Luxury Hotels on the Emerald Isle
Ireland
Folklore and fairy tales play a special role in the Land of Saints and Scholars, and Ireland will surely enchant your guests in no time flat. But this whimsical island has plenty of luxury hotel gems, which so far are known mainly to the Irish themselves. Discover what secrets LuxuryWise has unlocked for you!
Luxury Hotels on the Emerald Isle
Ireland
Folklore and tall tales play a special role in the Land of Saints and Scholars, and Ireland will surely enchant your guests in no time flat. But this whimsical island has plenty of luxury hotel gems, which so far are known mainly to the Irish themselves. Discover what secrets LuxuryWise has unlocked for you!
Adare Manor, Limerick
Got a client with that certain kind of "noble" or "regal" vibe? This might be your place. Through an extensive renovation and expansion, Adare Manor has made a name for itself outside of Ireland since its recent reopening. The 19th-century neo-Gothic castle now has 104 rooms and suites, and the 42 accommodations in the West Wing are completely new. The furnishings are modeled after the style of the time and oil paintings from that era reinforce the impression, depending on the room category. The entry-level Classic Room category offers 43 square meters (463sq. ft.) of space, while the plush Signatures Suite boasts a whopping 100 square meters (1,076sq. ft.). Good to know: the Manor Butler attends to guests' every need in this category. Adare Manor also scores high on the culinary front with The Oak Room, the only Michelin-star restaurant in Limerick County. Pivot to the 111 Spa/Clinic, which is not just a standout among Ireland's hospitality industry, but something truly unique and exceptional. Fitness and wellness is also the order of the day at The Paddle Club, which opened in 2021. Important for golf fans: Adare Manor will host the famous Ryder Cup in 2027. The hotel is just a 25-minute drive from Shannon Airport.
Trade Contact: Liz Godfrey, Sales & Marketing, & her Team
Conrad Dublin, Dublin
No need for a double take here – the effort the hotel's interior designers have put into the Sense of Place jumps out right away. Paintings of city maps in the lobby are a reminder of the hotel's proximity to the famous St. Stephen's Green. The observant guest will be rewarded – if you pay careful attention in the fine-dining restaurant The Coburg, you'll discover many reminiscent details of the Irish love for racehorses. One new feature here is the Coburg Supper Club series, where every month there's a special menu created by Executive Head Chef Marek Sulg, celebrating the perfect interplay of food and drink. Irish and regional products are the main ingredients on the plates, and be sure to make a reservation! The hotel itself with 192 rooms including 15 suites is not exactly intimate, but it is a top address in Dublin. A plus for music fans is its location directly opposite the National Concert Hall. The rooms are designed in harmonious shades of blue and green with modern furniture, all with a slightly American touch, as befits a Hilton brand. Everything – rooms, restaurants, bar, and meeting spaces – was last renovated in 2018, and everything is still in very good shape. The hotel's fitness center is also brand new.
Trade Contact: Paul Fitzsimons, Sales Manager
Powerscourt Hotel, Resort & Spa, Enniskerry
Let's face it – the Powerscourt Hotel from the Autograph Collection is not just a hotel, but a destination in its own right. With its 198 rooms and suites it's part of the Powerscourt Estate, including one of the world's most beautiful and, at 19 hectares (47 acres), largest gardens in the world. Ireland's highest waterfall is also on the estate's grounds. It's a 35-minute drive from both Dublin International Airport and the city. The rooms and suites are quite spacious, and even the smallest category comes in at 45 square meters (484sq. ft.). Many rooms have balconies overlooking Sugar Loaf Mountain and the surrounding woods, and the design of the accommodations is what you'd expect on an Irish country estate – opulent with an aristocratic touch. A few weeks ago the Powerscourt Hotel added a new restaurant: the chic Sally Gap Bar & Brasserie, where Executive Chef Cormac McCreary serves the finest food using only local ingredients. The whiskey naturally comes from the neighboring Powerscourt Distillery. Anyone looking to relax can enjoy the ESPA spa with its own wellbeing café. Afternoon tea is taken in the Sugar Loaf Lounge with views of the Wicklow Mountains, and of course with very fine teas and enchanting tableware. Good to know: the Powerscourt Hotel has a large meeting area and is well prepared for large groups.
Trade Contact: Steve Fenton, Cluster Director of Luxury Leisure Sales & Marketing
Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
This is what countryside luxury in Ireland should feel like! The long drive up to the Mount Juliet Estate already evokes the grandeur of the grounds – a whopping 200 hectares (almost 500 acres). Of course, a championship golf course (designed by Jack Nicklaus), the MJ Equestrian facility, two hotels, plus restaurants also need their space. Both hotels are part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. The 32 rooms at Manor House, which is also home to the Michelin-star restaurant Lady Helen, were just renovated last spring. For the first time, air conditioning was installed into the more than 300-year-old accommodations. At Hunter's Yard (pictured), the 93 rooms have not been renovated, but they're in such good shape that they could pass for it. By slight contrast, the Bulgari Bathroom Amenities are brand new, and are available in all of Ireland only at Mount Juliet Estate. Also fairly new is the Hound Restaurant terrace. The highlight (besides the great view of the golf course) is the retractable windows as well as the roof. This allows the terrace to be transformed into a sheltered winter garden, if necessary. Fun fact: Manor House recently added a twelve-seat movie theater, which can be rented. Hot tip: to give your clients that extra wow moment, book the Hound Welcome. As your guests' car arrives, it's welcomed by a horseman with a pack of dogs – cuddles, nobility, champagne, and goosebumps guaranteed! Cead mile failte!
