The best hotels in Ireland for 2025

Where: Sneem, County Kerry, Ireland

The dramatic setting of Parknasilla reveals a panorama to take your breath away: 500 acres of beaches, islands, and forest walks on the shores of Kenmare Bay, with the Kerry mountains in the distance. It’s a self-contained wonderland where you could happily spend a week (or two) without running out of things to do.

First built in 1897, this is a hotel with  a seriously star-studded past. Royalty, celebrities and writers have all stayed here, most famously George Bernard Shaw, who declared it “a dream world” after taking long walks through the surrounding woods and coastline. His legacy lives on in portraits, a bronze sculpture and even in the names of the Pygmalion restaurant and Doolittle bar. Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco also checked in during the 1960s, while tracing her Irish roots. 

Today, guests can choose from doubles and family suites inside the main hotel, or opt for one for the courtyard lodges or woodland villas dotted around the estate. The elegant suite once occupied by royalty has restored mahogany antiques, Victorian fittings and  French chandeliers, while the newer balcony suites feel thoroughly modern with wraparound sea views and Jacuzzi baths. Pets are welcome too, so the whole family can live it up in style. 

Meals are worth lingering over, especially when the sunset pours through the windows of the Pygmalion restaurant. Head Chef Paul O’Loughlin celebrates local seafood and seasonal produce with dishes like monkfish with ginger arancini and a perfectly classic rhubarb crumble. Those after something more casual can settle into the Doolittle dining room for chowder, burgers or pizza, before drifting into the bar for live music and fireside chats.

The spa is a big draw, too, with an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the bay, a thermal suite and a long menu of treatments to really help you unwind. Beyond that, there’s walking trails through subtropical gardens and woodlands, plus kayaking, golf and yoga for those who want to get active. With so much packed into its 500-acre estate, Parknasilla feels less like a hotel and more like its own little world. Perfect for couples, families and maybe even writing retreats. If it’s good enough for George…

Time Out tip: Join one of the free guided history walks with resident poet Tim Buckley (yes, Jessie Buckley’s dad) for stories that bring Parknasilla’s past to life.

Address: Sneem, County Kerry, V93 EK71

Price Parkland View Room €215 per room per night midweek March and November, up to €389 per room per night mid-July to late August. Offers for longer stays.

Closest transport: Killarney railway station one hour. Kerry Airport one hour and 15 minutes

Where: Dublin, Ireland 

The Leinster lies in a moment of calm between the hubbub of Merrion Square and the Grand Canal. From the outside, it looks like a peaceful home away from home – though inside it’s brimful of plush velvets, brushed gold, bold art and even an outdoor hot tub. Opened in 2024 on the site of a dilapidated nightclub, this 55-room boutique hotel feels intentional in every detail, all of which add up to an elevated stay.

Maximalism is the order of the day here: bold art, rich textures and clever design choices mean every corner feels photo-ready, even the emergency staircase. A floral trace of Baccarat Rouge scents the air, and with some 300-odd works by Irish artists on the walls-  plus one standout Damien Hirst behind reception - The Leinster feels firmly rooted in Dublin's creative community.

Rooms range from compact doubles to spacious suites, complete with copper bathtubs and balcony views of Georgian Dublin. Even the smaller rooms feel generous, with king-sized beds, embroidered headboards and a sizeable living area. Whichever you choose, there’s extra touches thrown in for good measure; expect coffee machines, portable phone chargers, and a fun minibar selection. Everything is considered, so staying here feels like a proper treat. 

Downstairs, The Collins Club serves flavour-driven cocktails mixed with real flair, while upstairs restaurant Jean-Georges sweeping city views with elegant dishes that add Asian flourishes to modern European fare. Guests also get access to a compact spa with sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub – a welcome bonus for a city-centre hotel. Staff are few but friendly, and the location is walkable to Grafton Street and Temple Bar. All in all, The Leinster is stylish and striking, the perfect base to explore Dublin from.

Time Out tip: Order the palo santo paloma at The Collins Club – the bartenders will even bring out the incense stick used to infuse its smoky flavour.

