Where To Stay For An Irish Mini Break
TOWN & CITY
Moxy, Cork (£)
A vibrant and budget-friendly choice in the heart of Cork, Moxy offers a playful, youthful vibe without scrimping on comfort. Rooms are compact but cleverly designed, with tech-savvy touches like 49in TVs, fast wi-fi and walk-in rain showers. Downstairs, the buzzing lobby bar doubles as check-in and serves up craft cocktails and snacks around the clock. There’s a gym on site, and you're within walking distance of the city’s best bars, restaurants and cultural spots – from the English Market to the Crawford Art Gallery.
Rooms from €130 per night
Visit MARRIOTT.COM
The Dean, Dublin, Cork & Galway (££)
Cool, colourful and full of personality, The Dean brings boutique energy to some of Ireland’s most vibrant cities. Whether you're staying in Dublin, Cork or Galway, expect bold interiors with neon signs, record players and retro minibars. In Dublin, the rooftop bar Sophie’s is a must for brunch with a view; in Cork, the thermal spa suite is a city-centre sanctuary. Rooms range from cosy pods to luxe penthouse suites, and each hotel sits within walking distance of galleries, indie shops and nightlife.
Rooms from €250 per night
Visit THEDEAN.IE
The Mont, Dublin (££)
The Mont blends modern style with city-centre convenience just moments from Merrion Square. Recently revamped, it channels a retro-industrial aesthetic – all velvet upholstery, warm wood tones and terrazzo floors. Rooms are sleek and soundproofed, with ultra-comfy beds and big walk-in showers. Downstairs, Speranza is an all-day Mediterranean spot serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta and spritzes, and there’s a gym on site for morning workouts. Step outside and you’re minutes from Trinity College, the National Gallery and some of Dublin’s best restaurants.
Rooms from €250 per night
Visit THEMONTHOTEL.IE
The Alex, Dublin (££)
Moments from the Grand Canal and Dublin’s cultural quarter, The Alex is a contemporary bolthole with a laidback, luxe feel. Rooms are Scandi-chic with warm textures, rainfall showers and Nespresso machines. Downstairs, The Carriage restaurant offers casual elegance – perfect for a relaxed dinner or date night, while the Steam Café is your go-to for artisanal coffee and pastries. The leafy streets around Merrion Square are on your doorstep, along with great galleries and wine bars.
Rooms from €280 per night
Visit THEALEXDUBLIN.IE
The Dylan, Dublin (£££)
Hidden away on a quiet street in leafy Dublin, The Dylan is a boutique gem with serious five-star credentials. Each room is individually styled – some dramatic and moody, others bright and elegant – but all come with plush linens, luxe toiletries and high-spec tech. The Eddison restaurant champions Irish produce with finesse, while the cocktail bar is a seductive space for pre-dinner drinks. Service is attentive and discreet, and the location offers easy access to both the city centre and Ballsbridge.
Rooms from €500 per night
Visit DYLAN.IE
The Westbury, Dublin (£££)
Set between Grafton Street and the city’s creative quarter, The Westbury is a five-star icon that balances classic luxury with contemporary flair. Rooms are plush and polished, with marble bathrooms, crisp linens and city views. Art fans will appreciate the curated collection throughout, while foodies can choose between The Wilde – a glamorous, greenery-filled restaurant serving modern Irish fare – and The Gallery, famed for its afternoon tea. After dark, The Sidecar is the place for expertly shaken cocktails. With designer boutiques, theatres and museums just steps away, The Westbury is a luxe launchpad for exploring Dublin in style.
