If you’re looking to book one of the very best weekend breaks in Ireland, we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to hotel breaks in Ireland, travellers of all tastes will no doubt be spoilt for choice.
The Emerald Isle boasts some of the world’s most glamorous hotels, made all the more breathtaking by the stunning natural beauty surrounding them.
If you book weekend getaways in Ireland this summer in one of these incredible properties, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world! These hotels promise the best weekend breaks in all of Ireland.
The Rundown ‒ our top picks
Best Boutique Hotel: Wineport Lodge, Co. Westmeath
Best Budget Hotel: Athlone Springs Hotel, Co. Roscommon
Best Family Hotel: Fota Island Resort, Co. Cork
Best Spa Hotel: Monart Destination Spa, Co. Wexford
Best Luxury Hotel: Ashford Castle, Co. Galway
Best Hotel with a Pool: Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort, Co. Cavan
Best Hotel in Dublin: Shelbourne Hotel, Co. Dublin
Best Hotel in Galway: Delphi Resort, Co. Galway
Best Hotel in Northern Ireland: Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh
Best Hotel in Cork: The Imperial Hotel and Spa, Co. Cork
Hotel breaks in Ireland ‒ tips and advice
Booking.com: The best site for booking hotel breaks in Ireland.
When to book: NEVER book last minute! Hotels in Ireland are in high demand. Your trip will be much better value, and you will get to stay in the best hotels by booking at least three months in advance.
Where to stay in Ireland – the best areas for hotel breaks in Ireland
Dublin: The capital of Ireland, Dublin is the perfect place for a weekend break in the city. There are plenty of great hotels to choose from and you can always find special offers and deals for a great stay.
Galway: Escape to the west of Ireland with a hotel break in Galway, Ireland’s cultural capital. With the bustling city streets and the tranquil landscape of Connemara, Galway offers all the very best of Ireland.
Northern Ireland: From the city of Belfast to the breathtaking Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland is a great choice for an unforgettable hotel break in Ireland.
Cork: Ireland’s second city, Cork, located in the southwest of the country is a great place for a fantastic hotel break. With the rugged beauty of West Cork to the culinary capital of Cork City, this county offers something for everyone.
1. Shelbourne Hotel, Co. Dublin – movie-star glamour in the capital
Overview: The name Shelbourne is synonymous with ‘fancy’ in Dublin, and once you step inside this old-school hotel (greeted by the doorman, of course), you’ll see why. A city centre break in the Irish capital city with more than a touch of class.
This hotel is close to… DUBLIN CITY CENTRE!
This hotel is perfect for… A LUXURY CITY BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Luxurious ensuite rooms with king-sized beds.
- Various onsite restaurants and dining options.
- A luxury spa, salon, and health club.
- Meeting and events spaces.
Address: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin
2. Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, Co. Waterford – your own private island
Overview: The journey to Waterford Castle starts on a car ferry that whisks you away to the private island where this fabulous hotel has its grounds. If you’re looking to really impress someone, this historic castle is the perfect location and one of the best weekend breaks in Ireland.
This hotel is close to… IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST!
This hotel is perfect for… A TRANQUIL ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Charming ensuite bedrooms and suites.
- Family lodges.
- Family-friendly activities, including tennis and croquet.
- 18 Hole golf course.
- Various onsite dining options.
Address: The Island, Ballinakill, Co. Waterford
3. Finn Lough, Co. Fermanagh – sleep under the stars in luxury
Overview: The bubble domes in Finn Lough, Northern Ireland, have proven a massive hit on Instagram! The luxurious accommodation here gives the illusion that there is no ceiling, making this one of the best weekend breaks in Ireland for amateur astrologists out there. The rural location is second to none.
This hotel is close to… LOUGH ERNE!
This hotel is perfect for… A ROMANTIC GETAWAY!
Facilities here include:
- Private bubble domes with bathrooms and comfortable beds.
