Places to Stay in Ireland 7 Perfect for Nature Lovers

Last updated on June 12th, 2025 at 11:33 pm

You know that feeling when you’re absolutely certain you’ve made a terrible financial decision? Yeah, that was me at 2 AM, staring at my laptop screen after I’d just dropped more money than I care to admit on a castle in Ireland.

My credit card was smoking. My bank account was crying. And my practical side was having a full-blown panic attack.

But then October rolled around, and I found myself walking through the actual gates of Ashford Castle – not just looking at photos online, but physically there, with my beat-up suitcase feeling wildly out of place among all the luxury cars. The staff guy who greeted me? He acted like I was some kind of VIP instead of a travel blogger who’d blown her entire year’s “fun money” budget in one impulsive moment.

That’s when it hit me. Sometimes the most irresponsible decisions turn out to be the best ones.

Three years and countless Irish adventures later, I’ve learned something important: regular hotels in Ireland are fine, but the extraordinary ones? They’ll mess with your head in the best possible way. We’re not talking about places where you just sleep and leave. These are spots that’ll have you texting your mom at weird hours because you need someone to understand how magical this whole thing is.

So here’s the deal. After exploring more Irish accommodations than any reasonable person should (seriously, my passport looks like a Irish tourism brochure), I’ve found five places to stay in Ireland that are so ridiculously good, they’ll ruin normal hotels for you. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Why Ireland’s Historic Stays Are Actually Life-Changing

Okay, so here’s something nobody mentions in those glossy travel magazines. When you stay at these historic places to stay in Ireland, weird stuff happens to you.

Like, I’m not talking about ghosts (though there might be those too). I’m talking about how you start caring about thread counts and proper tea service. How you catch yourself using words like “drawing room” in normal conversation. How you suddenly understand why people obsess over afternoon tea timing.

I stayed at this Georgian mansion once where the morning routine was basically an art form. Tea arrived at exactly 7:30, brought by this lady named Moira who’d been working there for like 30 years. She knew everyone’s preferences by heart – Mrs. Patterson from room 6 liked her toast barely golden, the German couple always wanted extra marmalade, and apparently I became “the American girl who drinks her tea ridiculously strong.”

That kind of attention? You can’t fake it. And you definitely can’t get it at a chain hotel, no matter how many stars they claim to have.

The thing about Irish historic accommodations is they’ve survived everything – wars, economic crashes, that time when everyone thought castles were old-fashioned and knocked half of them down. The ones still standing? They’ve got stories embedded in their walls, and somehow those stories become part of your experience.

Plus, and this might sound weird, but these places to stay in Ireland often end up being better value than you’d expect. When your castle room comes with breakfast that includes actual Irish soda bread (not the tourist version), activities you’d pay extra for elsewhere, and staff who remember your name after one conversation, suddenly that price tag makes sense.

The 5 Places That Completely Changed How I Think About Travel

Ashford Castle, County Mayo – Where They Treat You Like You Actually Matter

Alright, let’s just get this out of the way. Ashford Castle is expensive. Like, “should I really be spending this much on accommodation” expensive. But here’s what happened to me there that made me realize why people keep coming back.

It was my second morning, and I’d gotten up early to walk around the grounds before breakfast. I’m wandering around like a tourist with my phone out, trying to get that perfect Instagram shot of the castle towers, when this older Irish guy approaches me. I’m thinking, great, I’m about to get kicked out for being somewhere I shouldn’t be.

Instead, he introduces himself as Patrick, head groundskeeper for 25 years, and starts telling me about the best spots for photos that tourists never find. We end up spending an hour walking around while he shares stories about famous guests, points out architectural details I never would’ve noticed, and even shows me where they keep the falcons.

That’s Ashford Castle in a nutshell. It’s not just about the fancy rooms or the Michelin-starred restaurants (though those are incredible). It’s about how everyone who works there genuinely seems to give a damn about your experience.

