Cosy country house hotels: romantic luxury manors in Ireland

Set on a picturesque oak-lined avenue, this gorgeous Victorian country house boasts 14 acres of landscaped gardens with stunning views of the Irish Sea.

Each historic room at the manor house is sumptuously decorated and furnished with antiques; selected suites feature extra luxury touches like four-poster beds and fireplaces.

Enjoy a blend of modern and traditional fare at Brunel restaurant, where fresh herbs are taken from the hotel’s very own herb garden.

A grand ivy-covered Georgian manor, this country house hotel still retains most of its 18th-century charm, coupled with all the desired mod cons for a romantic weekend away.

The seven historic heritage rooms, located in the building’s original wing, are only accessible via a corridor with exposed oak beams. Go back in time and savour the decadent four poster beds and roll top baths, perfect for two.

In its previous life, the Palladian manor house served as a school; the hotel pays homage to this scholarly history with the suitably named Schoolhouse Bar.

This rural regency-style hotel is situated in 40 acres of woodlands, which also boast an ornamental lake, croquet lawn, tennis court and fragrant rose garden.

The manor house has just 19 bedrooms that have been carefully furnished with period details; upgrading gets you four-poster beds, gas fireplaces, marble double-sinks and French doors that open out onto the terrace.

Splash out on fine dining in the flower-filled conservatory that looks out onto the grounds. The frescoed walls and sparkling silverware are sure to take your romantic five-course meal to the next level.

Enjoy a romantic night in this 19th-century French-château-style spa resort, nestled in a spectacular 550-acre country manor estate that’s just 40 minutes from Dublin.

Each of the luxury bedrooms in the mansion have been individually designed, so no two rooms are quite the same. You’ll love the selection of artwork and antiques and the comfort of the duck down duvets.

Visit the K Spa for some ‘his and hers’ time; the wellness centre features an outdoor hot tub, indoor Jacuzzi, swimming pool, private spa baths, Rasul mud chamber and Vichy shower with a massaging six shower head system.

On the banks of the River Boyne, in 12 acres of beautiful Meath countryside, this 18th-century Palladian-style manor house is the perfect destination for a romantic escape.

The hotel’s individually designed bedrooms boast goose-feather pillows, original floorboards and vintage furniture. We especially love the intimacy of The Main House suites with their wood-pannelled walls and sash windows.

Treat you and your other half to some one-on-one time in the Bathhouse Spa; enjoy the bubbles in the hot tub, or turn up the heat in the sauna and steam room.

Be Lord and Lady of the manor for a night in this gorgeous Georgian country house overlooking the River Nore, surrounded by a sprawling estate of over 1,500 acres of quiet wooded countryside.

Couples will love the Riverview Manor House King Rooms, which offer breathtaking views across to Ballylinch Stud; perfect for watching a romantic sunset.

Looking to impress? Go all out at the Michelin-starred restaurant and try the sumptuous nine-course menu – it’s a surprise tasting, but we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

This historic hotel occupies a stately 17th-century manor, built on 45 acres of timberland and gardens. Just 20 minutes from Dublin city centre, it proves you don’t need to leave the capital for a cosy country house stay.

Take in the old-world glamour in the grand period-style bedrooms, or if you truly want to surprise your other half, why not check into one of the exclusive Castle Suites?

Indulge in a spot of afternoon tea in the stunning drawing room, where you can choose from a selection of teas, fresh scones, sandwiches and pastries as you look out onto the formal gardens.

Tucked away in three acres of mature walled gardens, this intimate 18th-century country house hotel overlooks the Mourne mountains just an hour’s drive from Dublin.

With just 12 guestrooms, the country house hotel offers a peaceful romantic escape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With claw-footed Victorian baths and antique beds, why would you ever leave?

Share fresh shellfish from the local lough – the oysters, mussels and lobster are to die for, complimented with herbs from the hotel garden and views of the cliffs.

A beautifully-restored 18th-century manor house, this golf and spa resort is housed on 1,100-acres of open parkland just 20 minutes from the capital.

Expect a thoroughly romantic experience in the Lady Emily Suite, with its panoramic views of the rose-garden, open fireplaces, wooden floorboards, glass chandeliers, free-standing roll-top bath and four-poster bed.

Wander hand-in-hand through the estate and discover the bluebell-lined paths, meadows and weirs, dotted with love seats and teaming with local wildlife like deer, foxes and squirrels.

Dating back to the 18th century, this cosy ivy-clad country house welcomes couples looking to escape their daily routine and spend some well-deserved quality time together.

Most rooms boast views of the award-winning gardens or world-renowned thatched cottages of Adare village, but we think the Dunraven Suite is ideal for loved-up twosomes, with its four-poster bed and free-standing bath.

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the atmospheric cocktail bar. Decked out with oak panelling and leather banquettes, the bar stars a live pianist who plays soft jazz tunes well into the night.

Need some alone time? Then check into this luxury lakeside manor on the shores of Caragh Lake, perfectly situated along the scenic Ring of Kerry.

Bedrooms in the main house have been carefully designed to ensure utter peace and tranquility – with no television or radio, it’s the perfect occasion to rekindle your romance without distractions.

Fancy a romantic picnic? The kitchen will pack a basket full of afternoon treats if you’d like to explore the 32 acres of spectacular gardens, with hidden pathways and secret glades.

