstairs lobby is a great spot for afternoon tea or a drink, and the two…

  • Shelbourne

    Dublin

    Dublin's most famous hotel was founded in 1824 and has been the preferred halting post of the powerful and wealthy ever since. Several owners and refurbs…

  • Roundwood House

    The Midlands

    Set in secluded woods, Roundwood has six bedrooms in its main building, a stately 18th-century Palladian villa, and another four rooms in the original,…

  • Carlingford House

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    In the village centre, but set back from the road in manicured grounds, this stately 1844 manor house (once the local doctor's house) is especially…

  • Sheedy's Hotel & Restaurant

    The Burren

    Stately 18th-century country house Sheedy's has 11 beautifully furnished rooms with checked fabrics and sage-coloured walls. The long front porch has…

  • Corcreggan Mill

    County Donegal

    As well as spotless double and family rooms (only some with private bathrooms) in the lovingly restored former mill-house, Corcreggan has sites for…

  • South Aran House & Restaurant

    Inisheer

    There's an idyllic feel to this rustic B&B; lavender grows outside windows framing broad Atlantic views, and the four bedrooms have underfloor heating and…

  • Lough Eske Castle

    County Donegal

    Occupying vast woodland and garden grounds at the lake's south end, this imposing and restored 19th-century castle was razed by fire in 1939 and is now…

  • McGrory's of Culdaff

    Inishowen Peninsula

    This landmark hotel and bar has 17 bright, modern rooms. Catch live music in the Backroom, which books international singer-songwriters and traditional…

  • Doolin Inn & Hostel

    Doolin

    In a great Fisherstreet location, this friendly, family-run property is split between two neighbouring buildings. On the hill, the main building houses…

  • Crystal Springs

    Killarney

    The timber deck of this wonderfully relaxing B&B overhangs the River Flesk, where trout anglers can fish for free. Rooms are richly furnished with…

  • Byrne's Inn

    County Clare

    Facing Main St out front and the rushing waters of the town's Cascades out back, this historic guesthouse has one of Ennistimon's most colourful facades,…

  • Devlin

    Dublin

    Following the lead of its hip sister hotel the Dean, this Ranelagh outpost is an artsy spot in one of Dublin's fanciest boroughs. Though definitely on the…

  • Pier Head Hotel

    County Sligo

    The panoramic views from this gorgeous quayside hotel are magnificent. The 40 smart rooms feature clean lines, artful lighting and bright colour schemes;…

  • Valley House

    County Mayo

    Amid unruly gardens, this remote 32-bed hostel in a creaking old mansion has atmosphere to spare. JM Synge based his play The Playboy of the Western World…

  • Scholars Townhouse Hotel

    Counties Meath, Louth, Cavan & Monaghan

    This former monastery dates from 1867 and was revamped as a family-owned hotel and restaurant. Despite the 16 rooms being on the small side, some have…

  • O'Connors Guesthouse & Riverside Camping

    Doolin

    On a bend in the River Aille, this working farm has an L-shaped barn-style guesthouse with 10 spick-and-span rooms, two of which are equipped for visitors…

  • Ardtarmon House

    County Sligo

    Drawing up outside Ardtarmon House feels like visiting a country estate. Eight hectares of tranquil grounds surround an ivy-clad manor house that exudes…

  • Isaacs Hostel

    North of the Liffey

    The Northside's best hostel – actually for atmosphere alone it's the best in town – is in a 200-year-old wine vault just around the corner from the main…

  • Kilmurvey House

    Aran Islands

    There's a dash of grandeur about Kilmurvey House, where 12 spacious rooms sit in an imposing, 18th-century stone mansion. Breakfasts are convivial affairs…

  • Clare's Rock Hostel

    The Burren

    The 30 beds in this IHH hostel built from rough-hewn grey Burren stone sit in spacious, squeaky-clean rooms with commanding views over the waters of…

  • Marker

    Dublin

    Behind the eye-catching chequerboard facade created by Manuel Aires Mateus are 187 swanky rooms and suites decked out in a wintry palette (washed-out…

  • Rowan Tree Hostel

    County Clare

    Balconies overlooking the swift-flowing River Fergus; bright, airy dorms; and doubles with Egyptian linen add to the appeal at this town-centre hostel. It…

  • Pure Magic Achill Island

    County Mayo

    There's a fun vibe at this lively 10-room spot near Dugort thanks to a buzzing bar and cafe with excellent pizza. Bedroom themes range from Moroccan and…

  • Woodhill House

    Southwestern Donegal

    Ireland's last commercial whaling family once lived in this grand manor house, parts of which date from the 17th century. It has a well-stocked bar and…

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