These Are The Best Hotels In Ireland & Northern Ireland

Ashford Castle – Cong, Co. Mayo

This magnificent 800-year-old castle on the shore of Lough Corrib was restored by Red Carnation Hotels a decade ago, reopening under the umbrella of the family-owned brand in 2015.

Rooms and suites are every bit as opulent as you’d expect, with antique furniture, plush curtains and Murano chandeliers. Plus, there’s a romantic Boathouse for two, dating back to when the 350-acre Ashford Estate was owned by the Guinness family.

Dress up for supper in the George V dining room where the signature beef is carved tableside; tuck into steaks cooked on the Josper grill in the medieval dungeon; or keep it casual at the charming Cullen’s at the Cottage.

Activity options here suit all ages and interests, from country classic pastimes such as horse-riding and fishing to golf and cycling; there is also the oldest falconry school in Ireland and tastings in The Wine Cellars, housed in secret passageways once used by servants. If the weather turns, it’s the perfect excuse to head to the spa, which has recently partnered with Augustinus Bader on treatments, or to watch an afternoon film at the cinema.

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Doubles from €855 | +353 (0)94 954 6003; ashfordcastle.com

Culloden Estate & Spa – Holywood, Belfast

Grounded on the forested shores of Belfast Lough, the majestic Culloden Estate & Spa is located just outside Belfast. Built as the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century, this five-star hotel is a reserve away from the noise and restlessness of the outside world.

With beautifully secluded gardens, a palatial spa, restaurant and traditional pub, the Culloden is the perfect blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury. Each bedroom and suite is matched with a breathtaking view, coupled with a King Koil ‘cloud bed’ and luxurious linen to guarantee a restful night’s sleep.

Across the estate, the culinary offerings are equally impressive, bringing together the best produce Northern Ireland has to offer. Vespers Restaurant offers exquisite fine dining, while the Cultra Inn, a traditional pub and bistro, provides a more relaxed setting with a locally sourced seasonal menu.

The award-winning spa at the Culloden Estate is not to be missed, providing the perfect escape for those who want to put the world on hold and take time for self-care.

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Suites from £790; Garden Rooms from £270 | +44 (0)28 9042 1066; cullodenestateandspa.com

Ghan House – Carlingford, Co. Louth

Just an hour from Dublin and Belfast, this Georgian house, built in 1727, has three acres of walled mature gardens and eight acres of stables and fields. There are 11 elegantly appointed bedrooms, with a roll-top bath and separate power shower, plus breathtaking views of Slieve Foy mountain.

Families will love one of the ‘Queen Standard’ double bedrooms with its set of bunk beds. Energy-efficient features like air source heat pumps have reduced CO2 emissions by 62 percent here.

The two AA-Rosette restaurant offers a fantastic locally inspired menu. Expect succulent Carlingford oysters, mussels, and lamb and beef from nearby Cooley and Mourne Mountains. Two UNESCO World Heritage sites are an easy drive from the hotel: Newgrange (40 minutes) and The Giants’ Causeway (two hours).

Closer to home, Medieval Carlingford, with remnants of Norman and Viking invasions, is a short stroll away. Slieve Foy mountain offers stunning hikes, while the Greenways is idyllic for biking. Whether for a midweek escape or a longer retreat, Ghan House is the perfect base for exploring this beautiful area.

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Doubles from €220 | +353 (0)42 937 3682; ghanhouse.com

Hayfield Manor – Cork

Sitting on the cusp of Cork’s city centre, Hayfield Manor is the city’s only five-star hotel. The 87 bedrooms are some of the finest and most spacious luxury rooms in Ireland, with each room reflecting the elegance and charm that defines the Hayfield Manor experience, blending timeless style with modern comfort.

Some have stunning views of the hotel’s private gardens, others of the urban skyline. All have carefully-thought-out touches – there’s even in-room golf putters to work on your technique. Orchids Restaurant offers exquisite contemporary Irish Cuisine created using the freshest local ingredients, while the relaxed Perrotts Garden Bistro in the conservatory is a local favourite. Bloom, made entirely of glass and with retractable walls in the garden, is the latest addition, with a delicious brunch menu and bespoke selection of fruity botanical cocktails.

The award-winning Beautique Spa – the first Elemis spa in Ireland – is one of the best in Cork, with an impressive array of rejuvenating treatments. But, perhaps, best of all is the impeccable service. Genuine Irish hospitality at its finest.

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Doubles from €540 | +353 (0)21 484 5900; hayfieldmanor.ie

The Landsdowne Kenmare – Kenmare, Kerry

Set in the heart of Kenmare, an hour from Cork, The Lansdowne Kenmare first opened in 1790 as the Coaching Inn. Today, recently refurbished, this multi award-winning hotel remains timeless as one of the town’s oldest landmarks, offering genuine warmth, impeccable design and culinary delights – all with a passionate team behind it. The 28 bedrooms have super comfortable beds, stylish bathrooms lined with VOYA products and Roberts radios. With four eateries, the food ticks all the boxes, too, championing local ingredients from within 30 miles. During the day, there’s plenty to enjoy – starting with the breathtaking views of the mighty McGillicuddy’s Reeks and Caha Mountains. Here, the land sweeps gracefully through woodlands to the pier and onto the bay’s 30 miles of shimmering waters offering countless coves for swimming, daytime cruises or night kayaking beneath starlit skies. Back on dry land, there’s fantastic golf at Kenmare Golf Club – a parkland with stunning landscape.

And, for those who like to wander, Kenmare’s streets are alive with artistry, its charming shops and cafés spilling creativity at every turn.

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Doubles from €225 |  +353 (0)64 664 0200; lansdownekenmare.com

The Merrion Hotel – Dublin

One of Dublin’s finest hotels and effortlessly gracious. Everything feels right, from the location opposite Government Buildings to the twinkly doormen, polished service and classically elegant bedrooms.

Four tall and sober Georgian townhouses – one of which was the birthplace of the first Duke of Wellington – have been opened up to create a series of expansive, welcoming reception rooms with stucco ceilings, peat fires, antique furniture and the owner’s outstanding collection of 19th- and 20th-century Irish art, which you can learn about in a discreet audio tour.

Just as impressive is the formal garden, graced by Rowan Gillespie’s wonderful statue of James Joyce. The fine dining restaurant is the two Michelin-starred province of Patrick Guilbaud, with the Garden Room Restaurant available for a more casual dining experience.

There’s also a spa with a pillared infinity pool, luxurious spa treatment rooms and hair salon. No surprise that the charming general manager, Peter MacCann, has been in place since The Merrion opened, but it’s quite a surprise to find that was over 25 years ago. It feels timeless.

BOOK IT

Doubles from €375 | +353 (0)1 603 0600; merrionhotel.com