Address: 7 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 WK33

Price per night: Starting from €165 per night

Closest transport: Merrion Square is a well-serviced bus stop, and Pearse train station is a 10-minute walk.

Where: Bushypark, County Galway, Ireland

One of only two five-star hotels in County Galway, Glenlo Abbey sits within a 138-acre estate overlooking Lough Corrib, with Connemara’s wild hills beyond. Arrive at this five star retreat and you’ll feel instantly at ease;  after the bustle of Galway City, the gates open to sweeping lawns, a golf course and a stunning country house, where you’re welcomed by a concierge in green and gold tails. The abbey itself dates back to the 1790s, originally built as a private chapel, and now it’s a quiet place to sink into a velvet sofa beneath stained-glass windows. Inside the main house, there are cosy sitting rooms with fireplaces and plenty of corners for afternoon tea or cocktails, plus a walled garden for sunnier days.

The rooms here are so comfortable that when Bob Dylan stayed after gigging in Ireland, he apparently didn’t leave his suite for days.  There’s 74 spacious rooms to choose from, largely located in a newer part of the building - but all decked out in that original manor house style. Homely touches abound, with sweet treats upon arrival, robes and slippers, and deluxe king size beds. Plus, there’s family rooms, and a presidential suite for anyone looking to splash out. And the food and drink is a real event: fine dining is served aboard two fabulously glam former carriages of the Orient Express that form The Pullman restaurant, which serves multi-course tasting menus built on local produce. For something more relaxed, Palmers Bar & Kitchen offers hearty classics, while breakfast is served in the grand River Room. 

You won’t be bored either. Facilities on offer include a spa with treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and terrace, as well as a nine-hole golf course, and a wealth of different activities to keep you busy. It’s in a perfect location, too, with Galway City and Connemara National Park both a short drive away.

Time Out tip: Head to Kylemore Abbey, a fairytale Gothic castle with a Victorian walled garden that’s still home to Benedictine nuns.

Address: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Bushypark, Galway, H91 XD8K

Price: From €289 for bed and breakfast in an entry level classic room 

Closes transport: Galway railway station is a 16-minute drive away, or half an hour on public transport

Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland

As the UK’s first ‘hometel’ brand, Room2 offers the best of both worlds. Here, it’ll take you a moment to figure out whether you’ve woken up in a luxe apartment or inner-city hotel room. The vibe is relaxed and casual, with just as much polish as a five-star outpost, just without all the extra bells and whistles of a posh luxury hotel. Above all else, this is an eco-conscious hotel, running on 100 percent electric and low-carbon renewable energy with a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. The interiors echo this ethos: no flash or extravagance, but plenty of tropical foliage. Your trendiest friend’s flat? That’s the aesthetic here, with an open-plan lobby and dining area buzzing from the second you enter. Winnie’s bar slings cocktails, there’s all-day food, and live music sessions from local artists kick off every evening at 6pm. Pastel tones, dark woods, gold accents and fun tile patterns bring the playful space to life, with cosy living-room style zones to sink into.

Designed for long and short stays, all rooms have a charming lived-in feel. Most are fitted with a fully-functioning kitchenette, and all have a sofa, work desk and wall-mounted TV. The same stylish design continues inside: calm, simple, familiar. Bathrooms are especially good-looking, with scribble wallpaper, low lighting and red tiles - relaxed, but with a touch of that boujee hotel vibe. Guests are encouraged to bring their pets and even order takeaways, blurring the lines between home and hotel.

Food and drink are covered with a solid buffet breakfast, all-day brunch favourites and yummy small plates come dinnertime. Add in a small gym, laundry room and even an art gallery showcasing local artists, and you’ve got a hometel that balances comfort, community and style. Championing sustainability and home-worthy ease, Room2 is the kind of place that leaves even the busiest traveller feeling instantly at home in Belfast.

Time Out Tip: Check out Umbrella Alley in Cathedral Quarter, where the Duke of York pub spills onto the street under its signature neon and sign-covered walls. It’s a boozer that belongs on your Instagram Story.

