1. Rosleague Manor, Co. Galway
Resting on the quiet shores of Ballinakill Bay, and beautifully secluded within 30 acres of its own private woodland, Rosleague Manor in Connemara is one of Ireland’s finest regency hotels.
Tucked away near the beautiful Connemara town of Letterfrack, just 15 kilometres from the buzzing town of Clifden and 5 minutes drive to Kylemore's beautiful Abbey and walled gardens, the area is rich with beauty and has something for everyone. Salmon, trout and sea-fishing, golf and horse-riding are all also available in the area.
For more information: www.rosleague.com
The View: Over Ballinakill Bay in Connemara
2. Rathmullan House, Co. Donegal
Set in idyllic wooded grounds overlooking Lough Swilly in Co Donegal and just a few steps from a two-mile long golden beach, the luxury Rathmullan House hotel and restaurant is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the good things in life. Renowned for its award-winning food, locally sourced and expertly cooked, and beautifully furnished bedrooms, what brings it all together is the genuine warm family welcome you receive here. With its stunning location, right beside the sea, you can stroll through the gardens of this lovely old house down to a mile long sandy beach.
For more information: www.rossmullanhouse.com
The View: Over Lough Swilly.
3. Carrig Country House, Co. Kerry
Hidden away on the shores of Caragh Lake on the Ring of Kerry, Carrig Country House is the perfect place to escape from it all, relax and enjoy some of the most beautiful and unspoiled scenery in Ireland. Enjoy a great night's sleep and awake to the sound of the lake lapping on the shore; stroll through the wonderful gardens or sneak away to a secluded corner in one of the spacious drawing rooms to indulge in a good book or game of chess.
Fore more information: www.carrighouse.com
The View: Over Caragh Lake
4. Currarevagh House, Co. Galway
Currarevagh House is a Victorian country manor romantically situated on the shores of Lough Corrib in 150 acres of private woodland. Built by the present owner's ancestors in 1842, it maintains the atmosphere of a private country house rather than as a hotel, and that informal tranquility lends itself to those seeking an escape from today’s hectic world. The exceptional food, cooked with originality and passion, and magical grounds take centre stage at Currarevagh, and making it the perfect base for exploring the magnificent west of Ireland.
For more information: www.currarevagh.com
The View: Over Lough Corrib in Connemara
5. Clare Island Lighthouse, Co. Mayo
Clare Island stands guard at the entrance to Clew Bay, off Ireland’s western Atlantic coast. For almost two centuries, the island’s lighthouse has been a nautical landmark perched high on the craggy cliffs, watching over Achill, Westport and beyond. Clare Island Lighthouse is a retreat like no other, a unique spot where guests are free to while away their time in solitude or to enjoy mingling and socialising in the welcoming warmth of the kitchen, drawing room or library.
For more information: www.clarelighthouse.com
The View: Over the Atlantic Ocean
6. Park Hotel Kenmare, Co. Kerry
Since 1897 many world travellers have enjoyed the pleasure of Park Hotel Kenmare and its renowned restaurant. Set in a heavenly location overlooking Kenmare Bay, the hotel is in the heart of Ireland's most scenic countryside. All accommodations are spacious with sitting area, antique furnishings and original art. while Deluxe and Suites enjoy a full sea view or private veranda. Home to the Deluxe Destination Spa SÁMAS; guests can also experience the virtues of a true spa here.
For more information: www.parkkenmare.com
The View: Over Kenmare Bay
7. Gregans Castle, Co. Clare
With breathtaking views across Galway Bay and idyllically situated overlooking the unique Burren landscape, Gregans Castle is the ultimate luxury and gourmet hideaway. Simon Haden and Frederieke McMurray manage this oasis of comfort, offering genuine Irish hospitality, award-winning innovative cooking, and elegant bedrooms free from the intrusion of televisions. Antiques, modern art, turf fires, candlelight and garden flowers add to the indulgently relaxing atmosphere.
For more information: www.gregans.ie
The View: Over Galway Bay and The unique Burren landscape
8. Ice House Hotel, Co. Mayo
At the Ice House Hotel in Ballina, you’re greeted with a wonderful fusion of old and new. Luxurious bedrooms and suites, all with panoramic river views, marry the beauty of the original eighteenth century building with rich contemporary styling. This eclectic mix perfectly frames the amazing views that stretch across the River Moy to the woodlands beyond.
For more information: www.icehousehotel.ie
The View: Over The River Moy
9. Blairscove House, Co. Cork
In this Georgian country house at the head of Dunmanus Bay, everything revolves around the courtyard. Finely restored with cobbled paths, shrubs and flowers, its 250 old stone outbuildings contain four beautiful guest apartments as well as the restaurant, with its magnificent dining room converted from the old stable block.
For more information: www.blairscove.ie
The View: With beautiful views across the Dunmanus bay and surrounding hills, the rooms rank amongst the best in West Cork.
10. King Sitric, Co. Dublin
Established in 1971, The King Sitric has earned an international reputation for fresh seafood & hospitality. Situated in the picturesque fishing village of Howth, highlights of a visit here include panoramic sea views and strolls along Howth Pier, not to mention the lobster, crab, and shrimp caught by local fishermen in Balscadden Bay, only metres from the restaurant, and fish landed daily on the pier.
For more information: www.kingsitric.ie
The View: Over the Irish Sea.
11. Wineport Lodge, Co. Westmeath
Approached by boat or car, Wineport Lodge Hotel Athlone enjoys an incomparable setting. Hidden on the quiet, picturesque shores of Lough Ree, its cedar clad, log-cabin-style exterior is matched with a tasteful, modern interior that reflects the warm and relaxed atmosphere across the lodge and its lakeside grounds.
For more information: www.wineport.ie
The View: Over Lough Ree
12. Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Co. Galway
Despite being situated just outside the vibrant city of Galway, the Glenlo Abbey Hotel is a haven of peaceful calm right on the banks the River Corrib and Lough Corrib. Each of the beautiful rooms at Glenlo have personal character with luxury fittings and furniture. The individual styling perfectly complements the original features creating a real sense of history and modern majestic flair. They ooze opulence but remain inviting and comfortable. Glenlo Abbey’s Corrib Deluxe Suites give stunning panoramic vistas of the River Corrib and Lower Lough Corrib
For more information: www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie
The View: Over the River Corrib and Lough Corrib
13. The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor, Co. Kerry
The Hideaway at Dromquinna Manor is a luxurious glamping experience like no other. Perched atop a wooded cliff high above the glittering water, enjoy the solitude of your own private veranda as you take in the breathtaking views, interrupted only by the occasional heron flying past. Nothing short of complete serene seclusion and a surrender to nature, the hideaway at Dromquinna is the utlmate in luxury camping. In reality it is not camping at all but a sumptuous en-suite bedroom on its own private grounds.
For more information: www.dromquinnamanor.com/the-hideaway/
The View: Uninterrupted views over Kenmare Bay