Top 10 most romantic hotels in Ireland, RANKED

There are many gorgeous romantic getaways in Ireland. Whether you’re looking for a city break or a country escape, there’s a romantic escape to suit all needs.

Ireland has many gorgeous hotels to escape to with your beloved. You may feel a little overwhelmed by choice with so many to choose from.

Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or just want to enjoy a romantic weekend away, Ireland is the perfect location to visit.

To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the ten most romantic hotels in Ireland. Read on to decide where your next romantic retreat will be.

The Rundown – our top picks for the most romantic hotels in Ireland

Best luxury hotel: Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel, Co. Mayo

Best castle hotel: Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan

Best spa hotel: Ice House Hotel, Co. Mayo

Best hotel by the coast: Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford

Best city hotel: Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork

Best hotel in Dublin: The Shelbourne Hotel, Co. Dublin

Best hotel in Northern Ireland: Killeavy Castle Estate, Co. Armagh

Best hotel in Kerry: Sheen Falls Lodge, Co. Kerry

Best hotel in Galway: Lough Inagh Lodge, Co. Galway 

Most romantic hotels in Ireland – tips and advice

Ireland is perfect for couples.
Credit: Fáilte Ireland

Booking.com: The best site for booking romantic hotels in Ireland.

When to book: NEVER book last minute! The most romantic hotels in Ireland are in high demand. Your trip will be much better valued, and you will get to stay in the best hotels by booking at least three months in advance.

Where to stay in Ireland – the most romantic places to visit

We are counting down the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Tourism Ireland

Dublin: Ireland’s capital city is a great location for a romantic city break. Home to a wide range of luxury four and five-star hotels, Dublin is an absolute must-visit. You and your loved one can check out the sights before heading for a delicious meal at one of the city’s top restaurants.

Northern Ireland: Whether you are looking for a coastal escape, a city break, or a countryside retreat, Northern Ireland has it all. From the bustling streets of Belfast City to the epic natural beauty of the Causeway Coast, you won’t regret booking a romantic break in Northern Ireland.

Kerry: County Kerry is nicknamed ‘the kingdom’, thanks to its rugged beauty and breathtaking natural landscapes. If you’re looking for a truly romantic escape from everyday life, then County Kerry is the one for you.

Galway: Set in the west of Ireland, County Galway is a hub of Irish culture and scenic beauty. From the historic city centre to the wilds of Connemara, Galway has everything you could wish for from a romantic escape.

1. Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan – a romantic castle hotel

Castle Leslie Estate is a great place to stay in Monaghan.
Credit: Facebook / @CastleLeslieEstate

Overview: Located in County Monaghan on 1000 acres of the beautiful Irish countryside, Castle Leslie Estate truly is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland. This hotel is located just 80 minutes from Dublin.

This hotel is close to… COUNTY MONAGHAN COUNTRYSIDE!

This hotel is perfect for… A COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE!

IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! We suggest booking at least three months in advance.

Facilities here include:

  • Enchanting ensuite accommodation
  • Snaffles Restaurant
  • Conor’s Bar & Lounge
  • Various activities, including Clay Pigeon Shooting and Falconry
  • Luxurious spa and treatment rooms

Address: Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan

2. Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork – a stately boutique hotel

Hayfield Manor is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @HayfieldManor

Overview: This elegant estate house in Cork city is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland. With their award-winning restaurant and cosy bedrooms, this is one hotel for your romantic bucket list.

This hotel is close to… CORK CITY CENTRE!

This hotel is perfect for… AN UNFORGETTABLE CITY HOTEL BREAK!

Facilities here include:

  • Luxury boutique hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Orchids Restaurant and Perrotts Garden Bistro
  • The Manor Bar
  • Beautique Spa facilities

Address: Perrott Ave, College Rd, Centre, Cork, T12 HT97

3. Lough Inagh Lodge, Co. Galway – a sublime Galway location

Lough Inagh Lodge is a great escape in Galway!
Credit: Facebook / @LoughInaghLodge

Overview: Built right on the beautiful Lough Inagh, this old fishing lodge is a gorgeous escape from the real world. Their deluxe double bedrooms are furnished with four-poster beds, the perfect spot to relax on a romantic holiday. Breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains make this location an ideal escape.

This hotel is close to… CONNEMARA NATIONAL PARK!

This hotel is perfect for… SCENIC SURROUNDINGS!

Facilities here include:

  • Luxury ensuite rooms and pet-friendly accommodation
  • Finnisglen Restaurant
  • Seasonal events
  • Breathtaking scenery all around

Address: Lough Inagh Lodge Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, H91 E3Y8

4. Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel, Co. Mayo – a lavish country mansion

Ballinalacken Castle Country House Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @Ballinalacken

Overview: With the 15th-century castle overlooking the hotel, this is a must-stay for lovers of history and its setting. Bedrooms in this hotel are furnished to the highest degree of luxury, and if that’s not enough, their excellent restaurant provides stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.

This hotel is close to… THE ARAN ISLANDS!

This hotel is perfect for… HISTORY BUFFS!

Facilities here include:

  • Stately boutique hotel rooms with four-poster beds and ensuite bathrooms
  • O’Brien Room / Restaurant
  • Period lounge and traditional pub
  • Stunning grounds to explore

Address: Coast Road, Doolin

5. Cliff House Hotel, Co. Waterford for panoramic sea views

The Cliff House Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @TheCliffHouseHotel

Overview: This stylish hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in the country. With scenic views of the sea, it’s easy to see how this is a desirable spot for couples.

This hotel is close to… IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST!

This hotel is perfect for… A COASTAL SPA BREAK!

IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! We suggest booking at least three months in advance.

