16 of the best hotels in Ireland
Ireland is one of the closest and easiest places for a European vacation from the U.S. With rolling green hills and blustery beaches, the country has a number of activities for travelers after either an active or relaxing escape. Accommodation options range from many Dublin points properties to regal mansions in the Irish countryside to an Atlantic lighthouse. And there's really no better place to socially distance than a castle! Here are the 16 best places to stay in Ireland.
1. The Shelbourne, Dublin
The Shelbourne Dublin, an Autograph Collection property, refers to itself as a "national treasure", and here at TPG, we're inclined to agree. The landmark hotel, which dates back over 200 years, is home to the Horseshoe Bar, which hosted famed musical acts like the Rolling Stones and the Chieftains. You can also visit the room where the Constitution of the Irish Free State was written. Now known as the Constitution Suite, the space still contains the original table and chairs used during the momentous event.
2. Adare Manor, Limerick
Rated as one of the top hotels in the world by Conde Nast and home to Limerick's first Michelin-starred restaurant, Adare Manor is the perfect place for your dream getaway. A picturesque castle offering activities like fishing, horse riding, cycling and even a golf course on the grounds, guests will love spending time in the great outdoors. There's also a cinema and a spa for rainy day stays.
3. The Westbury Hotel, Dublin
Once a former convent, the Westbury, part of the Doyle Collection Hotels, is dotted with Irish art, regal chandeliers and plush furniture. Rooms are tastefully designed with understated furnishings, including some with canopy beds featuring Lissadell bed linens and marble bathrooms. Hang out at the Sidecar, a 1930s inspired haunt with a stunning bar backdrop and craft cocktails.
Read more: How to backpack around Ireland
4. Dromoland Castle, Newmarket on Fergus
Another regal hotel on this list, Dromoland Castle is located just outside Shannon in Clare. The castle, which has been welcoming guests since the 16th century, is located on 450 acres of verdant pastures and hills. With a golf course, spa and numerous outdoor activities -- you can even try your luck at archery or falconry -- you'll never be bored during your stay.
5. Hyatt Centric Dublin
Located in one of the oldest sections of Dublin, The Liberties, the Hyatt Centric has 234 guestrooms, some of which have views of the neighboring St Patrick's Cathedral. Rooms feature contrasting textures and colors, like oak and brass fixtures which juxtapose perfectly against turquoise velvet furnishings. Plan to explore the surrounding area, which has a number of whiskey and gin distilleries, plus the famed Guinness Storehouse.
6. Powerscourt Hotel, Enniskerry
This Autograph Collection property in Wicklow is just a 30-minute drive from the Dublin city center. With not just one, but two golf courses, the Powerscourt Hotel also features a spa with a sleek indoor pool. Rooms are classic and elegant, with views overlooking the property's landscaped gardens, as well as the Enniskerry Hills and Great Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Read more: 5 of the best hikes in Ireland
7. Conrad Dublin
Conrad Dublin combines the city's wealth of history with modern comforts. Nearby St Stephan's Green and overlooking the National Concert Hall, the hotel's luminous rooms feel Irish-inspired, with elegant design touches of pale green. Although the Irish sunshine only makes occasional appearances, getting a room with a balcony may just be worth it.
8. The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Built in 1857, the Merchant Hotel is a historic hotel with modern comforts. Located in Belfast's historic quarter, the hotel boasts a rooftop hot tub and fitness centre complete with expansive views and a variety of bars, including Bert's Jazz Bar, the Cloth Ear Pub, a cocktail bar and Champagne lounge. With room designs from Art Deco to Victorian, you can travel back in time with the classical decor.
9.The Marker Hotel, Dublin
A stylish modern hub, the Marker Hotel offers an onsite, award-winning spa and a snazzy rooftop offering views of Dublin. The 187 rooms and suites feature luxurious bed linens, throws, artwork, furniture and cushions from Irish and Danish designers as well as spacious marble bathrooms.
Read more: From Connemara to the Giant’s Causeway: 9 of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland
10. Glenlo Abbey, Galway
Set on the banks of Lough Corrib, Glenlo Abbey dates back to 1740. Set on a tranquil, sprawling 138-acre estate, the call of the hotel goes past just the elegant guestrooms and inviting Italian marble bathrooms. Plan to dine in former carriages that once were part of the Orient Express at Glenlo's unique Pullman restaurant for a very special type of train experience.
11. InterContinental Dublin
Situated on two full acres of greenery in the upscale Ballsbridge neighborhood, the InterContinental Dublin makes for a truly opulent escape. Guestrooms feature garden views and marble bathrooms. For the ultimate splurge, the William Butler Yeats Suite pays homage to the iconic Irish poet, complete with three balconies, plus a separate kitchen, dining and living area, an additional powder room and even a personalised W.B. Yeats book to take home.
12. The Cliff at Lyons, Celbridge
Just a 30-minute drive from Dublin, The Cliff at Lyons in Kildare is a true escape for the mind, body and soul. With rooms, apartments and cottages (many of which are located in historic buildings) you can choose just the right accommodation for you. Despite the hotel's lengthy history, rooms are renovated and come with modern amenities like Nespresso machines and Egyptian cotton bed linens. Set on the banks of the Grand Canal, the spa is located in a beautiful former carriage house.
13. Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara
You may be tired of seeing castle hotels on this list, but Ballynahinch is truly one of the finest. Set upon 700 acres of rivers, forests and rolling hills, the hotel has an on-site salmon fishery and shooting school. Rooms are comfortable and stylish, many of them overlooking the river. Enjoy fresh seafood at the Owenmore restaurant, run by executive chef Alan McArdle or cozy up to the crackling fire at the Fisherman's Pub.
14. Clare Island Lighthouse, Clare Island
For rustic seaside charm along Ireland's blustery Atlantic coast, stay at nautical landmark-turned-heritage hotel Clare Island Lighthouse in Mayo. Room options range from the Tower House, where the circular bedroom is located in the lighthouse sphere itself to the Sauna Suite, which features a sauna with views.
15. Finn Lough Bubble Dome, Enniskillen
While Finn Lough also has beautiful waterside cottages, for a truly unique experience, stay in the bubble dome. With 180-degree clear walls, you can stargaze by night and admire the forest by day. The dome features a canopy bed, fluffy robes, a Nespresso machine and daily breakfast for a romantic, private experience just 90-miles away from Belfast.
16. Clontarf Castle, Dublin
Located just outside Dublin and next to the seaside, Clontarf Castle is more of a fairytale version of a castle and is popular as a wedding venue due to its magical and dramatic interiors and grounds. Originally built in the 12th century, it combines ancient architecture with wonderful 21st-century facilities. But don't worry, you'll get your princess canopy bed. The Knights Bar has Insta-worthy ceilings, huge open fireplaces and stained glass windows while Fahrenheit restaurant is perfect for a romantic supper.
Bottom line
Ireland makes for the perfect easy getaway. Regardless of your travel plans -- sipping Guinness in an Irish pub or exploring the rolling Irish hills, there's an ideal hotel for you. And spending your Irish vacation in a castle makes for a truly memorable vacation.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.