Ireland, A Luxury Destination.

What is your definition of luxury? 

Is it something that gives you a lot of pleasure but cannot be done often like a luxury cruise or a trip around the world; Is it expensive and beautiful things that are pleasant to have but aren’t necessary like shopping in designer stores with the help of a personal shopper, getting pampered at a deluxe spa, dining in Michelin star restaurants,  savoring champagne & handmade chocolates; a luxurious stay in a 5 star hotel; or travelling in comfort and style around the Emerald Isle in a top of the range car….

Luxury is hard to define but whatever your definition of luxury may be, you should try to make room for a little bit of it in your life, and the island of Ireland is proof of that.

A wonderful Irish proverb, “An rud is annamh is iontach”, translates as “what is seldom is wonderful”.

Luxurious hotels out of an Irish fairytale. 

Irish 5 star hotels are the ultimate in sheer luxury and indulgence, be it in a room for two, a presidential suite, a state room or the exclusive hire of the entire property for family and friends.

Maybe it’s been a while and you can’t remember what it’s like to spoil yourself.

So, step into indulgent and luxurious Ireland, where you’ll find a plethora of bespoke and unique luxury vacations and experiences waiting to be explored.

For a little Irish inspiration, take a peek at this Tourism Ireland video showcasing Ireland as a luxury destination-

Just some of the 5 star Irish hotels…

There are numerous 5 star luxurious hotels in Ireland that are waiting to be explored but here is a short selection to just whet your appetite –

Adare Manor, Adare, County Limerick. 

Adare Manor is the epitome of luxury. A neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece, once the family seat of the Earls of Dunraven, today it is cherished as a warm and welcoming five-star luxury resort, with all air-conditioned guestrooms lavishly appointed with original art, Georgian-style furnishings, and marble bathrooms. Guests can experience various activities on the sweeping 840-acre estate, with golf, falconry, archery, clay shooting, gundog displays, fishing, and a spa with luxury La Mer products. Fine dining and world-class libations across the resort’s many restaurants, lounges, and bars offer something to tempt every palate.

Ashford Castle, County Mayo. 

Once the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo, opened as a luxury hotel in 1939. In 2013 Ashford Castle became part of the Red Carnation Collection, which began a loving restoration project and it now offers 82 bespoke bedrooms and a lakeside cottage. Dining options include the George V, the Dungeon and Cullen’s at the Cottage, or private dining in The Wine Cellars. There is a 32-seat cinema, a library, spa, billiards room, cigar terrace and beautiful public lounges with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout. The Ashford Estate offers an extensive range of activities including Orvis fly fishing and Ireland’s first school of falconry. Evocative of an elegant and bygone age, and yet perfectly adapted to the needs of this modern one, Ashford is the oldest castle hotel in Ireland.

The Merrion Hotel, Dublin City. 

The Merrion Hotel in the heart of Dublin City, encompasses four meticulously restored Georgian townhouses that imbue it with a touch of Irish history. Popular with art lovers, the property contains the largest private collection of 19th and 20th century art in Ireland, including works by Post-Impressionist painter Paul Henry and Impressionist William Leech. The hotel is also located close to the National Gallery and it’s restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, is Ireland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant since 1996. The Merrion Spa and Health Club has a 60-foot swimming pool plus a gymnasium, a steam room, and luxurious treatment rooms.

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast City

The five Red Star Merchant Hotel is a harmonious blend of Victorian grandeur and Art Deco inspired sleek modernity. Situated in the heart of Belfast city center’s historic Cathedral Quarter, the grandeur of the original Grade A listed building is complemented by an elegant Art Deco inspired wing with a multitude of exciting amenities. These include a stunning luxury spa, a rooftop gymnasium with panoramic city views and a dedicated meeting and events suite.

Lough Eske Castle Hotel, County Donegal. 

Lough Eske Castle Hotel, traces its roots all the way back to the late 1400’s and the famous O’Donnell family that founded the nearby town of Donegal. The original castle was first built around 1474. A date stone of 1621 remains on the property to this day. The current Lough Eske Castle was constructed in the 1860s on the site of an old Brooke mansion, but was destroyed by fire in 1939. The beautiful Lough Eske Castle stands as a continuing testament to the rich history of Lough Eske and the surrounding region. Located near the fabled Blue Stack Mountains, you will escape into a luxurious world of relaxed elegance and attentive service. From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed guestroom, the Lough Eske Castle hotel will provide a truly accommodating 5 star luxurious environment for all guests.

Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois. 

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains just over an hour from Dublin, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. It is a place of history and romance, of tranquility and great natural beauty. With 20 bedrooms, magnificent grandeur, unparalleled seclusion and privacy, decorated with Irish art and antiques from around the world, Ballyfin is in the same spirit of refined elegance that the early House reflected in the 1820s. For today’s guest, formality is blended with an informal and relaxed approach that is wonderfully warm and welcoming. Step outdoors to enjoy 614 acres of private parkland, a 28 acre lake, ancient woods, follies and grottoes.

