24 of the Best 5 Star Hotels in Ireland for a Luxury Stay

Ireland’s luxury hotel scene has never been more competitive, and the best 5 star hotels in Ireland now rival the finest in the world.

Over the past decade, the sector has been transformed with Adare Manor’s award-winning restoration, Ashford Castle’s multi-million-euro revamp and the elegant arrival of Cashel Palace.

Each property offers its own blend of history, opulence, and world-class service, set against backdrops ranging from dramatic coastlines to manicured estates.

The best 5 star hotels in Ireland for a luxury escape

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a gourmet retreat, or a spa weekend, the options have never been more tempting.

Here’s my hand-picked guide to the finest luxury hotels in Ireland, where indulgence is not just expected, but perfected.

1. Adare Manor

Built in the 19th century by the Dunraven family, Adare Manor is the best 5 star hotel in Ireland, and for good reason! This is a Neo-Gothic estate turned 5-star retreat beside the village of Adare in Limerick.

Its 840-acre grounds mix manicured gardens, ancient woodland, and the River Maigue. Rooms range from Classic and Deluxe Rooms to Dunraven Staterooms and one-or-two-bedroom Signature Suites. Each features period-inspired design, marble bathrooms, and garden or river views.

Activities include falconry, archery, cycling, and estate tours. The Padel Club houses Ireland’s first custom-built indoor padel courts, a sports simulation room, 17-metre pool, gym, and yoga studio. Golfers can tackle Tom Fazio’s championship course, host of the 2027 Ryder Cup. The spa offers thermal suites, a pool, and endless treatments.

Dining ranges from Michelin-starred tasting menus at The Oak Room to high tea in The Gallery, champagne in The Drawing Room, and clubhouse dining at The Carriage House. The Tack Room specialises in rare whiskeys and cocktails.

You’ll often hear people say that Adare Manor is the most expensive hotel in Ireland, but is it true?! It’s definitely up there, anyway. A Saturday night in October starts at €975.

2. Ashford Castle

An 800-year-old fortress turned Forbes Five-Star hotel, Ashford Castle is one of the most famous 5 star hotels in Ireland. It sits on 350 acres of woodland and gardens along Lough Corrib. Once home to the Guinness family, it has been lovingly restored by Red Carnation Hotels into one of Europe’s most celebrated resorts.

Accommodation spans 83 individually designed rooms and suites, from elegant Corrib Rooms to Lake View Suites with chandeliers and antique furniture. Activities include horse riding, traditional boating, kayaking, falconry at Ireland’s oldest school, archery, clay shooting, cycling, and a 9-hole golf course. There’s also a cinema, guided estate walks and an award-winning spa!

Dining ranges from the fine-dining George V Dining Room to Cullen’s at the Cottage, the medieval Dungeon, and afternoon tea in the Connaught Room. Wine tastings take place in the cellar, while the Prince of Wales Bar and Cigar Terrace offer refined nightcaps. While there are many castle hotels in Ireland, none compare to Ashford.

3. Lough Erne Resort

Set on a private 600-acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, this five-star retreat combines lakeside tranquillity with championship golf and a Thai-inspired spa. Guests can choose from bright, spacious rooms, elegant suites, and turreted self-catering lodges influenced by the 12th-century Devenish Tower.

Golf is a major draw, with two courses – the championship Faldo Course, designed by Sir Nick Faldo, and the Castle Hume Course, host of 10 Ulster PGA Championships. The Thai Spa combines Asian wellness traditions with locally sourced Irish products, offering treatments, a steam room, and an infinity pool overlooking the lough.

Dining includes fine dining at the Catalina Restaurant, Irish classics at the Loughside Grill, and inventive takes on tradition at The Blaney Bar. Afternoon tea is served with views across the water, and the Castle Hume Clubhouse offers relaxed post-round dining.

4. The Park Hotel Kenmare

Dating back to 1897, Park Hotel in Kenmare unites period elegance with a relaxed, contemporary spirit. Set overlooking Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains, the property’s 43 individually styled rooms feature antique furnishings, original art, and modern comforts.