Rooms from €520 per night
Visit DOYLECOLLECTION.COM
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin (£££)
Dublin’s grandest hotel, The Merrion occupies four restored Georgian townhouses opposite Government Buildings. Inside, it’s a masterclass in quiet luxury: think period plasterwork, antique furnishings, and a world-class art collection. Rooms are elegant and serene, while the garden-facing suites are especially coveted. Fine dining is a major draw – Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud holds two Michelin stars, and The Cellar Bar offers a cosier, classic Irish menu. There’s also a serene spa with a pool, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Rooms from €590 per night
Visit MERRIONHOTEL.COM
The Clarence, Dublin (££)
Once a hub for the city’s music scene, The Clarence – co-owned by Bono and The Edge – is now a stylish, low-key stay in the heart of Temple Bar. Expect a mix of rock ’n’ roll heritage and understated design: think deep navy walls, plush bedding and mid-century accents. Rooms have been thoughtfully updated, while The Octagon Bar remains one of the coolest spots in the city for a pre-dinner martini. Step outside and you’re straight into the buzz of Temple Bar’s cobbled streets, with pubs, live music venues and restaurants all around.
Rooms from €240 per night
Visit THECLARENCE.IE
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COUNTRY
Lough Rynn Castle, Co. Leitrim (£)
Tucked away on the shores of Lough Rynn, this former ancestral home of Lord Leitrim is a romantic hideaway surrounded by ancient forests and tranquil gardens. Inside, it’s all about timeless elegance – carved fireplaces, four-poster beds and antique furniture – yet the price per room is very reasonable. Its Sandstone Restaurant showcases the best of Irish ingredients, many from the walled garden, with an emphasis on classic, well-executed dishes. Days here are best spent walking around the lake, curling up with a book in the drawing room and enjoying a fireside tipple.
Rooms from €180 per night
Visit LOUGHRYNN.IE
Ard Na Sidhe Country House, Co. Kerry (£)
Overlooking the calm waters of Caragh Lake, Ard na Sidhe is a little pocket of serenity. This Arts and Crafts manor house has a lived-in charm – all soft lighting, antique rugs and timber panelling – with just 18 bedrooms for an intimate feel. Guests are encouraged to slow down: take tea in the garden, explore the trails around the estate, or relax by the fire. The in-house restaurant serves comforting classics with an emphasis on fresh, local produce. A magical base for exploring the Ring of Kerry, minus the crowds.
Rooms from €200 per night
Visit ARDNASIDHE.COM
Cliff At Lyons, Co. Kildare (££)
Just half an hour from Dublin, this restored 19th-century estate is one of Ireland’s most picturesque countryside escapes. The rooms and suites – spread across cottages, stables and the old mill – are beautifully styled with roll-top baths, stone walls and vintage pieces. Food is central here: The Mill Restaurant celebrates Irish flavours in a setting straight from a fairytale, while the Well in the Garden spa offers botanical facials and seaweed soaks. Wander the gardens, cycle the Grand Canal or simply switch off.
Rooms from €270 per night
Visit CLIFFATLYONS.IE
Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork (££)
This grand 18th-century manor house sits on a 220-acre estate complete with castle ruins, formal gardens and a sweeping golf course. Inside, Castlemartyr mixes heritage with polish – expect marble bathrooms, spacious suites and views over parkland. Dining is varied: Terre is a Michelin-starred destination with Asian-inflected fine dining; Bell Tower serves elegant Irish classics; and the Knights Bar is a cosy spot for cocktails and afternoon tea. There's also a luxe spa and excellent service throughout.
Rooms from €295 per night
Visit CASTLEMARTYRRESORT.IE
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Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway (££)
Surrounded by mountains, woodland and the River Owenmore, Ballynahinch Castle is a dreamy base for exploring Connemara. Inside, the look is country manor meets Irish lodge: tartan armchairs, log fires and antique maps set the tone. Outdoorsy types will love hiking, fly-fishing and boat trips, while the more leisurely inclined can enjoy fireside whiskey and views from the conservatory. Dining is a real highlight: The Owenmore Restaurant offers seasonal game and seafood with dramatic river views, while the bar serves excellent Guinness and oysters.
Rooms from €300 per night
Visit BALLYNAHINCH-CASTLE.COM
Breac.House, Co. Donegal (££)
Set on a windswept hillside overlooking Sheephaven Bay, Breac.House is one of Ireland’s most exciting modern stays. With just four rooms, it feels more like a private retreat than a hotel – and every detail is considered, from outdoor cedar baths to handmade ceramics. Expect breakfast hampers filled with local specialities, wellness experiences like seaweed baths and sauna sessions, and a true sense of calm.
