Discover Ireland: A Luxury Private Tour of Two Nations in One

The Culloden Estate and Spa is among our favorite luxury 5-star hotels in Belfast. Originally built as a bishop’s palace in 1876, the hotel’s decor exudes period features like high ceilings, grand fireplaces, and elegant wood paneling. The interiors combine classic luxury with contemporary touches, featuring rich fabrics, antique furnishings, and an atmosphere that reflects the heritage of the building. We feel that even with 98 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms and suites, this property feels intimate and comfortable. The rooms have views of either the lush gardens, the nearby Belfast Lough, or the scenic Holywood Hills (but no “Holywood” sign here!). Dining options at the hotel include the renowned Vespers Restaurant, known for its fine dining and locally sourced ingredients. We also enjoy The Lough Bar, which provides a relaxed setting for drinks, afternoon tea, and light bites. As the name suggests, the property features a full-service spa with a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, using luxurious products to ensure a relaxing experience. The spa includes a well-equipped fitness center, a hydrotherapy pool, and a thermal suite. An indoor swimming pool is also available, providing a serene space for relaxation and exercise.

The Culloden Estate and Spa is among our favorite luxury 5-star hotels in Belfast. Originally built as a bishop’s palace in 1876, the hotel’s decor exudes period features like high ceilings, grand fireplaces, and elegant wood paneling. The interiors combine classic luxury with contemporary touches, featuring rich fabrics, antique furnishings, and an atmosphere that reflects the heritage of the building. We feel that even with 98 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms and suites, this property feels intimate and comfortable. The rooms have views of either the lush gardens, the nearby Belfast Lough, or the scenic Holywood Hills (but no “Holywood” sign here!). Dining options at the hotel include the renowned Vespers Restaurant, known for its fine dining and locally sourced ingredients. We also enjoy The Lough Bar, which provides a relaxed setting for drinks, afternoon tea, and light bites. As the name suggests, the property features a full-service spa with a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials, using luxurious products to ensure a relaxing experience. The spa includes a well-equipped fitness center, a hydrotherapy pool, and a thermal suite. An indoor swimming pool is also available, providing a serene space for relaxation and exercise.

Set on the edge of Lough Eske in Donegal, Lough Eske Castle is a 5-Star historic property dating back to the 14th century. Is is here that the O’Donnell clan of Donegal had their seat and wealthy landowners also ruled. The castle was rebuilt in 1861 to accommodate international guests, with an updated interior to maintain its character, featuring warm wood details, stone fireplaces, and views of the gardens, surrounding forests, and (of course!) Lough Eske. We feel this to be the best accommodation in Donegal, with recent awards including “Best Luxury Hotel In Ireland” by The Times in the UK and Conde Nast’s Top Ten Luxury Hotels in Ireland for six consecutive years (2017-2023)! Lough Eske Castle features 124 rooms and suites that range from contemporary garden interiors to traditional country courtyard rooms converted from old stables. Luxury amenities include a spa situated on the water’s edge in the castle garden, offering a variety of facial/massage treatments, a fitness center, a thermal suite, and an indoor pool that opens to views of the natural surrounding landscape. Dining options include Cedars Restaurant offering locally sourced ingredients, while the relaxed Gallery Bar serves drinks, afternoon tea, and light bites. Kayla very much enjoyed her stay in 2019 – still reminiscing of the wonderful spa treatment and local horseback riding!

Set on the edge of Lough Eske in Donegal, Lough Eske Castle is a 5-Star historic property dating back to the 14th century. Is is here that the O’Donnell clan of Donegal had their seat and wealthy landowners also ruled. The castle was rebuilt in 1861 to accommodate international guests, with an updated interior to maintain its character, featuring warm wood details, stone fireplaces, and views of the gardens, surrounding forests, and (of course!) Lough Eske. We feel this to be the best accommodation in Donegal, with recent awards including “Best Luxury Hotel In Ireland” by The Times in the UK and Conde Nast’s Top Ten Luxury Hotels in Ireland for six consecutive years (2017-2023)! Lough Eske Castle features 124 rooms and suites that range from contemporary garden interiors to traditional country courtyard rooms converted from old stables. Luxury amenities include a spa situated on the water’s edge in the castle garden, offering a variety of facial/massage treatments, a fitness center, a thermal suite, and an indoor pool that opens to views of the natural surrounding landscape. Dining options include Cedars Restaurant offering locally sourced ingredients, while the relaxed Gallery Bar serves drinks, afternoon tea, and light bites. Kayla very much enjoyed her stay in 2019 – still reminiscing of the wonderful spa treatment and local horseback riding!

