With a past that dates back to the Stone Age, the best hotels in Ireland are brimming with historic accommodations in which to hang one’s hat (or helmet!).
With everything from elegant country manor homes to over-the-top castle estates, there are plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Whether it’s high tea, fly-fishing or farm-to-table meals you’re after, these properties take the experience of Irish hospitality to the next level.
Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway
Best for Foodies
Surrounded by 450 acres of beautiful wooded grounds, Ballynahinch Castle has the old world ambience, stunning riverside setting and top-notch service one might expect of a castle hotel, but it’s the superb restaurants that truly set it apart. The elevated Irish fare that focuses on locally sourced produce, seafood, and game is a definite highlight.
The area is known for its salmon, trout and shellfish, and those looking to get an up-close-and-personal experience can go for a boat excursion with a local lobster trapper, visit a mussel farmer in the country’s only fjord, fly-fish on the hotel’s private boat, or pop into the local smokehouse to stock up for a picnic.
Ballyfin, Co. Laois
Best for Honeymooners
Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the heart of Ireland, this five-star country manor house is the ultimate romantic retreat – not to mention the best hotel in the world, according to Condé Nast Traveler’s recent Reader’s Choice Awards.
Its 20 opulent rooms feature four-poster beds, antique furnishings, art and tapestries that would be the envy of any Georgian-era couple. In addition to the wonderful walking and biking in the surrounding hills, the grounds provide enough amusement to while away an afternoon (or several!).
Set out on a leisurely stroll through the impeccable walled gardens, take a horse and carriage ride, or enjoy a rowboat around the lake with your butler at the helm. Finally, cap off your celebratory day with a gorgeous catered picnic and bottle of bubbly.
The property makes a great option for Bespoke trips to Ireland, and I also recommend it as a place to stay before or after Scheduled trips.
Ashford Castle, Co. Clare
Best for Families
With top spots on both Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines’ best hotels lists, Ashford is the granddaddy of all castle hotels in Ireland.
Dating back to 1228 when it was built by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family, the castle has passed through several hands since (including the Guinness family), but remains a playground and home base for leisurely estate activities and outdoor pursuits in the area.
For children, it’s a place of fairy tales, with rambling gardens, hidden passageways and a secret folly tower. With so many awesome activities like horseback riding, archery, kayaking, falconry and zip lining to keep the kids occupied, it’s also the perfect opportunity for the young at heart to indulge: the hotel’s world-class spa has been voted ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ in last year for the 6th year in a row.
Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary
Best for country flockers
Standing (literally) in the shadow of the iconic Rock of Cashel, the five-star Cashel Palace opened its doors on March 1st, 2022, and epitomizes the finest of Irish hospitality.
This Relais & Châteaux property is nestled in the Tipperary countryside within a magnificent 18th c. Palladian manor. The original building has been meticulously restored to create one of the most highly anticipated destination hotels in the heart of Ireland.
Elegantly appointed rooms and suites are individually styled and overflow with character and historic charm. There are nine suites in total, each with regal high ceilings, original cornicing, grand windows that open onto views of the hotel’s perfectly manicured gardens and cozy fireplaces. Another unparalleled option for Bespoke trips to Ireland.
Built in 1913 by Lady Gordon, a noted gardener, traveller and writer, this under-the-radar 18-room Victorian country manor house is Kerry’s best-kept secret.