12 Irish accommodations to go to earlier than you die

Staying in a citadel might sound like a decidedly Gothic expertise, however not at this welcoming resort. Based in 1228, the unique citadel buildings (with added extensions within the late 19th century) are gorgeous, but it surely’s the homely really feel and pleasant, native employees that make Ashford Fort a premier vacation spot. Attractive views over the lakes and gardens mixed with high-quality eating, luxurious rooms and a convivial ambiance within the bar at night time all add to the texture of fine old style hospitality. A latest buy and refurbishment by the Tollman household’s Crimson Carnation assortment has upped the ante nonetheless additional – in August 2015, it was voted the world’s finest resort.

Particulars: 094 954600; ashford.ie

Sheen Falls, Kenmare, Co Kerry

Lately offered for €5m, this five-star resort 20km from Killarney is an actual discover. Tremendous eating within the Cascade restaurant, guided falconry walks, journeys within the resort’s 1930s Buick and drinks exterior surrounded by waterfalls all add to the magic, and its location on the sting of the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula make it an actual gem. Picturesque Kenmare is a mile away, however there is not any actual want to go away the resort due to its spa, swimming pool, bars, eating places and actions, in addition to gorgeously appointed rooms.

Particulars: 064 664 1600; sheenfallslodge.ie

Ard na Sidhe, Killorglin, Co Kerry 

Ard na Sidhe (Hill of the Fairies) is the Kingdom’s best-kept secret. Every part about this beautiful arts and crafts-style home screams class, from the oak wainscoting and fired-earth sinks to the casement home windows with views over Caragh Lake. Ard na Sidhe is somewhat sister to The Europe and Dunloe Fort, however its element – relationship from 1913 and lavishly restored a couple of years in the past – trumps each. Eighteen bedrooms (request one in the primary home) provide additional treats within the form of handmade curtains, claw-foot baths and views over Edwardian gardens. It is at present hibernating by way of winter.

Particulars: 066 976 9105; ardnasidhe.com

The Cliff Home, Ardmore, Co Waterford

For years, resort eating in Eire was synonymous with stuffy, soul-sucking fare. The Cliff Home opened in 2006, and inside 18 months a (Michelin) star was born. It is no exaggeration to say Martijn Kajuiter’s kitchen – by way of dishes corresponding to Lismore lamb with artichoke, wild spinach pate and toasted garlic, or Bantry Bay salmon smoked on the plate – heralded a brand new daybreak for Irish resort meals. The Relais & Chateau member has 39 boldly-designed bedrooms, its structure cascades down the banks of Ardmore Bay, and treats like an infinity pool, spa and spiralling staircase are complemented with splashes of latest Irish artwork.

Particulars: 024 87800; thecliffhousehotel.com

Ballynahinch Fort, Clifden, Co Galway

Ballynahinch Fort

Turning off an R-road on the rugged Ballyconneely Peninsula, you cross by way of a patch of forest, spherical a bend and are available head to head with a rare reveal: an 18th century citadel mirrored within the Ballynahinch River. Issues just about proceed from there. There may be the historical past. There are roaring fires, world-class fly-fishing and, after all, the placement. I’ve but to satisfy the particular person with a nasty phrase to say about Ballynahinch. For what it’s, it is one of the best there’s.

Particulars: 095 31006; ballynahinch-castle.com

Castlemartyr Resort, East Cork

Knight’s Bar is a part of the five-star Castelmartyr Resort. Picture: Robert Reck

Winding alongside the driveway to East Cork’s most unique resort, you may be immediately enraptured by epic Irish romanticism. This five-star demesne and majestic mansion is surrounded by rolling pastures, scenic oak woodlands and a 13th century citadel; even the resident Irish setters seem like props from an Annie Leibovitz ‘Vogue’ shoot. Inside, company unwind in understated country-house luxurious, the place the beautiful Knight’s Bar and Bell Tower Restaurant are highlights. Kimye have been rumoured to have stayed right here on honeymoon.

