Ireland is known for its scenic views, countryside living, nightlife and so much more. There’s so much to do and see in Ireland that one can have trouble picking the right place to stay during their trip that’ll enable them to experience all that Ireland has to offer. The hotels in Ireland mostly come with spacious balconies that overlook breathtaking views and boast amazing service standards. Here are some of the best hotels that you can find in Ireland and Northern Ireland:
1. The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin (from USD 214)
The Fitzwilliam Hotel is a 5-star hotel located at the centre of Ireland’s capital of Dublin, right at Saint Stephen’s Green. The hotel boasts its Michelin-starred restaurant that is overlooking Saint Stephens Green, and its beautiful interior was designed by Sir Terence Conran. The minimalist-designed bathrooms come with anti-mist mirrors and their rooms have LCD TVs, iPod compatible music systems, and free Wi-Fi.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel also comes with a gym that is filled with modern, state-of-the art equipment while the Spirit Treatment rooms offer many treatment services including pedicures, massages, and nail work.
The hotel is close to Dublin’s Temple Bar area and the Trinity College that is just a 5-minute walk away. It is also just 9.7 kilometres (6 miles) away from Dublin Airport and 2.4 kilometres (1.5 miles) away from Heuston Train Station.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel
Address: Saint Stephen's Green
2. The Marker Hotel, Dublin (from USD 260)
Located in Grand Canal Square, The Marker Hotel is one of the bestselling hotels in Dublin’s business and cultural quarter. The hotel comes with amazing, top-notch facilities that include a ground-floor cocktail bar and brasserie, a spa with 4 treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art gym, a 23-metre (75.5-foot) infinity pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center. Every room is air-conditioned and they have free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and a 32-inch (81-centimetre) LED TV, as well as a Philip Stark Lamp that includes iPod charging facilities.
The hotel has a Rooftop Lounge where guests can have a drink while enjoying the views of the cityscape. If you love Irish food, dine at the hotel’s restaurant, The Brasserie, which serves traditional Irish cuisine, prepared mainly with local produce.
The hotel is just a 20-minute walk to central Dublin, serving as good news for the shoppers, nightlife seekers or theatre junkies. There are traditional and modern pubs around the area as well.
3. The Westbury Hotel, Dublin (from USD 236)
The Westbury Hotel is located on Grafton Street, Dublin, and features fantastic restaurants, a bar, and a fitness suite. The rooms in this hotel boast spacious and sumptuously furnished bedrooms with private bathrooms as well as Sealy beds, Lissadell linen, Aromatherapy Associates bathroom products, LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi, and an iPod compatible music system.
The hotel has two restaurants: The Gallery, which serves authentic afternoon tea, and Marble Bar, which has an amazing cocktail menu. The Westbury Hotel is also located in between Trinity College and Saint Stephen’s Green, which makes the journey to the shopping district of central Dublin just a 5-minute walk away.
4. Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin (from USD 103)
Set in the historic St Helen’s estate, Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel is surrounded by 40 acres (16.2 hectares) of beautiful gardens and its spacious and luxurious rooms provide scenic views of the extensive gardens. They also come with Egyptian cotton sheets and duck-down duvets as well as in-room movies, free Wi-Fi and parking, 26-inch (66-centimetre) LCD TVs, and a mini bar.
For dining, guests can enjoy afternoon teas and light lunches at the hotel’s The Orangerie Bar and Ballroom Lounge that also has amazing views. Additionally, for those looking to enjoy a candlelight Italian dinner, head down to the award-winning Talavera Lounge. The hotel also has a fitness suite and a spa: ChezElle Beauty Salon, which offers beauty treatments using luxurious Elemis products.
Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel is 18 kilometres (11 miles) from Dublin’s International Airport and the D.A.R.T. rapid railway station is less than a kilometre away, offering access to Dublin centre in 15 minutes.
5. Westin Dublin, Grafton Street, Dublin (from USD 278)
Overlooking Trinity College, the 5-star Westin Dublin is located in the heart of Dublin, close to Grafton Street and the Luas tram line. Its spacious rooms come with 32-inch (81-centimetre) HD TVs, signature Westin Heavenly Beds, in-room movies and satellite channels, and, in some rooms, a balcony or a view of the glass atrium.
For dining, choose from the hotel’s 2 restaurants and bar. For lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, head to the elegantly-designed Atrium Lounge. The Exchange Restaurant serves amazing breakfasts while the newly refurbished Mint Bar provides an animated atmosphere in the evenings where guests can chill over a cocktail.
