The Best Resorts in Ireland for Every Traveller

Adare Manor Hotel sits in the beautiful Irish countryside of Co Limerick
Adare Manor Hotel sits in the beautiful Irish countryside of Co Limerick | © Silvester Kalcik / Getty Images
David Gordon

Ireland is renowned for its castles and country estates. The great thing is that, in many cases, you can stay in them – total luxury and quintessential Irish hospitality, included. On the Emerald Isle, fairytale castles and country estates come with spas, bars and Michelin stars. From Kerry to Kildare, here are some of our turret-topped favourites.

Great Southern Killarney, Co Kerry

Luxury

A regal-looking lobby in the Great Southern Killarney, with a grey sofa and a grand piano
Courtesy of Great Southern Killarney / Expedia.com

A retreat for over 160 years, Great Southern has the famous Irish welcome down to a tee. The resort is a place where time seems to slow down as guests enjoy the 6 acres (2ha) of grounds, a spa and an indoor pool. Rooms are decorated in warm, restful colours, reflecting the resort’s heritage, and each one offers luxuries, such as White Company toiletries. Meals include fresh local ingredients, served in the Victorian-era Garden Room restaurant, which showcases Kerry’s countryside.

Parknasilla Resort and Spa, Co Kerry

Resort, Luxury, Spa Hotel

A beach outside the Parknasilla Resort and Spa with a picnic and a tethered boat
Courtesy of Parknasilla Resort and Spa / Expedia.com

Surrounded by mountains, yet on the seashore, the 500-acre (202ha) Parknasilla Resort has been revered as a retreat for over 100 years. Nostalgia, romance and a certain charm permeate every part of the resort, particularly the guest rooms, which come with wedge-thick pillows, antique furniture, fresh-cut flowers and more. One of the suites is named after Grace Kelly, who visited in the summer of ’61. The spa is enriched by the natural beauty of Kenmare Bay’s inlets, islands and beaches, with terraces and a thermal suite poised to take in the view.

The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, Co Kerry

Independent Hotel, Luxury

A large restaurant at the Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, with a floor-to-ceiling window in the background overlooking a large field
Courtesy of The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens / Expedia.com

This 64-acre (26ha) estate at the scenic Gap of Dunloe mountain pass blends a tranquil setting with upscale sophistication. Many rooms offer balconies or terraces overlooking the gardens and sloping emerald-green scenery. Guests can use the resort’s pool and leisure facilities or set off for country pursuits such as pony trekking and fishing.

Mount Juliet Estate Manor House, Co Kilkenny

Boutique Hotel, Resort

The exterior of the Mount Juliet Estate Manor House
Courtesy of Mount Juliet Estate Manor House / Expedia.com

Each room of this historic manor house is individually designed and named after a famous figure connected with the estate, which dates back to the 1700s. Guests can enjoy the walking, running and biking trails around the 500-acre (202ha) swathe of greenery, which also takes in the River Nore and the paddocks of the Ballylinch Stud, before relaxing in the swimming pool, sauna or steam rooms or indulging with a spa treatment. The resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant Lady Helen offers classic Irish dishes served with a creative flair.

Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal

Bed and Breakfast, Spa Hotel

The exterior of the Lough Eske Castle
Courtesy of Lough Eske Castle / Expedia.com

Set in 43 acres (17ha) at the foot of mountains in idyllic Co Donegal, Lough Eske Castle offers rooms with oak furniture, marble bathrooms and spectacular garden views. Cedars Restaurant features traditional dishes such as pan-roasted scallops and quail’s breast. Afterwards, guests can relax in the ornate living rooms beside open fires. The spa offers a steam room, sauna and pool as well as treatments.

Dromoland Castle, Co Clare

Resort, Luxury

A bedroom at the Dromoland Castle with a four-poster bed
Courtesy of Dromoland Castle / Booking.com

The imposing Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century, but its roots date all the way back to 1014, when the O’Brien clan ruled from this roost. Today, the 450-acre (182ha) estate has a host of outdoor activities, such as horse riding, falconry and fishing, to lure you out from view-toting rooms, bedecked in sumptuous furniture and relaxing colour schemes. Elsewhere, creative cuisine and impeccable service are at the heart of the dining experience. The O’Briens would approve.

Adare Manor, Co Limerick

Resort, Luxury, Boutique Hotel

A bedroom at Adare Manor with a castle-like window, armchairs and a wooden desk
Courtesy of Adare Manor

The Gothic splendour and world-class service of Adare Manor entice guests to return, time after time. Rooms are individually designed, beautifully furnished and have stunning views. Guests can dine by candlelight in the Michelin-starred Oak Room restaurant and enjoy artisan Irish ingredients paired with fine wines. Days at the manor are filled with discovery, with many outdoor and indoor activities available.

Powerscourt Hotel, Co Wicklow

Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel, Hotel

Exterior of the Powerscourt Hotel
Courtesy of Powerscourt Hotel / Expedia.com

The Palladian-style architecture of Powerscourt Hotel is the first impression guests receive of the resort, set in a historic estate. Each exquisite guest room has a marble bathroom and luxury feather bedding. Sika Restaurant serves quintessential Irish fare against an elegant backdrop, and the spa features a 20m (66ft) Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool. The Powerscourt Estate also has a distillery and waterfall to discover, too.

For more relaxing stays around the Emerald Isle, check out our guide to the best spa hotels in Ireland – bookable on Culture Trip.

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