Rooms from €300 per night (two-night minimum)
Visit BREAC.HOUSE
Lough Eske Castle, Co. Donegal (££)
A fairytale retreat in the wilds of Donegal, Lough Eske Castle is a luxe escape with serious charm. The castle itself is all turrets and towers, while interiors blend old-world elegance with modern touches – think velvet sofas, marble bathrooms and dramatic lighting. Dining is relaxed but refined: Cedars Grill highlights regional produce, and the Gallery Bar is ideal for a fireside nightcap. The spa is housed in a glass-walled former stable block, complete with a thermal suite and indoor pool.
Rooms from €310 per night
Visit LOUGHESKECASTLEHOTEL.COM
Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry (£££)
One of Ireland’s original grande dames, the Park Hotel Kenmare exudes timeless elegance and impeccable service. Overlooking Kenmare Bay and just minutes from the town’s shops and galleries, it’s ideal for a refined countryside escape. Rooms are traditionally styled with four-posters, antiques and sea views. Dining is classic and quietly luxurious, with locally sourced dishes and a celebrated wine list. The new Sámas spa is a standout – complete with forest bathing, seaweed wraps and a tranquil infinity pool.
Rooms from €500 per night
Visit PARKKENMARE.COM
Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare (£££)
A storybook castle hotel, Dromoland brings all the drama – four-poster beds, suits of armour and opulent sitting rooms. Rooms combine heritage touches with five-star polish, and the grounds offer everything from falconry to horse riding. Dining is a standout: the Earl of Thomond restaurant is one of Ireland’s most romantic, with candlelit tables and classical Irish dishes. The spa is elegant and tranquil, with a new thermal suite and relaxation spaces. A favourite for honeymoons and indulgent long weekends.
Rooms from €520 per night
Visit DROMOLAND.IE
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Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford (£££)
Perched above Ardmore Bay, this modernist cliffside hotel is a coastal sanctuary. Rooms are all about sea views, pale wood and glass – even the bathtubs face the ocean. The Michelin-starred House Restaurant is one of the country’s most exciting culinary spots, known for its sophisticated tasting menus and local seafood. The spa, with its seaweed rituals and open-air whirlpool, feels like it flows into the Atlantic itself.
Rooms from €550 per night
Visit CLIFFHOUSEHOTEL.IE
Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo (£££)
With a history dating back to the 13th century, Ashford Castle is the crown jewel of Irish hospitality. Every inch oozes grandeur, from the chandeliered drawing rooms to the frescoed dining room. Rooms are fit for royalty – quite literally, as it’s hosted the likes of the Kennedys and Pierce Brosnan – with canopied beds and lake views. Try falconry, horse riding, or a lake cruise, then unwind in the castle’s serene spa. Dinner at George V is formal and fabulous; the Dungeon is more relaxed but no less special.
Rooms from €650 per night
Visit ASHFORDCASTLE.COM
Adare Manor, Co. Limerick (£££)
A neo-Gothic masterpiece set on 840 acres, Adare Manor is the kind of grand escape that dreams are made of. Inside, it’s pure elegance – soaring ceilings, intricate plasterwork and velvet-lined lounges – with immaculate service to match. Rooms are lavish yet cosy, and the Oak Room restaurant holds a Michelin star. Beyond fine dining, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the gallery, a round on the championship golf course, or a treatment in the sleek La Mer spa.
Rooms from €750 per night
Visit ADAREMANOR.COM
Ballyfin Demesne, Co. Laois (£££)
Ireland’s most exclusive country house hotel, Ballyfin is a haven of period elegance, surrounded by 600 acres of private parkland. With only 20 rooms, service is seamless and discreet. Interiors are sumptuous, with grand staircases, oil paintings, and gilded mirrors, while the food – from the estate’s own gardens – is exceptional. Activities range from lake boating and archery to whiskey tastings and private picnics.
Rooms from €850 per night (all inclusive)
Visit BALLYFIN.COM
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