Top hotel stays in ireland - special occassions

CBear1993

I have a family birthday coming up, someone me and my siblings are very grateful to, so we don't mind spending above our means for one night stay.

The best hotels I have stayed in in Ireland are number 1 without doubt:
Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow, amazing.
Monart in Wexford was an amazing retreat, but not a lot happening as it's meant to be a quiet escape from normal life type.

What are the other recommendations? Obviously can't afford Ashford castle or something crazy(All 3 siblings in 20s!)

I'm thinking Adare Manor or the Europe in Killarney? Somewhere that wows you upon entry, and you can easily spend the time around the hotel/resort and it's restaurant or bar. Parent has been to Harvey's point & Lough Eske so they're off the cards also.

In powerscourt I was completely in awe, felt like I could have spent 2-3 days in the place, only for it being outside of my affordability for more than 1 night.

Thank you in advance.

CBear1993

It's alright I've had several +1s for Europe in Kerry on reddit ireland forum.

Adare manor :eek::eek: what was i thinking! You'd need to be some high roller to stay there, just saw the prices.

woodchuck

CBear1993 wrote: »

It's alright I've had several +1s for Europe in Kerry on reddit ireland forum.

Adare manor :eek::eek: what was i thinking! You'd need to be some high roller to stay there, just saw the prices.

I just had a look too out of curiosity... sweet Jesus. I'm seeing prices ranging from 750-3825euro per night!! I don't care how nice somewhere looks, it can't possibly be worth that amount of money.

CBear1993

Yeah I was genuinely shocked, just completely out of budget for 90% of people I'd imagine? probably higher. I tried it on midweek nights and still the same.

Powerscourt and the likes are about the top of my budget, but very well worth it for a rare once a year thing maybe.

Europe hotel looks to be constantly booked out on weekends.

Will need to look for an alternative.

Lu Tze

For something a little different check out the bluebook, mostly manor houses. A bluebook voucher might be an alternative as opposed to booking one place in particular.

thebiglad

Stayed in Adare Manor for a wedding some years back, paid nowhere near those rates but the place was amazing and would love to go back.

More recently have done Dromoland Castle - great experience but to really enjoy the experience need to do afternoon tea & dinner there and then it starts to rack up.

They have a stay 2 nights get third free package which brings the rate down somewhat.

CBear1993

Lu Tze wrote: »

For something a little different check out the bluebook, mostly manor houses. A bluebook voucher might be an alternative as opposed to booking one place in particular.

Having a look at it now, cheers.

Starlord_01

The Cliff House Hotel maybe?

Lu Tze

CBear1993 wrote: »

Having a look at it now, cheers.

I think my favourite place so far was coopershill house. No pool/spas etc but lovely place to stay.

Clazbeag

The Merchant in Belfast is gorgeous! They have an amazing setting in the centre of town and a gorgeous cocktail bar. Obviously means travel North though which I'm unsure at this stage is allowed or not and depends where you are based in the country.

Have a wonderful trip and celebrations.

HeidiHeidi

Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara gets my vote., always!

Very laid back, country house feel to it, but it's just a fantastic experience in a fabulous location.

CBear1993

Starlord_01 wrote: »

The Cliff House Hotel maybe?

Always saw it highly rated and looks amazing, it seems to be mostly booked out on their website!!

Also is €5-600 upwards at weekends with the only affordable rates being under €400 midweek :pac:

mayo londoner

Sheen Falls in Kenmare is amazing.

Starlord_01

CBear1993 wrote: »

Always saw it highly rated and looks amazing, it seems to be mostly booked out on their website!!

Also is €5-600 upwards at weekends with the only affordable rates being under €400 midweek :pac:

Pity Maybe one of one's in Killarney, Muckross or The Europe.

Dinkie

Sheehan Falls is lovely. Else I love everything about Brooklodge in Co. Wicklow. They do really good deals also.

freddie_

Just back from a weekend in the Europe, can’t recommend it highly enough.quite expensive but worth every penny.

Del2005

CBear1993 wrote: »

I


Somewhere that wows you upon entry, and you can easily spend the time around the hotel/resort and it's restaurant or bar.

With Corvid-19 restrictions not looking to change for a good while hanging around inside a hotel won't be much fun. No bar and only 1.5 hours for food, time slots for the pool (if it's open) , no spa's etc.

Starlord_01

Del2005 wrote: »

With Corvid-19 restrictions not looking to change for a good while hanging around inside a hotel won't be much fun. No bar and only 1.5 hours for food, time slots for the pool (if it's open) , no spa's etc.

Spa's are open.

Just thinking of a few fancy places I've stayed

Parknasilla outside of Kenmare is fantastic.
Also try the Wineport in Glassan, or Hayfield Manor in Co. Cork

Finally, Beleek Castle in Ballina was really enjoyable

fits

freddie_ wrote: »

Just back from a weekend in the Europe, can’t recommend it highly enough.quite expensive but worth every penny.

It’s such a personal thing. I found the Europe very bland. Didn’t like the rooms even though views were fantastic. I wouldn’t go again. I like the Blue Book. Was in mount Juliet recently and it was lovely too.

