With Christmas fast approaching and the cold thoroughly settled in, it's the perfect time to plan a romantic weekend in one of Ireland's best locations. With the added bonus of festive decorations and seasonal treats, a winter getaway promises a blissful (and often needed) escape from the hustle and bustle of life! Be it a castle, house or hotel, we've gathered 11 of the country's most luxurious hideaways. Enjoy!
1/ Great Southern Killarney
Co. Kerry
From its inception as Killarney’s first luxury hotel in 1854, Great Southern Killarney offers four-star luxury just a stone's throw from the bustling market town from which its name is taken. Situated on 6 acres of beautiful gardens, the hotel has been an iconic retreat for over 170 years. Its spectacular architecture is melded with effortless service and genuine hospitality.
2/ Glenview Hotel
Co. Wicklow
The Glenview Hotel is nestled in the stunning and majestic surroundings of the Glen of the Downs. It overlooks the rolling hills of the famous Wicklow Mountains, offering a serene and peaceful setting to relax and unwind. The hotel offers guests a luxurious and tranquil retreat, the perfect combination of modern amenities, classic elegance, beautiful natural surroundings, and traditional Irish welcome and hospitality!
3/ Mount Juliet Estate
Co. Kilkenny
A prestigious 5-star hotel seamlessly blending Georgian grandeur with modern sophistication, Mount Juliet Estate is the epitome of luxury neatly nestled amidst the idyllic landscapes of Kilkenny. Whether exploring woodland trails on horseback, catching a round of golf, or whiling away the day in their stunning spa, you're guaranteed to leave the estate feeling utterly relaxed.
4/ Sneem Hotel
Co. Kerry
Tucked away in the heart of the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, Sneem Hotel is a scenic sanctuary offering the luxury of a 4-star hotel, wide-open skies, and the endless seashores of Kenmare Bay. The hotel is celebrated for its outstanding culinary expertise, offering a mouthwatering dining menu reflecting Irish and international cuisine.
5/ Intercontinental Dublin
Co. Dublin
Situated on two acres of gardens, InterContinental Dublin is a breathtaking five-star urban resort that blends traditional luxury with old-school glamour. Located in Dublin's prestigious Ballsbridge neighbourhood, the hotel is just a short stroll from the vibrant city centre, giving you the option to explore Ireland's capital city or spend your time luxuriating in everything the hotel has to offer.
6/ Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Co. Dublin
Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is a sleek, contemporary landmark inspired by the elements and overlooking the waterfront of Grand Canal Square. The area is home to tech and finance giants, chic restaurants, and world-class theatres, all easily located at your fingertips. After a long day of exploring the city, take a trip to their award-winning luxury spa and enjoy their extensive menu of treatments and massages that help you find balance based on the five elements.
7/ Waterford Castle Hotel
Co. Waterford
Ireland’s only island castle surrounded by the River Suir; if you want a remote getaway, Waterford Castle should be at the top of your list. A jewel in Ireland's Ancient East, the island resort offers the very best of Irish hospitality. Whether you are a master at golf, a croquet enthusiast, a clay pigeon top-class shooter, a pro tennis player or a keen walker, the island offers a range of fun outdoor activities.
8/ Coolbawn Quay
Co. Tipperary
Coolbawn Quay is one of Ireland's most relaxing hotel breaks, with unbroken panoramic views over Lough Derg. It is comprised of village rooms, suites, and charming cottages scattered throughout the meandering streets and lanes of the village leading to the harbour. Simplicity is the theme, with waterside treatment rooms and grass-roofed cabins on the deck above the water.
9/ Lough Rynn Castle
Co. Leitrim
Sitting majestically on the shore of Lough Rynn, its namesake, surrounded by over 300 acres of breathtaking scenery, Lough Rynn Castle exceeds expectations as one of the most preferred hotels in Ireland. Enjoy the scenic surroundings of the tranquil woodland and lakeshore, explore its famed walled gardens, and take a break from the business of day-to-day life in the oversized sofas of the drawing rooms while you soak in the view.
10/ The Kingsley
Co. Cork
The Kingsley is a luxury four-star urban retreat in Cork. Chic and contemporary interiors, stunning river views and excellent service combine to create Cork’s most elegant address for a weekend away. Escape to their luxurious sanctuary spa, where you will be greeted with a host of natural wellness treatments, an exceptional thermal suite and the space to rebalance and re-energise your mind, body and spirit.
11/ The Abbey Hotel
Co. Roscommon
A charming 18th-century castle-style Manor House Hotel set idyllically on its own private grounds; the Abbey Hotel is steeped in a rich history and heritage. Centrally located in the heart of the Irish Midlands, explore the ruins of a 12th-century Dominican Abbey or curl up by the fireplace and sample their extensive wines of the world selection. If you are looking for the ultimate blend of luxury and escapism, it doesn’t come much closer to perfection than this!
- Gráinne