This hotel features a 24-hour gym as well as an in-room spa service. Westin Dublin is just a 5-minute walk from the bustling Temple Bar, O’Connell Street, and the Olympia Theatre. Shopping is also convenient as Westin Dublin is located at the end of the shopping street of Grafton.
Westin Dublin
Address: College Green, Westmoreland Street
6. Fota Island Hotel and Spa, Cork (from USD 160)
The 5-star Fota Island Hotel and Spa’s 18-hole championship golf course will be sure to garner the likes from golf enthusiasts. The rooms come with flat-screen satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, interactive video systems, mini-bars, seating areas, and bathrooms that include walk-in showers and bathrobes. Apart from that, their beautifully designed rooms are complete with breathtaking views of the countryside.
Fota Restaurant features huge windows that allow natural light to flood into their restaurant. Guests can enjoy fine traditional and international cuisine in its cosy interior, which also comes with a terrace for open-air dining. It’s perfect for afternoon tea or a cocktail. Additionally, this hotel has 18 treatment rooms where guests can enjoy massages, hydrotherapy, and thermal suites. Or for the fitness enthusiasts, you can always opt for the gym.
Fota Island Hotel and Spa is just a 5-minute walk away from Ireland’s largest wildlife park, the Fota Wildlife Park. Also, Cork Airport is just a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
7. Mount Juliet Estate, County Kilkenny (from 326 USD upwards)
With 1,500 acres (607 hectares) of lush grounds and woodland surrounding it, the award-winning Mount Juliet Estate is located in County Kilkenny. It is an amazing accommodation for countryside lovers. With that much greenery, there’s sure to be a wide range of recreational activities to look out for. Here, test your skills in horseback riding, fishing in the Nore River, or golf on the 18-hole championship course. For laid-back visitors, head to the recreational centre where there’s a spa that offers a heated pool, a gym, and health and beauty treatments.
Mount Juliet Estate is located 19.3 kilometres (12 miles) southeast of the city of Kilkenny and 120.7 kilometres (75 miles) south of Dublin.
Mount Juliet Estate
Address: Thomastown, Kilkenny, Ireland (see map)
Price: from 326 USD upwards
Contact: +353 56 777 3000
8. The Europe Hotel & Resort, Killarney
The 5-star Europe Hotel & Resort is located in Killarney and is surrounded by 30 acres (12 hectares) of land on the shores of Lough Lein. Facilities at this hotel include pony-riding, an infinity pool, boating, and spacious rooms with lake views. Apart from scenic views of the lake and golf course, each room includes satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a DVD player. Most of the rooms are also complete with large balconies.
Europe Hotel’s Spa, ESPA, is spread over 2 levels with a modern, state-of-the-art gym with iPod docking stations. It also has a thermal suite that boasts a salt water pool, ice fountain, sauna, and steam room. There are an additional 18 treatment rooms available that offer spa treatments. This hotel is located right next to Killarney Golf Club and also offers horseback riding and fishing and boating as well.
Head over to The Panorama Restaurant, The Brasserie Restaurant, and The Spa Cafe for dining. The restaurants specialise in fine cuisine, flame-grilled dishes, and light dishes respectively.
9. The Merchant Hotel, Belfast (from USD 279)
Located in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast’s city centre, the 5-star Merchant Hotel offers luxurious air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a spa, a rooftop gym, and more. It is also the 2011 winner for the Best UK Hotel award in the International Hotel Awards. The rooms are decorated with original work and each comes with black-out blinds, a flat-screen TV, and spacious private marble bathrooms.
The building has been around since 1860 and it is a Grade I heritage-listed building. The Great Room Restaurant features a huge domed ceiling and offers a diverse menu and traditional afternoon teas. The hotel has a selection of bars, and an elegant on-site nightclub as well as the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge. Additionally, there is Berts Jazz Bar that serves amazing food and has live music every single day of the week.
The Merchant Hotel’s spa has 5 treatment rooms and a hydrotherapy area. And, they even have a sauna and a steam room on the rooftop.
10. The Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast (from USD 228)
Culloden Hotel is located just 10 minutes away from central Belfast and a 5-minute drive from Belfast Airport. The rooms at this 5-star hotel feature satellite TVs and amazing, scenic views of the surrounding 12 acres (4.9 hectares) of gardens and woodland. The hotel comes with a spa and features a marble steam room, a dance studio, and a hot tub, and guests can enjoy beauty treatments and massages from ESPA as well.
