5-star hotels in Leinster: luxury getaways to tick off your list

Housed in an elegant 18th century estate that’s now an Irish National Monument, this 5-star hotel offers guests the quintessential luxury city break in the affluent Dublin suburb of Blackrock.

Business Class Suites at Radisson Blu St Helen’s are furnished with a king-sized bed and deep mahogany furniture, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a fresh cup of your coffee from your personal Nespresso machine as you look out over the carefully-tended gardens, or Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountains.

Come evening time, order an aperitif like a Negroni or Aperol Spritz, and follow this with fine Italian cuisine in the restaurant talavera, ran by head executive chef Giancarlo Anselmi. Plus, you can enjoy a taste of Italy with the daily antipasti buffet serving delicious meats, cheeses and breads.

Alternatively, treat yourself to afternoon tea or sample the extensive gin menu in the Orangerie Bar. The Victorian-style conservatory overlooks the manicured grounds thanks to its beautiful bay windows, and you can also enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace.

Arguably Dublin’s most famous historic hotel, this landmark Georgian building has enjoyed its privileged position overlooking the iconic St. Stephen’s Green since the early 19th century.

Stay in the Heritage Wing at The Shelbourne and enjoy the lap of luxury in the two-bedroom Princess Grace Presidential Suite. Spread over 1530 sqft, the suite features plush features like high ceilings, ottomans and professionally-lit makeup mirrors, plus extra touches like a personal butler service.

Fine dining at the Saddle Room is an elegant affair. Named the best hotel restaurant in Dublin at the RAI Restaurant Awards, and with an open kitchen, intimate booths and a lavish oyster bar, it’s the chicest place to enjoy prime cuts of expertly prepared steak and fresh seafood

The new three-floor spa, rolled out in 2012, comes complete with a salon, barber’s shop, 19-metre swimming pool, seven treatment rooms, thermal suite, dance studio, state-of-the-art gymnasium and relaxation room with views of the gardens.

With a striking checkboard facade and chic geometric architecture, this sleek 5-star hotel is neighbour to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, set directly on Grand Canal Square in Dublin’s trendy docklands district.

Check into the expansive Presidential Suite at The Marker, featuring two bathrooms that are both finished in exquisite Italian marble, and boast rainforest showers, dual aspect views and a state-of-the-art in-room interactive entertainment system.

Enjoy the urban retreat that is the hotel’s cocoon-like spa, and flit between the dramatic emerald-green 23-metre infinity pool, huge 10-seater Jacuzzi. sauna, eucalyptus-infused steam room and the two retro cocoons that are suspended from the ceiling.

Once you’re fully rested, refreshed and rejuvenated, venture up to the sophisticated seventh-floor, open-air rooftop bar. What could be a nicer end to the day than enjoying a professionally-prepared cocktail on the large decking area with panoramic cityscape views?

Located in the centre of Georgian Dublin, nestled between Trinity College and St Stephen’s Green on the doorstep of Grafton Street, this classic luxury hotel remains a firm favourite thanks to its high ceilings and Waterford crystal chandeliers.

The Luxury Four Poster Suites at The Westbury exude comfort and understated opulence. Spanning 775 sq ft, they feature separate living areas, four-poster beds, statement lighting, Nespresso coffee machines and flat-screen TVs, plus marble-clad bathrooms with free-standing baths and under-floor heating.

Pairing the energetic vibe of a trendy New York eatery with the easy elegance of a high-end Parisian brasserie, the Balfes bistro boasts a 20-seater outdoor terrace and an open kitchen serving tasty dishes like rib-eye steaks prepared on a Josper grill.

Follow this with a visit to the hotel’s swish 1930s-inspired cocktail bar. If you’ve got money to burn, the Sidecar Privileged Cocktail costs a whopping €150, or alternatively try the equally chic €15 version, made from Hennessy Fine de Cognac – there are only six bottles in the world of this special blend…

Fusing the classical with the contemporary, The Fitzwilliam is lauded as one of the city centre’s most stylish hotels – think boutique style and service, but on a slightly larger, grander scale.

The penthouse measures almost 2,000 square foot, and every little detail has been carefully considered, from the Jo Malone toiletries to the private wine cellar. Savour your complimentary champagne, chocolates and orchids, and the fact that your favourite music and movies have been pre-loaded.

Indulge in a spot of fine dining at Glovers Alley, a beautiful, immaculately-designed restaurant with subtle French influences. Pop down for lunch or dine a la cart, or if it’s a special occasion then sample the tasting menus and superb wine list.

