What are the most romantic hotels in Ireland, well it depends on what one defines as romantic. To some people a romantic break is a luxurious modern hotel with all the trappings, to others it has more to do with the hotels location by romantic windswept and wild landscapes. What everyone can agree on is the overall experience of the stay and a feeling of pure extravagance and escapism whilst there. When staying at a hotel on a romantic break a couple should feel like they are on no other place on earth.
Ireland with its many 5 star hotels and beautifully restored Castles and Manors from bygone eras all set in amidst untamed and awe inspiring beautiful scenery is an ideal destination for a romantic break or honeymoon. With its rich history of kings and landed gentry many of its top hotels offer an escape to a world and a time that exists in legend.
We at Discoveringireland have an indepth knowledge from our years of experience on what creates the essential elements to an ideal romantic getaway. With that in mind we have composed a list of the top 10 most romantic hotels that we recommend when it comes to catering to honeymoons and romantic getaways. All of the hotels below offer the best that Ireland can offer in terms of quality, luxury and escapism in settings that combine old world regal charm with modern living.
Discoveringirelands top 10 romantic Hotels
For those to wish to partake in the fairytale setting of a real Irish castle keep and fully experience what life was like in a real unadorned or ubermodernized small country castle in the wilds of Clare Ballyhannon Castle, a 15th century castle completely recreated for visitors could be the ideal setting. A small 9 bedroom castle on 2 acres of land it offers suburb views of the coastline of county Clare with the authentic feel of life in a centuries old country castle, built of old stone with wooden paneling, wooden furniture and a 4 poster beds, bearskin rugs and other castle memorabilia.
romantic candlelit dinners at mount juliet
Mount Juliet Estate in Co. Kilkenny: experience life to the manor born with world class horse riding, fishing and golfing facilities available, all set in a fabulous Georgian manor hotel in 1500 acres of land. Ideal for the couple who enjoy the countryside and the outdoors, this estate also offers top class spa, indoor leisure and dining opportunities.
Adare Manor in the village of Adare in county Limerick, is a 5 star internationally renowned hotel set in an 18th century manor on 840 acres of land. Adare manor has some outstanding mock gothic intricate designs both inside and out and the finishing and design of the building is a visual feast. Combining stunning old architecture and design with the more modern facilities of a top class hotel such as a spa and beauty rooms for indulgent bliss, fine dining options be it top class cosmopolitan or bistro along with traditional Irish entertainment for a lovely romantic atmosphere, Adare Manor is a great option for a high class romantic getaway.
SAMAS experience Park Hotel Kenmare
For the visitor wanting a more modern experience the Park Hotel in Kenmare is one of Ireland’s most exquisite hotels. A more modern and cosmopolitan hotel set in private woodland grounds overlooking Kenmare bay, the Park Hotel offers suburb views, with service and facilities that are second to none. For the visiting couple the unique facilities at the Park Hotel offer a number of interesting options for a romantic evening from fine dining overlooking the magnificent gardens and setting, to a starry-eyed night in watching Hollywood classical movies in the 12 seater Reel Room, to being pampered in ultimate lavishness and relaxation at the exclusive spa experience SAMAS whilst overlooking the vast wooded wilderness of the Hotel grounds.
Cahernane House is a Jacobean Manor House of the Victorian era set on private grounds in Killarney overlooking the famous Killarney National Park offers old world charm and award winning cuisines in amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland, perfect for dining over candlelight dinners whilst taking in the wonderful views.
For a journey over 200 years back in time to 18th and 19th century Georgian Dublin try The Merrion hotel set in the Merrion Square at the centre of Dublin, the elegant Georgian hotel composed of 4 old Georgian buildings which with its elegant Georgian interior and fine restaurant and its pampering spa is an experience in elegant luxury in itself.
Ashford Castle overlooking Lough Corrib in Cong, County Mayo is one of Irelands best kept castles as well as a most luxurious hotel. Combining the centuries old feel of the original castle with the modern features of a top class hotel such as a heath and beauty centre it offers a visiting couple a pure fairytale setting where they can learn the art of falconry, view the vast grounds on horseback, go trout fishing by the lake, partake in leisurely golf at their leisure whilst at night relaxing in an exquisite candlelit dinner.
If relaxing in amidst the wild landscape of Ireland is romantic enough the Ballynahinch castle in the world famous wilderness of the Connemara is a dream. A centuries old castle full of legends, nestled in within 445 acres of woodland estate and overlooking the Ballynahinch river it gives visitors the chance to go back in time and take in the dreamy and untamed settings of the Connemara region in style.
ballynahinchcastle in wilds of Connemara
The ancestrial of the O’Brian clan descendants of Brian Boru and the high kings of Ireland and now the hotel of choice for internationals royalty, presidents and heads of state Dromoland Castle in county Clare is one of the worlds (not just Irelands) top luxury hotels. A hotel setting that time forgot, it offers dining rooms and libraries with a cosy wood fire, romantic candlelit dinners with award winning food all in an estate and setting that allows for some old world country manor activities whilst taking in the scenery.
Lastly Waterford Castle is a 16th century castle and hotel set on an island overlooking Waterford city that combines centuries old décor with all the modern luxuries of a top class hotel effortlessly. Its’ peaceful and beautiful surrounds, scenery and its award winning cuisine made from locally sourced produce make for some romantic dinners and relaxing royal treatment.
So for the best in romantic escapism in hotels of the finest class and opulence from a different time and setting Ireland is the place to visit.
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