Address: Room2 Belfast Hometel, 32–36 Queen Street, Belfast BT1 6EE

Price per night: From around £85 per night

Closest transport: Great Victoria Street rail station is an eight-minute walk. Belfast City Airport is a 15-minute drive

Where: County Mayo, Ireland

Not only is Ashford a castle – which is pretty cool in itself – but it’s one of Ireland’s most spectacular. Built in 1228, it passed through aristocratic hands before being bought by the Guinness family in the 1850s and later transformed into a hotel. Today, it’s a full-blown fairytale destination on the shores of Lough Corrib. Arriving here is a suitably grand affair: past a gatehouse, woodland and golf course before crossing the River Cong to the main entrance, guarded by Irish wolfhound statues. Inside, décor is gloriously maximalist, mixing antiques with contemporary Irish craft. Donegal crystal chandeliers, Connemara marble, and old time-y portraits of former owners all add to the sense of splendour.

The bedrooms embrace excess too: each designed around a dominant colour, with rich fabrics, customised carpets and four-poster beds. You’re literally spoiled for choice, from the Corrib Rooms to the Reagan Presidential Suite, or  The Boathouse, which comes with a personal butler. Quite a few look out over the lake, and bathrooms are stocked with Ashford Castle toiletries and plush robes embroidered with the crest. Every detail is considered here – and they’re all exquisite. 

Dinner is served in the very grand surroundings of the George V Dining Room. There’s a strict dress code here (because of course there is) but the food absolutely makes donning your dinner jacket worthwhile. Here you’ll find all sorts of culinary delights, with the eight course vegetarian tasting menu being a particular highlight. For a slight more relaxed meal,  head to Cullens at the Cottage or The Dungeon, which specialise in seafood and steak respectively. If that wasn't enticing enough, there’s also a 32-seat cinema, a fitness centre, and endless outdoor pursuits across this whopping great 350-acre estate: falconry, fishing, horse riding, kayaking and guided walks (with real Irish wolfhounds). If you’d rather relax, there’s an award-winning spa (complete with beautifully designed relaxation pool) offering all the pamper treatments you could ever need. You’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip the most important meal of the day. There’s a sommelier on hand to guide your morning drinks at breakfast, from fresh juices to champagne, alongside carved-to-order ham.

Address: Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, F31 CA48

Price: From around €487 (winter rate) to over €1,000 (peak season) for a Corrib Double; rooms at The Lodge at Ashford Castle from around €225

Closest transport: Galway City, 45-minute drive

Castle Hotel is full of history. Opened in 1809, it has witnessed the Famine, the Easter Rising and the birth of the Irish state. Today, the four-star property links nine Georgian townhouses, keeping their period character intact. Step through the archway and you’ll find antique-filled lounges, 130 old-fashioned bedrooms and a sense of traditional Irish hospitality, from hearty breakfasts to nightly live music and dance.

Public spaces here brim with Chesterfields, marble fireplaces and shelves of books, while downstairs restaurants showcase historic prints and memorabilia. Social spaces are plentiful, making it popular with families and groups. Rooms come in 11 categories, from singles to family-sized suites. I stayed in a modest double overlooking the café terrace – quieter than the street-facing options. Décor feels dated in places, with floral wallpaper, fans instead of air-con and metal keys, but the rooms are clean, comfortable and include small modern touches such as LED mirrors. All rates include breakfast, offering excellent value.

Dining is split between The Old Music Shop café and the atmospheric Castle Vaults Restaurant. Menus highlight Irish staples like chowder, stew and salmon, with portions generous enough to satisfy after a day exploring. Breakfasts cover both continental and cooked options, with a full Irish (and vegetarian/vegan versions) the star attraction. Service is efficient yet friendly, staff ready with practical advice or a chat. The atmosphere leans relaxed rather than formal. Entertainment is part of the package too: traditional music plays nightly, with Irish dance at weekends. Set in the north city centre, close to theatres, galleries and main shopping streets, the Castle Hotel combines history, charm and affordability in a central Dublin stay.

