Our Top 10 Hotels in Ireland
If you are looking for a really special place to stay, every one of the hotels on this list will give you that. They are a varied bunch, ranging from the ultimate in luxury to the best family hotels, from small boutique places to large country resorts, so there is something for everyone here.
This is a purely personal selection, there can be no definitive "best" hotels, and while they are mostly expensive special occasion places - real quality has its price - some may not be the ultimate in luxury but have something very special about them.
The 10 are listed in no particular order.
1. The Merrion, Dublin
Our absolute favourite in Dublin by a mile, the Merrion is luxurious, beautiful, wonderfully located and has exceptional service that is delivered in a very friendly and unstuffy manner. For a hotel of it's class in a city it caters remarkably well for kids too. It is certainly pricey but it's one of those places where you get more than you pay for.
2. Gregan's Castle, Co Clare
In a peerless location at the edge of the Burren staying in Gregan's feels like entering a different world, where life moves at a more relaxed pace and nothing is too much trouble. After a long day's touring relaxing with a drink by a roaring fire in the resident's drawing room will revive you like nothing else.
3. Pontoon Bridge Hotel, Co Mayo
If it's a de-stress you are seeking, then get yourself to Pontoon and do a course a this family run hotel. The 'real' world recedes as you lose yourself in watercolour painting, the intricacies of fly fishing or learning new cookery skills. It may not be the ultimate in luxury but I guarantee you will eat extremely well, sleep like a top and return home renewed and reenergised.
4. Sheen Falls Lodge, Co Kerry
If the perfect hotel exists, this may just be it. When you have great location (on a 300 acre estate by the Kenmare River), a huge choice of activities, fantastic rooms, exceptional service and wonderful restaurants, what more do you want? It doesn't come cheap but for a special getaway that you'll treasure it's hard to think of anywhere better.
5. Arbutus Hotel, Co Kerry
This place is a Killarney institution, run by the same family for over 80 years. Much of the furnishing dates back just as far, but don't imaging fusty and dusty - it's all about comfort and homeliness with a welcome as warm as the fires that burn in the drawing room. In the midst of the tourist hustle and bustle that is Killarney, this is a welcome and wonderful retreat. Good value too.
6. Hayfield Manor, Cork
If you've ever wondered how it would be to live in an elegant stately home with a retinue of discrete but friendly staff available to act on your every whim, book into Hayfield and find out. You really do feel at times that you are the only guest and certainly the most important one. Their Christmas special programme is one of the most fantastic experiences you will ever have.
7. Rathmullan House, Co Donegal
When a hotel has doggie rooms, you know they have really thought of everything! Rathmullan House is the epitome of an elegant country house, with wonderful hospitality to match and is a real oasis of calm amid the stunning scenery of Co Donegal. Every meal in the Weeping Elm restaurant is one you will remember for a very long time.
8. Waterford Castle, Co Waterford
Stepping onto the ferry to cross to the Island home of Waterford Castle, you begin your journey to a different world, one where luxury is normal, seclusion is guaranteed and cosseting comes as standard. It's very exclusive, with just 19 bedrooms, and costs a lot, but how often do you get to really feel like a king or a queen?
9. Wineport Lodge, Co Westmeath
Set by a lake Wineport is finished with extraordinary attention to detail, with style in abundance. Eating in the restaurant is a real experience, careful cooking, great wines and perfect service. And when day is done their huge and kuxurious beds are rivaled only by bathrooms you want to live in permanently. Hands down our top choice for romantic getaways.
10. Kelly's Resort Hotel, Co Wexford
It's all about family here - the hotel has been run by the Kelly family since 1895 and may be the best hotel in Ireland for a family stay. The balance is right - there is lots for kids to do while their parents relax in a choice of spas and enjoy a range of grown up activities. It really is fun for everyone - little wonder families return annually over, literally, decades.
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