Cliff Townhouse

Dublin, Ireland

Superbly situated at the edge of St Stephen’s Green, the Cliff Townhouse is a Georgian townhouse located just a few minutes away from Dublin’s main attractions. With just nine luxurious guest rooms, it exudes the feeling of an elegant family home rather than a hotel. Guest rooms feature large windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of either St Stephen’s Pond or the Lancaster House. All are outfitted with an original marble fireplace ,Georgian antiques, and marble bathrooms. A highlight at the Cliff Townhouse is the exquisite cuisine, which features cooked-to-order breakfasts as well as a fresh seafood menu at the hotel’s stylish, wood-paneled restaurant. For a lighter fare dine at the marble-topped Oyster & Champagne Bar or sample tapas and cocktails in the vibrant, beach-themed Urchin Bar.

Butler House

Kilkenny, Ireland

Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Butler House is a Georgian manor house built by the Earl of Ormonde in 1786 .  Inside, fine period features include a sweeping staircase, marble fireplaces, and decorative ceilings; and the ornate restaurant and tea room offer a delicious breakfast and afternoon tea. The house’s lovely walled gardens have direct access to the Kilkenny Castle Yard. The 13 rooms are spacious and comfortable, with décor that balances modern tastes with the original features of the house. In the Butler’s Pantry, the hotel’s main bar, vaulted ceilings, low lighting, and vintage armchairs create an intimate atmosphere.

Waterford Castle

Waterford, Ireland

The 16^th-century Waterford Castle sits on a private island in the River Barrow just east of Waterford and is only accessible by ferry.  Its 19 bedrooms are decorated with traditional fabrics, antiques, hand-painted tiles, and claw-footed bathtubs, and feature modern conveniences. Dining choices range from cooked-to-order breakfasts served in the castle conservatory to afternoon tea in the Fitzgerald Bar and fine dining in the award-winning Munster Room Restaurant. There is an even wider range of outdoor activity choices, including the 18-hole golf course, archery, falconry and clay pigeon shooting. Those interested in a more leisurely experience may prefer searching for wildlife while taking a stroll along the island’s extensive woodland trails.

Ballymaloe House

County Cork, Ireland

Ballymaloe House is a wisteria-clad country manor built around the remnants of a 14th-century Norman castle. Along with an internationally acclaimed cooking school, it is part of an expansive farm estate run by three generations of the same family. The common rooms are elegant and warmly decorated, with fireplaces, portraits, and tall windows. Dining here is a highlight: menus showcase locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and the restaurant is spread across seven adjoining rooms, from the leafy conservatory overlooking the lake to the blue Yeats room. The 32 guest rooms are each unique, ranging from spacious suites in the main house to a cozy split-level twin in the medieval gatehouse. They feature Irish country décor, wifi, and other modern amenities, but no televisions. The hotel also has a swimming pool and tennis courts, a shop and café, as well as several walking trails on the grounds.

Dingle Benners Hotel

Dingle, Ireland

Located on a hilly street in the heart of Dingle town, the Dingle Benners Hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1800s. The ground floor of this boutique hotel includes an inviting pub with book-lined walls and antique Irish furniture. It serves craft beers and whiskeys as well as a generous afternoon tea service, and light fare for lunch and dinner. The 52 rooms are bright and traditional, with rustic furniture and pictures from old Irish school books adorning the walls. The staff are friendly and helpful, with plenty of local knowledge to help you discover Dingle and its environs.

The K Club

Kildare, Ireland

The K Club is an opulent, old world-styled hotel located approximately half an hour west of Dublin. This magnificent property is set within vast leafy grounds traversed by the River Liffey. It features two championship Arnold Palmer golf courses as well as the third largest spa in Ireland. The resort offers numerous dining options, ranging from an Asian-inspired eatery and a casual, golf-themed restaurant to an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant. Afternoon tea is served in the lavish Chinese Drawing Room, while evening drinks can be enjoyed in either the Media Puzzle Lounge or the cocktail bar. Guest rooms have been individually decorated with period decor, original paintings, and antiques, as well as modern amenities.