Time Out tip: The location is very handy: just a few minutes from O’Connell Street, a short stroll to Temple Bar, and well placed for airport transfers.

Address: Gardiner Row, Denmark Street Great, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 R640, Ireland

Price: Starting from €135 per night

Closest transport: O’Connell Upper and Parnell LUAS stops

Where: Wicklow, Ireland

Although Powerscourt is just half an hour’s drive from Dublin, the city feels a million miles away. The Palladian-style building sits at the base of the Great Sugar Loaf mountain, and rooms are designed to make the best of the view; some have balconies, while the Presidential Suite has a rooftop terrace with views of the Wicklow mountains. The rooms are spacious and light-filled, with huge beds, marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the countryside. Families and groups can book suites with multiple bedrooms, while couples might prefer one of the more private options with a balcony or terrace. Either way, the setting means you’ll wake up to some of the best scenery in Ireland.

There are three places to eat here – the fine-dining Sika Restaurant, the Sugar Loaf Lounge for afternoon tea, and McGills Irish pub for top-quality traditional pub dishes. Sika’s menu focuses on Irish produce served with a modern twist, while the lounge is a favourite for indulgent spreads of sandwiches, scones and cakes served with a view of the mountain.

The spa could lose you an entire day with its thermal suite, 20m crystal-lit pool and gym. Treatments here use Irish-made products, and there’s also a hammam, outdoor terrace and relaxation areas. Step outside and you’ve got the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate to explore, from landscaped gardens and riverside walks to two championship golf courses. Lush. For a quick escape from Dublin, or a longer stay surrounded by fresh air and greenery, this is one of Ireland’s most luxurious and easy-to-reach retreats.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the Powerscourt Waterfall, one of Ireland’s highest, just a short drive from the hotel through the estate grounds. It’s a gorgeous spot for a walk or picnic.

Address: Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow,

Price: From around €300 for a deluxe room, rising to €1,000+ for suites

Closest transport: Enniskerry village (5 minutes by car); Dublin city centre is 30 minutes’ drive

Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast’s Titanic Museum is easily the city’s number one must-see, and the Titanic Hotel next door continues the shipbuilding theme with 119 bedrooms featuring nautical touches and Art Deco furniture. You’ll be staying in the old Harland & Wolff drawing offices – where the Titanic story really began – and many of the original 19th-century rooms have been restored. At the heart of the building is a pair of grand drawing offices, once the design hub of the shipyard, with their huge vaulted ceilings and dramatic windows now housing the hotel’s glamorous bar and lounge. Photographs, blueprints and artefacts line the walls, while the Telephone Exchange – where the world first heard of that pesky iceberg – has also been carefully preserved. No sign of Jack and Rose, though.

There’s maritime touches throughout, giving an authentic nautical vibe without feeling cheesy or forced. The bedrooms are suitably ship-shape, featuring riveted steel-style walls, wood floors and period-style lamps.  They’re rooms with a view, too; some looking out over the slipways where Titanic was launched, others facing the iconic cranes that dominate the Belfast skyline. The Wolff Grill is the hotel’s main dining spot, serving locally sourced steaks, seafood and seasonal Irish produce. Breakfast is generous too, with cooked-to-order classics alongside pastries, fruit and cheeses. Plus, you can book in for a spot of Afternoon Tea, adding another touch of elegance to proceedings. This is popular, though, so book well in advance. 

As for location, you won’t find any better: Titanic Hotel is right at the centre of the Titanic Quarter (of course)  with the museum next door and Belfast’s pubs, shops and sights just a short walk or cab ride away. Between the history-soaked setting, the unbeatable locale, and the friendly service, this is a stay you won’t forget in a hurry. 

Time Out tip: Leave the past behind for a night and head to the Cathedral Quarter. Its cobbled lanes, street art and live music pubs make it Belfast’s most atmospheric spot for an evening out.

