5-star hotels in Ireland: your next luxury escape

There are few better spots to appreciate the hilly, emerald-carpeted landscapes of Killarney than the Europe Hotel and Spa. From your private balcony, you might even see white-tailed eagles swoop over the deep waters of the Killarney’s shimmering lakes. The largest of all – Loch Léin – sits within the hotel grounds, reflecting the rugged wilderness of the McGillycuddy Reeks mountain range. The hotel helps you to make the most of this enchanting landscape with outdoor pursuits including golf, fishing, horse-riding, hiking, tennis and swimming.

Rooms at the Europe Hotel and Spa are designed to be peaceful oases away from the everyday world. Each has a view of the lake or verdant gardens, with a balcony on which to soak it all up. Begin your day wrapped up in your bathrobe with a hot cup of coffee, breathing in the clean, fresh air of the  Irish countryside. Interiors offer a contemporary take on rustic, with subtle tartan touches and a creamy palette of soft taupes, buttery caramels and warm coffees. Modern additions, like state-of-the-art Nespresso machines and sleek glass double doors, create an elegant aesthetic.

Soothe tired muscles at the hotel’s spa – ESPA at the Europe. In this serene cocoon, the only soundtrack is the soothing lap of water on the lakeshore. As the sun sets, swim below cascading luminescent light fixtures in the lantern-lined pool. After a fragrant herbal tea in the spa café, recline on heated loungers or detoxify in the thermal suite. Indulgence is the order of the day at ESPA at the Europe, which features 16 treatment rooms, two express beauty suites, a private spa suite and several manicure and pedicure thrones. Try a pressure-relieving hot stone massage, or hydrate your skin with a harmonising facial.

Whether you prefer putting or pampering, visit the K Club Hotel & Resort in Kildare for a truly indulgent break. Alongside its two world-famous golf courses (no less than 13 European Opens have been played here), this elegant country retreat is home to the secluded K Spa. While away your time on a massage table or in the detoxifying steam room, or refresh your skin with a citrus or bamboo scrub. The spa also has a large indoor pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Afterwards, relax in a vintage armchair in your hotel suite while you savour a freshly made coffee from your Nespresso machine. Original paintings and antiques in each room create a stately atmosphere. Standard bedrooms feature hand-painted en-suite bathrooms, comfortable double beds with duck-down duvets and 24-hour valet service. For a truly opulent stay, book the Viceroy Suite – with lush drapes, a regal four-poster bed and an ample Jacuzzi bath, it’s fit for royalty.

The K Club has six different eating establishments, ranging from fine-dining experiences to relaxed Asian fare. For breakfast, head to the River Room and tuck into a sizzling full Irish breakfast while looking out over the landscaped gardens. At lunch, the Media Puzzle Lounge provides an elegant setting for afternoon tea. Try a blend of international and Irish cuisine – from duck breast with wild garlic duxelles to fresh Atlantic cod with mussels – at the Byerley Turk. Wash your dinner down with a glass of whiskey at the Vintage Crop Cocktail Bar.

If you’re aiming to experience Irish dining at its finest, the Merrion Hotel in Dublin won’t disappoint. This city-centre establishment is home to the reputed Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only 2-star Michelin restaurant. Look out over the hotel’s classical gardens as you dine on innovative French-meets-Irish dishes, such as ravioli of blue lobster and butter roast anjou pigeon. For a more laidback meal, eat at the Garden Room. Take a seat on the terrace on a sunny day and treat yourself to a glass of champagne while surrounded by lavender and wisteria. The hotel’s two period gardens have an 18th-century feel, with carefully manicured box hedges, elegant statues and trickling fountains.

Created from four restored Georgian townhouses, the Merrion is known for its impressive collection of Irish art and antiques. Each room is decorated in warm pastel hues inspired by the Irish painter Paul Henry – one of his paintings even hangs in the hotel’s front hall. Sink into your king-sized bed set with 400-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets at the end of a long day spent exploring Dublin’s cobbled streets.

Unwind from the bustle of the city with a trip to the Tethra Spa. Experienced therapists here use natural ESPA and Darphin products in all of their treatments, from aromatherapy massages to revitalising facials. Indulge in a full-body wrap to re-energise your muscles, or detox in the steam room before taking a gentle swim in the Roman-style pool.

