The Wild Atlantic Way is famed for its rugged peninsulas, pretty harbours and stretches of calm beaches – get to know it better with a 4 or 5-star stay. Get away to a countryside estate where you can wander in rose gardens before relaxing in front of a fire with a glass of bubbly.
Seven luxury hotels in West Cork for an unforgettable break
You may already be dreaming of your next big holiday, but there's no need to wait till then – we’ve put together a list of luxury hotels in West Cork to tempt you away for a short break in the meantime.
A luxury West Cork hotel with a seawater spa
1/4
The clifftop location of Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa, with views out over the Atlantic, eases your senses immediately. Pair that with the hotel’s unique Seawater Spa, and finding your zen is easy! Test out the seawater therapy pool or submerge yourself in the sweet stuff with a chocolate bath – a combination of warm water and chocolate cream that smells delicious.
With vistas over the beaches of Inchydoney, the Gulfstream Restaurant is a romantic place to have dinner for two. You’ll get a sophisticated taste of the area as the kitchen here uses fresh, local seafood to create French-inspired dishes. In the morning, it serves up a hearty full Irish breakfast with speciality Clonakilty pudding – just the thing for filling up before a brisk stroll along the beach.
Head to the Netflix room and catch up on a show, or grab a patchwork armchair in the lounge and a book from the library. Want private downtime? Pop upstairs and slip into your robe and slippers before pampering yourself with Elemis toiletries. Then, fall asleep to the sounds of the crashing waves – every room overlooks the sea.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa
Clonakilty
Subtropical gardens a luxury country house hotel in West Cork
1/4
A beautiful country house set on private grounds and subtropical gardens, this hotel boasts views of the bay and mountains along one of the most beautiful stretches of coastal scenery in Ireland.
The individually-decorated rooms feature antique furniture to ensure that ‘country house’ feel, and look out over the landscaped lawns or the Atlantic Ocean.
Dining here is an intimate affair, whether it’s in the main dining room or the airy conservatory. Think polished mahogany tables, crisp white linen, a well-stocked wine cellar and local delicacies like West Cork lamb.
Seaview House
Ballylickey
Harbour-view rooms at a luxury hotel in West Cork
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Uncover the winding lanes of medieval Kinsale from the Trident Hotel. This 4-star beauty sits right on the harbour and floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the serene views. Blue, red and cream tones amp up the nautical feel, while snug armchairs and blankets make you feel at home.
Can’t get enough of the views? Pull up a seat on the terrace at the Foredeck Bar – it’s right on the edge of the water. Bring a paper and order a frothy cappuccino for that carefree holiday feeling. For later on, The Wharf Tavern serves up seafood classics like mussels mariniére. Bare brick walls and lanterns bring a rustic feel while the windows let you gaze once again on the waters. For an anniversary, book a table at the Pier One restaurant, where candlelit tables add romance. Sample the flavours of the sea with dishes like sea bass, or indulge your tastebuds with venison.
Rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll wake up in your king-size (covered with fine linens) and feel the call to explore the landscape. You can continue your Wild Atlantic Way adventure by dropping by Charles Fort – a star-shaped fort, just an 8-minute drive away.
Trident Kinsale
Kinsale
An adjoining 9-hole golf course at a luxury family-run hotel in West Cork
1/4
Situated on the shores of Clonakilty Bay, this cosy family-run hotel neighbours an adjoining 9-hole golf course and sea terrace to ensure you make the most of West Cork’s beautiful vistas.
Most of the bright and spacious rooms at Dunmore House overlook the Atlantic Ocean and feature great little touches like wool-cashmere throws and L’Occitane toiletries.
Dining at Dunmore House is all about local produce, whether it’s fresh shellfish from Union Hall or meat from the craft butchers in Clonakilty, paired with a superior wine list.
Dunmore House
Clonakilty
Panoramic views of Bantry Bay at a luxury hotel in West Cork
1/4
Set on the beautiful Bantry Bay and the three rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara, this stylish hotel is an excellent base for your time in West Cork.
The designer rooms at The Maritime Hotel boast panoramic views of the bay or the woods of Bantry House, and most come with their very own balconies so you can truly take in your spectacular surroundings.
To truly enjoy some well-deserved me-time, check out the spa’s 19 metre pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and luxury treatment rooms that overlook the picturesque coves and sea.
The Maritime Hotel
Bantry
Flower gardens and tranquillity at a luxury hotel in West Cork
1/3
For a weekend of romance, check into Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens – an idyllic Georgian mansion. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, this place has photo-worthy landscapes (and the 4 acres of gorgeous grounds only add to the appeal). Take the rose walk – a sweet spot for a memorable moment – or head to the blossom walk to spot daffodils opening up in the spring.
The kitchens make use of the gardens, picking herbs to top off dishes. Get your day off to a good start with yoghourt, fruit and pastries alongside a steaming, freshly brewed coffee. Then, head out to see the Drombeg Stone Circles, a 20-minute drive away. This stone altar overlooks the sea and gives you the opportunity to wander through the West Cork countryside.
The hotel pub is waiting when you get back. Settle into a snug booth and order a whiskey or pint at the oak bar. While the hotel gives off an elegant 19th-century vibe, rooms are thoroughly modern – expect plush carpets and crisp white linens. Silky throws and the artwork dotted around add a touch of home.
Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens
Clonakilty
A luxury hotel in West Cork by the harbour
1/4
Watch the boats bobbing in the water of Kinsale Harbour from your room at the Actons Hotel. Every room here has been individually designed then finished off with homely features like high-backed armchairs and scatter cushions – great for flopping down on after a walk by the River Bandon. Nap time? Just draw your blackout blinds and sleep peacefully under your duck-down duvet.
Once you’re well rested, head down to the health and fitness club. Dip your feet in the 15-metre pool then pull a lounger up to the side and bask in the natural sunlight that flows through the large windows. A session in the sauna helps you totally unwind before rejoining the girls in the Garden Lounge for an indulgent afternoon tea of freshly baked scones served up with lashings of cream.
Grab a table in Sidney’s Bar for your evening meal. Overhanging lights in this elegant dark-wood bar set a soft atmosphere that’s ideal for catching up with a loved one. Seafood fan? The menu gives you the opportunity to try local produce, such as spicy prawn linguine. Finish off your night with a whiskey on the patio or a walk down to the harbour.
Actons Kinsale
Kinsale