Address: Titanic Hotel, Queens Rd, Titanic Quarter, Belfast BT3 9DT, Northern Ireland

Price per night: From around £135, including breakfast

Closest transport: Belfast City Airport is two miles away. Belfast Lanyon Place rail station is a 10-minute drive

Where: Fermanagh Lakelands, Northern Ireland

Lough Erne Resort has an unrivalled location on a 600-acre peninsula in the Fermanagh Lakelands. The turreted exterior looks straight out of a fairytale, and inside the vibe is more country house than castle: open fires, lofty windows and warm, earthy tones. This makes a great base for touring north-west Ireland, which feels as if it’s trying to clamber in the window from all angles. Rooms are set up to make the most of the view, with many looking out across the lakes or over the Faldo Course, one of Ireland’s best golf courses, designed by pro golfer Nick Faldo. Expect calm, spacious bedrooms with king-size beds, local artwork, and creamy marble bathrooms fitted with roll-top baths and rainfall showers. Lodges in the grounds offer more space for families or groups, making it an ideal spot for anyone looking to explore this beautiful part of the world. 

The spa has a Thai flavour, with traditional Thai massages, a sauna, steam room and hot tub, plus tropical rain showers to refresh you afterwards. Beyond the spa, there’s a pool, gym, and endless outdoor pursuits: paddleboarding, cycling, fishing on Lough Erne with the hotel’s ghillie,  and did we mention golf?  Yes, but it’s worth repeating. This place is perfect for a golfing getaway.  

And, if you’d prefer three courses to eighteen, you’ll delight in the culinary treats on offer at the AA-rated Catalina restaurant. Here you’ll dine under glittering chandeliers, taking in the gorgeous lake views, all while eating locally produced food from the seasonal menus.  For something a tad more laid-back, Palmers and the Blaney Bar serve hearty Irish fare, while afternoon tea is another tradition worth booking. Whether you’re here for spa time or simply to soak up the lakeland scenery, Lough Erne balances five-star polish with an easy, relaxed charm that reflects its surroundings. 

Time Out tip: Hop on a boat tour of nearby Devenish Island, where the ruins of a 6th-century monastery and its striking round tower rise from the water. It’s well worth the trip.

Address: Lough Erne Resort, Belleek Road, Enniskillen, Fermanagh BT93 7ED, Northern Ireland

Price per night: From around £169, including breakfast

Closest transport: Belfast International Airport is about two hours by car. Enniskillen Bus Centre is 10 minutes’ drive

Where: County Mayo, Ireland

Clew Bay is said to have an island for every day of the year. The best place to base yourself to explore this stunning seascape is Westport, a trim Georgian town that is home to this cracker of a four-star. Castlecourt rooms are a cut above other hotels of this price, with canopied four-poster beds in some rooms, and the facilities are excellent – there’s even a 20m indoor swimming pool. 

The on-site spa has a thermal suite and tons of treatments, from facials and wraps to more unusual offerings - it even has specialist menopause treatments to help with everything from hot flushes to brain fog. The Orchard restaurant is an elegant place for dinner, with Irish meets Gallic dishes and a great selection of steaks, while the hotel also has its own bistro and lively bar for a more casual bite.  Be sure to grab a drink here, as the bar hosts live music and dancing every night of the week, giving your evening a properly traditional feel.

When it’s time to hit the hay, you’ll do so in a bedroom that’s generously sized and filled with homely touches. Some have romantic four-poster beds, ideal for couples, but there’s truly something for everyone here. The location is dreamy - right in town, with pubs and shops on the doorstep - and there’s a hearty breakfast spread.  Expect a warm Westport welcome at one of the best-value stays on Ireland’s west coast.

Time Out tip: Pop into Christy’s Harvest on Shop Street for a taste of Mayo’s signature potato pancake, boxty. Tasty and traditional.