Or why not try the one-of-a-kind ‘late afternoon’ tea? Chic and contemporary, the Fitzwilliam brings a new layer of creativity to this popular treat. You’ll love the black sesame & panko smoke halibut beignet with lime aioli and goats cheese mousse with beetroot jelly, pistachio dust and sakura.

The Conrad enjoyed a sleek €13 million makeover in 2016. Taking its inspiration from the capital city and the Iveagh Gardens, it takes pride of place opposite the gardens of St Stephen’s Green and overlooking the majestic National Concert Hall.

Treat yourself to a night or two in one of the hotel’s luxury suites. We especially love the 156sq m Presidential, with its unparalleled city views, spacious living room, dining area, state-of-the-art-sound system, Nespresso machine and even a baby grand piano.

Make sure you pay a visit to Alfie Byrne’s by Galway Bay Brewery, the cool craft beer bar with up to 33 variations on draught as well as whiskeys from Ireland and the US. Play a game of pool, or take a seat on the terrace and make the most of the views of the National Concert Hall.

On the other hand, treat yourself to a musically-inspired afternoon tea in Lemuel’s Bar and Lounge – it’s a culinary celebration of the hotel’s world-famous neighbour, the National Concert Hall. You can even upgrade to a special cocktail or champagne afternoon tea.

A stone’s throw from Trinity College, you’ll find the luxury Georgian Westin hotel. Behind the hotel’s beautiful 19th century façade, you’ll find opulent marble pillars, ornamental ceilings and chandeliers crafted from Waterford Crystal.

Stay in the Presidential College Suite and enjoy the iconic views over Trinity College Dublin and College Green from one of many balconies; awaiting you is also your very own exercise area, library, private Nordic steam room and Jacuzzi bath.

With a pretty courtyard and a five-storey glass roof, the Atrium Lounge is the best backdrop for trying afternoon tea with an unusual twist – like devilled crayfish mayonnaise in a charcoal wafer cone and popcorn panna cotta – plus the pièce de résistance, a teapot of Victorian Mojito with Beefeater Gin.

Or wander down beneath the hotel and discover, concealed within the original vaults of the old bank, the chic Mint Bar. With a special Friday cocktail menu and excellent bar food, there’s a reason it’s a regular winner of ‘Hotel Bar of the Year’.

On an exclusive Victorian Street in Dublin 4, tucked away in the heart of the city centre’s most sophisticated quarter, you’ll find this gorgeous urban boutique hotel.

With a loft-style feel thanks to the vaulted ceiling and porthole window, the signature penthouse suite at Dylan Hotel is decked out with a bespoke, hand-crafted Italian king bed and a marble bathroom complete with underfloor heating, deep soak tub, walk-in rainfall shower and even an in-bathroom TV.

Then, the outdoor (but thankfully heated) terrace features modern mood-lit panelled walls and bamboo, finished by a feature redbrick wall. Boasting two outdoor TVs, comfortable wicker seating and a creative cocktail menu, it’s the best way to spend a sunny a Saturday afternoon.

Make sure you try the crème de la crème of weekend brunches. Served from 11am to 4pm, you can choose from over 25 options of sweet and savoury dishes, be it the French toast topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup or a delicious breakfast burrito of Irish beef, black beans, chorizo and avocado.

Offering luxurious 5-star city-centre accommodation, the Merrion is housed in a beautiful restored Georgian building, set around an immaculately manicured 18th-century garden in the heart of Dublin 2.

Suites in the Main House boast original fireplaces, period-style furniture and vaulted ceilings, while the Garden Wing suites boast bathrooms made of Italian carrera marble, and showcase views of the hotel’s private landscaped grounds.

Enjoy fine dining and contemporary Irish cuisine in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaudor, the only 2-Michelin star rated restaurant in Ireland, followed by a glass of red from the carefully curated wine list in the hotel’s oak-lined Cellar Bar vaults.

Then move to the Tethra Spa for some R&R, thanks to its gorgeous 18m infinity swimming pool set in French limestone, flanked by impressive columns and tiled in pretty turquoise mosaic. The opulent Italian marble steam room also emulates the Roman-bath vibe.

Nestled in the charming village of Killenard and set within private grounds, this beautiful 5-star hotel combines a stunning countryside setting with superb spa facilities and excellent dining experiences.

The Heritage Hotel boasts three individually designed luxury suites, with unparalleled views of the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains. Upgrading to a suite gets you snazzy features like electric fireplaces, free-standing deep soak bath tubs, walk-in showers, and a personal terrace and balcony.