Dromoland Castle Hotel, County Clare. 

With an extraordinary history stretching back to the 5th Century, Dromoland Castle was originally the ancestral home of one of the few families of Gaelic Royalty; direct descendants of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Approached by a meandering drive that passes acres of magnificent lawns, this luxury 5 Star Castle Hotel overlooks its own Championship Golf Course and a glistening lake which commands the panoramic beauty of the surrounds. Seamlessly blending old-world elegance with contemporary luxuries, Dromoland Castle’s tradition of delivering impeccable, unobtrusive service is never compromised. Guests can enjoy an exquisite selection of gourmet fine dining and delicious wines; and unwind slowly in the Castle’s 5 Star luxury Health Spa or indoor heated pool.

The Westbury Hotel, Dublin City. 

The Westbury Hotel not only surrounds its guests in luxury and style, it places them at the very center of the capital city’s social and cultural riches. The hotel occupies a prime position between Trinity College and St. Stephen’s Green; perfectly located for exploring everything the city has to offer. At its front doorstep lies Grafton Street, renowned for its color, street artists and luxury shopping; whilst Dublin’s ‘Creative Quarter’, a vibrant network of streets filled with lively bars, restaurants and independent stores runs behind the hotel, with the city’s top theaters, museums and art galleries all situated within a short walking distance. The magnificent Gallery, with its captivating art collection and sumptuous Afternoon Tea is a Dublin institution. Modern, edgy and sophisticated, the hotel’s restaurants and bars present a unique social hub.

Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork City

Reside in truly elegant surroundings at Cork’s premier 5-star hotel. Nestled within a private walled garden, Hayfield Manor provides the charm of a country house with all the amenities of Cork city on your doorstep, while popular tourist attractions such as Blarney, Kinsale and Cobh are just a short distance away. Hayfield Manor offers a choice of luxurious accommodation: each of the unique and spacious guest rooms at Hayfield Manor is designed with your comfort in mind. Beautiful antique furnishings and exquisite fabrics make each room a pleasure in which to reside.

The Park Hotel, Kenmare, County Kerry. 

The Heritage town of Kenmare, in mystical Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way, is home to this Victorian gem. Dating from 1897, the 5 star Park Hotel Kenmare enjoys a splendid location, with manicured gardens running to the lapping shores of Kenmare Bay. This is the Ireland of which you have always dreamed with its rugged coastal drives including the famous Ring of Kerry. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the many mountain and coastal walks in the area, championship golf links and fishing nearby. The SAMAS spa offers a wide range of personalized treatments. At the end of an idyllic day you can watch a classic in the hotel’s small private cinema, while enjoying a very rare aged, peaty malt.

The Cliff House Hotel, County Waterford. 

The Cliff House Hotel, overlooking the historic village of Ardmore, in West County Waterford, is an intimate, cascading five star luxurious hotel, distinguished as much for its design and sea views as for the spa experience and the region’s most exquisite food – The House Restaurant is a One Michelin Star restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious mix of Irish cuisine & international expertise. This 39-bedroom hidden gem hotel is as true to the trusted service standards of yesteryear as the subtle, stylish comforts expected by you – the 21st century guest. Step inside and you’ll find original Irish art, elegant furniture, free Wi-Fi and a great night’s sleep. Almost all of the luxury accommodation features private balconies or terraces overlooking the Irish Sea. The luxury hotel suites are set on two levels and feature specially commissioned artworks and individual designs with bathrooms that edge onto a private veranda, offering guests the opportunity to end each day with a shower beneath the stars.

The Gift Of Ireland. 

If you would like to experience a luxurious tour of Ireland, we would be delighted to hear from you. To contact Specialized Travel Services complete the Contact form or email to newyork@jeremyd50.sg-host.com

We can customize any of our Ireland Tours to match your specific tastes, budget and requirements and include the best of Ireland’s traditions along the way. Whatever you would like to do is up to you!! Take a moment to look at our private chauffeur vacations for some vacation inspiration and a trip of a lifetime.

The past year was a great reminder not to let these fleeting moments escape us…. So why not Gift your loved one, your family, your friends or even yourself with the “Gift of Ireland”, and take your time to choose from our wide range of Ireland packages. We also offer luxurious 5 star honeymoons in Ireland in case you are planning your special day in 2021 or 2022.

Our Gift of Ireland “Gift Certificates” are available for purchase on our website and they make a wonderful valentine’s day gift, wedding gift, anniversary gift, birthday gift, or an Irish Experience with Family & Friends. Our Gift Certificates can be redeemed as full or part payment for any of our Ireland Vacations, Honeymoons and Mini Moons and they are valid for 5 years from date of purchase, so you have lots of time –  which is another great Irish luxury!

Note: Featured image at the top of the blog is of the K Cub, Straffan, County Kildare © kclub.ie