The hardest part of planning a trip, in my opinion, is deciding on accommodation. Where do we want to stay? How much to spend? What type of hotel? It’s overwhelming. That’s why I wanted to put together 10 unique hotels in Ireland for your planning needs. “Unique hotels” mean they could have an EPIC location in town, an intense history, or incredible views! This post will be updated – so if you have a favorite that hasn’t made the list – let me know in the comments and I’ll add it!
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Similar to the Ultimate Ireland Bucket List, this post is organized counter-clockwise from Dublin.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something from a link I may make a commission at no cost to you. All prices are approximations and from Sept 2020.
The Merrion Hotel, Dublin
When I think of luxury hotels around the world, Rome, Paris, London all come to mind, not Dublin. However, the Merrion Hotel in Dublin is one of the Leading Hotels in the World and is located in the heart of Georgian Dublin – making it easy to explore Dublin! The hotel is not only luxurious, but it’s a restoration of four Georgian townhouses. Even if you don’t spend the night, you can get an incredible meal at one of the restaurants, such as the Cellar Bar – set in original 18th Century wine vaults.
Cost per night : around 350 Euro Book It Now
The Schoolhouse Hotel, Dublin
Built in 1859 as a schoolhouse, this hotel has seen much of Dublin’s historical events – including 1916 Rising. There are 31 boutique hotel rooms, each named and dedicated to the most important and influential people. Not only is this hotel historical – it has a great location near Aviva Stadium and the Bord Gais Energy Theater. (Not to mention the restaurant and bar are well known in the neighborhood!) The history makes it one of the most unique hotels in Ireland!
Cost per night: Around 100 Euro Book It Now
Unique Hotel in Ireland Shout out: Ice Hotel in Ballina
Reader Favorite: Lough Eske Castle
Reader Erin spent her honeymoon on a road trip through Ireland and her favorite place to stay was Lough Eske Castle. Based on her picture (below), I can’t blame her for loving it!
Cost per night: Around 300 Euro Book It Now
Currarevagh, Connemara
Recommended by Kirsten of Kids Are a Trip
One of my all time favorite places to stay in Ireland is Currarevagh Country House. Located in Connemara, about 45 miles from Galway, the property occupies an idyllic setting on Lough Corrib. This 130 year old property, is Ireland’s longest running guest house by one family, and it’s the perfect place to experience Irish hospitality.
Currarevagh is situated on 180 acres of private parkland, meaning this property feels isolated, but has access to everything in the area. Guests can take a boat out on the lake or explore one of the many walking trails throughout the estate. Those wanting to go out and explore can drive the Connemara Loop and explore small towns as well as Connemara National Park.
One of the main reasons to visit Currarevagh, is the food. We experienced the most delicious breakfast and dinner. Breakfast had an abundance of options, and dinner was expertly prepared and served in the home’s lovely dining room.
If you want to explore Connemara or the Aran Islands, Currarevagh is the perfect home base. It’s close to everything but feels a world away.
Price per night: around 120 Euro Book It Now
Adare Manor, Adare
Recommended by Nancy of Traveling With Purpose
Adare Manor is an easy stroll from the quaint thatched-roof village of Adare in County Limerick. This gorgeous historical Manor House is surrounded by 840 acres (340 hectares) of formal gardens, parklands, trees and some of the best trout fishing in Ireland. The stellar Adare Golf Course onsite has hosted many prestigious tournaments, including the Irish PGA Championship. When you stay at Adare Manor you can take advantage of classic activities to truly experience the traditions of this country. You can choose events like historical tours, a horse-drawn carriage ride, whiskey tasting or even game shooting.
A variety of luxurious lodging options are available within the estate grounds. Breakfast is included in most bookings. Choose a Classic Stateroom or Suite with a view of the River Maigue. If you stay in one of the 3-bedroom historic storybook cottages, you’ll also enjoy a full kitchen. Two or four-bedroom Manor Lodges are great for families or friends traveling together. For your next special occasion, if you really want to be pampered, you can splurge on a Signature Suite that comes complete with your own Manor Butler. These expert assistants can coordinate your travel itinerary, and even help you unpack when you arrive.