CBear1993

fits wrote: »

It’s such a personal thing. I found the Europe very bland. Didn’t like the rooms even though views were fantastic. I wouldn’t go again. I like the Blue Book. Was in mount Juliet recently and it was lovely too.

Mount Juliet above Lyrath in kilkenny? never stayed in either

freddie_

Del2005 wrote: »

With Corvid-19 restrictions not looking to change for a good while hanging around inside a hotel won't be much fun. No bar and only 1.5 hours for food, time slots for the pool (if it's open) , no spa's etc.

Nine of those restrictions are in place at the Europe. Bar was open, we sat at our table after lunch for a few hours and the Spa and pool were open without having to book.

CBear1993

Del2005 wrote: »

With Corvid-19 restrictions not looking to change for a good while hanging around inside a hotel won't be much fun. No bar and only 1.5 hours for food, time slots for the pool (if it's open) , no spa's etc.

Have had family and friends stay in 4 and 5 star hotels across the country recently and unless they're telling me lies this was not the case.

Hotel bar was absolutely fine once you were eating and could sit on after.

Pools and spas open for treatment too.

:rolleyes::rolleyes:

fits

CBear1993 wrote: »

Mount Juliet above Lyrath in kilkenny? never stayed in either

Wouldn’t rate Lyrath either.

Deminiman

The ice house hotel in ballina is worth a look. The heritage rooms are amazing.

scooby77

Clazbeag wrote: »

The Merchant in Belfast is gorgeous! They have an amazing setting in the centre of town and a gorgeous cocktail bar.

Second The Merchant if want top class hotel in great location. Two distinct room types, Art Deco and Victorian. We've done few nights in both on different occasions. I think Victorian classier, wife prefers Art Deco.
Plus I think Covid rules on entertainment eg bars a bit more relaxed up there( open to correction though)

I love Parknasilla,gorgeous grounds and I always find it very relaxing down there,the houses are lovely for a group also.

Lovestolisten

The Brehon in Killarney
Stunning , relaxing , well priced.
Partner and I did a weekend just recently, spa gets booked fast so plan ahead.

We used the complementary Tennis courts and pitch & putt available with The Gleneagle next door.
Near the Lakes and Torc Waterfall
Lake Tour from Ross Castle only €12

Loved It. Highly recommend

otnomart

Carton House in Maynooth

Deargh na heireann

Myself and my wife stayed in Ashford castle a couple of weeks ago, it was absolutely amazing from start to finish.

The place itself is stunning with spectacular views over lake corrib.
The staff can't do enough for you and even though it was expensive I'd recommend anyone who can afford it to pay a visit. You won't regret it and if you go midweek there is some savings to be made.

CBear1993

Deargh na heireann wrote: »

Myself and my wife stayed in Ashford castle a couple of weeks ago, it was absolutely amazing from start to finish.

The place itself is stunning with spectacular views over lake corrib.
The staff can't do enough for you and even though it was expensive I'd recommend anyone who can afford it to pay a visit. You won't regret it and if you go midweek there is some savings to be made.

Was that a room in the actual castle or in the lodge? I always see the lodge come up on booking.com but not the castle . A lot of the more luxurious hotels in Ireland seem to be direct booking only or they use selected partners

CBear1993

otnomart wrote: »

Carton House in Maynooth

Really? Only been in it for a coffee. Lovely inside.

Blizzard

I'd recommend the following:

- Durrow Castle - small but lovey and relaxing
- Ballynahinch Castle - as a previous poster said it's laidback but fantastic
- Delphi Lodge - beautiful and relaxed
- Re Ashford, the Lodge at Ashford is fab (we went a good few years ago) but you could stay there and it's a short walk through the estate to the Castle and have dinner there
- The Cliff House - haven't stayed but stopped by when we were in Ardmore and it looked fab and I know people who have stayed and loved it
- The Savoy in Limerick - great hotel with fab restaurants in the area

I agree that the likes of Adare and Dromoland have priced themselves out of reach of many, which is a shame.

Enjoy wherever you go!

JohnCleary

I've stayed in Ashford Castle several times. TBH the novelty has worn off, but if you've never been, it sure feels special.

You do, however, need to go for more than the basic room. At very least, Corrib view rooms. The cheaper rooms look out onto the car park if you're lucky. If you're unlucky, the window just faces a wall.

The Lodge is a bit 'meh' IMHO, but again maybe it's because of the time i've spent there. Main advantage of The Lodge is that you can take advantage of Ashford grounds without the Ashford price tag but the down-side is you'll be walking past the castle thinking "I wish I was in there". Sure, you can book dinner etc. in Ashford, but to be fair it's lovely to be a resident and just stroll around the interior.

Space Dog

The Glenlo Abbey in Galway perhaps? It has a nice estate and the restaurant in the Pullman train carriages has a bit of novelty factor.

mloc123

The K-Club is also worth a look

mloc123

CBear1993 wrote: »

Mount Juliet above Lyrath in kilkenny? never stayed in either

Avoid Lyrath unless you want to be surrounded by kids running around the lobby and corridors... It is very much a "family" hotel now and I say this as a parent.

scooby77

mloc123 wrote: »

The K-Club is also worth a look

OP hasn't given time frame but K-Club included in Kildare lockdown currently?
Good call though in normal circumstances

CBear1993

scooby77 wrote: »

OP hasn't given time frame but K-Club included in Kildare lockdown currently?
Good call though in normal circumstances

Heard bad reports about K club to be honest vs Carton and other surrounding hotels.

