Carrig House, Kerry
If you happened to be the lucky recipient of an Ireland’s Blue Book voucher at Christmas, be sure to consider this intimate Kerry property from the collection — it’s certainly one of our top recommendations. The lakeside Georgian guest house embodies the true essence of the group’s standards with superb hospitality thanks to the Slattery family, sublime cooking at the hands of head chef Patricia Teahan and characterful rooms and lounges.
B&B from €200; carrighouse.com
Foxglove Cottage, West Cork
A brand new romantic escape for lovers of West Cork, this former garden outhouse has been imaginatively remodelled by Anna Lawlor and Matt Wilkinson into a charming couples’ getaway near trendy Ballydehob. Interiors in the one-bedroom property feature designer furnishings and cherry-picked Irish artwork, while stand-out touches include a welcome basket of goodies plus your own private Swedish wood-burning hot tub. It’s dog friendly too.
From €180; foxglovecottage.ie
Cromore Retreat, Derry
Astrotourism is shooting for the stars in 2025, and where better to experience it than at Ireland’s newest bubble dome hotspot, Cromore Retreat. Nestled within a secluded wooded setting in the historic Cromore Estate in Co Derry, the luxury retreat features panoramic, see-through ceilings set beneath a forest canopy which reveal stunning night skies (weather permitting) from your cosy four-poster bed. Star attractions like the Giant’s Causeway are close by too.
From €290; cromoreretreat.com
Roundwood House, Laois
Laois is one the most unheralded destinations in the country and a favourite spot to hit the eiderdown in the county is Roundwood House. Owned and run by Hannah and Paddy Flynn, the gorgeous Palladian mansion from Hidden Ireland delivers a warm, almost family homestay energy, with authentic period rooms, delicious country house dining and a colourful menagerie of animals on the welcome team.
B&B from €210; roundwoodhouse.com
The Jewel Lodge and Spa, West Cork
Looking for some wellness retreat inspo for 2025? The Jewel, founded by Cork-born sisters Aiveen Casey and Keelin Fitzgerald, offers a new spa-lovers escape in the lush backdrop of Glengarriff. The property features boutique, Scandi-inspired accommodation centred around its riverside spa with an outdoor sauna, hot tub and ice-cold plunge pool. Day visitors are welcome too.
From €140; thejewel.ie
The Brehon, Kerry
Killarney surely offers more top-quality hotels per acre than any other Irish town and the four-star Brehon is continuing its refurbs this year to maintain the lofty standards. Some 33 Heritage Collection rooms have already enjoyed a fresh facelift with the hotel’s entire fourth floor set to be revamped by this spring. Many of these rooms contain balconies offering fine views over Killarney National Park. Worth shortlisting for your next break to The Kingdom.
From €145; thebrehon.com
Citizen M Dublin
Affordable luxury is the MO of this Dutch hotel chain which will see its first Irish property open its doors in the capital this summer. Trademarks of the brand’s compact urban nests are XL king beds and iPad controlled rooms. Consider this an option for your next lock-up-and-go stay in the city. The hotel is set to open this summer with rates TBC.
Portrush Adelphi Hotel, Antrim
New openings always add excitement to Ireland’s hotel scene and this April sees the reopening of Adelphi Portrush in North Antrim following a takeover and extensive renovation. The four-star seaside retreat, now owned by Marine & Lawn Hotels (who also manage the Slieve Donard) offers 34 stylish rooms blending old world charm and new-era luxury. (Portrush is enjoying something of a goldrush these days with the cool Elephant Rock, awarded Boutique Hotel of the Year 2024 by Georgina Campbell Guides, and the swanky new five-star Dunluce Lodge too, opening next week).
B&B from €260; adelphiportrush.com
Goggin Cottage, Limerick
The Irish Landmark Trust offers a collection of unique self-catering properties in Ireland and the latest addition to it is Goggin Cottage in Co Limerick. The two-bedroom thatched cottage outside the village of New Kildimo has recently opened following a sensitive renovation and features one double bedroom plus an additional twin room for children. Up to two dogs are welcome as well, making this a really appealing family choice.
From €176; irishlandmark.com
Kilmokea House, Wexford
Green escapes will continue to be in demand in 2025, however, properties like Kilmokea House & Gardens in Co Wexford have held sustainability at their core long before it trended. The gorgeous manor offers 13 period rooms, delicious garden-fresh dining and myriad activities from mindful Qigong and forest bathing sessions to garden theatre. Owner Emma Hewlett is even set to launch her new podcast Nature Speaks: in quest of good health this year.
