11 Best Hotels in The Southwest, Ireland

Dating from 1877, this imposing gray-stone house, once the residence of the earls of Pembroke, sits at the end of a long private avenue through a tunnel of trees—a refuge from the touristy buzz of Killarney town. A crackling log fire awaits in the stunning drawing room, which, like all the reception rooms, has highly polished mahogany furniture, wall paneling, grand velvets, and time-burnished paintings. It's worth paying extra for a room in the original house—they have a genuine sense of history, with fine Victorian furniture. Newer rooms have private garden access and peaceful parkland views. Classic French cuisine is served in the Herbert Room (closed Sunday night), with a bistro menu in the Cellar Bar daily from 1-9:30 pm.

Play king or queen for a day at this spectacular, recently overhauled, Victorian Gothic mansion, once the abode of the Quin family (earls of Dunraven) and still a wonderland, thanks to 840 well-manicured acres outside and the 26-foot-high, 100-foot-long Minstrels' Gallery with its decorated ceiling and stained-glass windows inside. This must be the most memorable breakfast spot in all of Ireland; afternoon tea is also served here by appointment, while dinner in the Oak Room offers the best of Ireland's artisanal foods in chef Michael Tweedie's tasting menu. The castellated mansion is enormous, with stone arches and oak wainscotting, but the judicious furnishing of public spaces, and an open fire in the drawing room make it feel cozy. The hotel reopened in late 2017 after a major refurbishment, which moved weddings and conferences to a separate on-site venue in a discreetly added new wing, and added a cinema, spa (La Mer facials), and pool to the hotel. The four suites in the original house are the most sumptuous, but all rooms have super king--size beds, luxurious drapes (electrically operated), large bathrooms, and a chandelier. Views of the parkland and the River Maigue are relaxing and privacy is ensured, as only hotel guests are allowed on the grounds. Children as well as adults can enjoy falconry, archery, and walking trails on-site, and the informal Carriage House restaurant.

Book ahead for afternoon tea in the Gallery at Adare Manor. It may look pricey at €62 a head (children €32), but you will need neither lunch nor dinner that day. Champagne an extra €12 a head.

A rambling two-story Victorian house covered in flowering creepers and set on 4 acres of lush gardens along the secluded shore of Caragh Lake on Kerry's Wild Atlantic Way, this comes pretty close to most people's dream rural retreat. The atmosphere is more grand country house than hotel, with turf fires in the main salons. Guest rooms are lavishly decorated with period antiques ranging from cozy-cottage style to ornate Victorian. In addition to enjoying views over the gardens, the lake, and surrounding mountains, you can also hear the lake water lapping the shore from most rooms. Boating and fishing are available. Chef Patricia Teahan presents a tempting menu that features a tasting plate of local oysters and mussels as well as the famously tasty and succulent mountain-herb-fed Kerry lamb.

This limestone custom-built hotel was constructed in the mid-19th century to facilitate the growth in local tourism at that time. Its austere design is softened somewhat by its decorative features; like towers, gables and high pitched roofs---often casting a romantic reflection onto Kenmare Bay from its perch on a startlingly beautiful inlet. Parnasilla is synonymous with old-style resort luxury, attracting guests like George Bernard Shaw, Princess Grace, and Charles de Gaulle. You can still sip sherry beside an open fire in the Doolittle Bar and dine in the stately Pygmalion Restaurant, but you can also enjoy one of two outdoor Jacuzzis, a seawater hot tub or the sea view from the indoor infinity pool. Well-appointed villas and apartment suites now stud the sylvan 500-acre grounds, and guests here have access to all of the hotel's amenities. Public rooms display an endearingly homey mix-and-match style, while spacious bedrooms (suites are ballroom-size) are beautifully coordinated with fabulous inlaid antique furniture; all enjoy peaceful vistas. There are miles of mapped hiking trails within the estate and a range of country pursuits to try. Self-catering houses are popular for multi-generational stays.