Facilities here include:

  • Deluxe hotel rooms and suites with ensuite bathrooms
  • The House Restaurant and Bar Restaurant
  • The House Lounge, The Cellar, and The Pantry
  • Spa and Active Wellness facilities
  • Stunning sea views

Address: Middle Road, Dysert, Ardmore, Co. Waterford, P36 DK38

6. The Shelbourne Hotel, Co. Dublin – prime city-centre Dublin location

The Shelbourne Hotel is a great city centre hotel.
Credit: Facebook / @theshelbournedublin

Overview: Located right in the heart of the lively city of Dublin, The Shelbourne is one of the most well-known hotels in Ireland. With luxurious furnishings in all their bedrooms, this hotel had to make it onto our list.

This hotel is close to… DUBLIN CITY CENTRE!

This hotel is perfect for… A FANTASTIC CITY HOTEL BREAK!

IN HIGH DEMAND: This is an extremely popular hotel. NEVER book last minute! We suggest booking at least three months in advance.

Facilities here include:

  • Five-star hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Convenient city centre location
  • The Saddle Room Restaurant and The Horseshoe Bar
  • No.27 The Shelbourne Bar, The Lord Mayor’s Lounge, and 1824 Bar
  • Spa, Salon, and Health Club

Address: 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin

7. Ice House Hotel, Co. Mayo – for an award-winning spa

Ice House Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @icehousehotel

Overview: This boutique hotel boasts all things elegance. From luxurious bedrooms and a superb restaurant to the award-winning Chill Spa, this historical hotel in County Mayo is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.

This hotel is close to… BALLINA!

This hotel is perfect for… A LUXURIOUS SPA BREAK!

Facilities here include:

  • Beautiful bedrooms and suites with ensuite bathrooms
  • 54° 9° Restaurant
  • Ice House Bar and Lounge
  • Award-winning spa facilities
  • Thermal Suite

Address: The Quay Ln, Quignalecka, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 Y9E8

8. Killeavy Castle Estate, Co. Armagh – step back to the 19th century

Killeavy Castle Estate is perfect for couples.
Credit: Facebook / @killeavycastle

Overview: Situated only an hour from Belfast City Airport, Killeavy Castle Estate is a superb hotel even on its location alone. With antique furnishings and acres of parkland to explore, this is a royal treat for a romantic trip away.

This hotel is close to… NEWRY CITY!

This hotel is perfect for… A TRANQUIL RETREAT!

Facilities here include:

  • Four-star accommodation in the Hotel, Castle, and Gatelodge
  • Fine Dining Restaurant
  • Bistro Bar Food
  • ‘The Best Afternoon Tea in Northern Ireland’
  • Luxurious hotel spa facilities

Address: 12 Ballintemple Rd, Killeavy, Newry BT35 8LQ

9. Ballymaloe House Hotel, Co. Cork – an elegant country house

Ballymaloe House Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @ballymaloe

Overview: This beautiful hotel in County Cork is considered the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine. Nestled amongst some 300 acres of farmland, Ballymaloe strives to grow and provide all their food themselves. With cosy bedrooms and plenty of farmland to explore, this tops our list of most romantic hotels in Ireland.

This hotel is close to… THE CORK COUNTRYSIDE!

This hotel is perfect for… FOOD LOVERS!

Facilities here include:

  • Elegant ensuite hotel rooms
  • Top-quality restaurant serving homegrown produce
  • Seasonal events
  • Beautiful gardens to explore

Address: Shanagarry, Midleton, Co. Cork

10. Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Co. Derry – in the heart of County Derry

Bishop's Gate Hotel is amazing.
Credit: Facebook / @bishopsgatehotelderry

Overview: Located just by Derry’s historically significant city walls, the Bishop’s Gate Hotel promises to be a very comfortable and romantic stay.

This hotel is close to… DERRY CITY!

This hotel is perfect for… A COSY STAY IN THE WALLED CITY!

Facilities here include:

  • Luxury boutique hotel rooms with ensuite bathrooms
  • Self-catering apartments
  • Wig and Gown Champagne Bar & Restaurant
  • Convenient city centre location

Address: 24 Bishop St, Derry BT48 6PP

Notable mentions

Adare Manor is one of the most romantic hotels in Ireland.
Credit: Facebook / @adaremanorhotel

Best luxury hotels: Marlfield House Hotel, Co. Wexford; Adare Manor, Co. Limerick

Best castle hotels: Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare; Lough Eske Castle, Co. Donegal

Best spa hotels: Castlemartyr Resort, Co. Cork; Monart Destination Spa, Co. Wexford

Best hotels by the coast: Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim; The Shandon Hotel and Spa, Co. Donegal

Best city hotels: Grand Central Hotel, Co. Antrim; The Westbury, Co. Dublin

Best hotels in Dublin: Merrion Hotel, Co. Dublin; The Marker Hotel, Co. Dublin

Best hotels in Northern Ireland: Fitzwilliam Hotel, Co. Antrim; Bushmills Inn Hotel, Co. Antrim

Best hotels in Kerry: Parknasilla Resort and Spa, Co. Kerry; Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa, Co. Kerry

Best hotels in Galway: Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Co. Galway; The g Hotel and Spa, Co. Galway

FAQs about the most romantic hotels in Ireland

Where should I go for a romantic weekend in Ireland?

It depends on what you’re looking for! There’s something for everyone on this list to help you choose.

Where is the most romantic place in Ireland?

Ireland is full of romantic places. It’s hard to pick just one. Click here to discover our top picks.

Is Ireland a good place for a honeymoon?

Yes, it is. With rolling landscapes and wild coastlines, not to mention the historical settings, Ireland is a romantic and memorable spot for a honeymoon.

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