Nestled on the magnificent estate near the almost shire-like village of the same name is 5 star Adare Manor where you can spoil yourself silly in sumptuous surroundings with its elegant bedrooms and dining rooms overlooking manicured French gardens straight out of an Austen novel. And if you do have to step outdoors for a round of golf before tackling those trays of cucumber sandwiches, take some consolation that you are following in the footsteps of some of the great golfing pros.
Amidst ancient, crag-topped mountains along with a sense of peace evoked by those dark and beautiful lakes, 5 star Aghadoe Height Hotel has been designed to complement the rhythm of the stunning landscapes visible from almost every room. Nearby Killarney remains at the epi-centre of the jaunting cars before they traipse over the Gap, close to the boats before they bob around the lakes, near Muckross house, a treasure trove of rooms last redecorated for Queen Victoria, Torc and its waterfall, only a stone’s throw from the old road to Kenmare in the footsteps of O’Connell, what is not to like.
Straight out of a book of fairy tales or the set for one of the most romantic of Hollywood movies, nevermind just sheer luxury, 5 star Ashford Castle, overlooking Lough Corrib is a Medieval, Gothic, Victorian chateau on the westernmost edge of Europe (even a Prince of Wales, George 5th, came for 3 days and ended up staying for 3 months). Vast open fireplaces burning turf from the nearby mountain bogs with hidden nooks and crannies to lose yourself in (the fireplaces not the bogs). And if you can be tempted to move after the seven course tasting menu try your hand at a little falconry or archery, straight from Hogwarts. Just watch where you point those cupid’s arrows. For a more affordable stay within shouting distance of the castle is Lisloughrey Lodge.
The Conrad Dubln is an oasis of five-star luxury located in the heart of Dublin, just opposite the National Concert Hall around the corner from St Stephen’s Green, only a few minutes walk from the shopping mecca of Grafton Street while Trinity College, the National Art Gallery, National Museum and Georgian Dublin will provide some a post-hedonistic spiritual antidote. Try saying that after a few mojitos.
Standing high on the wooded slopes of the Holywood hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim coastline, is the magnificent 5 star Culloden Hotel, one of the most prestigious 5 Star hotels in Northern Ireland. Originally built as a shrine to Mrs Robinson (yes, another one), the house passed through a gaggle of bishops for almost a century until Dr Billy took possession in the swinging sixties until the present day where we bring you this magnificent estate and spa just a click away.
Cross the Shannon, escape the siege of Ennis, skirt the rugged coast but whichever route you take via Lisdoon any afternoon, past the Cliffs and the crashing waves off Lehinch when the surf is up, listen for the notes piping from the pubs of Miltown and along the wild Atlantic coast to one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Yup, next stop New York but before then you will find 5 star The Lodge at Doonbeg, a coastal haven, hidden on a sheltered corner of the wild Atlantic and one of the island’s best five star retreats.
Built during the Renaissance and ancestral home for the direct descendants of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, 5 star Dromoland Castle was transformed into a luxury hotel in the swinging sixties and has managed to retain priceless reminders of the past. Hide away with the deer and pheasant (and occasional golfer) in four hundred and ten acres of parkland and walled gardens, the gardens designed by the planner of those at Versailles where you can stroll after your day of archery, boating, fishing, clay pigeon shooting, golf, tennis, shooting, walking and mountain biking, phew. Time for a five star spa methinks.
Host to Ireland’s only wildlife park, 5 star Fota Island Hotel & Spa is a must for all kids, big and small where the sight of emerald green pastures being grazed by friesian giraffes, whitewashed outhouses (even if they are well secured) housing wild cats and of course, Monkey Island (where the inhabitants all wear Aran jumpers in the winter), not to mention the historical Fota House with its ornamental gardens and an 18-hole golf course. A five star delight near the real capital
The 5 star Europe Hotel in Killarney, is one of the most luxurious 5 star Hotels in Ireland and hosts a range of leisure activities on its magnificent grounds.