Cost for one night in 2020: between $750-1,000 Book It Now
If you’re looking for camping ideas in Ireland, check out these 17 unique places to go glamping in Ireland.
The Skellig Rest, Kerry
The Skellig Rest cottage is 100 years old and has all the charm you could want in accommodation in Ireland! Located comfortably elevated on the Ring of Kerry, it’s location is perfect. Enjoy views of the Ring of Kerry from the hammock on the patio or the hot tub. It sleeps 5 people, however, there is a 7-night minimum stay. Enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry right from the porch makes this a very unique hotel in Ireland!
Cost for one night in 2020: around $140 Book It Now
Kells Bay Beach House, Dingle
Recommended by Emmy of Celebrate Again
This sweet bungalow near the coast of Ireland was absolutely a dream escape from the busyness of life. Tucked away down a locals-only winding road you’re right at the edge of the beach in just a hop and skip down the hill. The views from the top floor bedrooms are so breathtaking as you look across the water at Dingle. We loved it because it really was a place only locals would stay so we got a good feel of the area. We loved the pub up the street just off the Ring of Kerry. During the day tourists stop here but in the evenings the locals drip in to catch up. We loved being so close to the ocean in a quiet area with access to a low key beach.
There was something quite rustic about this little house even though it had all the amenities you could need. It truly seemed like a hidden gem that only locals know about to rent for their weekend escapes. As foreign tourists, we loved feeling like we found this treasure and got a taste of the Kerry lifestyle, slow and steady. We loved how close this house was to the ring of Kerry without being in the busy cities or where tourists normally stay. There aren’t your usual amenities close by so make sure you stop at the stores and fill up your petrol before you head to this home by the coast! If you do venture out Killorglin is your best bet for finding good food, which is about a 20-minute breathtaking drive.
Cost for a night: around 85 Euro Book It Now
Treehouse 1, Skibbereen
This gorgeous luxury treehouse is located in West Cork and has some amazing beauty to dazzle. It’s made of 100% sustainable materials. Not only that, but it has a hot tub with a tree right next to it! The combination of nature and luxury makes it one of the most unique hotels in Ireland!
Cost for a night: around 180 Euro Book It Now
Gabriel House Hotel, Cork
The Gabriel House is elevated over Cork, giving incredible views of Cork’s cathedral spires and harbor. Located a little bit out of the city, it’s a great city break from Cork but also easy to get to via bus or train. I love that their breakfast is made using eggs laid from their own flock of hens and the biscuits and scones are made in house every day!
Cost of one room: vary from 75 to 150 euro depending on room.
Cliff House Hotel, Waterford
Recommended by Allan of BangorNI
Perched over the rugged Irish coastlines of Ardmore in Waterford, is the Cliff House Hotel, where it shares some of the most breath-taking views from the moment you step into the foyer. The hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Ireland. The highlight has to be the pool and spa that frames the sea views perfectly with floor to ceiling windows and there is a connecting balcony to an outdoor Jacuzzi terrace. On top of luxury spa treatments, the hotel also boasts a Michelin Star restaurant, it marks the start and finish of the Ardmore Cliff Walk, and it has become a popular reward at the end of Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way.
Cost for one night: around 500 Euro Book It Now
Waterford Castle, Waterford
Recommended by Cath of Travel Around Ireland
One of the most unique places to stay in Ireland has to be Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort. Set on a private 310-acre island, the castle was once the home of the Fitzgerald family and in the 1980’s was converted into a hotel. Today it is one of the best luxury hotels in Ireland, complete with a golf resort and there are also luxurious holiday lodges on the island as well, should you wish to have a home-away-from-home stay.
What makes Waterford Castle Resort unique is the fact it is located on an island. To reach it, you need to cross the River Suir by ferry. Granted it is a short ride, but it makes this hotel stand out.