Trade Contact: Sinéad Monahan, Director of Events & MICE Sales
Ins Malediven-Glück eintauchen im W Maldives
ANZEIGE – Das W Maldives bietet Ihren Kunden einen luxuriösen Spielplatz, eingebettet in die herzförmige Insel Fesdu und umgeben von einem der besten Hausriffe des Landes. Gäste wachen mit dem Geräusch der Wellen auf, die gegen den Infinity-Pool plätschern, und entdecken ein Wunderland mit weißen Sandstränden und türkisfarbenen Lagunen – immer begleitet vom einzigartigen W-Musikkonzept. Verspielte Overwater- und Strand-Villen mit privaten Pools, innovative Kulinarik und verwöhnende Behandlungen im AWAY Spa sorgen für ein entspanntes Lifestyle-Erlebnis mitten im Indischen Ozean. Unvergesslich ist die Erkundung der Unterwasserwelt im Tauchzentrum DOWN UNDER & WAVE. Frei nach dem Motto whatever / whenever!
The Cashel Palace, Tipperary County
If these walls could talk! The structure of today's The Cashel Palace dates back to 1732, and this former archbishop's residence was turned into a hotel in the 1960s. But it only became truly high-end with The Cashel Palace, which opened in spring of 2022. The elaborate restoration was carried out by heritage architects, who carefully designed the 42 rooms and eight suites. Guests here have one main destination: the legendary Rock of Cashel. Conveniently, the Relais & Châteaux member is located right at the foot of this famous monument. What makes the hotel so charming are its marble floors, stucco walls, heavy carpets, and plush sofas paired with plenty of paintings of horses. The Magnier family, who owns the hotel, has a long tradition of horse breeding and has imparted its passion to the property. Equestrians should book a special experience here: "Racing Royalty." Accompanied by the Equine Concierge, guests are granted access to the Holy Grounds of the world-famous Coolmore Stud and the Ballydoyle Racing stable. In the evening, traditional Irish dishes are served at The Bishop's Buttery. Pro tip: try the specially created Cashel Palace Gin served at the bar.
Trade Contact: Karen Fleming, Director of Sales and Marketing.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Dublin
"Central" perfectly describes the location of this fashionable hotel, as Dublin's famous Grafton Street shopping district is a two-minute walk away, and St. Stephen's Green is across the street. Irish hospitality is palpable from the moment you're welcomed into the chic lobby. The Fitzwilliam Hotel welcomes guests with 139 newly renovated rooms, stylishly elegant and decorated with color-blocking elements. Christopher Ashe, who was responsible for the hotel's very first décor, is also responsible for the new design. Ashe worked with many different fabrics to create a cozy feel-good atmosphere. Anyone who wants a lot of space and exclusivity should book the Penthouse Suite, the heart of the hotel. Despite its size of 220 square meters (2,368sq. ft.), the suite is designed for only two people, plus a room for a small entourage. The hotel provides 24-hour butler service, has its own bar, as well as its own Steinway grand piano. If you don't want to eat here, book a table at Andy McFadden's Glovers Alley restaurant, which has also been completely renovated and boasts a Michelin star. It serves Irish cuisine with a twist, but be sure to make a reservation, as Dubliners also frequent this gem!
Trade Contact: Bronagh Kelleher, Director of Sales & Marketing.
Let's ask the Industry: Does Ireland provide true luxury?
"We had a striking number of FIT Ireland bookings this summer – luxury rental car tours or guided private tours with a driver, guide, hotels, and adventure programs. Ireland is ideal for individualists with high demands, and rich in charming accommodations and luxury hotels – extraordinary experiences far from the mainstream. The country is a cool mix of tradition, modernity, and hip, modern cuisine. It's easy to reach but still a small world of its own. The people are hospitable, humorous, and there's a lively pub culture. The mild climate, beautiful coasts, and colorful villages are all close together and accessible, and there's a good choice of luxury hotels no matter where you look. They're often charming, owner-managed boutique hotels, or magnificent estates, or real castle hotels, or hip places – both in the cities and across the countryside. It'll be hard to find the big well-known luxury hotel brands though, as the country is dominated by the individual and mostly smaller luxury hotels, but that's exactly what makes Ireland so appealing. Early booking is therefore worthwhile and also strongly recommended, as the ideal travel season is relatively short – from late spring to early fall. We've arranged the individual Ireland experience either as a road trip including a complete program, or as a comfortable private trip with a driver-guide. Admittedly, high-end shopping is more difficult; Ireland is more about the real down-to-earth experience, original nature, outdoor activities, authenticity, and simplicity, which I think is the real luxury of today. My biggest highlight is the wild coast. I really needed strong nerves on One Man's Path! This narrow path on the cliffs gave me a distinctively memorable adrenaline kick. The hike along the Cliffs of Moher and the Kilkee Cliffs in Kerry are also unforgettable. My top addresses: Sheen Falls Lodge, The Cliff House Ardmore, The K Club, The Europe Killarney, Adare Manor, Ballyfin, and the G in Galway."
Dirk Gowin, CEO and Founder, Select Luxury Travel