Rich in remarkable natural landscapes and historical landmarks, Ireland is a dream holiday haven. Many tourist attractions all over the country are laden with old-world charm. Marvelous sights, such as King John’s Castle, Kilkenny Castle, and Limerick’s religious structures of St. John’s Cathedral and St. Mary’s Cathedral feature only a portion of the country’s best historic treasures. Some are in lavish hotels located in the heart of Dublin and Cork, as well as within the coastal areas of the land.
With mild temperatures throughout the year, you can visit Ireland anytime for your seasonal getaways. Ready to dive into everything that this beautiful country has to offer? If you prefer accommodation that mirrors the place’s storied past, scroll down to discover the best historic hotels in Ireland.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Cabra Castle Hotel, Kingscourt (from USD 257)
Reasonably priced for a castle hotel experience, with good value for meals and comfortable rooms.
Grand venue with spacious rooms, beautiful grounds, and cozy atmosphere. Apartments available for self-catering.
Stunning, remote countryside setting with beautiful castle grounds and nearby forest walks.
Exceptional dining experiences with fabulous breakfast, superb fine dining, and delicious, well-presented meals.
The original Cabra Castle Hotel dates back to the 1600s and is believed to be a property of a certain O'Reilly family. The Cromwellian War from 1649 to 1653 devastated the main building, and Henry Foster rebuilt the structure then known as Cormy Castle. In around 1820, it was renamed as Cabra Castle.
The impressive hotel offers comfort in its fascinating historical rooms. Some feature authentic medieval style while others have traditional stone walls and intricately designed ceilings. The property also offers free WiFi access in public areas. Enjoy Irish cuisine at the majestic Courtroom Restaurant, which showcases lovely ogee archways and posh interiors.
Cabra Castle Hotel
Address: Kingscourt
201.2 km (125.1 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
2. The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection, Dublin (from USD 572)
Located right in the heart of busy Dublin, this 5-star hotel has been an oasis for weary travelers and has thrilled tourists since 1824. Different personalities throughout the decades have also stepped foot in the illustrious hotel, such as John and Jacqueline Kennedy, The Rolling Stones, and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. This was also where Ireland’s first Constitution was drafted.
Each fully furnished room option features individual designs echoing the Victorian style. Watch a couple of shows via WiFi and TV on the comfortable bed or get started with your beauty and wellness goals in the posh spa and salon.
Revel in the grand ambiance of The Saddle Room, which offers exquisite Irish dishes refined through the years. Get your teatime fix at the grandiose Lord Mayor’s Lounge and fancy yourself as an aristocrat while enjoying premium liquor at the intimate and sophisticated 1824 Bar.
The Shelbourne, Autograph Collection
Address: 27 St. Stephen's Green
190.31 km (118.3 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
3. Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Clifden (from USD 98)
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel was constructed in 1832, and by 1854 the property was used as a Protestant orphanage where girls learned about household affairs. By 1953, it was converted into an orphanage called The Connemara Orphan Nurseries until its closure in 1955. In 1969, the Hughes family assumed ownership and transformed the place with modern improvements through the years.
At present, the hotel houses pristine and spacious rooms complete with cable TV, DVD player, and radio. Some superior rooms and castle suites are also equipped with open fires and claw-foot baths. Enjoy live music as you relish fine gourmet meals in the hotel restaurant. After dinner, get yourself a glass of champagne or beer in the Castle Pub. After a serene walk along the Connemara coastline, you can avail yourself of the hotel’s wellness and relaxation services.
Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
Address: Sky Road
132.08 km (82.1 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
4. The Merrion Hotel, Dublin (from USD 546)
The 5-star establishment is a modern restoration of four Georgian townhomes built in 1760, with each comfortable room exuding the hotel’s neoclassical aesthetic from furnishings, vaulted ceilings, and vibrant Irish fabrics. Stay warm and toasty with the original marble fireplace while you watch TV and browse the web.
You’ll experience the historic ambiance in The Cellar Bar with its captivating 18th-century wine vault structure. Get your tea, coffee, and other treats in the Drawing Rooms and be transported back to the 19th or 20th century. Have a rejuvenating time in the wellness facilities within the premises and swim across the pristine 18-meter pool showcasing columns and mosaics echoing the 18th-century style.
The Merrion Hotel
Address: Merrion Square
190.48 km (118.4 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
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5. Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Portmarnock (from USD 179)
This hotel was originally the home of John Jameson III’s family in 1847. His eldest son John Jameson IV redeveloped the property in 1895 and installed the Jameson family crest as part of its decor. In 1920, Willie Jameson, the youngest son, inherited the property. He was a famous yachtsman close to the British Royal Family, thus Portmarnock was never short of esteemed guests, such as King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1907.
Today, you can witness the beauty of the hotel and its surrounding landscape in one of its chic, modern rooms. Guests are given free access to hotel WiFi and gym facilities.