The spa is a wellness retreat in its own right, with a 25-metre lap pool, garden-shaded infinity pool, saunas, and treatments using organic Bamford products. Guests can choose focused two-hour rituals or simply unwind with a swim or massage.

Activities extend from the hotel’s croquet lawn and tennis courts to cycling, falconry, hiking, and boat trips. Off-site adventures include fishing, golf, and the Ring of Kerry Drive. For slower days, there are garden walks, fireside reading rooms, and a terrace ideal for evening drinks.

Dining celebrates local producers, from nearby farms to the hotel’s own herb garden. Head Chef James O’Sullivan crafts seasonal menus rooted in Irish tradition, served in a dining room where the art on the walls is matched by the art on the plate. While he’s no longer at the helm, the Park can credit much of its standing as one of the best hotels in Ireland to the legacy of former owner Francis Brennan.

5. Dromoland Castle Hotel

Once the ancestral seat of the O’Brien dynasty, descendants of Ireland’s last High King, 16th-century Dromoland Castle now offers five-star luxury in 500 acres of parkland and woodland. Rooms range from the palatial Brian Ború Suite to staterooms, deluxe rooms, and courtyard options, all blending period character with modern comfort.

The Castle Spa features six treatment rooms, including a twin suite and an amber-and-quartz crystal bed. The Leisure Centre has a 17-metre pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. Estate activities include falconry, archery, boating, cycling, tennis, and guided history tours.

Golfers can play the 18-hole championship course designed by Ron Kirby and JB Carr, hone their skills at the Golf Academy, or try the Trackman simulator. Dining highlights include the formal Earl of Thomond restaurant with seasonal tasting menus, casual favourites at The Fig Tree, and afternoon tea in the Gallery. The Cocktail Bar’s octagonal setting is a fitting end to the day.

6. Cashel Palace Hotel

Few luxury hotels in Ireland have undergone as dramatic a transformation as Cashel Palace, the restored 18th-century Palladian manor that reopened in March 2022 with coveted five-star status at the foot of the Rock of Cashel.

The hotel offers 42 individually styled rooms and suites spread across the Main House, Garden Wing, and Avenue, many with views of the Rock or landscaped gardens. Dining centres on The Bishop’s Buttery, where seasonal menus showcase the best of Tipperary produce, alongside more casual options at Mikey Ryan’s Bar and Kitchen and Sadler’s. Afternoon tea in the elegant Queen Anne Room adds a touch of tradition.

The spa is a modern sanctuary overlooking the gardens, featuring a sleek pool, thermal suite, seaweed baths, and treatments using premium products. Guests can also enjoy a curated experiences programme, from equine adventures at the nearby Fethard Horse Country Experience to countryside tastings and cultural tours.

7. Ballyfin

Set within a 614-acre walled estate at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin Demesne is a meticulously restored Regency mansion renowned for its privacy, elegance, and world-class service. With just 20 individually designed rooms and suites, the focus is on exclusivity and attention to detail, from period furnishings and original art to sweeping views over the lake and parkland.

Dining at Ballyfin is an event in itself, with menus built around seasonal produce from the estate’s own gardens, orchards, and greenhouses, paired with fine wines from the cellar. Meals are served in the grand dining room or, for something more intimate, in one of the house’s ornate reception rooms.

Guests can unwind with a range of leisure pursuits, from boating on the lake and cycling woodland trails to exploring the follies and formal gardens. The small but indulgent spa offers bespoke treatments, a relaxation pool, and a quiet retreat after a day outdoors.

8. The Merrion

The Merrion is one of the more notable 5 star hotels in Dublin. An impeccable restoration of four adjoining Georgian townhouses, The Merrion mixes period elegance with modern comfort in the heart of Dublin’s historic quarter. Its 142 rooms and suites are divided between the Main House, with original plasterwork and sash windows, and the light-filled Garden Wing overlooking private landscaped courtyards.

