The Best Hotels to Book in Ireland

Enjoy sumptuous rooms and leisurely walks through woodland and gardens at Dromoland Castle
Enjoy sumptuous rooms and leisurely walks through woodland and gardens at Dromoland Castle | Courtesy of Dromoland Castle / Booking.com
Suzy Pope

There’s something ethereal and ancient about Ireland, warmed by the craic of its countrymen. The Emerald Isle is dotted with ancient fortifications, fishing villages and cities that are simultaneously historic and ultramodern. You’ll find accommodation in all sorts of places – opulent fairytale castles, cosy coastal B&Bs or flashy boutique hotels in Dublin. Here’s our round-up of the best of them, bookable with Culture Trip.

The Devlin, Dublin

Boutique Hotel

An outdoor view of the bar and dining area at The Devlin, Dublin, illuminated through large windows
Courtesy of the Devlin, Dublin / Expedia

It’s the personal touches at this boutique hotel that make it one of the best in Ireland. Based in a quiet suburb of Dublin, you’ve got the city at your fingertips and a peaceful bolthole to return to. You’re greeted with a 99 ice cream on arrival, and there’s a “munchies box” in every room. Head up to Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant for a full three-course meal with panoramic views of the Dublin skyline, or relax with a cocktail mixed by a professional mixologist in the lobby bar. There’s a subterranean cinema room, too, if you want an evening of chilling out.

Dylan Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

A stylish bedroom at Dylan Hotel, with a cushioned bed, carpet, desk, chair, mirror and lamps
Courtesy of Dylan Hotel / Expedia

In the south of the city centre, the Dylan Hotel is the only five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Dublin. It’s housed in a classic townhouse, once home to the nurses of the Royal City of Dublin Hospital. Each room has been individually designed and has bags of character – ornately carved headboards, antique-style dressers and plenty of velvet. There’s an array of wining and dining options: fresh oysters in the Eddison Restaurant, champagne ice pops on the plant-filled Nurserie Terrace, or perhaps an Irish Painkiller in the plush Ruby Room.

Abbey Hotel Donegal

Hotel

An outside view of the brick building at Abbey Hotel Donegal, next to a street with parked cars
Courtesy of Abbey Hotel Donegal / Expedia

In the historic town of Donegal, this hotel is a few minutes’ drive from the breathtaking scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way. A certified member of the Donegal Food Coast initiative, this one is for the foodies. The Market House Restaurant serves up local steak and seafood straight from the boat at Killybegs in the evening, and an array of fresh salads from the kitchen garden at lunchtime. Conversely, the Abbey Bar is all about real ales and elevated pub grub. After a hearty meal of Irish fare, you can toddle up to bed in one of the plush rooms.

Cabra Castle Hotel

Hotel

A birds-eye view of Cabra Castle Hotel, with an outdoor seating area, garden space, trees, fountains and grass
Courtesy of Cabra Castle Hotel / Expedia

Set in 100 acres (40ha) of parkland, with the ancient woodland of Dún a Rí Forest Park as your backdrop, it doesn’t get more like a fairytale than Cabra Castle. Crenulated turrets, archery slit windows and creeping ivy combine to create a picture-perfect façade. Inside, you’ll find rooms fit for kings and queens with velvet-curtained beds, glowing candelabras and wood-panelled ceilings harking back to medieval days. The Derby Bar is a picture of old-world charm, with a roaring fire in the evenings, and lavish afternoon teas served in the Drawing Room by day.

Greenhills Hotel

Hotel

An indoor pool at Greenhills Hotel, with lights and windows
Courtesy of Greenhills Hotel / Expedia

Greenhills has been in the same family since it opened its doors in 1969, on the outskirts of Limerick. Guests can enjoy access to the Leisure Club next door, which has a full timetable of fitness classes, swim classes and things for kids to do. After a workout, Green’s Café Bar and Restaurant offers a locally sourced menu – or, perhaps, an indulgent afternoon tea on the terrace is more your thing. Each room is individually designed, from comfortable classic-tier rooms for couples to large family rooms.

Lyrath Estate Hotel Spa & Convention Centre

Hotel

A bedroom with a four poster bed, blue armchairs, a wooden table and fireplace at Lyrath Estate Hotel Spa & Convention Centre
Courtesy of Lyrath Estate Hotel Spa and Convention Centre / Expedia

Spread across acres and acres of Irish countryside, you’ll find lakes for fishing, historic gardens for strolling and a falconry and archery centre when wandering the grounds at Lyrath Estate. Rooms in the 17th-century stately home are decked out with four-poster beds; rooms in the modern annexe are all contemporary luxury. Guests have complimentary access to the estate’s leisure centre, with its swimming pool and gym. If pampering is more your thing, head to the Oasis Spa, which specialises in Elemis and Kerstin Florian treatments.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel

Luxury

A bedroom at Glenlo Abbey Hotel with a cushioned bed, headboard, large windows with rural views and a plush armchair
Courtesy of Glenlo Abbey Hotel / Expedia

Glenlo Abbey Hotel blends into the tranquil scenery on the shores of Lough Corrib. This 18th-century mansion offers five-star luxury on a sprawling estate; the grounds are home to a nine-hole parkland golf course, falconry centre and old-style cinema room that transports you back to the 1940s. Even the lowest-tier rooms are crowned with gilded mirrors and gold finishes. The dining experience is something special here in the Pullman Restaurant: two classic Pullman carriages, retaining their Orient Express opulence, sit in the grounds where a fine-dining menu of locally sourced products is served in style.

Dromoland Castle

Resort, Luxury

This magnificent castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th century. On the grounds, you’ll find one of Ireland’s finest parkland golf courses, horse riding, archery and falconry alongside glorious estate walks through woodland and gardens. Accommodation is in sumptuous rooms, resplendent with gold trim and satin cushions. Many of the rooms have lake views, and the most lavish suites have canopy beds and soaking tubs in the en-suite.

For a budget-friendly stay in Ireland, book one of the best hostels in Cork now on Culture Trip.
Looking for more plush hotels in Ireland? Check out our guide to the most family-friendly hotels in Ireland, bookable with Culture Trip.

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