JoChervil

I love castles. Castle Leslie or Waterford Castle are reasonably priced and I really enjoyed staying there.

spurious

CBear1993 wrote: »

Heard bad reports about K club to be honest vs Carton and other surrounding hotels.

I was very disappointed in the K Club. Seemed a bit past its best before date when I stayed there. They really take the proverbial with their in-house dining prices. A buffet breakfast with rashers verging on grey was disappointing too.

Buffet at those prices is IMO a no-no.

Spanish Eyes

I'm a tad clumsy so dread snow white tablecloths and hushed tones, because I would snort at the wrong time, and spill my claret. lol.

If anyone can recommend a quite relaxed place that is luxurious also I'm all ears. Money is going to be spent on this since all other trips abroad have been cancelled.

HeidiHeidi

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

I'm a tad clumsy so dread snow white tablecloths and hushed tones, because I would snort at the wrong time, and spill my claret. lol.

If anyone can recommend a quite relaxed place that is luxurious also I'm all ears. Money is going to be spent on this since all other trips abroad have been cancelled.

Ballynahinch Castle ftw!

It's not actually a castle, more like a country house, laid back vibe but sooo luxurious!

(We got upgraded when we went due to a mixup in bookings, and the rooms were amazing, well worth splashing out on. That was before the change in ownership, not sure of current pricing arrangements mind you)

Spanish Eyes

HeidiHeidi wrote: »

Ballynahinch Castle ftw!

It's not actually a castle, more like a country house, laid back vibe but sooo luxurious!

(We got upgraded when we went due to a mixup in bookings, and the rooms were amazing, well worth splashing out on. That was before the change in ownership, not sure of current pricing arrangements mind you)

Just had a look, it is fabulous, and the rates are surprisingly good too for what you get. Thanks for the heads up.

Deargh na heireann

CBear1993 wrote: »

Was that a room in the actual castle or in the lodge? I always see the lodge come up on booking.com but not the castle . A lot of the more luxurious hotels in Ireland seem to be direct booking only or they use selected partners

It was in the actual castle

coleen

Ballyseede Castle located in Kerry very good offers the food is fab and the rooms are lovely. Close to Tralee so you could drive to Dingle or the local beaches or spend the day in Killarney and Kenmare

coleen

Ballyseede is on luxurybreakes.ie at the moment good value

byhookorbycrook

Ballyseede is lovely , but not especially “ outstanding .”
The Dunloe or the Aghadoe near Killarney are worth a look .
For a special occasion, the Cliff’s signature restaurant only opens on particular days - the bar food is well above what you would get in some 4 star hotels , but still “ bar food .”
What about the Park in Kenmare?
Hayfield Manor in Cork is definitely worth considering.

ted1

also would recommend getting a blue book voucher. to be honest i'm not a fan of 1 night stays. with the early checkouts that places have you don't get much value.

RunningFlyer

Where are you travelling from, it might make it easier to suggest?

Stayed at the Europe ourselves for 2 nights last month and were disappointed for the price paid. Yes the views were lovely but there was no 'luxury' feel or anything for a 5-star hotel. It really felt like a 4-star hotel which was a shame as I had planned to visit for so long, and compared to other 5-star hotels nearby and in the country, really disappointing.

To throw something else in the mix, have a look at Dublin city centre. There are some incredible deals at the moment for the Merrion & Shelbourne (always book directly on hotel's website!) with dinner & breakfast included, and that would truly give you the 5-star luxury experience you seek. The restaurant, bars and rooms are so stunning you wouldn't have to leave the hotel at all, but if you did want to you've got the city outside with plenty of options as opposed to Powerscourt where you are a bit isolated and limited to the hotel.

If you're staying for one night you don't really want to be travelling half-way across the country as it doesn't give you a lot of time to unwind, so I would recommend max 2hr drive?

Other suggestions (other than already posted above) would be Hayfield Manor or Fota Island Hotel Cork, Glenlo Abbey Galway, or Galgorm Resort in Ballymena NI.

Biggest advice is Book Direct with the hotel and ring them afterwards to mention it is a special occasion. They will usually leave something small in the room which is always a lovely touch.

I stayed a night in The Lodge at Ashford Castle, which gives you access to the whole estate without having to pay the price of staying in the castle. It's a small country manor in an especially lovely position on a hill overlooking the lake and it's islands. I dined at the atmospheric Cullens at the Cottage, a 10-15 minute walk through the grounds. You can also dine at the Lodge, but to me Cullens offered fine dining for an affordable price. My (fairly small) chic room at the Lodge was located on a courtyard, and I saw some dogs were in residence, so it's canine-friendly too. Dogs are brought from the car straight to the courtyard rooms without having to traipse through the hotel.