The most beautiful hotels on the island of Ireland

Those looking for beauty in their surroundings and detail in their décor and design will be enthralled in Ireland, which offers an endless choice of gorgeous, Insta-worthy hotels, unique stays and luxurious piles. Rest assured there is plenty to enjoy if you are a fan of the finer things in life.

Castle hotels
Luxury, beauty and breathtaking views go hand in hand at Ashford Castle, recently named once again as the best resort hotel in Ireland and the UK by leading US travel publication Travel + Leisure. Indeed Irish hotels dominated four out of five spots in the 5 Best Resorts in the UK and Ireland category, with Ashford Castle leading the charge.

Once home to the Guinness family and the choice of A-listers, the 800-year-old Ashford Castle is a truly grand and historic structure with national significance. A stay here is the ultimate indulgence.

But Ireland’s castle hotels each have their own history and unique offering for those who want to vacation like royalty. Enjoy gourmet dining, award-winning spas and five-star standards at places such as County Galway’s Ballynahinch Castle Hotel on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Lough Eske Castle in County Donegal, Ballygally Castle in County Antrim or Crom Castle in County Fermanagh.

Luxury sustainable stays
For those who like to combine luxury with sustainability, excellent choices include Gregans Castle Hotel in County Clare. One of Ireland’s best-loved hideaways, its combination of surrounding wild Burren scenery, fabulously styled bedrooms, chic public spaces, warm welcome and outstanding food is the epitome of Irish hospitality.

Rock Farm in Slane, County Meath, offers a luxury ecotourism glamping experience set on a 150-acre organic farm. And at Limepark in County Antrim, a top-quality unplugged retreat awaits where you will be surrounded by the astounding scenery of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Manors and more

Adare Manor in County Limerick is one of Europe’s most spellbinding five-star destinations. During the JP McManus Pro-Am held there in July, celebrities and some of the biggest names in world golf heaped praise on the hotel’s luxury facilities and golf course. Stay here, and like them you will be astonished by the lavish interiors, award-winning spa, the golf amenities and the 840 acres of pristine parkland.

If you’re heading north, put the Galgorm resort in County Antrim on your list. It comes complete with spa and thermal village with an extensive selection of riverside hot tubs, indoor and outdoor heated pools, steam rooms and saunas. Other luxury hideaways include Finn Lough in County Fermanagh and Ballyfin in County Laois.

Quirky, unusual and cosy
If you appreciate luxury accommodation with a twist make your way to County Wicklow, where you can cosy up inside Wicklow Head Lighthouse. Its inspiring views of the Irish Sea and surrounding landscape offer a stunning backdrop to a memorable stay.

The Lake Isle Retreats in County Fermanagh, providing contemplative walking, yoga and meditation escapes, are a balm for the soul, while an elemental experience of the Aran Islands on the Wild Atlantic Way awaits at the Inis Meáin Suites.

Spark your imagination in a miniature castle at the Barbican in County Antrim, or gather around a turf fire at the Bushmills Inn, a stone’s throw from the famous Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

www.ireland.com