Culinary experiences take centre stage, with Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud holding two Michelin stars for its contemporary Irish cuisine. The more casual Garden Room offers relaxed all-day dining, while The Cellar Bar, set in 18th-century wine vaults, serves gastro-pub favourites. No. 23, the intimate cocktail bar, is ideal for a quiet drink, while many of Dublin’s best pubs are a short walk away.

The Spa and Health Club provides an 18-metre pool, gym, and thermal facilities alongside Biologique Recherche treatments, yoga sessions, and a hair salon. In warmer months, the Garden Terrace offers a rare outdoor escape in the city centre. This is one of the more popular luxury hotels in Ireland for good reason.

9. The Europe Hotel

The Europe is one of the most visually impressive 5 star hotels in Ireland. On the banks of Lough Leane, to the northwest of Killarney in Kerry, it stands watch over the blissful landscape with its shifting waters and changing emotions.

The 180 rooms and suites range from elegant lakeview doubles to expansive top-floor suites, many with private balconies framing the National Park. Dining options include fine Irish and European cuisine at The Panorama Restaurant, relaxed meals in The Brasserie, and Afternoon Tea with sweeping lake views. Local produce from Kerry’s land and sea features throughout.

The ESPA is what has established The Europe as one of the most renowned spa hotels in Ireland, offering thermal suites, vitality pools, outdoor hot tubs overlooking the lake, and a wide menu of treatments. Guests also have access to the hotel’s leisure centre, indoor pool, tennis courts, and nearby championship golf courses.

10. Monart

Tucked within 100 acres of lush Wexford countryside, Monart is Ireland’s only true destination spa. While it’s widely considered to be one of the best hotels in Ireland, it’s also consistently ranked among the world’s finest (it’s listed in the top 1% of hotels globally by Tripadvisor).

Accommodation includes 68 spacious deluxe bedrooms, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the lake or woodland, and two opulent Georgian suites in the 18th-century Monart House. Rooms feature Italian marble bathrooms, Pevonia spa amenities, and King Koil beds with duck-down duvets.

At the heart of the experience is the state-of-the-art thermal suite, inspired by ancient bathing rituals, with saunas, steam rooms, a salt grotto, caldarium, hydrotherapy pool, and outdoor Finnish sauna. Dining spans fine-dining in the Michelin-recommended Monart Restaurant, casual meals in the Garden Lounge, and indulgent afternoon teas in elegant period rooms. Monart is also one of the only luxury hotels in Ireland that’s adults-only!

11. The Merchant

In the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, The Merchant weaves together Grade A listed Victorian architecture with contemporary five-star luxury. Once the headquarters of the Ulster Bank, its grand facade opens into lavish interiors and award-winning facilities.

Rooms come in two distinctive styles: Victorian Splendour, with high ceilings, period furniture, and ornate detailing, and Art Deco Decadence, featuring sleek lines and glamorous 1930s touches. Dining spans multiple experiences: fine dining beneath the domed ceiling of The Great Room Restaurant, French-inspired dishes with live jazz at Berts Jazz Bar, traditional fare at The Cloth Ear pub, and expertly crafted drinks at the award-winning Cocktail Bar.

The Merchant Spa offers treatments, a hydrotherapy area, and relaxation rooms, while the rooftop gym and hot tub deliver panoramic city views. The Merchant is also a short walk from many of Belfast’s top attractions!

12. Carton House

Set on 1,100 acres of walled parkland, Carton House is an 18th-century Palladian mansion steeped in aristocratic history. Once home to the FitzGerald family and a host to guests including Queen Victoria and Grace Kelly, the estate now combines period grandeur with Fairmont’s polished luxury.

Accommodation spans the contemporary Garden Wing and opulent staterooms and suites in The House, complete with original features and bespoke furnishings. Dining includes the Michelin-starred Morrison Room, the more relaxed Kathleen’s Kitchen, and elegant Afternoon Tea served in historic surrounds. Carton House Spa and Wellness, housed in a restored 18th-century mill, features treatment rooms, a pool, and nature-inspired therapies.

Two championship golf courses offer world-class play, while estate walks, cycling trails, and heritage tours make full use of the grounds. While many people have yet to discover Carton House, it stands firmly among the best hotels in Ireland, delivering a level of luxury and experience to match the country’s most celebrated five-star properties.