Experience the elegant ambiance of The Seaview at Portmarnock and taste the world’s bestselling Jameson whiskey at The Jameson Bar. The bar’s original features remain intact, along with reproductions of portraits of the founder John Jameson and his wife Margaret.
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links
Address: Strand Road
202.57 km (125.9 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
6. The Metropole Hotel Cork (from USD 159)
The Metropole Hotel Cork is surrounded by some of Cork city’s main attractions, making it an ideal place for solo travelers and couples. Opened in 1897, it was then known as the “Met.” The hotel welcomed famous personalities, such as Frank O’Connor, Ella Fitzgerald, and Walt Disney, and it is a member of Historic Hotels of Europe. Today, this property offers finely decorated rooms complete with WiFi and cable television available at your disposal.
A stay here won’t be complete without a fine dining experience and tea session within The MET Cork. Enjoy a warm breakfast in the Riverview Restaurant overlooking the River Lee and make the most of the hotel’s leisure center to fulfill your fitness and relaxation necessities.
The Metropole Hotel Cork
Address: Mac Curtain St
76.95 km (47.9 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
7. Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City (from USD 167)
Varied pricing, from overpriced to reasonable for the location and amenities.
Pool, gym, sauna, and steam room available, but some facilities may be closed or in need of refurbishment.
Convenient location close to Cork City center, with limited on-site parking and nearby attractions.
Breakfast options are varied and delicious, but other dining experiences may vary in quality and pricing.
In 1720, the hotel was still The North Infirmary Hospital that catered to poor families. From its closure to reconstruction, it survived two World Wars and political affairs. The hotel reopened in 2008 and is now known as the elegant 4-star Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City. You can choose from a variety of sleek, modern rooms and stay cozy while you use the high-speed WiFi and flip through TV channels.
For dining options, the Vitality breakfast consists of a full Irish breakfast and other healthy options to get you through the day. Grain & Grill Restaurant serves quality gourmet dishes and craft beers while Bells Bar provides tasty dishes including a variety of wines, gins, and cocktails. Stay active with their fitness area and two indoor pools at Club Vitae.
Maldron Hotel Shandon Cork City
Address: John Redmond Street., Shandon
76.71 km (47.7 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
8. Sheedys Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Lisdoonvarna (from USD 248)
Sheedys Boutique Hotel & Restaurant welcomes you to the simple yet luxurious countryside experience. Once a family home in the 1700s, the charming boutique hotel was opened to the public in the 1930s and from then on became known for its premium hospitality and comfort. Each room features classic decor, a flat-screen TV with radio, and complimentary homemade cookies waiting for you. WiFi is also accessible both in the room and in public areas.
Have your fill of an Irish breakfast and French dishes in the hotel, made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. After dinner, enjoy a good whiskey in the Residents Bar.
Sheedys Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
Address: Main Street
61.5 km (38.3 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
9. Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin (from USD 172)
Competitive pricing, luxury treat, great value
Medieval castle, antique furniture, elegant bathroom, full Irish breakfast, free mineral water, attentive staff
Stunning castle, away from city hustle, beautiful surroundings, quiet location
Lovely dining experiences, excellent breakfast, fine dining, great food and drinks
The castle’s history began with the Irish king Brian Boru who fought valiantly against the Vikings in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf. In 1172, the Norman Hugh de Lacy was granted the land where the original Clontarf Castle was erected. It was rebuilt in 1837, and at present, the opulent Clontarf Castle Hotel offers guests a haven that echoes Ireland’s rich history in its castle walls.
Each room features a stunning interior, with comfortable antique four-poster beds and amazing views of the Dublin mountains. Dine in glamor at Fahrenheit Restaurant and enjoy its scrumptious food and signature cocktails. You can taste the Knights Bar’s exquisite dishes and see its remarkable 12th-century Irish bar with the warmth of its open fireplaces.
Clontarf Castle Hotel
Address: Castle Avenue, Clontarf
194.5 km (120.9 mi) from Adare Heritage Centre
10. The Dunraven, Adare (from USD 219)
Imagine yourself as a visiting royalty in one of Ireland’s oldest establishments dating back to the 18th century. Each room here boasts individual unique designs and furnishings to cater to your comfort and taste. Delight in the Luxury Double Room built in 1792, as well as other rooms with half tester antique beds. You can access Netflix on the room TV and scroll through your social media using the complimentary WiFi.
In the award-winning Maigue Restaurant, you’ll savor exquisite Irish cuisine and even witness one of the friendly staff cut the mouthwatering roast rib of beef right on a trolley. Embrace the cozy ambiance of The Hunter’s Bar and enjoy its hearty meals and refreshing liquor. Afterward, you can visit the hotel’s reading rooms and curl up close to the fireplace.
The Dunraven, Adare
Address: Main Street
198 meters (0.2 ft) from Adare Heritage Centre
Experience history with modern conveniences in Ireland
You’ll be mesmerized by Ireland’s scenic landscapes as well as its timeless structures that flaunt their former glory in the modern era. Feel as if you’re in a luxurious historical movie by staying in one of the accommodations listed above. Book your reservations today!
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