Must-see hotels in Ireland

  • Generator Hostel

    North of the Liffey

    This European chain brings its own brand of funky, fun design to Dublin's hostel scene, with bright colours, comfortable dorms (including women-only) and…

  • Grafton Guesthouse

    Grafton Street & St Stephen's Green

    Following a hefty refurbishment in 2018, Grafton Guesthouse is one of the standout budget hotels in the city. Exposed brick walls, subway-tiled bathrooms…

  • Kincora House

    County Clare

    Set on a hill in the heart of Killaloe, this neat-as-a-pin townhouse was once a pub/general store. Many original features have been retained, while…

  • Ariel House

    Dublin

    Our favourite lodging in Ballsbridge is this wonderful Victorian-era property that is somewhere between a boutique hotel and a luxury B&B. Its 28 rooms…

  • Morgan Hotel

    Temple Bar

    Fresh out of a €15 million redesign in 2018, the Morgan is one of the sleekest hotels in town. The rooms are contemporary and calming, with a pale grey…

  • St Anthony’s Riverside B&B

    County Mayo

    It may be in the middle of Westport, but a tall hedge and thick, twisted vines give this genteel, 19th-century B&B a tucked-away feel. Rooms have clean…

  • Talbot's

    County Mayo

    The kind of uber-designer flourishes that could go horribly wrong are pulled off with elan at Talbot’s – some rooms sport pink and gold baroque beds,…

  • Brook Lodge & Wells Spa

    County Wicklow

    This luxurious country-house hotel has 86 beautifully appointed rooms ranging from standard bedrooms with sleigh beds and deep baths to loft-style…

  • Bellinter House

    County Meath

    Dating from the 18th century, grande dame Bellinter House, 5km northwest of the Hill of Tara (signposted off the R147), is a haven of crackling open fires…

  • G Hotel

    Galway City

    Contrasting with its business-complex location near Lough Atalia, the stunning G Hotel has avant-garde interiors designed by Galwegian milliner-to-the…

  • Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

    Connemara

    With fishing on private lakes and the River Owenmore running through the vast, mountain-ringed property, ivy-draped Ballynahinch Castle is ideally set up…

  • Sheen Falls Lodge

    Kenmare

    The Marquis of Landsdowne's former summer residence still feels like an aristocrats' playground, with a fine-dining modern Irish restaurant, cocktail bar,…

  • Conyngham Arms

    County Meath

    Beautifully restored, this 18th-century stone coaching inn has 15 airy rooms decorated with French country-style furnishings (some with canopied, four…

  • Rosleague Manor

    Connemara

    Rose-pink Rosleague Manor is gloriously sited – overlooking Ballynakill Harbour and the Twelve Bens mountain range. Richly coloured rooms, furnished with…

  • Bridge House Hotel

    The Midlands

    Graced by a grand stairway, this four-star hotel is the best in town. Its 70 spacious, antique-styled rooms have crimson colours; suites (only) come with…

  • Giles Norman Townhouse

    Kinsale

    Upstairs from the Giles Norman Gallery (where you check in) are these plush, luxurious guest rooms in shades of grey and white that set off perfectly the…

  • Screebe House

    Connemara

    With just 10 rooms, the adult-only hunting and fishing lodge of Screebe House has an intimate, luxurious feel. A cobalt-tiled indoor swimming pool is the…

  • Adare Guesthouse

    Galway City

    Overlooking a football pitch and children’s playground, this beautifully kept guesthouse has generously sized rooms and service that runs like clockwork…

  • Teach de Broc

    County Kerry

    Framed by flowers, this low-rise boutique inn next to the golf club has 14 spacious rooms that are thoughtfully appointed (hypo-allergenic pillows, free…

  • Delphi Lodge

    County Mayo

    Dwarfed by the mountainous backdrop, this wonderful 1830s Georgian mansion beside Fin Lough was built by the Marquis of Sligo. The 13-room country hotel…

  • Currarevagh House

    Connemara

    Set in 73 hectares on the shores of Lough Corrib, 19th-century Currarevagh House is a magnificent 12-bedroom mansion. Fresh flowers fill the halls, rooms…

  • Tannery Townhouse

    County Waterford

    Under the same management as the Tannery restaurant, this boutique guesthouse spans two buildings just across the street. Its 14 rooms are modern and…

  • Ashford Castle

    County Mayo

    High-end luxury, exquisite interiors and superb personalised service define Ashford Castle, once home to the Guinness family. Old-world elegance is…

  • Dún Ard

    County Waterford

    This B&B is perched high above Dungarvan Bay on the western edge of Ring village and set in an upmarket development, with a plain exterior that's…

  • Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort

    Counties Wicklow & Kildare

    Set over 73 hectares with woodlands and formal gardens, this vast 1180-built castle was the medieval stronghold of the Fitzgerald earls of Kildare and is…

  • Berehaven Lodge

    Beara Peninsula

    This complex of cosy self-catering cottages occupies an enviable setting overlooking the sea 6km east of Castletownbere. Each 'lodge' has three bedrooms,…

  • Hayfield Manor

    Cork City

    Roll out the red carpet and pour yourself a sherry for you have arrived. Just 1.5km southwest of the city centre but with all the ambience of a country…

  • Butler Arms Hotel

    Ring of Kerry

    The castellated towers of the Butler Arms have dominated the north end of the village since 1884, and the hotel has provided accommodation for many famous…

  • O'Leary's Farm B&B

    County Wexford

    This working 40-hectare organic farm offers four homely guest rooms, three with sea views. The delightful sitting room has a fireplace, a piano and plenty…

  • Blarney Stone Guesthouse

    Cork City

    The white facade of this tall Victorian townhouse conceals a dazzling interior crammed with polished period furniture, glittering Waterford crystal…

  • Tory Island Harbour View Hotel

    County Donegal

    The island's sole hotel is a friendly place with 12 comfortable bedrooms inside a sunny yellow building. Bar food is served from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, and…

  • Rolf's Country House

    The West Cork Coast

    Upmarket Rolf's, in a much-restored and extended old farmhouse in restful gardens on the upper fringes of town, does the lot: there are 10 smartly…

  • Dolphin Beach

    Clifden

    The Atlantic views are superb from this stylish B&B tucked away off the Lower Sky Rd 5km west of Clifden, especially from the front terrace and atrium…

  • Great Southern

    Killarney

    Hidden behind high ivy-clad walls in the town centre, the grand Georgian-style Great Southern first opened its doors in 1854 as the Railway Hotel; its…

  • Trá na Rosann Hostel

    County Donegal

    Knockout views envelop this heritage-listed 24-bed former hunting lodge, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It's an atmospheric spot with a colourful history,…

  • Cashel House Hotel

    Connemara

    At the head of Cashel Bay, this 19th-century country mansion warmed by open peat and log fires has 30 period rooms surrounded by 17 hectares of woodland…

  • Bay View House

    The West Cork Coast

    This spacious modern villa offers immaculate B&B accommodation, a genial welcome and great breakfasts. Rooms 5 and 6 and the cosy landing lounge offer…

  • Adare Village Inn

    Adare

    This cordial place has five excellent-value rooms which are cosy and comfortable and come with power showers. Run by Seán Collins, the inn is a few doors…

  • Donegal Town Independent Hostel

    County Donegal

    Run by an energetic couple, this IHH hostel, 1.2km northwest of town, is a sociable place with a good kitchen and mix of spacious dorm rooms and bright,…

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