13. Hayfield Manor Hotel

Tucked within two acres of walled gardens beside University College Cork, Hayfield Manor marries boutique charm with exceptional five-star service. Family-owned since 1996, this discreet city oasis has long since cemented itself as one of the top 5 star luxury hotels in Ireland.

Accommodation ranges from elegant Manor Rooms to expansive Garden Deluxe Rooms, historic suites, and the 1,200 sq ft Presidential Suite. Each space is individually styled, with antique furnishings, marble bathrooms, and luxury amenities.

The food offering is as memorable as the setting, with the award-winning Orchids Restaurant serving contemporary Irish cuisine overlooking private gardens, and Perrotts Garden Bistro offering Mediterranean and international dishes. Bloom, set in the courtyard, adds a relaxed, garden-inspired setting.

The Beautique Spa features five treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi, and a relaxation lounge, with therapies from Elemis. Explore Cork City with ease or take mini day trips to Kinsale or Cobh.

14. The Shelbourne

For over two centuries, The Shelbourne has set the standard for Irish hospitality, combining timeless grandeur with contemporary luxury in the heart of Dublin. Overlooking leafy St. Stephen’s Green, this historic landmark blends marble, chandeliers, and curated Irish art with modern comfort.

Rooms and suites range from elegant Queen Guest Rooms to the spacious Heritage Parkview Rooms and opulent suites, each with Egyptian cotton bedding, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful touches like plush robes and pillow-top mattresses. Many offer sweeping park views or private balconies.

Dining is equally memorable, from The Saddle Room’s refined Irish cuisine to the iconic Horseshoe Bar, the lively No. 27 Bar and Lounge, and indulgent afternoon tea served beneath shimmering chandeliers. The Shelbourne Spa is a serene retreat with seven treatment rooms, thermal facilities, and an indoor pool. This makes the perfect luxury base for spending 2 days in Dublin.

15. Castlemartyr Resort

Set across 220 acres of woodland, gardens, and a historic 18th-century manor house beside an 800-year-old castle, Castlemartyr Resort offers a five-star blend of heritage and modern luxury. The 108 guest rooms and suites range from opulent Manor House Staterooms to pet-friendly Garden Deluxe Rooms and feature fine linens, marble bathrooms, king-sized beds, and state-of-the-art amenities.

Gastronomy is a defining feature of a stay here, with seven venues including Terre, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Vincent Crepel, the relaxed Canopy Restaurant and Bar, elegant Afternoon Tea in The Manor House, and the lively Hunted Hog pub.

The popular Spa and Country Club provides a tranquil retreat with holistic treatments, a swimming pool, and fitness facilities, while golfers can enjoy the 18-hole, inland links-style course designed by Ron Kirby. Additional amenities include tennis courts, luxury self-catering residences, and exclusive resort activities.

16. Glenlo Abbey

Dating back to 1740, Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate combines historic grandeur with modern elegance on the shores of Lough Corrib. Set across 138 acres, it offers an array of beautifully appointed rooms and suites, from Classic and Lake View Deluxe Rooms to the lavish Presidential Suite with private terrace, each featuring pillow-top mattresses, marble bathrooms, and refined finishes.

Dining is an experience in itself. The Pullman Restaurant, housed in two restored Orient Express carriages (including one that carried Winston Churchill), serves seasonal tasting menus crafted with precision. Palmers Bar and Kitchen offers elegant all-day dining, while Afternoon Tea in the River Room pairs estate views with faultless presentation.

Guests can enjoy estate activities, including golf, falconry, fishing, and cycling, or simply relax in the walled gardens and riverside walks. For day time adventures, Connemara, Galway City and the Aran Islands all provide plenty of choice.

17. Aghadoe Heights Hotel

Perched above the Lakes of Killarney with sweeping views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy’s, Aghadoe Heights blends contemporary luxury with a long tradition of warm Irish hospitality. Just minutes from Killarney National Park and the Ring of Kerry, its 74 rooms and suites combine elegant décor, marble bathrooms, and 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton bedding.

