The Most Beautiful Hotels in Ireland

eatliveescape

Aug 10

Any visit to the Emerald Isle is a luxury, from green rolling hills to the welcoming Irish hospitality, it is one of our favourite northern hemisphere destinations. If you are looking for a beautiful Irish stay steeped in history, look no further than Ireland's historic castles and manors, cosy manors and unique stays. Here are some of our favourites below.

1. Castle Hotels

Luxury, beauty and breathtaking views go hand in hand at Ashford Castle, recently named once again as the best resort hotel in Ireland and the UK by Travel + Leisure US. Indeed, Irish hotels dominated four out of five spots in the 5 Best Resorts in the UK and Ireland category with Ashford Castle leading the charge.

Once home to the Guinness family, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle is a truly grand and historic structure with national significance. A stay here is the ultimate indulgence.

Ashford Castle isn't the only castle to stay at in Ireland, enjoy gourmet dining, award-winning spas and five-star luxury at hotels 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.

2. 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.

3. Manors

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.

4. 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.