Set in a grand 19th-century manor house on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park, this boutique country house hotel is just a 10-minute walk to the lively town centre.

Spoil your partner with a romantic night or two in the Herbert Suite. High ceilings, bay windows, a marble bathroom with Jacuzzi bath – these are just a few things that make the suite so special.

Located in the basement of the hotel, the original wine cellar of the house is a beautifully intimate setting for a glass of wine or Irish craft gin, or some tasty bar food if you’d like to make a whole night of it.

Set on a 163-acre countryside estate overlooking Lough Abisdealy, this serene Georgian manor house comes complete with its very own 50-acre lake, ponds and waterfalls.

Each room in the historic country house offers scenic views of the surrounding woodlands and Lake Abisdealy, while the house itself features a large reception with grand piano and a sitting room with an open fireplace.

Enjoy a romantic afternoon tea in the elegant drawing room, or if weather permits, out on the Cedar Lawn, while the restaurant combines home-grown ingredients from the gardens with fresh local produce.

This 200-acre country estate is home to one of Ireland’s most regal mansion house hotels, as well as a championship golf course and first-rate spa and leisure club.

The stately suites feature beautiful touches like sash windows, sleigh beds, marble fireplaces and antique furniture. Upon arrival in the luxury Master Deluxe rooms, be greeted with homemade macrons and fresh orchids.

Settle down for romantic gourmet dining in the Roseville Rooms, which have been created from two of the original ornate drawing rooms and interconnected with a pretty garden conservatory.

Nestled on the banks of the River Moy amidst 100 wooded acres, and set in a Gothic manor house dating from 1876, the Mount Falcon Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a romantic break along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Feel the romance of the Connors Gap suite; as the centre-piece of the original manor house, it exudes luxury with its ornate sleigh bed, free-standing cast-iron bath and separate seating area.

Cosy up in the nooks and crannies of the restaurant’s original kitchen and pantry, with its stone walls and brick fireplaces providing a warm atmosphere to accompany the fresh local produce.

Nestled peacefully on a 138-acre estate on the edge of Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Corrib, this luxury country house is one of the few five-star hotels in Galway.

The elegant, plush bedrooms boast unrivalled views of the dramatic West of Ireland landcape, whether it’s a panoramic vista of the River Corrib or the 18th-century abbey and walled garden.

Book a private booth aboard the Pullman Restaurant for a thoroughly unique date night. Once part of the Orient Express, the two historic carriages have been beautifully restored and now look out over the estate.

Grab your S.O. and head to this beautiful 18th-century manor house, situated in its own private estate surrounded by landscaped lawns and gardens next to the ruins of the old abbey.

Special occasion? Then make the experience one to remember, and treat you and your other half to a night in the Abbey Suite, with its fairytale four-poster bed and free-standing bath.

Make the most of your weekend and visit the spa, where you can unwind in the spacious sauna and steam room, plunge pool and Jacuzzi after a long hard day of doing absolutely nothing.

Set on 30 acres of woodland on the shores of Ballinakill Bay and dating back to the 1800s, this is without a doubt one of Ireland’s finest regency hotels.

Retaining its old-world country house grandeur, the manor boasts en-suite bedrooms that have either sea or forest views, and feature original antique furnishings.

Life in a country house hotel is all about taking it easy, so indulge in a decadent afternoon tea in the Victorian conservatory, or relax by the cosy log-fire in the drawing room with a nightcap.

Housed in a whitewashed 16th-century manor, this elegant country house hotel is surrounded by 1,300 acres of parkland and is one of the most popular spa and golf resorts in Ireland.

Choose between the stylish standard and superior rooms or go all-out and check into one of the deluxe suites. No matter where you stay, you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy views over the stunning grounds.

Underneath the house is an array of underground tunnels, one of which now houses the Wine Goose Cellar Bar. Couples will love its intimate atmosphere and exceptional wine list.

Set in a castle on a private 1,000-acre country estate, this stately manor house offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic rural escape in Ireland.

Stay in the individually-designed en-suite guestrooms housed in the main castle, with their authentic interiors and old-style hospitality. You can even upgrade to a master bedroom for that extra-special experience.

The hotel boasts an indulgent breakfast menu, perfect for enjoying after a lie-in. Choose between homemade black and white artisan pudding, buttermilk pancakes with berry compote or grilled Irish kippers.

Set in a Georgian country house on a private 200-acre estate, this stately hotel enjoys a picturesque location on the banks of Lough Swilly.

Rooms at the hotel are spacious and individually designed with generous en-suite bathrooms – we especially love the executive honeymoon suite with its four-poster bed draped in wild silk.

In the evenings, if you can bring yourselves to leave the comfort of your room, enjoy fine dining in the Michelin-recommended restaurant.

Set on an expansive 300-acre estate, with 50 acres of lakes and an impressive 18-hole championship golf course, this country club resort hotel is sure to please your other half.

The elegant Junior Suites boast large windows and modern furnishings, with a luxury seating area including a plush sofa and armchairs. The marble bathroom’s generous tub means you can enjoy a romantic bubble bath.

Take your weekend of pampering to the next level at the spa, and spend an idle day flitting between the steam room, herb sauna, Jacuzzi, adventure showers and salt grotto before retiring to bed.