Dining is a highlight, from The Lake Room Restaurant’s refined menus, to relaxed bites in The Heights Lounge and Piano Bar, and sundowner cocktails on the View Bar and Terrace. Afternoon Tea in the Heights Lounge adds a timeless touch.

The impressive Spa at Aghadoe Heights is a sanctuary inspired by the surrounding landscapes, offering a thermal suite, relaxation areas, and treatments by Ground, Seabody, and Comfort Zone. Guests can also enjoy the pool, concierge-led excursions, and a complimentary shuttle to Killarney town.

18. Lyrath Estate

Set on 170 acres of parkland, lakes, and historic gardens, Lyrath Estate pairs the elegance of a 17th-century manor with the comforts of a modern five-star retreat. Just five minutes from Kilkenny city, its 141 rooms and suites range from classic bedrooms in the original house to sleek, contemporary spaces in the new wing.

Dining spans refined dishes at Yew Restaurant, vibrant seasonal plates at Eden Bar & Bistro, charcoal-grilled specialities at The Grill, and traditional warmth in Tupper’s Bar.

The award-winning Spa at Lyrath features ten treatment rooms, a private mud chamber, a hydrotherapy suite, and therapies from Elemis, Kerstin Florian, and Medik8. Guests can also enjoy the leisure club, pool, cinema, and estate activities from falconry to cycling.

19. Powerscourt Hotel

Another of the better-known 5 star hotels in Ireland is the wonderful Powerscourt Hotel. Overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain and set within the 1,000-acre Powerscourt Estate, this 198-room Palladian-style resort pairs dramatic surroundings with refined luxury. Rooms and suites start at a generous 45 sqm, many with mountain views or balconies, and range from elegant Classic Deluxe rooms to the 130 sqm Powerscourt Suite.

Dining includes contemporary Irish cuisine at Sika Restaurant, casual bites at The Sally Gap Bar and Brasserie, and Afternoon Tea in the Sugar Loaf Lounge. Local flavours feature heavily, with produce from Wicklow’s farms and coastline.

The award-winning spa offers 20 treatment rooms, a Swarovski crystal-lit pool, hammam, sauna, and a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can also enjoy two championship golf courses, falconry, cycling trails, distillery tours, and direct access to the world-famous Powerscourt Gardens and Waterfall. Nearby, you have the many Glendalough walks and the brilliant Sally Gap Drive.

20. Fota Island Resort

Set on a private island in Cork Harbour, Fota Island Resort offers a rare blend of seclusion and world-class facilities just 15 minutes from Cork City. The 5-star property spans 780 acres of parkland, manicured gardens, and woodland trails, with accommodation ranging from elegant guest rooms to self-catering lodges.

Dining is varied and rooted in local produce, from the refined Fota Restaurant to the Amber Lounge overlooking oriental gardens, the exclusive Cove tasting-menu restaurant, and the casual Clubhouse. Afternoon Tea here is an indulgent affair, crafted by the in-house pastry team.

The award-winning spa features 18 treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, hammam, and a spa garden, alongside a fitness centre and yoga sessions. Golfers have access to three championship courses – Deerpark, Belvelly, and Barryscourt (all former Irish Open venues).

21. Mount Juliet Estate

Set across 500 acres of rolling parkland overlooking the River Nore, Mount Juliet Estate combines Georgian elegance with contemporary luxury. Guests can choose between the 18th-century Manor House’s 32 individually styled rooms or the sleek Hunter’s Yard, offering 93 light-filled modern rooms.

Dining is led by the Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant, where Head Chef John Kelly transforms estate-grown and locally sourced produce into refined tasting menus. More casual fare is served in The Hound restaurant at Hunter’s Yard.

Leisure options are exceptional: the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course has hosted the Irish Open, while equestrian pursuits, falconry, archery, fishing, cycling, and woodland walks are all on offer.

The spa, indoor pool, and fitness facilities provide a slower pace for relaxation. This is one of several 5 star hotels in Ireland that’s a a very popular wedding venue, so rooms can often be hard to come by.