Particulars: 021 421 9000; castlemartyrresort.ie

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh

Lough Erne Resort, Jetty at Nightfall

Recent from its G8 bounce final summer season, Lough Erne is firmly establishing itself as a resort A-lister. Do not count on a usually Irish affair, nevertheless. Set alongside a labyrinthine lakeland wilderness, the resort is, in actual fact, a Provencal-inspired chateau, buttressed by charming turreted lodges. Facilities together with a Nick Faldo-designed golf course and a soothing Thai spa proceed to thrill VIP company (from Rory McElroy to Vladimir Putin), whereas suites are decadently designed noble affairs. Come morning, stay up for among the finest breakfasts in Eire… courtesy of chef, Noel McMeel.

Particulars: 04866 323230; lougherneresort.com

Trump Worldwide, Doonbeg, Co Clare

Doonbeg Lodge

Previously often called the Lodge at Doonbeg, it is no shock that The Donald’s Irish resort makes our dream dozen. Set alongside a dramatic crescent cove, there are windswept golden seashores and moody Atlantic sunsets. The resort contains a luxurious spa and a dune-dotted golf course, but it surely’s the rooms which are the true masterwork. Vintage furnishings, uncovered beams and ledged-doors create a basic cottage vibe whereas cool Mattress Tub & Past decor lends a recent Cape Cod really feel. Its proprietor cuts a controversial determine, however the golf hyperlinks and resort are sheer class.

Particulars: 065 905 5600; trumphotelcollection.com/eire

Park Lodge, Kenmare, Co Kerry

Is there a extra personable five-star expertise in Eire than the Park Lodge Kenmare? Out of all the luxurious accommodations across the nation, none matches the Park for that delicate stability of high-end with out haughty. It has one factor that few different high-quality institutions have of their armoury – the attractive city of Kenmare and its gorgeous bay. There are additionally two extra good the explanation why the Park works so brilliantly – John and Francis Brennan, the perfectionist brothers who run this place as a beacon of excellence.

Particulars: 064 664 1200; parkkenmare.com

Ballyfin, Co Laois

Ballyfin library

In the event you get to spend just one night time in a resort earlier than you die, spend it in Ballyfin Demense. Set in 600 acres of woodland in Co Laois, it has a particular old-world atmosphere and refined opulence that’s incomparable. The meals, service and administration are first-class. You’ll be able to spend your days having fun with the fantastically landscaped grounds on bikes, golf carts or on horseback or just chill out within the stunning home. A cursory take a look at the €800+ room charges might trigger a deep inhalation of breath, however it’s value each penny.

Particulars: 057 875 5866; ballyfin.com

Delphi Resort and Spa, Leenane, Co Galway

There is no tub butler. Or valet service. So if it is sybaritic ranges of luxurious you are looking for, look elsewhere. Delphi Mountain Resort & Spa made the dream dozen due to the expertise it affords. It is a high-end retreat and a spot to really unwind. There are not any TVs, no cell phone protection and no wifi – they’d solely break the spell. Mom Nature guidelines the roost right here. The menu is a celebration of native produce, the spa homes seaweed baths they usually have their very own mountain spring water courtesy of the Mweelrea and 12 Bens mountains that overlook the resort. The adjoining journey centre affords each doable outside exercise after which some – courageous souls ought to strive coasteering. Nonetheless, the final word exercise right here is sleeping. With no digital interference and solely the sounds of nature to lull you away, we advise that you simply put together for one of the best night time’s sleep ever.

Particulars: 095 42208; delphimountainresort.com

Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford  

You can say that Monart is a love letter to Wexford. Every part from the structure to the inside design, the carpentry to the meals has been lovingly created by locals. To not point out the Celtic Gardens and adjoining woodlands, designed by Chelsea winner Mary Reynolds. A lot of the employees are native too, and they’re refreshingly devoid of the pomp and ceremony that characterises many five-star accommodations. Tranquility is the raison d’être right here. They take your automotive keys from you on arrival and urge you to potter in regards to the place in your bathrobe at some stage in your go to. Ensure to go to the thermal suite: in most spas that is an add-on gimmick, right here it is an all-out expertise.

Particulars: 053 923 8999; monart.ie

By Thomas Breathnach, Katie Byrne, Maeve Dineen, Ian Mallon, Vicki Notaro and Pól Ó Conghaile. This text has been up to date.

Irish Unbiased