12 Luxury Hotels and Unique Stays in Ireland This Summer
I’ve collated some of the best luxury hotels and unique stays in Ireland to inspire your next break away.
By the time the summer rolls in, many of us will have not travelled or splashed out on a hotel or travel experience for two years. Can you believe it? There is a pent up demand for travel, and most of us are missing overseas travel experiences. However, there are so many luxury hotels and unique stays in Ireland, and this might be the year to discover them. I have chosen twelve below for the travel slot on TodayFM, but I have many more options in my own personal Irish bucket list here:
Read: My Irish bucket list – 20 luxury hotels in Ireland
Note not all facilities may be operating as listed, it is important to check if there are any restrictions in place in these luxury hotels or unique stays in Ireland. Some of the links below contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.
Luxury Hotels in Ireland:
1. Ashford Castle, Mayo
Ashford castle is undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Ireland, it was recently included in 2021 Forbes Five-Star honours list – the only Irish hotel to be included. As well as traditional guest rooms and suites, there is an exclusive Hideaway cottage on the grounds. as well as the popular four-star hotel, the Lodge at Ashford.
Read: Best hotels in Ireland for luxury and romance
Prices:
The Lodge at Ashford: €252 per room per night B&B; €405 per room per night including dinner – 20% off current rates.
Ashford Castle: €775 for the Gourmet Getaway which includes an overnight stay for two with breakfast, 5-course dinner at George V Dining Room and complimentary round of golf.
See Ashford Castle here
2. Adare Manor, Limerick
After a two-year long refurbishment, Adare Manor opened to rave reviews and has already won numerous awards. It is considered one of the best resorts in Europe. Be prepared to be astonished by the 840 acres of pristine parkland, the lavish interiors, the award-winning spa, and the Michelin star restaurant, The Oak Room.
Prices: €925 per couple for an overnight stay with breakfast and Michelin star dinner in the Oak Room.
3. Cliff House Hotel and Beach House, Waterford
Many of you will know the five-star Cliff House Hotel in Waterford, but you may not be aware of its luxury self-catering houses. The 3-bedroom Cliff Cottage or 6-bedroom Beach House are great options for a special family occasion or a luxurious getaway with friends.
Prices: Cliff House Hotel: €485 for an overnight stay for two with breakfast
Cliff Cottage: €575 per night, available in September, minimum two-night stay.
4. Dunloe Hotel, Kerry
The Dunloe Hotel is a great choice for couples looking for a luxury stay in Kerry. However, it also prides itself on its family friendly facilities, something that is often lacking in five-star hotels. As well as 64 acres to explore, there is a wonderful outdoor adventure playground on the hotel grounds. Families can also enjoy kayaking on the river that flows through the estate, as well as complimentary pony trekking, tennis and fishing. If you are lucky to catch something, the kitchen will be pleased to prepare and cook your catch for dinner that evening.
During the summer two popular movies are shown each night, suitable for children of all ages. Popcorn & drinks are provided. This hotel is pet-friendly too.
The hotel has large family rooms that can accommodate two adults and three children, which consists of a double room with balcony and a separate room for children via an internal interconnecting door – this can not be reached from the hotel corridor.
Read: 50 hotels with large family rooms in Ireland
Prices: €600 per couple for 2-night stay with breakfast and dinner on one evening.
Price: €840 for family of 4 with breakfast and dinner on one evening, €80 for additional child.
See more here
5. Harveys Point, Donegal
Although only a four-star hotel, Harvey’s Point always manages to receive five-star reviews from its guests – it has been named the best hotel in Ireland for many years from Tripadvisor. Guests love the spacious bedrooms, friendly staff and award-winning cuisine, as well as its beautiful setting on the shores of Lough Eske, overlooking the Blue Stack Mountains. I’m visiting Donegal this summer and plan to spend my last two nights here.
Price: €578 per couple for a two night stay with breakfast and dinner on one evening.
6. Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
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There are two hotels in Mount Juliet Estate, and although both five star, Hunters Yard offers more modern and reasonably priced rooms. You have access to all the resort’s facilities regardless of which hotel you stay in. There are many outdoor experiences available – falconry, horse riding, fishing etc. We enjoyed a family stay in Mount Juliet last summer and loved it.