Address: Castlecourt Hotel, Castlebar Street, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 NX84, Ireland

Price per night: From about €69 pps for bed & breakfast

Closest transport: Ireland West Airport Knock is about a 55-minute drive, Westport railway station is around a 13-minute walk

Where: County Meath, Ireland

Bellinter House is a Palladian-style mansion turned luxury hotel, less than an hour’s drive north of Dublin and within easy reach of Newgrange’s Unesco-listed 5,000-year-old passage tomb. The countryside setting is pretty spectacular – and the hotel is primed to make the most of it. The interiors of this quirky and characterful hotel strike a perfect balance between heritage and whimsy. You’ll find nods to the house’s Georgian past in the high ceilings, old fireplaces and creaky floorboards, but designers have layered in plenty of fun flourishes too; tropical headboards, bright artwork and quirky lamps bring the old place alive with a modern jolt of colour.

Some bedrooms are tucked into the former stables or spa building, while the most impressive suites remain in the Main House, complete with exceptionally lovely views of the surrounding plains. Even in the smaller rooms, though, there’s no skimping on comfort, with oversized beds and squashy pillows that making getting up a chore. The public spaces are suitably playful, too, combining country-house comfort with quirky flourishes. Rickety floorboards and original fireplaces sit happily alongside eclectic modern art. There’s also a library and a deep-purple lounge with sink-in sofas, perfect for curling up with a glass of wine. Outdoors, the lawns and wooded grounds give ample space to explore, with activities like fishing, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding on offer. Yes, please. 

Wellness people can become acquainted with the spa, which contains a sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub, alongside a menu of treatments. It’s intimate (read: small) rather than showy, but nonetheless it provides a relaxing break from the bustle of the nearby city. When you start to feel peckish, you’ll want to head to the hotel’s restaurant, Preston’s, which serves up modern Irish cooking. Expect all sorts of meats, before a seriously indulgent dessert. You’ll want to get breakfast here, too, as their Full Irish is a nice, hearty way to start your day.  For a memorable mix of history, calm, and character, Bellinter House is the place to go. 

Time Out tip: Don’t miss nearby Trim Castle – Ireland’s largest Norman castle and a filming location for Braveheart. It’s less than half an hour’s drive and makes for an epic day trip.

Address: Bellinter House, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 F2XA, Ireland

Price per night: From around £115, including breakfast

Closest transport: Navan town (10-minute taxi) for buses to Dublin; Dublin Airport around 40 minutes by car

Where: Dublin, Northern Ireland

The Chancery has carved out a new niche in Dublin: high-tech luxury with a conscience. Open since 2024, it’s pitched as ‘high spec, low impact’ – and the eco focus is more than skin deep, with water recycling, reclaimed furnishings, noise-reduction features and smart sensors that cut power use when rooms are empty.

The ground floor blends lobby and bar into one social hub, buzzing without being chaotic. Dark wood, green marble and gold accents create a chic but calming setting, perfect whether you’re sinking into a booth with a cocktail or simply regrouping after a night out. Upstairs, the bedrooms are pared back yet gadget-heavy: everything from lights and curtains to bathroom doors can be controlled from bedside panels. Modern perks like King Koil mattresses, Votary toiletries and heated floors keep things indulgent, while suites come with balconies overlooking the Dublin skyline.

The in-house restaurant, Fawn, is worth booking even if you’re not staying. Overlooking a foliage-covered stone wall and pond, it feels serene – a striking contrast to its Art Deco-inspired dining room. The menu champions seasonal Irish produce with flair: gnocchi with braised oxtail, pan-roasted hake with clam butter, and king prawns with bite. Service here is confident and well-informed. The spa is a highlight – a cave-like retreat with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, plus treatments from deep tissue massages to body scrubs. Location-wise, The Chancery is tucked on a quiet central street: a short walk to Grafton Street, Dublin Castle and Temple Bar, with the Guinness Storehouse a little further afield. For anyone after cutting-edge comfort without losing Dublin charm, The Chancery ticks all the right boxes.

Time Out tip: If you can afford it, the suites with their own balconies are well worth it – eating breakfast out there is pretty special. 

Address: 21 Ship Street Great, Dublin 2, D08 AFY9

Price: Starting from approximately €160 per night

Closest transport: St Stephen’s Green LUAS stop is seven minutes’ walk