Discovering the island among castles, inns and enchanting landscapes.
Classic Castles
The 5 Star Ashford Castle in County Mayo, along the Wild Atlantic Way, is one of the world’s most highly regarded luxury hotels: nestled on an estate of more than 140 hectares, with ancient woodlands and green expanses, it embodies the essence of Irish hospitality, elegant and classy. The hotel’s spa won, for Ireland, the 2023 edition of the World Spa Awards.
In County Monaghan, part of Ireland’s Ancient East, the Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate is a charming castle with parkland, ideal for those wishing to stay in a historic building that combines original period features with sophisticated contemporary country style design. Highlights of the estate: the outdoor experiences, equestrian center, Irish gourmet cuisine, and wellness area, including an outdoor sauna.
On lakes, rivers and the sea
The 5-star Lough Erne Resort is located in the heart of the beautiful pond-dotted lands of County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, guarded by the privacy of a private peninsula of more than 240 acres, overlooking idyllic ponds. Beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a Thai-inspired spa, a golf course, and three restaurants where you can delight your palates with fast food or fine dining. At the other end of the island, however, is the Cliff House Hotel, in County Waterford, on the shores of Ireland’s Ancient East, also known for its Michelin-starred House restaurant.
One of the temples of Irish wellness is definitely the spa at the luxurious Galgorm Hotel in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, half an hour from Belfast-a true wellness village in the middle of the countryside. Unmissable, the indoor pool with natural light and the outdoor pools. Also of rare beauty is the estate that houses it, graced by the sometimes rushing waters of the Maine River.
In the countryside
Among boundless meadows and lush woods characteristic of the Irish countryside are recommended dwellings for those who wish to rediscover simplicity. In Cashel House Hotel, overlooking a scenic stretch of shoreline in the bay from which it takes its name, the warm welcome of the family that runs it contributes to a special stay, as do the wood-burning fireplaces, the tastefully decorated rooms with refined details and the excellent restaurant.
The medieval village of Carlingford in Ireland’s Ancient East is a charming fishing village with cobblestone alleys overlooked by ancient courtyards and pubs. His Ghan House offers the perfect accommodation: 11 rooms in which the traits associated with the past, characterized by understated elegance, authentic and warm, have been tastefully preserved. Special mention also for the restaurant’s atmosphere and its menu. And for those who enjoy hiking, the wild and gentle Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland are nearby with trails suitable for everyone.
Inns
Boutique hotel on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast, the Bushmills Inn, originally a carriage house from the 1600s, exudes an old-world charm. There is much to see around, starting with the nearby historic Bushmills Distillery or going as far as the celebrated basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, a little further away.
In the small village of Adare, County Limerick, famous for its thatched-roof houses, the Dunraven Arms Hotel possesses a village inn atmosphere while offering all the comforts and services of a large hotel, including the Maigue restaurant and The Hunter’s Bar cocktail bar where, in addition to the mixed drinks, you can enjoy great food. And in the Treatment Rooms, the selection of facial and body treatments, practiced by award-winning specialist Fiona Coyle, is truly remarkable.
