From lighthouses and penthouses to designer suites and luxury castles, travellers who appreciate exceptional beauty and finesse in their surroundings will be thoroughly enthralled in Ireland.
Here is a round-up of Ireland’s most stunning hotels, unique stays and luxurious piles.
Castle hotels
Luxury, beauty and breathtaking views go hand in hand at Ashford Castle, named as the best resort hotel in Ireland and the UK by Travel and Leisure US. Indeed, Irish hotels dominated four out of five spots in the Five Best Resorts in the UK and Ireland category with Ashford Castle leading the charge.
Once home to the Guinness family and the choice of A-listers, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle is a truly grand and historic structure with national significance. A stay here is the ultimate indulgence.
Note however, Ireland’s castle hotels each have their own history and distinctive offering for those who yearn to holiday like royalty. Enjoy gourmet dining, award-winning spas and five-star standards at places such as County Galway’s Ballynahinch Castle Hotel on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal, Ballygally Castle in County Antrim, or Crom Castle in County Fermanagh.
Luxury sustainable stays
Where luxury meets sustainability, look no further than Gregans Castle Hotel in County Clare. One of Ireland’s best-loved hideaways, its combination of surrounding wild Burren scenery, fabulously styled bedrooms, chic public spaces, warm welcome and outstanding food is the epitome of Irish hospitality.
Over in Slane, County Meath, Rock Farm offers a luxury ecotourism glamping experience set on a 150-acre organic farm.
At Limepark in County Antrim, an extravagant retreat surrounded by the jaw-dropping scenery of the Causeway Coastal Route awaits.
Manors and more
Adare Manor in County Limerick is one of Europe’s most spellbinding five-star destinations. During the JP McManus Pro-Am held there in July, celebrities and some of the biggest names in world golf heaped praise on the hotel’s luxury facilities and golf course. Lavish interiors, an award-winning spa, the golf amenities and the 840 acres of pristine parkland are all just the beginning of the experience.
When heading north, a stay at the Galgorm resort in County Antrim, which comes complete with spa and thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas, will undoubtedly be memorable.
Other luxury hideaways include Finn Lough in County Fermanagh and Ballyfin in County Laois.
Quirky, unusual and cosy stays
Visitors who appreciate luxury accommodation with a twist, the place to cosy up at is the Wicklow Head Lighthouse. Its inspiring views of the Irish Sea and surrounding landscape offer an extraordinary stay.
The Lake Isle Retreats in County Fermanagh, providing contemplative walking, yoga and meditation escapes, are a balm for the soul, while an elemental experience of the Aran Islands on the Wild Atlantic Way awaits at the Inis Meáin Suites.
There is also the miniature castle at the Barbican in County Antrim and even Bushmills Inn, a stone’s throw from the famous Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
For more unique stays, visit www.ireland.com.
Which hotel would you most like to stay in? Let us know in the comments section below.
Read: Ireland, the green of dreams
