From a Georgian mansion on the River Rye and a family-friendly lakeside lodge, to a 19th-century train station hotel and a retro-styled city scene-stealer, Ireland has some fabulous new hotels to head to. We’ve rounded up six of the most exciting.
Carton House, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, County Kildare
One of Ireland’s finest Georgian mansions opened as a hotel last month. Just a short drive from Dublin, it’s dripping with architectural details such as swirling stucco work and sweeping stairs. There are two golf courses and a wellness centre with pool, plus guests can roam the 1,100-acre grounds on the banks of the River Rye to discover the estate’s 500-year-old Tyrconnell Tower and cute 18th-century shell cottage. cartonhouse.com
Carton House drips with architectural details such as swirling stucco work and sweeping stairs
Credit: JACK HARDY
Glasson Lakehouse, County Westmeath
This refreshed lakeside lodge has recently opened with 70 rooms and a resolutely family-friendly feel. The great outdoors will be embraced with fishing, kayaking and wild swimming, plus barbecues around a fire. A shebeen-style pub completes the picture. glassonlakehouse.ie
Glasson Lakehouse has recently opened with 70 rooms and a resolutely family-friendly feel
Credit: JASON ENNIS
The Station House Hotel, Co Meath
A former 19th-century train station turned boutique hotel, now with a sophisticated country style. The “cabins” are scattered between the main house and adjoining carriage house, and many remnants of the building’s time as a station have been tastefully incorporated in the likes of the Signal Restaurant and Platform Bar. stationhousehotel.ie
The Lansdowne, Co Kerry
The Lansdowne, from the same owners as the Park Hotel Kenmare, reopened this month. A tasteful transformation of this 19th-century town house has restored all the local charm you would expect from one of the country’s oldest hostelries, while welcome new additions include all-day dining. lansdownekenmare.com
The Lansdowne in Co Kerry reopened this month
Credit: The Lansdowne
The Dean, Cork
Having made its mark on Dublin several years ago, the Dean hotel opened in Ireland’s second city, Cork, in December. The brand’s funky style prevails, with retro-inspired hues, while rooms are replete with mini Smeg fridges and record players. Its rooftop restaurant has 360-degree views of the city. thedean.ie
The Dean hotel opened in Ireland’s second city, Cork, in December
Credit: The Dean
Beyond 2021
The Cashel Palace Hotel, Co Tipperary
This pleasingly prim, Queen Anne-style mansion dating from 1734 is shaping up to be the dream bijou bolt hole when it reopens in spring 2022. It has welcomed the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Richard Burton in the past, and there’s a nod to the building’s history at new restaurant Bishop’s Buttery. Prices to be announced; cashelpalacehotel.ie
This Queen Anne-style mansion is shaping up to be the dream bijou bolthole when it reopens in spring 2022
Credit: The Cashel Palace Hotel
For more ideas on where to stay, see our guide to the best hotels in Ireland