Ireland is one of my favorite travel destinations! The locals are friendly, the atmosphere is electric, and the scenery is beautiful. It’s one of those countries where it pays to leave the capital city, venture off the beaten path, and aimlessly explore. And because Ireland is such a “road-trip friendly” country, there are tons of luxury, unique hotels throughout the country. Below you’ll find the best hotels in Ireland – perfect for a getaway in 2026.
If you’re traveling to Ireland, don’t miss…
Why Your Hotel Choice in Ireland Matters
Ireland is a country where you want to leave Dublin. You want to rent a car. You want to explore off-the-beaten path roads and discover tiny villages in the countryside. It’s a country where the hotel you stay in can really make or break your experience (and I don’t say that lightly!). The hotels mentioned below are unique, boutique, and worth the splurge – if only to make your trip to Ireland feel truly, authentically, Irish.
If you’re planning on renting a car in Ireland, don’t miss…
Best Castle Hotels for a “Royal” Experience
The hotels listed below are true, splurge-worthy hotels. Each one of them worth your hard-earned money, where you can feel like a true royal.
Dromoland Castle
Located in Newmarket on Fergus in County Clare, Dromoland Castle is one of the most luxurious stays in all of Ireland. It’s a 5-star hotel with luxurious rooms, modern amenities, and AC (which can be rare in Ireland). The property also has a spa, indoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, tennis court, garden, two restaurants, and more.
Book your stay at Dromoland Castle here!
Lough Eske Castle
Located in Donegal in Donegal County on Ireland’s Western coast, Lough Eske Castle is a gorgeous, cozy, 5-star hotel. The hotel is located at the foot of the mountains sitting on 43-acres of forest… seclusion at its finest. The hotel has three restaurants, a bar, spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor hot tubs. It’s the perfect, relaxing stay after a long day of driving Ireland’s winding roads.
Book your stay at Lough Eske Castle here!
The Dunraven Arms
Located in the village of Adare in County Limerick, The Dunraven Arms is a 4-star hotel that was established in 1792. One of the most impressive things about the hotel is its award winning restaurant – The Maigue Restaurant – which has won numerous awards. It’s the perfect, boutique stay for those visiting Ireland.
Book your stay at The Dunraven Arms here!
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Located in Conga in County Mayo, The Lodge at Ashford Castle is a 4-star hotel located next to Ashford Castle. The lodge is set on 10-acres, overlooking Lough Corrib. What I like about this hotel, and what sets it apart is its country house feel. Worth noting, the restaurant at the Lodge – Wilde’s Restaurant – serves an impressive six course meal.
Book your stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle here!
Don’t miss…
Sleek & Boutique: Best Hotels in Dublin
If you’re visiting Ireland’s capital city Dublin, you’re going to want to focus on location. Below you’ll find the best boutique hotels located in great neighborhoods around the city. All hotels below are south of the River Liffey and classified as 4* hotels.
If you’re planning on visiting Dublin, don’t miss…
The Dean Dublin
The Dean Dublin is a great hotel for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is for its amazing rooftop bar and restaurant that overlooks Dublin – Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant. The Dean Dublin is also located in a great area in Dublin and only a 30-minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse.
Book your stay at The Dean Dublin here!
The Leinster
The Leinster is another gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of Dublin with a heated pool, sauna, fitness center, bar, and more. There’s also a rooftop restaurant – a fusion of French, Asian, and Irish food. The Leinster is only a 15-minute walk from St Stephen’s Green – one of the most beautiful parks in Dublin.
Book your stay at The Leinster here!
The Wilder
The Wilder is part of several prestigious hotel brands like the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group (SLH), Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels, and Ireland’s Blue Book. Plus the hotel is located in one of Dublin’s most affluent neighborhoods and has gotten a Michelin “key” for the past two years in a row!
Book your stay at The Wilder here!
Rural Retreats: Coastal Luxury & Manor Houses
If you’re craving more of a slow-down, you’ll definitely want to check out these hotels. Perfect for nights unwinding by the fire, reading, and most importantly – resting after a long day of driving Ireland’s narrow roads!
Cliff House Hotel
Located on Ireland’s southern coast, Cliff House Hotel is a 5-star luxury hotel overlooking the Celtic Sea. Located in the town of Ardmore in County Waterford, Cliff House Hotel boasts stunning facilities such as a spa, rooms with private balcony’s overlooking the sea, and a restaurant that has gained a Michelin star for its find Irish food.
Book your stay at the Cliff House Hotel here!
Mount Juliet Estate
Mount Juliet Estate is a stunning, 5-star property, located in Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny. The property sits on 500 acres of Irish Countryside and dates back to 1757. Here you’ll find an indoor swimming pool, spa, two restaurants (one with a Michelin star), and a golf course.
Book your stay at Mount Juliet Estate here!
Powerscourt Hotel
Powerscourt Hotel is a gorgeous, 5-star hotel located in Enniskerry in County Wicklow. (Read about County Wicklow here!). It’s set near a golf course and the Powerscourt Estate, which has been recognized by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Powerscourt Hotel has a spa, award-winning restaurant, indoor swimming pool lit with Swarovski crystals, and more.
Book your stay at Powerscourt Hotel here!
Pro Tips & Practicalities
Before booking your hotel in Ireland, here are some main things that you should be thinking about…
- I recommend booking these premium-style hotels six months out. If you don’t, you can still find other choices, but it’s just something to consider if you’re wanting that *extra* incredible stay.
- Air conditioning is not an everyday staple in Ireland – even in nice hotels. If you feel like you need air conditioning to be comfortable, make sure to check with the hotel before booking.
Ireland Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Ireland
TRAVELING THROUGH IRELAND
- The easiest way to book train & bus tickets in Ireland is through Omio
- To book a flight to Ireland, I recommend a large booking platform or Skyscanner to compare options (if you’re from the US, sign up for Going for free, cheap flight alerts)
- For car rentals in Ireland, I recommend Discover Cars
- If you want a private driver waiting to pick you up at the airport, use Welcome Pickups
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Ireland – I use and recommend SafetyWing(read why here and here)
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a 5% discount
- You will need a visa to visit Northern Ireland which you can get through the app, “UK ETA”
ACCOMODATION IN IRELAND
- To easiest way to book hotels in Ireland is through a large booking platform
TOURS IN IRELAND
- For tours and activities in Ireland, I recommend using Get Your Guide or Viator
- For food tours in Ireland, I recommend Devour Tours
- For walking tours in Ireland, I recommend Take Walks
WHAT TO BRING TO IRELAND
- Don’t forget a Ireland guide book or a Northern Ireland guide book to help plan your travels
- You’ll need a travel plug adapter (Ireland uses type G)
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste
- Ireland can often be rainy – be prepared with an umbrella, rain poncho, and rain shoes
If you’re planning to visit Ireland in 2026, I hope that this guide helps you discover the best hotels in the country! If you have any questions about traveling to Ireland or booking the best hotels in Ireland, let me know in a comment below.
For more information on things to see and do in Ireland, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinireland” or under my highlights for “Ireland”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Ireland” highlight
Pin Me!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.
Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