Part of the luxury Relais & Chateaux collection (and a favorite of ours!), Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a cozy and traditional accommodation located in Connemara, Ireland. Originally built in 1750 and recently refurbished in February 2024 (!), the property spans 700 private acres of woodlands, rivers, and scenic trails, with views of its renowned salmon fishery and a backdrop of the Twelve Bens Mountain range. With 48 rooms and suites, the hotel’s interiors are designed in soft earth tones with understated charm, featuring fireplaces, vintage furnishings, and spacious common areas. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel offers expert local guides for a range of guided excursions, both on-site and off, exploring the sea, mountains, and rivers. On-site activities include biking, fishing (this is a haven for fly fishers!), jogging on the property’s various trails, and outdoor tennis. Additional amenities include outdoor woodland saunas overlooking the lake, manicured gardens, and two dining options: Fisherman’s Pub and Owenmore Restaurant. Owenmore recently earned the 2024 Gold Medal Award for Ireland’s “Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant of the Year”, serving traditional Irish dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients.

Part of the luxury Relais & Chateaux collection (and a favorite of ours!), Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is a cozy and traditional accommodation located in Connemara, Ireland. Originally built in 1750 and recently refurbished in February 2024 (!), the property spans 700 private acres of woodlands, rivers, and scenic trails, with views of its renowned salmon fishery and a backdrop of the Twelve Bens Mountain range. With 48 rooms and suites, the hotel’s interiors are designed in soft earth tones with understated charm, featuring fireplaces, vintage furnishings, and spacious common areas. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel offers expert local guides for a range of guided excursions, both on-site and off, exploring the sea, mountains, and rivers. On-site activities include biking, fishing (this is a haven for fly fishers!), jogging on the property’s various trails, and outdoor tennis. Additional amenities include outdoor woodland saunas overlooking the lake, manicured gardens, and two dining options: Fisherman’s Pub and Owenmore Restaurant. Owenmore recently earned the 2024 Gold Medal Award for Ireland’s “Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant of the Year”, serving traditional Irish dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients.

Ballyfin Demesne is a British Regency-era mansion built in 1820 for Sir Charles Christopher Coote, born out of the British Empire’s newfound wealth and emphasis on exuberance. Incorporating a symmetrical facade with expansive greenery that seems to go on for miles, the hotel’s privacy and serene setting are two of the many reasons why we adore this restored mansion hotel. Located in County Laois (pronounced “leash”), Ballyfin is an approximate one hour and 30-minute drive from Dublin. Chicago billionaire Fred Krehbiel and his Irish wife, Kay purchased the mansion in 2002. Despite his financial success spanning decades, Krehbiel aimed to fulfill his dream of owning a small hotel. The 35,000 sq. ft. and 600-acre property was completely renovated after falling into a decrepit state after 70 years as a boarding school run by Roman Catholic monks. The couple sought to transform the 19th-century mansion into a grand 21-room luxury hotel set on 614 acres of land. After nearly ten years of restoration work, the hotel stands boasting 21 rooms, each with a spacious sitting room, ensuite bathroom, and views of either the lake, fountain, or conservatory. Surrounded by the nearby woods outfitted with multiple gardens, a tennis court, a shooting area, a church, a boathouse, and a helicopter pad, the lavish property retains the feel of a private, summer estate. Hotel amenities include a fully equipped gym, two pools, a sauna, and four spa treatment rooms. Dining options include The Restaurant and nightly dining in the opulent State Dining Room and Der Hagen Room. Most notable is the ornate library filled with over 5,000 books on display (our favorite room!).

Ballyfin Demesne is a British Regency-era mansion built in 1820 for Sir Charles Christopher Coote, born out of the British Empire’s newfound wealth and emphasis on exuberance. Incorporating a symmetrical facade with expansive greenery that seems to go on for miles, the hotel’s privacy and serene setting are two of the many reasons why we adore this restored mansion hotel. Located in County Laois (pronounced “leash”), Ballyfin is an approximate one hour and 30-minute drive from Dublin. Chicago billionaire Fred Krehbiel and his Irish wife, Kay purchased the mansion in 2002. Despite his financial success spanning decades, Krehbiel aimed to fulfill his dream of owning a small hotel. The 35,000 sq. ft. and 600-acre property was completely renovated after falling into a decrepit state after 70 years as a boarding school run by Roman Catholic monks. The couple sought to transform the 19th-century mansion into a grand 21-room luxury hotel set on 614 acres of land. After nearly ten years of restoration work, the hotel stands boasting 21 rooms, each with a spacious sitting room, ensuite bathroom, and views of either the lake, fountain, or conservatory. Surrounded by the nearby woods outfitted with multiple gardens, a tennis court, a shooting area, a church, a boathouse, and a helicopter pad, the lavish property retains the feel of a private, summer estate. Hotel amenities include a fully equipped gym, two pools, a sauna, and four spa treatment rooms. Dining options include The Restaurant and nightly dining in the opulent State Dining Room and Der Hagen Room. Most notable is the ornate library filled with over 5,000 books on display (our favorite room!).

