Visit Ireland’s Best Inns and Hotels
A wise Irishman once noted, “Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible.” Travelers to this Emerald Isle are sure to discover the truth of that statement. Exploring ancient sites, wandering through castles and sampling a pint or two of fine Irish ale are just a few of the happy adventures awaiting visitors to Ireland.
A journey to Ireland would not be complete without a stay in Dublin. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the easiest way to see the sites of the city are on foot. The Guinness Brewery is a popular attraction, as is the National Gallery, where you’ll find works ranging from Manet to Picasso. From there head in any direction and you are sure to find something of interest, from Blarney Castle and the lakes of Killarney in the southwest to the unique landscape of Connemara in the western portion of Ireland. Don’t forget to set aside a few days to explore Northern Ireland and Belfast.
On her popular website, travel writer Karen Brown offers several comprehensive itineraries for visitors to Ireland. Her readers also have voted and chosen the following inns and hotels as Ireland’s top lodging experiences.
Located in Ireland’s picturesque region of Connemara, the Quay House has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s “Most Romantic” inn. The view alone invites romance. Most of the guest rooms and studios face the town harbor of Clifdon. The inn is the oldest building in town and originally served as the harbor master’s house. It now houses seven guest rooms and seven studios, each with a unique theme. The dcor ranges from posh Irish country to the eclectic Out of Africa safari room.
The enthusiastic innkeepers at Ballyvolane House encourage their guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Their passion for innkeeping has earned Ballyvolane the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for Ireland’s “Warmest Welcome.” This idyllic Irish country home is surrounded by spectacular gardens, and also offers seven kilometers of private salmon fishing along the River Blackwater. The tastefully furnished guest rooms include special items such as clawfoot tubs perfect for a long, restful soak. Spend an hour with a good book in the drawing room or ask the innkeepers to prepare a picnic lunch and you can find a sunny spot on the inn’s grounds. Four-course dinners are served each night in the beautiful dining room, featuring an ever-changing seasonal menu.
Even on a budget, travelers can enjoy elegance at a posh Irish country house. Ballaghtobin, located in County Kilkenny, was chosen as Ireland’s “Greatest Value” by Karen Brown readers. There are three stylish guest rooms, each with private bath. The common areas include a wonderful sun room which looks out to the expansive grounds. The ruin of an old Norman church rests just a few yards from the main house, and there is plenty of parkland and farmland to explore and enjoy.
If you wish to indulge yourself at one of Ireland’s best lodgings, The Merrion is a stunning Dublin hotel and was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Ireland’s best “Splendid Splurge.” The historic hotel is opposite from Leinster House, the home of Ireland’s Parliament. Guest rooms and suites, as well as a hugely extravagant penthouse, are spread among the historic main house and the garden wing. All of the rooms are spacious and elegant with views of the city or hotel gardens. The Tethra Spa offers a wide selection of massage treatments, as well as a fitness center and swimming pool. The Cellar Bar is an excellent spot to enjoy a pint or a glass or wine, and it is found in the hotel’s original wine vaults. There are two restaurants, the more casual Cellar Restaurant and the Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-star Michelin Restaurant.
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