When you check in at the 5 star Killarney Park Hotel, you will feel as if you’ve been given the keys to the Kingdom. Gateway to the majestic scenery of the National Park with stunning lakes, woodlands, wild deer, historic walks, waterfalls and of course Muckross House. Afternoon Tea is served traditionally at the Killarney Park in the Drawing Room with its grand drapes, marble fireplace and comfortable chairs and sofas by the butler but you have to work off those cream buns (or is it bums) with a 5-minute walk through Killarney’s jaunting car traffic jams.
Immerse yourself in 4 star Parknasilla Resort, a hideaway in the sanctuary of Kenmare Bay and the Kerry mountains. Wind your way through the Killarney National Park, past the gates of Muckross, hear the roar of Torc, bypass the odd sheep, bearded German cyclist and stray native deer (or is that bearded sheep, stray German and cycling deer), up, up and over the mountain-y road where the hillside streams cascade across your path. Past the black lakes and old cottages down through Sneem and home, well a magnificent five star home, for a while at least.
Bursting with life, energy and vitality, The G Hotel is 5 Star luxury in the centre of Galway, designed by a Mr Treacy to whom we must take our hats off to for the luscious luxury spa, delicious dining room, gorgeous guestrooms, bewitching bar and general grooviness. Plan your afternoon along Shop Street on through Spanish Arch, across the Corrib and on out through a bumping n grinding Salthill along the coast road through Barna, Spiddal and beyond to the wilds of Connemara, skirting Galway Bay along the way, so exhausting being cool.
So let us get this right, golf may not quite be a good walk spoiled and The 5 star Heritage Golf & Spa is not just another hotel but your gateway to a getaway from the hussle and bussle of everyday woes nestled in the quaint village of Killenard, close to ancient Celtic sites, serene country villages, monastic round towers and a county steeped in myths and legends. Yes, its the perfect way to unwind in five star style.
Having started life as a bank (quite a fashionable trend these days even if a tad expensive, banking that is), The 5 star Merchant hotel is a Grade A listed original building at the heart of Belfast’s commercial centre. Local associations include some with Jonathan Swift who after unsuccessfully wooing a local girl moved on to more spiritual matters though perhaps not until after coming under the influence of nearby Lilliput Farm.
Set in the Georgian heart of Dublin, The Merrion is only a stone’s throw from the birthplace of Oscar Wilde, Government buildings, the National Gallery, St Stephen’s Green, Trinity College and Grafton Street. Yes, the Georgian heart of Dublin was among the finest quarters in Europe and today caters in five star style with its stunningly appointed rooms, crackling turf fires and a host of facilities.
At The Westbury you can resist everything, except temptation (Oscar Wilde – who lived and was educated within walking distance of the hotel). As one of the Leading Hotels of the World, The Westbury is THE perfect place for afternoon tea after an exhausting morning shopping along Grafton Street. The hotel has been completely remodelled to create a more luxurious and stylish five star experience that sets the standard in Dublin.
Commune with the Emerald Isle of myth — vibrant in culture, steeped in history — at 5 star Solis Lough Eske Castle. Lovingly restored, this fabled Ireland hotel castle blends its mystical past with a dash of contemporary luxury. Tracing its roots all the way back to the late 1400’s and the O’Donnells (yes, Daniel, we love you too) the hotel & Spa nurture a warm and genteel heart within, to sooth your worldly troubles away with its inviting lobby, elegant interiors, stone floors, imposing oak staircase and obligatory open hearths
Home to a monastic settlement in the 6th century and morphing from fortress to fairytale castle complete with Gargoyles (first cousins to those in Notre Dame) 4 star Waterford Castle is situated on its own private Island. Today it offers five star castle accommodation and of course there is always the golf if you are really bored.
For these and more 5 star hotels Ireland has to offer, check out our fabulous range.