Though we are partial to hotels with under 50 rooms, the 142-room Merrion is an ideal five-star luxury stay in the center of Dublin. The hotel is situated in the middle of Dublin’s historical and cultural quarter, within steps of the Leinster House parliamentary building, St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and the National Gallery of Ireland. The hotel is comprised of four restored townhouses first erected in the 1760s. After an inspired restoration, each room and suite was designed to be made up of intentional decor accents while still retaining the Georgian period features. The rooms and suites face views of the city or of the property gardens, and all feature large ensuite bathrooms with Italian Carrera marble. The interior of the hotel is embellished with Ireland’s largest private art collection, sprawled throughout the rooms, suites, and common areas. The Merrion is also home to Ireland’s first restaurant to receive a two-star Michelin distinction, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. The Merrion emphasizes a “green” approach, with a sustainability plan to offset their carbon emission, promising to reduce their per-room emissions by 66% by 2030. The property also features a full-service spa, hair salon, gym, garden terrace, drawing room, and an 18th-century wine vault.

Though we are partial to hotels with under 50 rooms, the 142-room Merrion is an ideal five-star luxury stay in the center of Dublin. The hotel is situated in the middle of Dublin’s historical and cultural quarter, within steps of the Leinster House parliamentary building, St. Stephen’s Green, Trinity College, and the National Gallery of Ireland. The hotel is comprised of four restored townhouses first erected in the 1760s. After an inspired restoration, each room and suite was designed to be made up of intentional decor accents while still retaining the Georgian period features. The rooms and suites face views of the city or of the property gardens, and all feature large ensuite bathrooms with Italian Carrera marble. The interior of the hotel is embellished with Ireland’s largest private art collection, sprawled throughout the rooms, suites, and common areas. The Merrion is also home to Ireland’s first restaurant to receive a two-star Michelin distinction, Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. The Merrion emphasizes a “green” approach, with a sustainability plan to offset their carbon emission, promising to reduce their per-room emissions by 66% by 2030. The property also features a full-service spa, hair salon, gym, garden terrace, drawing room, and an 18th-century wine vault.

The Shelbourne Hotel, known as “The Grand Dame of Dublin,” is a historic five-star property on St. Stephen’s Green. Opened in 1824, it has played a central role in Dublin’s cultural and political history, hosting notable figures and events. Despite its size at 265 rooms, we make an exception for the Shelbourne as it offers a rich, traditional aesthetic—think moody jazz, oil paintings, gold cornices, and antique furniture—setting it apart from more modern luxury hotels. Founder Martin Burke introduced early innovations like gas lighting and elegant drawing rooms, helping to define luxury hospitality standards. Over the years, the Shelbourne has welcomed Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Robert Redford, Greta Garbo, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1922, Michael Collins drafted the first Irish Constitution in room 112, now known as the Constitution Room. Other frequent guests included John Ford, Maureen O’Hara, JFK, Jacqueline Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, and Princess Grace of Monaco. The hotel’s amenities include the Shelbourne Spa, offering various facial and massage treatments, a health club with a 60-foot pool and fitness center, and three onsite restaurants and bars. We recommend a visit to the historic Horseshoe Bar and the Terrace Restaurant. With four in-house florists, fresh flowers are a signature touch throughout.

The Shelbourne Hotel, known as “The Grand Dame of Dublin,” is a historic five-star property on St. Stephen’s Green. Opened in 1824, it has played a central role in Dublin’s cultural and political history, hosting notable figures and events. Despite its size at 265 rooms, we make an exception for the Shelbourne as it offers a rich, traditional aesthetic—think moody jazz, oil paintings, gold cornices, and antique furniture—setting it apart from more modern luxury hotels. Founder Martin Burke introduced early innovations like gas lighting and elegant drawing rooms, helping to define luxury hospitality standards. Over the years, the Shelbourne has welcomed Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Robert Redford, Greta Garbo, and Elizabeth Taylor. In 1922, Michael Collins drafted the first Irish Constitution in room 112, now known as the Constitution Room. Other frequent guests included John Ford, Maureen O’Hara, JFK, Jacqueline Kennedy, Alfred Hitchcock, and Princess Grace of Monaco. The hotel’s amenities include the Shelbourne Spa, offering various facial and massage treatments, a health club with a 60-foot pool and fitness center, and three onsite restaurants and bars. We recommend a visit to the historic Horseshoe Bar and the Terrace Restaurant. With four in-house florists, fresh flowers are a signature touch throughout.