Ireland's Luxury Hotels

I'm Maeve and I'm 50% Irish (hence the Gaelic name haha). I have visited Ireland at least once a year of my 26 years and to no surprise, it's my absolute favorite place on earth! My family is primarily from the Shannon and South-East regions of Ireland. My mom and her three brothers were raised in Limerick, my granny was born and raised in Limerick City, and my grandad was born and raised in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Like many Irish families, we have relatives spread out across the country too. I know Ireland pretty well for never having actually lived in the country long-term. I grew up spending 8-weeks of my summer in Spanish Point Co. Clare with a bunch of my cousins---just as my mom and granny did when they were younger. When the weather was great we played in the grass, swam in the sea, milked cows, rode horses, and just lived outside all day long. But there were weeks when it felt like the rain never stopped and I can guarantee that 6+ stir-crazy kids were a nightmare to take care. As a result, our parents would take turns going away on overnights or mini staycations within Ireland. Ireland is majority lush, green, rolling hills and winding country lanes. There is so much to see and do. However, just because you'll likely spend your days in your wellies trekking through the countryside, there is NO need to forfeit the finer things in life when it comes to your accommodation. Here's a guide to 10 luxurious hotels across Ireland perfect for a couple's getaway. The majority of places my family or I have visited ourselves and the others are on my travel wishlist. As always, I'm happy to help you plan a custom itinerary for your trip to Ireland! Just reach out to me directly (:

Read less

Updated ago

CASTLES & MANORS

Adare Manor

@maevecutts

When I was younger, I used to dream of having my wedding at Adare Manor. Now that I'm older and have a concept of how much things cost, especially how much things cost at the Adare Manor, that dream quickly went out the window. But I can dream of staying here one day and enjoying all Adare Manor has to offer.

Add to

Details

Adare Manor is an award-winning 5-star luxury hotel located in Co. Limerick. It was ranked the #1 Resort in the World by Condé Nast Traveler in 2022 so you can imagine that they don't mess around. In addition to opulent guest rooms, Adare Manor has gardens, golf, and gourmet foods. There are a plethora of activities you can partake in during your stay including fishing, falconry, archery, gun dog trials and clay pigeon shooting.

Ashford Castle & Country Estate

@maevecutts

My great-great auntie Kitty used to be the head housekeeper here back in the day.

Add to

Details

Ashford Castle is a 5-star historic castle situated on an extraordinary estate in Co. Mayo. This 800-year-old castle is unlike anything I've ever seen before. There is so much history rooted in every inch of its 350 acres. There's so much to love about this place from the suites named after their most famous guests and afternoon tea to lake cruises and estate gardens

Dromoland Castle Hotel

@maevecutts

They also offer a fantastic Afternoon Tea option if you want to experience the castle without staying overnight.

Add to

Details

Dromoland Castle Hotel is another stunning property that has been servicing guests since the 16th century. Dromoland offers everything from accommodation to golf to exquisite dining and a plethora of activities. They're also one of the only 5-star castles that are dog friendly! The KPMG Women's Irish Open is hosted here which is the perfect excuse to explore the grounds.

Gregans Castle Hotel in the Burren

@maevecutts

Our family friends have owned Gregans for decades. My mom has memories of growing up and getting to visit, as do I.

Add to

Details

Situated at the bottom of Corkscrew Hill (as the locals call it), Gregans Castle Hotel is a wonderful hidden gem on the outskirts of The Burren. This is the only hotel on this list that has beautifully married luxury with eco-tourism. It's on the smaller side making it the perfect weekend retreat.

Mount Juliet Estate

@maevecutts

This is high on my wish list of places to stay next time I'm over in Ireland!

Add to

Details

Mount Juliet Estate is another 5-star country estate where you'll stay in a Georgian Manor House. They offer Michelin-star meals, world-class golf, a relaxing wellness spa, and beautiful grounds and gardens to peruse. My parents have gone on weekends away here and it seems like the epitome of a romantic getaway. They even took a little row boat out and had a little Notebook moment.

Ballynahinch Castle

@maevecutts

When I was in the thick of wedding planning, this 4-star hotel seemed like a big hit.

Add to

Details

Nestled right in the hills of Connemara and along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballynahinch Castle is a luxury castle hotel on a 700-acre estate. They even have their own salmon fishery which most guest rooms overlook!

OCEANSIDE

Armada Hotel

@maevecutts

I love it so much I'm actually having my wedding reception here in May 2024!

Add to

Details

The Armada Hotel is situated right on the coast in Co. Clare along the Wild Atlantic Way. This 4-star hotel has had the glow-up of the century! You wouldn't believe me if I told you it used to be the biggest yellow eye sore all throughout my childhood. Now it's a top-rated, family-friendly hotel offering so much more than a bed and breakfast.

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg

@maevecutts

This is the perfect escape from busy city life.

Add to

Details

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel is a premier golf resort situated along the Co. Clare coast. If you're not a big golfer, don't fret-- there's a spa and fantastic restaurants on site. Doughmore Beach is just below which is great for long strolls and horseriding.

DUBLIN CITY CENTRE

The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection

@maevecutts

I may or may not have gone to the hotel bar hoping to bump into Bruce Springsteen when he was on tour.

Add to

Details

Situated right off St. Stephen's Green, The Shelbourne is a luxury 5-star hotel just minutes from Trinity College. This beautiful hotel is typically where celebrities visiting Dublin stay. I'd imagine because of their newly renovated elegant guest rooms and suites.

The Westbury

@maevecutts

I can't think of a hotel in the city with a better location.

Add to

Details

The Westbury is a 5-star hotel located in the city-centre just off of Grafton Street. This luxurious hotel has been voted the Number 1 Hotel in Ireland by Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards. Pictures don't do this beautiful hotel justice.

* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maeve Cutts

✈️ a 20-something-year-old third culture kid always plotting her next trip 🛂 32 countries, 35 states & counting 🤍a lover of tasty foods, slow travel & a nice cuppa tea I was born in London to an Irish (🇮🇪) but American-born (🇺🇲) mother and an English (🇬🇧) but Singaporean-born (🇸🇬) father. I lived in the UK, the US, and Hong Kong all by the time I was 13. My first flight was at 2 weeks old and I've been on the go ever since. I frequently travel around North America, Europe, and South East Asia but truly no place is off limits! I'm based in Chicago with my fiance and 2-year-old English Springer Spaniel! I've always loved documenting my travels with photos and videos, and sharing my recommendations and tips for traveling. From visiting varioius friends and family around the world, I have a local's insight to many great places. I can offer custom itineraries, city guides, food guides, travel consultations, and more! DM me on Instagram (@maevecutts) or email me (💌 maeve.cutts@gmail.com) to set up your consultation today! - Custom Itineraries: $15+ - 30-minute Travel Consultation: $30 Don't forget to subscribe to my Thatch profile and download the app to keep up to date with my travels all over the world!

Read less

Send A Tip

Support Maeve Cutts’s work.

Select your tip amount

$10

$20

$50

Or type in other amount

Explore related destinations

Spanish Point, County Clare, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Cong, County Mayo, Ireland