Hotel Accommodation in Ireland

The major international hotel chains are well represented in Ireland and will provide a predictably high standard of accommodation. There are also many independent, often owner run, hotels in buildings which are frequently of historic interest.

Oversupply & Bargains

Clarence Hotel, owned by U2, by Phil Romans

The last 5 years has seen an explosion in the number of hotel rooms available in Ireland, with property developers rushing to take advantage of generous government incentives to build hotels.

Nobody doubts that there is now a significant oversupply on the market in just about every region of the country and every class of hotel.

Coupled with the downturn in the economy, which will undoubtedly lead to fewer visitors from overseas in 2009 as well as fewer domestic trips away, this means that the potential customer really is in the driving seat. There will be bargains, and hotels will be keen to do deals.

Unless you are visiting a place while there is a major festival or other event putting pressure on rooms, shop around and look for discounts. This is a year where even at high season you are likely to find them.

Hotel Grading & Prices

Hotels are graded on a star system, from 5 to 1 stars. All price guides are per person per night, including breakfast.

5 star Hotels

There are relatively few five star hotels in Ireland, though numbers are increasing. All are top of the range establishments which easily meet or exceed the best international standards in decor, service and facilities.
Cost: From €250 up to €500 or more.

4 star Hotels

Slightly less opulent but will be of an extremely high standard and most have good, sometimes excellent, leisure facilities, such as swimming pools, spas, outdoor pursuits etc.
Cost: From €120 up to €200 or more.

3 star Hotels

Range from truly excellent places with great character to anonymous chain hotels and range form good value to, frankly, grim. Tread carefully, but there are gems in here.
Cost: From €70 to €180.

2 star hotels

Will be cheap but very basic. At this level you would probably be better seeking out a budget 3 star, a good guest house or a Bed and Breakfast instead.
Cost: From €60 to €120.

1 star: Don’t even think about it!