Whether you are seeking a brilliant and relaxing spa trip that won’t break the bank, or to enjoy a little time away with your dogs, or seeking authentic historical experiences, these hotels are the lesser-known gems across Ireland.
Everyone loves to find a hidden gem or an unknown paradise, away from the usual tourist routes.
The internet is full of lists of Irish hotels, but frequently the same names appear over and over again. These are ten Irish hotels not on the usual lists.
The rundown – our picks for hotels not on the usual lists
For walkability: Bridge House Hotel
For vintage cars and luxury: Mount Wolesley
For fantastic spa experiences: Faithlegg
For dog lovers: Castle Oaks House Hotel
For ferries and the sea: Marine Hotel Ballycastle
For a bucolic country house retreat: Springfort Hall Country House Hotel
For dining with your dog: Bellinter House
For the heart of Northern Ireland: Glenavon House Hotel
For soaking your cares away: Falls Hotel and Spa
For authentic medieval experiences: Barberstown Castle
The best Irish hotels not on the usual lists – tips and advice
Booking.com is the best way to book Irish hotels not on the usual lists.
When to book: Don’t wait until the last minute! Hotels in Ireland are very popular and fill up quickly. It’s best to book two to three months in advance.
Where to stay in Ireland – places not on the usual lists
Tullamore: this town is considered one of the currently nicest in Ireland. It is clean, compact, and walkable.
Carlow: this town is a stone’s throw from Dublin by car and very popular with commuters as a low-cost alternative to the capital.
Waterford: this ancient seaside town has spectacular beaches and is the home of famous Waterford Crystal.
The River Shannon and Limerick: one of Ireland’s most popular inland waterways and a city with its own unique culture.
Ballycastle: a beautiful oceanside ferry port, it is also near the Giant’s Causeway and ferries to the Scottish islands.
Mallow/Cork: this county’s legendary beauty and varied opportunities for sightseeing, along with Cork City’s interesting identity, make this a fantastic choice.
Navan/Meath: a fascinating area steeped in history and folklore, relatively close to Dublin.
Cookstown, N. Ireland: 400 years of markets and prehistoric history make this a great destination for history buffs.
Ennistymon/Co.Clare: a waterfall running straight through town and the gateway to The Burren.
Kildare: just outside Dublin, a fabulous destination for shopping and thoroughbred horses at the Irish National Stud.
1. Bridge House Hotel, Co. Offaly – walkability and convenience
Overview: This landmark property in the heart of Tullamore with a grand staircase and open fireplace is one of the main dining and entertainment hubs for the region. It features a restaurant, bar, and spa. The hotel is in walking distance of everything in town, making it a convenient and beautiful place to stay.
This hotel is close to…Tullamore town centre.
This hotel is perfect for…classy short city breaks and a spa getaway.
IN HIGH DEMAND! As a beautiful classic hotel and the site of many local events, this place is in high demand. NEVER book last minute! Avoid disappointment by booking well in advance.
Facilities here include:
- Spa and gym
- Set menu
- Afternoon tea
Address: Bridge St, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland
2. Mount Wolseley, Co. Carlow – vintage cars and luxury
Overview: The inventor of automatic sheep shearers,Frederick York Wolseley, met a brilliant young engineer named Herbert Austin, and built the first Wolseley car. Austin would later founded the famed Austin Motor Company. Wolseley became the largest car manufacturer in Britain. The original house was burned to the ground in the 1798 Rebellion, but it was rebuilt in the 1800s and Frederick York Wolseley lived in the house that would become the Mount Wolseley Hotel. The hotel has a beautifully preserved vintage Wolseley car on display. They also have a fantastic spa and are famous for their family-friendly atmosphere, with many play areas for children.
This hotel is close to…Carlow Town
This hotel is perfect for…luxury stays and villa rentals
Facilities here include…
- golf course
- wonderful café
- spa
- vintage vehicle history
Address: Mountwolseley Or Crosslow, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
3. Faithlegg, Co. Waterford – for fantastic spa experiences
Overview: This historic hotel is famous for its 18-hole championship golf course. Their Treatment Suites and Leisure Centre are phenomenal, with a large indoor swimming pool and a beautiful, immense 22-foot jacuzzi/vitality pool. You can see the original Faithlegg Castle ruins on the ground, and take home bespoke products made on the property, such as candles and marmalade.
This hotel is close to…Waterford City and Tramore Strand.
This hotel is perfect for…a spa break.
Facilities here include:
- large jacuzzi pool
- golf course
- delicious set menu
Address: Faithlegg, Co. Waterford.
READ ALSO: 10 BEST hotels in Waterford to visit for ALL BUDGETS
4. Castle Oaks House Hotel, Co. Limerick – woodland walks and unlimited dogs
Overview: Castle Oaks House Hotel is a unique venue, in that they allow any number of dogs in their villas! Although you must book directly to avail of this perk, it is a very unique facility across Ireland. A combination of historic and modern, the main building is a Georgian manor house, while the villas are beautiful modern houses with patios that let directly out onto the garden, with ensuite bedrooms. This section of the River Shannon, on which the hotel is located, is famous worldwide for Atlantic salmon fishing.
This hotel is close to…the River Shannon.
This hotel is perfect for…a stay with your dogs.
Facilities here include:
- dog-friendly villas with garden access
- leisure centre
- beautiful grounds
Address: Stradbally North, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick.