Set within elegantly manicured gardens, Hayfield Manor provides a country-style retreat in the heart of cosmopolitan Cork. Start with afternoon tea accompanied by chilled champagne and a classical pianist. As well as freshly baked scones and delicate finger sandwiches, the Orchids Restaurant at this 5-star hotel offers gourmet meals with contemporary Irish influences, such as a West Cork trio of lamb with caramelised cabbage, scallion mash and roasted garlic puree. Alternatively, tuck into a Mediterranean-inspired dish like pan-roasted fillet of seabass at the double AA rosette Perrotts Garden Bistro, where luxurious food is served in an airy, glass-walled room.

Every little detail has been taken care of in the hotel’s sumptuous rooms: comfortable orthopaedic king-size beds feature throughout, while every marble bathroom is equipped with a heated towel rail, soft bathrobes and complimentary Elemis Spa products. Pick a superior room for views across the gardens and the city of Cork, or go all out with a Grand Suite, which has its own private sitting room, marble fireplace and lavish four-poster bed.

For an afternoon of relaxation, wander down to the Beautique Spa. Book a soothing facial or a calming body ritual, or de-stress with a Swedish massage in one of the seven treatment rooms. Add the finishing touches with a professional manicure, pedicure or lash treatment before slipping into the outdoor Jacuzzi for views with your bubbles. The spa also has a rejuvenating steam room and sauna, as well as a large indoor pool surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and tropical plants.

Wake up to the sound of the waves at the Cliff House Hotel. In a Balcony Suite, comfy wingback armchairs are perfectly placed next to the oceanfront windows – so you can do a spot of whale watching while you relax with a freshly brewed tea. Two private balconies, a luxury bathroom with a raised bath and rainforest shower and a flickering fireplace create a blissful setting. For a self-catered retreat with a group of friends, book the three-bedroom Cliff Cottage. Decorated in cool seaside tones, this chic hideaway has a private garden, bay views and a wood-burning stove in its cosy living room.

Despite its sleepy seaside location, the hotel is home to a Michelin star restaurant, the House, which offers mesmerising sea views from its floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu changes regularly to keep it fresh and seasonal, but the theme is always modern Irish with an innovative twist. Savour dishes like Irish wild venison, or beef ‘McGrath’ laced with Irish truffle. Alternatively, head to the hotel’s pub-style bar to sample hearty dishes on the outdoor, cliff-side terrace: hot bowls of chowder will keep you cosy even if a sea breeze is blowing.

For a bit of R&R, make the most of the Well by the Sea Spa. Take a refreshing swim in the natural outdoor rock pool, or slip into the heated Jacuzzi. Floor-to-ceiling windows around the 15 metre indoor infinity pool offer sweeping views across the Irish sea. Lounge in the sauna or steam room, or book a massage or cleansing facial in one of the four restful treatment rooms.

For blissful pampering in the heart of Ireland’s capital, it has to be the Shelbourne Dublin. This 5-star hotel has seven luxurious treatment rooms and a large regal relaxation suite with cushioned loungers and fragrant bowls of rose petals. Book a nourishing Elemis facial or full body wrap, or release tension with a deep tissue massage. Take a dip in the 18 metre indoor heated swimming pool, or relax in the hotel’s thermal suite. Before an evening out, visit the salon and have your makeup, hair and nails artfully prepared by a team of professionals.

Choose a Heritage Parkview Room to look out over the historic St Stephen’s Green below – a plush armchair positioned just in front of the sash window is an ideal people-watching spot. Balcony rooms offer a private outdoor seating area that’s ideal for sipping a glass of chilled Sancerre at sunset.

No matter the time of the day, the Shelbourne has plenty of appetising dining options available. Pick a table in the shimmering gold surroundings of the Saddle Room for simple classics such as perfectly cooked steak or a caviar platter. Traditional afternoon tea is served in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge; a resident pianist will serenade you as eat – switch your brew to a glass of champagne for an indulgent treat.

Make your escape to Donegal a regal retreat with a stay at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel and Spa. To indulge in some ‘me-time’, book a full-body massage at Spa Solis – a calming oasis decorated with green and gold mosaic tiles. There are seven treatment rooms as well as a massaging jet bath and cleansing thermal suite. Take a dip in the large infinity pool overlooking flower-filled gardens, or give your nails a high-shine finish with a manicure or pedicure.