22. The Cliff House

Perched dramatically on the cliffs above Ardmore Bay, this 39-room boutique retreat offers uninterrupted sea views from every room and suite. Many have private balconies, while interconnecting layouts cater to families.

The Michelin-starred House Restaurant delivers inventive menus rooted in seasonal Irish produce, while the oceanfront Bar and Terrace serves relaxed fare with sweeping bay views. Guests can also enjoy private dining tailored with sommelier-selected wines.

The Well by the Sea spa features treatment rooms overlooking the Atlantic, an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and outdoor sea-view whirlpool. Activities range from cliff walks and kayaking to nearby championship golf courses, with dolphins often spotted from the terrace.

22. Sheen Falls

Sheen Falls is another of the best hotels in Ireland. Overlooking Kenmare Bay and the tumbling Sheen Waterfall, this five-star hideaway fuses natural beauty with refined comfort. Accommodation spans 60 rooms, 12 suites, and five thatched cottages, from Classic river-view rooms to sprawling Signature Suites.

The award-winning Easanna Spa features a heated pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, thermal facilities, and treatment rooms offering Elemis, Ground Wellbeing, and Seabody therapies, plus cancer-care treatments. Guests can also enjoy the Ring of Kerry Golf Club, as well as activities like salmon fishing, horse riding, kayaking, and guided hikes.

Dining highlights include The Falls Restaurant, blending Irish produce with French influence, and The Stables Brasserie for casual elegance. The 300-acre estate is a short stroll from Kenmare Town, yet feels worlds away.

23. Lough Eske Castle

Set on the shores of Lough Eske with the Bluestack Mountains as its backdrop, this 17th-century castle has been expertly refurbished into a five-star retreat. Accommodation spans 124 rooms and suites, from the Courtyard Rooms in the converted stables to light-filled Garden Suites, spacious Junior Suites, and opulent Castle Suites named after notable residents.

The CARA Organic Spa is a highlight, featuring a Victorian glasshouse setting with a heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, treatment rooms, and open-air hot tubs. Guests also have complimentary use of the fitness centre.

Dining is led by Cedars Restaurant, where menus celebrate Donegal produce, from Killybegs seafood to local lamb, complemented by more casual fare in the bars and lounges. Afternoon tea and a dedicated whiskey cellar add to the experience.

Few luxury hotels in Ireland offer such easy access to attractions, with Slieve League and countless things to do in Donegal all within comfortable reach.

24. The Dunloe

Overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe, this contemporary 5-star hideaway sits within 64 acres of landscaped gardens, ancient woodland, and an arboretum that leads to the ruins of 13th-century Dunloe Castle. Rooms and suites are bright and modern, many with balconies framing sweeping views of the Kerry mountains or River Laune.

Guests can enjoy an extensive range of complimentary activities, from horse riding on ponies and fishing to indoor swimming, tennis, and use of the sauna, steam room, and fitness studio. A summer Kids’ Club and movie nights make it a strong choice for families, while golf, guided walks, and scenic tours can be arranged nearby.

Dining focuses on seasonal Kerry produce, with menus showcasing wild Atlantic seafood and local meats in a relaxed yet elegant setting. The restaurant caters equally to gourmet travellers and families, with creative dishes and comforting favourites.

What to watch out for with any of the best hotels in Ireland

So, a little warning to finish us off. When you’re booking a stay, be aware that many 5 star hotels in Ireland showcase their most impressive rooms and suites front and centre in their marketing.

It’s easy to assume that’s what you’ll be stepping into on arrival, only to find you’re in a perfectly nice but much more standard room. Always double-check the exact room type you’re booking.

Your experience with luxury hotels in Ireland

I’ve no doubt we’ve unintentionally left out some very nice hotels in Ireland from the guide above.

If you’ve stayed somewhere you think should be on this list, whether it’s one of the fancy hotels in Ireland that knocked-your-socks-off  or a lesser-known gem, let us know in the comments. Your feedback helps keep this guide as useful and up-to-date as possible.