Ireland is famed for its hospitality, and with fantastic hotels and B&Bs such as the following available to tourists and travelers we can see why.
Here is just a taste of some of the top places where you can rest your head while traveling in Ireland in 2016:
1. The White Cottages, Skerries, Co. Dublin
Winner of the Georgina Campbell Bed & Breakfast of the Year Award in 2014 and just over 20 miles north of Dublin, this beautiful collection of cottages runs right along the water’s edge, giving perfect views of the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down and of Skerries Harbour.
The White Cottages are run by artist Jackie O’Conner (who also runs classes at the cottages). She is also well-known for the famous White Cottages’ Breakfast that you can enjoy on the terrace looking out on the sea.
Rooms run at $45 (€40) per night per person sharing (pps).
More info: White Cottages
2. Kilmurvey House, Inis Mór, Aran Islands
What better way to enjoy the historic Aran island of Inis Mór than by staying at the B&B established in this 18th century stone house. Once the family home of the “Ferocious O'Flahertys,” Kilmurvey House is situated halfway along the island. No place is more than an hour’s walk away!
Rates: $45 - $50 (€40-€45) pps.
More info: Kilmurvey House
Late night walk to the beach by Kilmurvey house last night. #beautiful #beachingit pic.twitter.com/hOyCfFmAG7
— George Mason Univ (@GeorgeMasonU) June 4, 2014
3. Castle Murray House Hotel, Dunkineely, Co. Donegal
Located on the peaceful peninsula of St. John’s Point, one of the longest peninsulas in Ireland, Castle Murray House Hotel overlooks McSwyne’s Bay, where the waves crash against the ruins of McSwyne’s Castle.
Start off or finish your venture along the Wild Atlantic Way from this spot where you can explore Donegal’s garden trail, visit a handweaver at St. John’s Point or go on any number of boat trips.
Rates: $67-€84 (€60-€75) pps.
More info: http://www.castlemurray.com/
4. Beech Hill House Hotel, Co. Derry
Just 2.8 miles from Derry train station and a five-minute walk from Ardmore golf course, this Georgian country hotel built in 1739 is beautifully elegant yet extremely comfortable.
Known internationally for its style, the house itself has a dramatic history. The area was owned by Captain Manus O’Cahan during the Plantation of Ulster and subsequently by the Skipton family, who built the original house.
The original house was burned down during the 1641 rebellion and the replacement was named Beech Hill House because of the number of beech trees surrounding the property.
Rates: $106-$353.
More info: Beech Hill
5. Newforge House, Craigavon, Co. Armagh
Winner of Georgina Campbell’s “Best Country House in Ireland,” Newforge House has some spectacular mature gardens to boast of, and is located just 3.7 miles from the historic Brownlow House, known locally as Lurgan Castle.
The hotel also has an award-winning restaurant, winner of the “Best Hotel Restaurant” in Armagh four years in a row and the “Best Hotel Restaurant” in Ulster in 2014.
Rates: $85-$270 (£85-£190).
More info: http://www.newforgehouse.com/home.htm
6. Glasha Farmhouse, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford
Another beautiful farmhouse in Co. Waterford located 12 miles (20km) from the 12th-century fortress Cahir’s Castle, Glasha Farmhouse offers great hiking opportunities thanks to its proximity to the Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains.
If hiking isn’t for you, enjoy the comfort of the conservatory or take a stroll along one of the scenic circular road walks.
Rates: B&B $56 (€50) pps up to a Family room at $146 (€130).
More info: http://www.glashafarmhouse.com/
7. Mulranny Park Hotel, Mulranny, Westport
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and a short distance from the Mulranny golf course, this hotel offers fantastic access to the Green Western Greenway, a trail for cyclists or walkers that follows the track of the famous Newport / Mulranny railway which closed in 1937. It is the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland and the Mulranny Park Hotel is the only hotel located along one of its most scenic sections.
Mulranny was also recently named one of the top walking destinations in Ireland and the hotel is so great that John Lennon and Yoko Ono were once among their clientele!
Rates: $50-$67 (€45-€60) pps.
More info: http://www.mulrannyparkhotel.ie/
8. Ghan House, Carlingford, Co. Louth
A fully restored Georgian House originally built in 1727, there are log fires, candlelight and walled gardens awaiting you at Ghan House in scenic Carlingford.
It’s one of the oldest private houses of its type in Ireland and, with King John's Castle, the Dominican Friary, Mint, Taaffe's Castle and the old town wall within a 2 minute walk of their door, its location is perfect for those wishing to split time between Dublin and Belfast.
Rates: From $128 (€115) pps. B&B only - $84-$140 (€75-€125).
More info: http://www.ghanhouse.com/
Ghan House from LiutaSPictureS on Vimeo.
9. Gallán Mór, Durrus, Co. Cork
A boutique B&B located on the Sheep's Head Peninsula in West Cork, Gallán Mór is on the grounds of a beautiful one-acre garden and offers breath-taking sea views over Dunmanus Bay and the Mizen Peninsula.
Ideal for exploring West Cork and the Ring of Kerry, The Sheep's Head Way Walk has also been named as one of the best walks in Ireland.
It is located close to Bantry town which offers great events such as the West Cork Literary Festival, the Chamber Music festival, plenty of live music, and the monthly fair day at Bantry Market.
Rates: $78-$92 (€55-€65) pps.
More info: http://www.gallanmor.com/
10. Gregan’s Castle, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Nestled in the heart of the Burren, this 18th-century manor house has its own magnificent gardens and a spectacular view across the Burren to Galway Bay.
This pretty spot has acted as an inspiration to many of its guests, JRR Tolkien and Seamus Heaney among them.
Rates: B&B $200-$252 (€179-€225) per room per night.
More info: http://www.gregans.ie/
This list was complied with thanks to the 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland for 2016 from McKennas’ Guide.
Read more: Have you stayed in one of Ireland’s top 20 hotels? (PHOTOS)
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