It’s surprising how pampering yourself can work up quite an appetite. If you’re feeling peckish, make your way to the Cedars Restaurant. Here, fresh produce sourced from the local area is transformed into simple yet hearty fare, such as tender Irish lamb with pomegranate, yoghurt, mint and almond, or braised beef with Anna potatoes and red wine jus. After dinner, sink into a leather armchair in the inviting Oak Bar a cold Irish gin or whiskey in hand.

Courtyard rooms at the Lough Eske hotel are situated in the 15th-century castle’s renovated stables, where floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light. For a luxurious stay, pick one of the castle’s garden suites, which have large living areas with direct access onto the castle grounds. On relaxed mornings, wrap up in a luxury bathrobe and have breakfast brought to your suite to enjoy in your own lounge – or even in your king-sized bed.

Situated just outside the picturesque village of Adare, surrounded by medieval ruins, walled gardens and woodlands in an 840-acre estate, this glorious neo-Gothic spa hotel has recently enjoyed an extensive €10 million restoration.

The hotel now showcases a spectacular new afternoon tea menu, served in the elegant two-storey Gallery surrounded by magnificent stained glass and wood carvings. It’s quite a spread – think a totally indulgent 70% chocolate brownie with peanut butter (yum) and dainty sandwiches with Doonbeg dressed crab.

Enjoy the tranquility of the newly-renovated La Mer spa’s heated indoor swimming pool, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the River Maigue and golf course. You can also treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure or gel nails from Margaret Dabbs London in the salon, or simply sit back and relax in the sauna.

Other facilities in the hotel include a luxury, old-world cinema boasting a 140” wide screen and deep leather seats with cushions, where you can catch both classic and contemporary films. Or you can explore the grounds on a 45-minute horse-drawn carriage journey, complete with Irish lambswool blankets and wine coolers – the dream.

Whether you prefer putting or pampering, visit the K Club Hotel & Resort in Kildare for a truly indulgent break. Alongside its two world-famous golf courses (no less than 13 European Opens have been played here), this elegant country retreat is home to the secluded K Spa. While away your time on a massage table or in the detoxifying steam room, or refresh your skin with a citrus or bamboo scrub. The spa also has a large indoor pool and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Afterwards, relax in a vintage armchair in your hotel suite while you savour a freshly made coffee from your Nespresso machine. Original paintings and antiques in each room create a stately atmosphere. Standard bedrooms feature hand-painted en-suite bathrooms, comfortable double beds with duck-down duvets and 24-hour valet service.

The K Club has six different eating establishments, ranging from fine-dining experiences to relaxed Asian fare. For breakfast, head to the River Room and tuck into a sizzling full Irish breakfast while looking out over the landscaped gardens. At lunch, the Media Puzzle Lounge provides an elegant setting for afternoon tea. Try a blend of international and Irish cuisine – from duck breast with wild garlic duxelles to fresh Atlantic cod with mussels – at the Byerley Turk. Wash your dinner down with a glass of whiskey at the Vintage Crop Cocktail Bar.

For a serene country retreat, stay at the Lyrath Estate – a 17th-century manor surrounded by 170 acres of rolling parkland, where you can wander among ancient trees and manicured lawns. Rooms in the old manor house are awash with period features, from floral wallpaper to elegant four-poster beds and deep roll-top bathtubs. For a more contemporary feel, opt for one of the hotel’s deluxe rooms with large windows or balconies that overlook the serene lake and gardens.

You can’t visit the Lyrath Estate without visiting the hotel’s Oasis Spa. Take a dip in the spacious indoor pool or relax your muscles in the bubbling hydrotherapy suite overlooking the garden’s cherry trees. Step into one of the treatment rooms to experience a revitalising facial, a stress-relieving massage or refresh your look with a manicure or pedicure.

In the evening, pick a table at the hotel’s double AA rosette Yew Restaurant for internationally inspired cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, like pan-roasted Kilmore Quay cod or grilled organic Donegal salmon. The Grill & Bar offers a more relaxed affair, with leather booths and book-lined walls surrounding the restaurant’s open kitchen, where you can watch your food being prepared. With your hunger satisfied, relax into one of the wing-backed armchairs in front of the original fireplace in Tupper’s Bar, or take a seat in the conservatory overlooking a restored Victorian garden and the estate’s ancient Lyrath yew trees.