Read: My review of Mount Juliet
Prices: Overnight escape for two in Hunters Yard – €215. Family stay (2ad & 2ch) €305 B&B
Prices based on 25th July. Other dates / durations available.
Unique stays in Ireland:
7. Finn Lough Premium Bubble Domes, Fermanagh
These Bubble Domes are one of Ireland’s unique accommodation experiences. While not necessarily 5-star, you will feel immersed in nature, from within two heated glass domes surrounded by forest. Premium domes feature a four-poster bed, free-standing stone bath, Nespresso coffee machine, bath robes and complimentary breakfast. There is also a spa and restaurant on site. Bubble domes are adult-only.
Price £375 for an overnight stay for two with breakfast
8. Lighthouse Keepers, Youghal, Cork – Home of the Year Finalist
Featured as RTE’s Home of the Year, when it comes to unique Airbnbs in Ireland, it doesn’t get much better than this. A 200 year old building, this house was the home of every lighthouse keeper that manned Youghal lighthouse since the 1800’s. The owners spent two years renovating it and it is now a modern masterpiece, but still manages to hold on to its character and heritage. There are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, underfloor heating, and a conservatory complete with a hanging chair.
Read: Luxury Airbnbs in Ireland near the beach
This is fully booked in July & August but various dates in September are available. A minimum stay of two nights is required, priced at €512 per night
9. 15th Century Tubrid Castle, Kilkenny
Tubbrid Castle has been restored to its former glory retaining many original features, such as the grand oak banqueting table and four-poster bed, but you can also expect some modern luxury, like a powerful rainforest shower. Located just 20 minutes from Kilkenny City, with three bedrooms, it is suitable for a stay with friends or a romantic getaway. Children under 12 are not accepted.
Read: The best Airbnbs in Ireland for couples
Price: €860 per night, minimum two-night stay.
10. Portsalon Luxury Glamping, Donegal
This glamping site is quite popular with families usually, but due to Covid restrictions they are only selling their yurts for couples this summer. There are five yurts on the site which have king sized beds, wood burning stoves and carpeted floors. The outdoor decking comes with a hammock, firepit and barbecue area as well as stunning sea views.
Read: Top picks for glamping in Ireland
Price €250 for a two-night stay per couple.
11. The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor, Kerry
For couples looking for Ireland’s most luxurious camping experience – look no further than the Hideaway. You will be staying in a custom made African safari tent, overlooking the lake on the grounds of Dromquinna Manor. The world ‘tent’ doesn’t adequately describe your accommodation – complete with a luxurious en-suite bedroom and private veranda, it is camping, but not as you know it.
There is a separate entrance to the Hideaway via a private gated garden ensuring absolute privacy. A delicious breakfast basket will be delivered to your tent every morning and you can enjoy dinner in The Boathouse in the evening.
Price: €600 two-night stay per couple, additional nights €250. Minimum two-night stay and availability is limited:
At the time of publication the following nights were available: 26 June 2 nights, 1st July, 3 nights, 16th August 2 nights and various dates in September.
12. Monart – Ireland’s only destination spa hotel
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If you are looking for a luxury spa break in Ireland, then Monart should be on your list. When you arrive you can slip on your robe and never don clothes again until you leave – yes many people even dine in their bath robes! Many Irish hotels have spas but there is only one destination Spa hotel in Ireland – Monart.
Rooms are not as luxurious as some of the other hotels listed here, but then you are not going to book at stay in Monart because of the hotel rooms. However, if your budget allows, there are two luxurious suites with four poster beds, a free standing bath, and a separate spa-style shower with garden views.
Read: My review of Monart
Price: from €129 per person sharing B&B
I hope this post on luxury hotels and unique stays in Ireland will inspire a luxury break away soon. It is important to note that some of the facilities / activities listed may not be operating to full capacity – please check with individual hotels and holiday home owners for clarification. I always recommend booking a hotel or Airbnb with free cancellation in case there are any changes to the listed facilities that may not suit you.
These hotels and homes were researched independently. Some have links direct to the hotels websites, while others have my affiliate links attached to third party websites where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you. Note as I am an Airbnb Associate, I will receive a small commission if a booking is made via Airbnb, but at no additional cost to you. Read more in my privacy policy.
Like this post? You might like:
My Irish bucket list – 20 luxury hotels in Ireland
Best hotels in Ireland for luxury and romance
Sarah
