This post is about the 12 most romantic hotels in Ireland. There are truly a dozen (or more) ways to fall in love with Ireland—and each other—with visits to Ireland’s Blue Book’s romantic hotels. Each hotel in Ireland’s Blue Book ensures a unique and memorable experience, with top tips offering “insider secrets” to a romantic getaway
See the 12 Most Romantic Hotels in Ireland: Clare Island Lighthouse, Co. Mayo
For almost two centuries, Clare Island Lighthouse has stood as a nautical landmark. Perched high on craggy cliffs and standing guard at the entrance to Clew Bay off Ireland’s western Atlantic coast, Clare Island Lighthouse offers a retreat like no other, with solitude and welcoming warmth, and sumptuous locally-sourced foods.
Romance Tip: Request the Sauna Suite of Clare Island Lighthouse, offering access to a private sauna with beautiful views.
Ice House, Co. Mayo
Luxurious bedrooms and suites, all with panoramic views, marry the beauty of the original 18th-century Ice House with rich, contemporary styling. This eclectic mix perfectly frames the amazing views stretching across the River Moy to the woodlands beyond. This hotel is ideal for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.
Romance Tip: Visit the Chill Spa to relax in the luxurious double treatment room with a couples massage.
Glenlo Abbey, Galway
Nestled peacefully on a stunning 138-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib, the five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Golf Resort offers couples a warm, personable and luxurious getaway. Beautiful and unspoiled Connemara scenery creates a soft and balanced contrast to the vibrant nearby Galway City.
Romance Tip: Dine aboard the awarded Pullman Restaurant set on two original Orient Express train cars.
Gregans Castle, Co. Clare
With breathtaking views across Galway Bay and the unique Burren landscape, Gregans Castle offers the ultimate luxury and gourmet hideaway. Romance flourishes under the comfort of genuine Irish hospitality, award-winning dining, turf fires and candlelight, and television-free bedrooms.
Romance Tip: Explore the heart of the Burren with a private guide from Gregans Castle.
Castle Durrow, Laois
Originally built by Viscount Ashbrook in 1716, Castle Durrow is one of Ireland’s most popular luxury four-star hotels. The family-owned home is conveniently located between Dublin and Cork, along the banks of the River Erkina. It is one of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues.
Romance Tip: Stroll through Castle Durrow’s gardens and enjoy a picnic among the fragrant flowers.
Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
Steeped in heritage, Mount Juliet’s stunning walled estate is one of Ireland’s most lavish country estates, famed for its welcoming and exception service. Guests enjoy the 1500 acres of sprawling countryside, fine dining and relaxing spa treatments, along with the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and other activities.
Romance Tip: Dine in the Michelin-starred Lady Helen restaurant.
Dunbrody House, Co. Wexford
The focus is on food and pampering at Dunbrody House, with its world-renowned gourmet restaurant, chic champagne seafood bar and breakfast until noon daily. Set in 300 acres of parkland on the idyllic Hook Peninsula, Dunbrody is the perfect year-round romantic getaway.
Romantic Tip: Learn to cook together with a tailor-made course at the renowned cooking school of Dunbrody House.
Marlfield House, Co. Wexford
Marlfield House is a beautifully-restored Regency-period house set on 36 acres of fine gardens and woodlands, and close to miles of sandy beaches. All rooms are filled with beautiful antiques, paintings and vases of flowers, with views of the extensive gardens with a croquet lawn and kitchen garden and grounds.
Romance Tip: Stay in one of the lavish and luxurious four-poster suites such as the Stopford Room of Marfield House.
Castle Leslie Estate, Monaghan
Steeped in history and full of character and charm, Castle Leslie Estate is one of Ireland’s last great castle estate remaining in the founding family. Set on 1,000 acres of ancient woodland and glittering lakes, it is known for its authentic original interiors, old-style hospitality and romantic Irish Castle weddings.
Romance Tip: Discover the beautiful Irish countryside on horseback from the Castle Leslie Estate’s equestrian center.
Wineport Lodge, Co. Westmeath
Hidden on the quiet, picturesque shores of Lough Ree, Wineport Lodge enjoys an incomparable setting, approachable by boat or car. Its cedar-clad log cabin-style exterior is matched with a tasteful, modern interior that reflects the warm and relaxed atmosphere found in the lodge and on the lakeside grounds.
Romance Tip: Request a lake-view room with a private balcony to watch the sun set over the shimmering lake.
Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim
Roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies, and a secret library set the romantic tone at Bushmills Inn. Guests can linger by the fire, enjoy afternoon tea in the garden courtyard, partake in water sports, hike in the unspoiled countryside, visit the Old Bushmills Distillery, or golf nearby on some of Ireland’s best golf courses.
Romance Tip: Enjoy intimate movie screenings of favorite films in the Bushmill Inn’s boutique cinema.
Ardtara Country House, Derry/Londonderry
Widely regarded as one of the finest country houses in Northern Ireland, Ardtara is an elegantly-restored 19th-century mansion filled with owner-collected antiques, original working fireplaces, and en-suite bedrooms with king-sized beds, set on private eight-acre wooded grounds.
Romance Tip: Explore Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones filming locations and the Giant’s Causeway.
Romance is alive and flourishing in Ireland’s Blue Book hotels.
About Ireland’s Blue Book
Ireland’s Blue Book is a unique collection of Irish Country House Hotels, Georgian Manor Houses, Stately Castles, Luxury Boutique Hotels and Designer Lodges, and Michelin-star Restaurants representing the finest of Ireland’s hospitality, accommodations and cuisine. Activities range from golf, fishing, spas, area tours, horseback riding and cookery schools to relaxation in warm and comfortable surroundings.
To maintain exclusivity and represent its bespoke high standards, Ireland’s Blue Book members must be invited to join, and a “vote in” of 75% is required by the current membership. Characteristics of Ireland’s Blue Book members include uniqueness, environmental awareness, high standards and self-regulation, as well as fine and award-winning cuisine.