- Elements Spa Trail.
- The Barn Restaurant.
- Breakfast delivered to your door.
Address: 41 Letter Road, Aghnablaney, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
4. Delphi Resort, Co. Galway – adventure with all your home comforts
Overview: Delphi Resort is fancy without being pretentious. This is the ideal weekend getaway in Ireland for those seeking outdoor adventures. It offers many outdoor activities, such as zip-lining and archery, without compromising on gorgeous accommodation and food.
This hotel is close to… CONNEMARA!
This hotel is perfect for… OUTDOOR ADVENTURE LOVERS!
Facilities here include:
- Four-star ensuite rooms and suites.
- An onsite bar, restaurant, and cafe.
- Guided activities.
- Luxury spa and wellness facilities.
Address: Tawnyinlough, Leenaun, Co. Galway
5. Harvey’s Point, Co. Donegal – countryside indulgence
Overview: How does your own private whirlpool with a lake view sound? Not impressed yet? What if we told you there were onsite horse stables? Thought so. As far as fantastic Irish hotels go, Harvey’s Point in County Donegal is hard to beat.
This hotel is close to… LOUGH ESKE!
This hotel is perfect for… A COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury ensuite rooms and suites with king-sized beds.
- Various onsite dining options.
- Meeting and event spaces.
- Affordable group accommodation.
Address: Lough Eske Road, Tawnyvorgal, Co. Donegal
6. Powerscourt Hotel, Co. Wicklow – one of the best weekend breaks in Ireland
Overview: County Wicklow’s iconic Sugarloaf Mountain will be the view from your bedroom here (although the bedrooms are more like suites). The only problem? Tearing yourself away from the basement spa for long enough to appreciate the perfect location. Not too far from the Irish capital, you can enjoy the rural location and rich culture without being too far from the city.
This hotel is close to… THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS!
This hotel is perfect for… A LUXURY ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Five-star ensuite rooms and suites.
- Various onsite dining options, including the excellent Sika Restaurant.
- Luxury spa facilities and treatments.
- Swimming pool and leisure club.
- Onsite activities, including falconry.
Address: Powerscourt Hotel, Enniskerry, County Wicklow
7. Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork – act like Lord or Lady of the manor
Overview: This 18th-century manor house offers spa facilities, five-star dining, a rich history, and outdoor activities. Located in County Cork, there is a range of accommodation options, including self-catering holiday homes. The perfect weekend break in Ireland for a family who enjoy the finer things in life.
This hotel is close to… EAST CORK!
This hotel is perfect for… ULTIMATE LUXURY!
Facilities here include:
- Deluxe ensuite rooms and suites.
- Various onsite dining options.
- Luxury spa facilities and treatments.
- 18 Hole golf course.
- Onsite activities, including archery and tennis.
Address: Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork
8. Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry – old-school hospitality
Overview: Stepping into the Park Hotel in County Kerry, the stomping ground of the famous Brennan brother hoteliers, feels like coming home. That is if your home was a stately mansion with some of the finest service staff imaginable.
As one of the finest luxury hotels in Ireland, this is a weekend getaway in Ireland like no other. With one of the most incredible hotel spas we’ve ever seen, you can look out over the rural location from the amazing infinity pool.
Picture yourself relaxing by the fireplace, eating home-baked goods, and drinking a hot port while everyone makes a fuss of you before retiring to the comfiest bed you’ve ever slept in. Bliss!
This hotel is close to… THE RING OF KERRY!
This hotel is perfect for… BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS!
Facilities here include:
- Luxury ensuite rooms and suites.
- Various onsite dining options and lounge areas.
- Deluxe SÁMAS Spa facilities and treatments.
- Complimentary activities, including yoga, meditation, and cardio classes.