Treat yourselves to afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge, splash out on exquisite fine dining in the Arlington Restaurant, or get down with the best of gastro pub-grub in front of the fire in the Slieve Bloom Bar.

Stretching over 7,000 sq ft, the Heritage Spa offers the best in heat, hydro, and cooling experiences via their 20 treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, pedi spa, mud chambers and Hammam, ice fountain, experience showers, hydro-pool, rustic Finnish sauna cabin and Turkish steam bath.

This elegant spa hotel is nestled in 170 acres of mature parkland, dotted with picturesque lakes and historic gardens just on the outskirts of Kilkenny city centre.

The bedrooms in the 17th-century manor house are furnished with four poster beds, walk-in wardrobes and roll-top baths, while luxury suites have dressing rooms, wet room showers and gas fireplaces. The opulent Penthouse at Lyrath Estate includes special touches like fresh flowers, red wine and handmade chocolates.

Sit back and relax for a few hours in the Oasis Spa with its panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the estate, whether you choose exclusive treatments from Kerstin Florian and Elemis or a dip in the hydrotherapy pool.

Celebrate with afternoon tea in the brightly lit Atrium, as the large window runs the length of the restaurant and looks out over the courtyard and garden. At the weekends, it’s served in the Yew Restaurant with views of Lady Charlotte’s Gardens.

Nestled in a spectacular 550-acre country manor estate with the River Liffey running through it, this 19th-century, French-château-style spa resort also comprises of two golf courses – the Palmer Course hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006.

Each of the luxury suites in the mansion have been individually designed, so no two rooms are the same. You’ll love the selection of artwork by Jack Yeats (brother to poet WB) and dark wood antiques, plus the comfort of the duck down duvets paired with the elegance of the jacquard print and chandeliers.

Covering 20,000 sq ft, the K Spa boasts a Canadian outdoor hot tub, indoor Jacuzzi, 16.5 metre swimming pool with water jet massage, private spa baths, Rasul mud chamber, Hammam, seven luxe treatment rooms, two private suites and a peaceful aromatic garden.

Afternoon tea at The K Club is served in the charming Chinese Drawing Room. The three-tiered silver stand boasts freshly baked scones topped with jam and cream, pastries and finger sandwiches, and of course tea and coffee – or a chilled glass of champagne, if you feel like splurging.

This fab golf resort and spa hotel is set in 400 acres of rolling countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. The Druids Glen Course is famous for hosting the Irish Open on four occasions, while Druids Heath is known as ‘nature’s gift to golf’, weaving its way around quarries, trees, lakes and pot bunkers.

Upon checking into the Presidential Suite, you’re greeted with a bottle of chilled Moet & Chandon and chocolate-dipped strawberries, which you can enjoy in front of your double-sided fire. After unwinding in the free-standing bath with L’Occitane toiletries, enjoy your evening canapés as you look out over the golf course, all before retiring to your four-poster king-size bed.

The cosy spa is softly lit and with the gentle aroma of essential oils, so it’s the best way to escape from the world for a couple of hours, and return feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. When you’ve finished your massage, why not visit the 8-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, plunge pool or steam room?

Sample the modern, creative cuisine and seasonal fare, like Dublin Bay prawns and Castletownbere scallops, in the 2 AA Rosette Hugo’s Restaurant. Boasting idyllic woodland views, the room is minimalist in design, with wood-panelling, a soft colour scheme and plush velvet booths.

Tankardstown House is a gorgeous, restored 18th-century country manor house set on a lush 80-acre estate in the heart of the Boyne Valley. This Georgian-mansion-turned-boutique-5-star-hotel has its own chickens and vegetable garden, less than an hour’s drive from Dublin.

Set in the picturesque Tankardstown’s Garden Village, brimming with rustic charm, the Tea Garden is a quaint, lop-sided cottage, decked out with odd tables and mismatched china. Enjoy a whimsical afternoon tea at the weekend, served from 1-4pm – and of course, there are gluten-free and vegetarian options.

The flagship Master Suite boasts fabulous dual-aspect bay windows, a large marble ensuite bathroom with a double shower and original free-standing tub, plus two dressing rooms. We also love The Library Suite overlooking the orangery, with a mahogany four-poster bed, free-standing roll top bath, his & hers gilt washstands and a double shower.

Fancy some R&R? The Hide-Out is tucked away from the main house beside the walled pleasure garden, and offers peaceful respite from the outside world. Lounge in your fluffy robe and slippers, sit back with a magazine or newspaper, order a refreshing herbal tea and take a dip in the relaxing hot tub after a long massage.