The magnificence of this bright-yellow, slate-roofed former hunting lodge is matched only by its setting on 300 secluded acres of lawns, gardens, and forest between Kenmare Bay and the falls of the River Sheen. Intimate, luxurious, and cozy, the public salons are painted in warm terracotta tones, and the mahogany-panel library has more than 1,000 books, mainly about Ireland. Guest rooms—all modern-traditional, in soothing colors inspired by the scenery—have bay or river views. The small spa has been smartly upgraded to offer more treatments and private rooms. Fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, and clay pigeon (skeet) shooting are available on the grounds, and would-be falconers can take a hawk walk. The Cascade Restaurant is renowned for fine dining. There are also five luxurious thatched cottages and villas on the grounds.

One of Ireland's premier country-house hotels, this 1897 stone château has spectacular views of the Caha Mountains and its 11-acre parkland, where every tree seems manicured. It also features magnificent terraced lawns sweeping down to the bay. A welcoming fire is always burning in the lobby, and the lounge crammed with genuine antiques still manages to be charmingly family-friendly. Non-guests can sample the ambience by taking Victorian afternoon tea—a great idea for a rainy day. Rooms are tastefully furnished, and some suites have four-poster beds. You can watch classic movies nightly in the 12-seat theater, enjoy dinner—perhaps sample the tasting menu—in the elegant dining room, and indulge in meditation walks and other goodies offered by the deluxe spa. Less formal dining can be had in the Terrace Bistro.

Originally dating back to the 15th century, Ballyseede Castle is just a side step away from modern times, operating in its own gorgeous, eccentric zone where you might chance upon a Shakespearean  production taking place on the property in summer, or a docile Irish wolfhound might appear from around the corner.  Despite the relaxed atmosphere, with open fires and comfortable spaces – this is a luxurious property with full facilities set in 35 acres of parkland – close to Tralee. There is a choice of restaurants offering all day dining - some of the finest in the area - from the formal O'Connell Restaurant to the informal Pappy's Bar.

The rooms at the Europe are chic and most have private balconies with commanding views over Killarney's largest lake, gardens, and mountains. Those breathtaking views are further capitalized in the public spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows and uncluttered, elegant furnishings and fittings that don’t feel the need to distract from the magnificent backdrop. The property draws guests from across generations---offering a wide range of activities from horse riding, tennis, techo-gym, a 20-meter indoor pool, a saltwater pool, and a vast, fully equipped spa. 

This luxurious hotel, a distinctive yellow-painted building in landscaped grounds, is a few minutes' walk from the train station, shops, and restaurants, making it an excellent base, with or without a car. The hotel dates from 1992 but appears much older, with its traditional style and series of small cozy rooms instead of imposing public spaces. The plush Garden Bar has a bistro-style menu and whiskey-tasting menu, while the Park Restaurant (dinner only) is one of the best in town, a destination in itself. Food and drinks are served in the garden in summer. Bedrooms—all large, with huge bathrooms—come in contemporary or Victorian style, and most have leafy views.

Pushing hard against the standard magnolia and MDF craze that has gripped many of Ireland's midrange properties over the last decade---the Killarney Plaza Hotel is all about glamour and high-quality finish. Marble and oak surfaces, natural fibers, and elegant furnishings start in the lobby and work their way through to the bedrooms. Located bang in the heart of town and betraying little signs of a relatively new build---this bold and confident property has become a local landmark since its construction. A pool, fitness facilities, gorgeous bedrooms, parking, and plenty of dining options make it a great option for guests who want their choice of hotel to tick all the major travel boxes.   

Meet the locals and enjoy spacious accommodations at this waterfront hotel and apartment complex on Goldens Cove, a rocky, sheltered spot with views of distant mountains. The large stone portico on the long, curving three-story building leads to an airy lobby, with original Irish art and comfy sofas. Beyond is a huge double-height bar and separate restaurant, both with large verandas overlooking the sea. It's worth paying a small premium for a sea-facing room with balcony to enjoy the setting sun. All rooms are decorated in tones of beige, brightened by touches of red, with light-wood furniture and large armchairs.