Address: Shelbourne Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry
9. Ice House Hotel, Co. Mayo – for an outdoor hot tub with a view
Overview: Go west for a dreamy weekend getaway in Ireland courtesy of the ultra-glam Ice House Hotel in County Mayo. The floor to ceiling windows in your river view room will have you feeling like you’re being floated to sleep, while the outdoor hot tub on the river bank will have you floating on air.
If the views aren’t enough to tempt you, the incredible breakfast spread will surely do the trick! Plus, you won’t be too far away from the rugged coastline and iconic sights of the Wild Atlantic Way.
This hotel is close to… THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY!
This hotel is perfect for… A DREAMY SPA ESCAPE!
Facilities here include:
- Deluxe ensuite rooms and suites.
- Onsite restaurant, bar, and lounge.
- Luxury spa facilities and treatments.
- Breathtaking river views.
Address: The Quay, Quignalecka, Ballina, Co. Mayo
10. Monart Destination Spa, Co. Wexford – for an otherworldly calm
Overview: The relaxation begins the minute you drive through the gates in Monart. The valet parks your car while you slip into a fluffy white robe – the dress code of all guests in the facility.
Enjoy world-class spa facilities and fitness classes, washed down by delectable delights in the onsite haute-cuisine restaurant. WiFi coverage is purposely limited – the aim of coming here is to switch off completely.
In our humble opinion, Monart is undoubtedly one of the best weekend breaks in Ireland. And it’s not just us! Monart has been ranked in TripAdvisor’s top one per cent of five-star hotels worldwide.
This hotel is close to… ENNISCORTHY!
This hotel is perfect for… A SPA BREAK!
Facilities here include:
- Deluxe ensuite rooms and suites.
- Thermal suite and day spa.
- Specialist spa retreats.
- Restaurant and Garden Lounge.
Address: Forgelands, The Still, Co. Wexford
These amazing hotel breaks in Ireland are guaranteed to help you get away from it all! Which would you like to stay at most?
Notable mentions
Best Boutique Hotels: No. 1 Pery Square Hotel, Restaurant & Spa, Co. Limerick; The Wilder Townhouse, Co. Dublin; The Ross, Co. Kerry
Best Budget Hotels: The Wyatt Hotel, Co. Mayo; Hodson Bay Hotel, Co. Roscommon; Bridge House Hotel, Co. Offaly
Best Family Hotels: Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co. Wexford; Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Co. Limerick; Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort, Co. Donegal
Best Spa Hotels: Galgorm Resort and Spa, Co. Antrim; Muckross Park Hotel and Spa, Co, Kerry; Cashel Palace Hotel, Co. Tipperary
Best Luxury Hotels: Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan; Mount Juliet Estate, Co. Kilkenny; Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon
Best Hotels with a Pool: Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford; The Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, Co. Kerry; The K Club, Co. Kildare
Best Hotels in Dublin: The Merrion Hotel, Co. Dublin; The Westbury Hotel, Co. Dublin; The Marker Hotel, Co. Dublin
Best Hotels in Galway: The g Hotel, Co. Galway; The Hardiman Hotel, Co. Galway; Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Co. Galway
Best Hotels in Northern Ireland: Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh; Killeavy Castle Estate, Co. Down; The Merchant Hotel, Co. Antrim
Best Hotels in Cork: Hayfield Manor Hotel, Co. Cork; The Montenotte Hotel, Co. Cork; Perryville House, Co. Cork
FAQs about hotel breaks in Ireland
Where should I go for a romantic weekend in Ireland?
There are plenty of fantastic five-star hotels and gorgeous boutique hotels for a romantic weekend in Ireland. Discover some of our top picks for romantic breaks in Ireland here.
Where can I staycation in Ireland?
If you’re planning a staycation in Ireland, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Discover our top picks here.
Where should I go in Ireland for the first time?
This depends on what you want to do! You could spend two days exploring Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, or you could head west to discover the Wild Atlantic Way. If you do this, we recommend staying in Ireland’s cultural capital, Galway.