For dining, head over to The Mitre Restaurant for its fine modern cuisine that also includes traditional Irish dishes. The Culloden Estate and Spa overlooks Belfast Lough and offers original features, including antique furniture, paintings, and chandeliers.
The Culloden Estate and Spa
Address: Bangor Road, Holywood
11. Lough Erne Golf Resort, Enniskillen (from USD 222)
Located in Lough Erne Resort, the 5-star Lough Erne Golf Resort boasts 2 championship golf courses, a Thai spa, and an infinity pool. The rooms in this hotel have luxurious furnishings and lake views on top of their Irish linen, bathrobes, slippers, and Egyptian cotton towels. Some rooms even come with free-standing bathtubs and rain showers.
Its surroundings of 400 acres (162 hectares) of grounds have accessible walking and jogging trails and it also has fishing opportunities. The golf courses are designed by Nick Faldo and professional golf lessons are available at The Faldo Academy, a practice and training centre. For dining, the restaurants at Lough Erne Golf Resort such as The Catalina Restaurant and The Loughside Bar and Grill offer fine dining and afternoon tea as well as an exclusive range of Irish whiskeys.
Lough Erne Resort also has a Thai Spa that offers massages, beauty treatments, and traditional Thai therapies. It also has a sauna, steam room, relaxation rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool, and a gym.
12. Rayanne House, Demesne (from USD 113)
The Rayanne House building has been around since 1886 and it is located 8 kilometres (5 miles) from central Belfast. The building still retains its original features and its 5-star accommodations provide amazing views of Belfast Lough. Each room comes with a private bathroom, a TV with DVD list, and an iPod docking station.
Rayanne House is also located just 10 minutes away from central Holywood and the beach and it is very close to Holywood Golf Club. It is also just 3.2 kilometres (2 miles) away from Belfast City Airport. The historic dining area provides delicious breakfasts and gourmet meals using fresh, local produce that are so popular, reservations are highly recommended!
13. Bishop's Gate Hotel, Derry (from USD 182)
Bishop’s Gate Hotel is located within the historic city walls of Derry’s Cathedral Quarter and is a Grade B1 listed building. The building was constructed in 1899 and still retains its original design and features while still managing to exceed the contemporary needs of the guests. The hotel offers 31 guest rooms, including 2 suites, a residents’ lounge, a fitness area, a restaurant, a Champagne and cocktail bar, and a 100-person capacity ballroom.
Additionally, the hotel offers bike hire and is just 100 metres (328 feet) away from The Diamond and 200 metres (656 feet) away from The Craft Village. Its nearest airport is Derry Airport, which is just 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) away.
14. Esplanade Hotel On The Seafront, Bray (from 190 USD upwards)
Located on Bray Ireland, at the foot of Bray Head, is the Esplanade Hotel. It is situated on the seafront and faces the promenade. The hotel features spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi in public areas, and free parking. The hotel is also conveniently located just 500 metres (1,640 feet) away from the Bray train and DART stations, which provide easy access to central Dublin.
The hotel’s modern restaurant and lounge offer stunning beach views, relaxed dining, and a buffet-style breakfast. Esplanade Hotel is conveniently located near shops, scenic walks, nightlife, and restaurants. There are several USGA-approved golf courses located nearby as well.
Esplanade Hotel On The Seafront
Address: Strand Road, Bray, Ireland (see map)
Price: from 190 USD upwards
Contact: +353 1 286 2056
15. Wilton Hotel Bray, Bray (from USD 89)
Wilton Hotel Bray is approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) from Bray’s seafront promenade and beach. It is also located near the train station where guests are just a 30-minute train ride away from Dublin. For dining, the Wilton Hotel Bray’s restaurant serves fine cuisine and daily specials. Their lounge has a light menu and it serves till 9 pm.
The hotel is located near Bray Sea Life Centre and Bray Golf Club. Walking and jogging trails, pubs, and restaurants are within walking distance as well. The Dundrum Shopping Center is also just a 15-minute drive away. This hotel is the perfect choice to stay the night for when you’re exploring the Wicklow Mountains and Bray Head.
Stay in comfort and enjoy your trip
Choose from any of the above-mentioned hotels and stay in luxury and comfort while still managing to embrace the traditional Irish culture throughout your trip. These hotels are suitable for both business and leisure trips. So whether you’re creating memories as a family or riding solo, you’re sure to find one that appeals. As most of these hotels have limited availability, be sure to book early!
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