Once on the island you are safe and can wander the resort at your leisure, stopping by the castle to see inside (if you aren’t staying in the castle itself which forms the hotel), play a round of golf or even wander through the woods and see if you stumble upon the resident deer. They are often spotted in the woods or on the edge of the driving range. It is a peaceful and tranquil corner of Ireland, with great accommodation choices and also restaurant choices.
Cost for one night: Book It Now
Unique Hotel in Ireland Shout Out: Kilmurry Cottage in Dingle
The Hibernian Hotel, Kilkenny
Located on Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, you’ll find the comfortable and historic Hibernian Hotel. The location for this hotel is what makes it incredible. Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Smithwick’s Experience are practically on its doorstep! The boutique rooms are perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the town of Kilkenny!
Cost for one night: around $100 Book It Now
Tubbrid Castle, Kilkenny
The Tubbrid Castle is not only a unique hotel in Ireland but a National Monument and Protected Structure! It was built to protect the territory of the Butlers of Ormond. You can sleep in the gorgeous rooms and know that you’re sleeping on land that the King of modern-day Ulster slept in during hte 900s, or Margaret FitzGerald, Eighth Countess of Ormonde slept on! In 2016, the Castle restoration was complete and is also now a three-bedroom home. Talk about living in history!
Cost for one night: around 800 Euro Book It Now
Final Thoughts on Unique Hotels in Ireland
Ireland is my favorite country (so far) – the views, the food, the people – all make my heart long to visit again and again. These unique hotels in Ireland are some of the best places to stay to make your trip worthwhile. If you have a favorite that didn’t make the list – let me know and I’ll add it as a reader favorite!
Read More about Ireland
15+ Must-Visit Castles in Ireland
10+ Best Small Towns in Ireland
Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Cliffs of Moher
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What an awesome list of unique places to stay. I’d love to get back there and check some of these out. Thanks
Wow these hotels look really great! I’ve only been to Dublin so I’ll keep the other ones in mind when I travel around Ireland more!
This is a fascinating list of some wonderful accommodation options for anyone visiting the Emerald Isle! I just love the fact that none of these are the standard cookie-cutter typical hotel choices. The 100-year-old cottage at Skellig Rest, Kerry appeals to me to book a week there and Treehouse 1, Skibbereen looks like a fun option also. Both have great locations for exploring the beauty of nature that Ireland is so famous for.
You are right finding perfect accommodation is a challenge, especially as my kids are teenagers now! Love the Schoolhouse and Treehouse, always looking for some quirky ones to make everyone happy.
What a beautiful bunch of hotels you have listed here! I liked the treehouse and castle stays the most! That said, during my short 1 week road trip in south of Ireland, I did stay in some gorgeous family run B & Bs! Would love to visit back Ireland someday and explore a bit more!
This is such a nice compilation of hotels. I especially liked Lough Eske Castle and would like to stay over there sometime. A nicely written article, providing all the needed details.
I agree with you that one of the most challenging parts of planning a trip is accommodation. That’s why I always check opinions, and I like recommendations for interesting places. Your list is impressive, with so many unusual and atmospheric hotels. I would love to stay at the Adare Manor, The Cliff House Hotel, and Waterford Castle from your list!
I love the look of the treehouse, that’s definitely our kind of hotel. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve only stayed in bed-and-breakfasts in Ireland (which is also a fun experience), but these unique hotels look amazing. Staying in one of the castles would be so neat, but I’m especially interested in The Schoolhouse Hotel in Dublin. Our house is also a former schoolhouse, which was also literally built in the same year – 1859! I’m so glad I read your post. Definitely booking a stay there if we go back to Dublin.
Yes, totally agree. Deciding accommodation is the toughest part in planning a trip. But your list is really helpful for anyone planning a trip to Ireland. Thanks for sharing Pamela 🙂
OMG. I love those castle-hotels and also that treehouse! These would be amazing experiences. I should not book at ordinary hotels!
That’s a very well curated list of hotels in Ireland. The concept of Merrion Hotel is quite enchanting, with the restoration of Georgian townhouses, would love to stay there. I also like the Cliff House hotel for the terrace jacuzzi 🙂