Hotels

From the moment you arrive at Ballyfin it’s clear you’re in a truly special place. This lavishly restored Regency house blends priceless historical touches and opulent rooms with a sense of charm and warmth that feels quintessentially Irish. The restaurant is exceptional, serving fare from the huge walled garden. Read expert review

Elegant, charming and luxurious: The Merrion is one of the best hotels in Dublin, if not Ireland, with a historic setting, an impressive art collection and a serene spa in the basement. It’s a little dose of quiet opulence in the heart of the city, where you can unwind by the fire or in the pretty courtyard garden. Read expert review

With a peerless Lough Corrib setting and innate grandeur, centuries-old Ashford Castle has long been known as one of Ireland’s best hotels. Extensive renovations have imbued the property with sufficient modern comforts to ensure it can stake a claim as one of the most characterful and successful hotels in Europe. Read expert review

Spacious, gracious and beautifully secluded, Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa offers top-notch facilities, excellent service, and proximity both to Dublin’s urban delights and to the sweeping uplands of County Wicklow: in other words, the best of all worlds. Read expert review

A compelling history, splendid Georgian architecture, luxurious accommodation and facilities, Michelin-starred gastronomic delights, and some of the best landscapes in Ireland – all come together to make Mount Juliet a very special place. Read expert review

The Inchydoney Lodge & Spa is in a superb location overlooking the Atlantic on Ireland's spectacular south coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of West Cork. With excellent amenities, cuisine, and accommodation, plus a wonderful spa, this is a very special and exhilarating place. Read expert review

The Shelbourne is more than just a hotel – it’s part of the tapestry of Dublin. This imposing red-brick building has been here since 1824 and has played a pivotal role in the city’s history. They don’t call her its grand dame for nothing – here you’ll find a hotel where impeccable service meets timeless style. Read expert review

This restaurant with rooms has been a Dublin favourite for more than 50 years, in a great waterfront location in the fishing village of Howth. King Sitric is a dreamy setting for a seaside getaway, with bedrooms overlooking the ocean and the freshest local seafood cooked up in the restaurant downstairs. Read expert review

In lively Kenmare, enveloped by some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, this storied hotel is one of Ireland’s grande dames. Impressive dining, elegant interiors and top-notch service mean this property reliably wows guests – many of which are already blown away by the exceptional landscapes surrounding it. Read expert review

A momentous 19th-century mansion transformed into one of the world’s most wonderful countryside resorts, spectacular Adare Manor wows with one showstopping feature after another. An architectural marvel, it offers exceptional facilities (including world-class golf), excellent service and a romantic sense of history. Read expert review

With a sophisticated new look and a bar you’ll want to spend hours in, the Fitzwilliam is an ideal bolthole right in the middle of the city. There are rooms with balconies overlooking Stephen’s Green, a Michelin-starred restaurant and an excellent breakfast offering… what more could you want? Read expert review

Set in one of the imposing Georgian townhouses on the edge of St Stephen’s Green. This property balances a classic sense of period style with a splash of contemporary colour and flair, and is also home to two of Dublin’s hottest restaurants, so you don’t have to venture far in search of a good time. Read expert review

Old-world elegance with top-tier spa treatments make this historical hotel a very special destination in Cork’s city-centre. Situated among commercial and law offices, by day there is a vibrant workday atmosphere, but by night a tranquil winding down, with residents mixing with local business executives. Read expert review

A luxe property in the bougie neighbourhood of Ballsbridge, close enough to the action to still feel vaguely central, but far from the hustle and bustle of town. The excellent restaurant and newly refurbished spa means that once you’ve checked in, you won’t need to leave. Read expert review

This shimmering art-splashed hotel lights up a quieter corner of central Dublin with colourful rooms and a sublime cocktail bar. The highlight though is the sleek rooftop restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where quality seasonal dishes are backdropped by cinematic scenes of the distant Dublin mountains. Read expert review

Welcome to Cliff House, a superb foodie haven featuring gourmet, Michelin-starred dining. Add superb Atlantic views, striking modern architecture, a scintillating cliff-top location, and a scenic hinterland – and we have a true winner. Read expert review

Dylan Hotel is tucked alongside the Georgian buildings on the edge of the city centre, and balances historical heritage with a sleek sense of boutique style. The in-house restaurant is excellent, as is the sexy cocktail bar, and the rooms have just the right amount of quirkiness. It’s an all-round winner. Read expert review

Ballymaloe has been run as a hotel and restaurant by Myrtle Allen and her family since 1964, in conjunction with the famous Ballymaloe Cookery School founded by her daughter-in-law, Darina Allen. Whether or not you take a course or workshop at the school, the hotel stands out is one of Ireland’s most congenial. Read expert review

While the original merchants’ property on the estate has since been rebuilt, Hayfield Manor still exudes period-style elegance. Guests can expect a serene and pampered ambiance, plus close access to University College Cork and the city centre. Read expert review

Lough Eske has been garlanded with praise – and no wonder: this five-star hotel offers marvellous service, hospitality and a splendid setting. The hotel and its grounds lie on the shores of beautiful Lough Eske, surrounded by some of Donegal's most rugged landscapes. Read expert review