B&B from €200; kilmokea.com
The Harrison, Belfast
One of our favourite city stays in Ireland may be about to get even better in 2025. The Harrison, also known as the Chambers of Distinction, is a boho colourful boutique townhouse hotel located in the happening Queen’s Quarter. An exciting expansion here means 11 all-new suites plus guest lounges and a piano bar will woo a new wave of luxury-seeking guests to the Belfast bolthole.
B&B from €125; chambersofdistinction.com
The Cabin Under The Hills, Waterford
For couples or solo wanderers seeking a true switch-off, check out The Cabin Under The Hills, in wonderful West Waterford. Designed by award-winning architects Studio McLeod, this off-grid cabin in Cappoquin offers tiny-home style living, stacked with panoramic views of the Knockmealdown Mountains and Blackwater Valley. Keep it cosy with the wood-burning stove or soak up the scenes from the private deck.
From €150; thecabinunderthehills.com
Native, West Cork
West Cork outfit Native has launched its much-awaited guesthouse as the first phase of a broader sustainable hospitality project. The stylish retreat which pays homage to Irish design heritage sees a pared back mid-century aesthetic in its three guest rooms, living and dining spaces. Props to Native for investing 20% of profits in biodiversity and ecological conservation too. Keep an eye out for their cabins later this year.
From €200; native.ie
Doolin Inn, Clare
This proud Burren Ecotourism member continues to innovate; the inn’s 29 rooms are now powered by 80% solar power. So too with The Burrow, their stylish new luxury pod (with a private hot tub) which offers Instagram-perfect views of Doolin. A renewed focus on in-room food amenities, like local tasting plates, plus their trademark Big Burren breakfast means added flavour for 2025. Website deals are tasty too.
From €140; doolininn.ie
Birch Eco Cottage, Armagh
Wholesome getaways are one of the top travel trends for 2025. Check out charming Birch Cottage in Co Armagh for a dreamy off-grid location. Billed as the most environmentally friendly-accommodation in the north, this two-bedroom bolthole is loaded with colour and character while solar and wind energy fuels the cosy factor.
From €95; lackancottage.co.uk
Copper Cove Cottage, Cavan
Cavan’s Lakelands remain one of Ireland’s best kept secrets and this sequestered escape on Lough Sillan allows you to soak in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Copper Cove Cottage is one of three 200-year-old cottages in a private courtyard on the grounds of a private country house. The adults-only retreat offers a complimentary outdoor hot tub and sauna overlooking the lake.
B&B from €326; loughsillanhouse.com
Castle Hotel Macroom
Road talk aside, has Macroom been bypassed as a holiday spot for far too long? The family-run Castle Hotel is a fine spot to enjoy the market town at a slower pace; the property is both a Slow Food & Good Food Ireland member and is currently enjoying continuing refurbs. While in town, take in a performance or film screening at the Briery Gap cultural centre, enjoy a bracing stroll in the ancient drowned woodlands of The Gearagh or pick up some fine local produce at Pop Crowleys fancy goods and grocers.
B&B from €139; castlehotel.ie
The Wilder, Dublin
A city break doesn’t need to mean downtown bustle. As neighbourhood tourism grows globally, The Wilder in Dublin makes a fine spot for an unplugged urban break. The meticulously renovated Victorian townhouse set on D2’s Adelaide Road is residents-only meaning after you explore the highlights of your leafy environs, you can enjoy a house G&T back at base feeling right at home.
€218; thewilder.ie
Mountrothe House, Kilkenny
Set within a working farm in idyllic Kilkenny countryside, Mountrothe House is a sumptuously restored Georgian beauty available for self-catering hire. No less than seven en suite bathrooms can host up to 14 guests making it an ideal location for mid-size reunions and intimate celebrations. Expect oodles of period details, stunning interiors and a piano room for inevitable sing-songs.
From €1250; via airbnb
Sunnybank House, Galway
If you’re looking to get a larger family or a group of friends together, this luxury Connemara property is the ultimate in gathering #goals. Sleeping up to 24 guests, the chic historic house, located a few minutes stroll from Clifden, features epic spots to unwind and reconnect, from its elegant dining room to an outdoor heated pool and barbecue pit.
From €8,000 per week; connemararentals.com
Dromoland Castle, Clare
Last but not least, an icon. Dromoland Castle has been a legend of luxury accommodation since it opened as a hotel in 1962 and this year sees a new chapter in its rich history. This five-star property has been announced as a new member of the Blue Book Collection enticing a whole new market to experience its offering. Being welcomed like family and treated like royalty is the motto of the property where highlights range from dinner in the fine dining Earl of Thomand restaurant to leafy estate walks and a treatment in the newly revamped Castle spa.
B&B from €354; dromolandcastle.ie
- Note that minimum stay charges apply to some properties featured in our list.