READ ALSO: 10 BEST Hotels in Limerick for ALL Budgets
5. Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Co. Antrim – dogs and ferries
Overview: The Marine Hotel Ballycastle is right in front of the ferry port, which will take you to Game of Thrones locations, various islands, and even Scotland! The Marine Hotel is famously dog-friendly, and you will see people with their pets sitting in the downstairs coffeeshop and diner awaiting their journeys. They even offer a dog menu and complimentary breakfast for dogs!
This hotel is close to…Ballycastle Ferry Port.
This hotel is perfect for…exploring the Giant’s Causeway.
Facilities here include:
- Dog-friendly coffeeshop onsite
- Complimentary bicycle hire
- Waterfront hotel
Address: 1-3 North St, Ballycastle BT54 6BN, United Kingdom
READ ALSO: The Best Things To Do In & Around Ballycastle, Co. Antrim
6. Springfort Hall Country House Hotel, Co. Cork – bucolic countryside retreat
Overview: This four-star, award-winning Georgian manor house has been operated by the Walsh family for generations. Its Lime Tree Restaurant is famous for its cuisine with ingredients sourced locally in Cork. Their wedding venue holds up to 300 guests and is one of the most prominent wedding hotels in the south of Ireland.
This hotel is close to…Cork City.
This hotel is perfect for…weddings and locally-sourced cuisine.
Facilities here include:
- wedding venue
- famous Lime Tree Restaurant
- old-world charm
- pet-friendly
Address: Baltydaniel East, Mallow, Co. Cork.
READ ALSO: What to eat in CORK: Top 10 LOCAL FOODS to try here
7. Bellinter House – dine with your dog
This beautiful Georgian manor in the Palladian style is an award-winning hotel and spa within easy driving distance of Dublin, near Newgrange. The Bathhouse Spa features 7 treatment rooms, an indoor pool, and outdoor hot tubs. They also have a special Orient Express traincar you can book for the romance of it all. You can even bring your dog to dine with you!
This hotel is close to…Dublin and Newgrange
This hotel is perfect for…dining with your dog.
Facilities here include:
- Spa
- Outdoor hot tubs
- Pet-friendly rooms
Address: Bellinter House, Ballinter, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 F2XA, Ireland
8. Glenavon House Hotel, Co. Tyrone – the heart of Northern Ireland
This three-star, family-owned hotel is built around a stunning mansion from 1874. Located in the geographical heart of Northern Ireland, and features several banqueting suites perfect for weddings and events. The Riviera Spa features a 20-meter swimming pool, kids’ area, steam room, sauna, and fully equipped gym.
This hotel is close to…Cookstown and its market.
This hotel is perfect for…a relaxing spa retreat.
Facilities here include:
- A full service spa
- banqueting suites for weddings and events
- Complimentary full hot breakfast and free onsite parking
Address: 52 Drum Rd, Cookstown.
READ ALSO: The Ulster Bucket List: 18 FANTASTIC places to see before you die, RANKED
9. Falls Hotel and Spa, Co. Clare – to soak your cares away
This breathtaking four-star eco hotel and spa in County Tyrone is a real hidden gem. Nestled in 50 acres of woodlands, the hotel offers multiple different accommodation styles. The River Spa is set in a 1700s stone stable, and offers 12 treatment rooms, a thermal suite, and an outdoor hot tub with panoramic views over the river.
This hotel is close to…Ennistymon.
This hotel is perfect for…a relaxing spa break.
Facilities here include:
- Full spa facilities
- Outdoor river hot tub
- Complimentary breakfast and free onsite parking
Address: Glencree, Castlequarter, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.
10. Barberstown Castle, Co. Kildare – for an authentic medieval experience
Overview: Almost 800 years of Irish history are visible at this property. Once owned by Eric Clapton, this four-star luxury resort blends medieval, Victorian, and Edwardian architecture. Built in 1288, this is one of Ireland’s truly authentic castle hotels. Medieval banquets are hosted at the castle in the original tower room.
This hotel is close to…Kildare Town.
This hotel is perfect for…a truly medieval experience
Facilities here include:
- Medieval dinners in the tower
- Edwardian tea rooms and afternoon tea
- Spectacular wedding venue
Address: Barberstown, Straffan, Co. Kildare.
READ ALSO: 5 Irish Castles You Can STAY IN For Under €150
There are many hidden gems in Ireland beyond the usual famous names. Often these places have lower prices and better facilities than their competitors. It’s also a chance to go off the beaten path and find special places less known to visitors, offering an authentic Irish experience.
Notable Mentions
Spa hotels: Mount Errigal, Killeavy Castle Estate
Medieval experience hotels: Wilton Castle, Cloonacauneen Castle
Walkability hotels: Club House Hotel, Dingle Benners Hotel
Countryside hotels: Ardtara Country House, Currarevagh House
Ferry port hotels: Pier House Bed & Breakfast, The Royal Valentia Hotel
Castle hotels: Killiane Castle Country House & Farm, Ballynahinch Castle
Luxury hotels: Cashel Palace Hotel, Bishop’s Gate Hotel
Dog-friendly hotels: Seaview House Hotel, The Old Inn
Good value economic hotels: Woodenbridge Hotel, Adair Arms Hotel
The heart of Northern Ireland: Corick House Hotel & Spa, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges
Your questions answered about Irish hotels not on the usual lists
If you’re curious about Irish hotels not on the usual lists, we have you covered! Here are a few of the most common questions asked by readers.
Do I need to book spa treatments in advance?
Yes, it is best to book spa treatments in advance to avoid disappointment.
What is the best hotel not on the usual lists for couples?
The best hotel not on the usual lists for couples is Barberstown Castle.
Are there child-friendly Irish hotels not on the usual lists?
Yes, and the most child-friendly hotel pick is Mount Wolseley.