What made Ashford Castle unforgettable:

The falconry experience where I held a actual hawk (terrifying but amazing)
Dinner at the George V Dining Room that was basically edible art
My room had a fireplace I could’ve camped in
The staff somehow remembered I liked my coffee black and strong after one breakfast
Even the bathroom had better views than most hotel rooms

Reality check time: The dress code for dinner is real. I showed up in nice jeans once and felt underdressed. Also, if you’re not into the whole formal luxury experience, this might feel stuffy. And yeah, it’s gonna hurt your bank account.

The Cliff House Hotel, County Cork – Where You Sleep Above the Ocean

If you want to understand what “dramatic views” actually means, book yourself a room at Cliff House Hotel. This place literally hangs off the edge of a cliff, and every morning you wake up feeling like you’re suspended over the Atlantic.

I ended up here kind of by accident in March 2022. Had a conference in Cork that got cancelled last minute, but I’d already taken the time off work and booked the hotel. Instead of going home, I decided to just… stay. Best accidental vacation ever.

The first morning, I woke up to what sounded like a freight train outside my window. Turns out it was just waves crashing against the cliff 200 feet below, but it was so loud and powerful that I spent like twenty minutes just standing at the window, mesmerized. You know that feeling when nature reminds you how small you are? Yeah, that.

Their restaurant has a Michelin star, and after eating there, I understood why. The chef focuses on local seafood, and I’m pretty sure some of my dinner was swimming that same morning. Plus, the dining room has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the ocean, so you’re eating world-class food while watching waves crash below. It’s almost too much sensory input.

Cliff House highlights:

Every single room faces the ocean (they designed it that way on purpose)
The infinity pool makes you feel like you’re swimming into the Atlantic
You can walk down to their private beach if you’re feeling brave
The spa treatments come with natural wave sounds as background music
People drive from Cork City just to eat at their restaurant

Heads up: It gets windy. Really, really windy. I watched my hat blow away and disappear into the ocean, which was both hilarious and mildly terrifying. Also, if heights make you nervous, maybe stick to the inland view rooms.

Ballyfin Demesne, County Laois – Living Like Irish Royalty for a Few Days

This one’s for people who want to understand how the other half lived back in the day. Ballyfin is this massive Georgian mansion surrounded by more land than most towns, and staying here feels like you’ve been invited to the world’s most exclusive house party.

Here’s what makes it different from other luxury hotels: everything’s included. And I mean everything. Meals, drinks, most activities, even laundry if you want. It sounds gimmicky until you realize that once you arrive, you literally don’t think about money for the rest of your stay.

I went there with my college roommate for her 35th birthday in September 2022. We spent three days fishing (badly), horse riding (terrifyingly), reading in their library (successfully), and eating meals that tasted like they came from some parallel universe where food is just naturally better.

The library deserves its own paragraph. Over 3,000 books, comfortable chairs by tall windows, and this atmosphere that makes you want to curl up with something classic and pretend you’re in a Jane Austen novel. I’m not usually a “sit and read for hours” person, but something about that room made me want to slow down.

What makes Ballyfin special:

Only 20 rooms total, so you never feel crowded
All the food comes from their own farm and gardens
The staff treat you like a house guest, not a hotel customer
Activities include fishing, archery, nature walks, and horse riding
You can explore 614 acres of Irish countryside

The catch: There’s a dress code for dinner. Nothing crazy formal, but your flip-flops and tank tops need to stay in your room. Also, it’s genuinely in the middle of nowhere, so if you need city stimulation, you might go stir-crazy.

Delphi Resort, County Galway – Adventure Paradise That Doesn’t Suck

Now we’re talking about something completely different. Delphi Resort sits in Connemara, which might be the most beautiful part of Ireland (and I will fight anyone who disagrees). This place combines outdoor adventure with actual comfort, which is harder to find than you’d think.

Brought my adrenaline-junkie brother here last summer because he’d been complaining that Irish vacations were “too boring and civilized.” Boy, was he wrong.

We spent five days kayaking through Killary Fjord (Ireland’s only fjord, random fact), zip-lining through forests that looked like movie sets, hiking mountains that made my legs hate me, and generally acting like overgrown teenagers. But here’s the kicker – after all that adventure, we came back to comfortable rooms, excellent food, and spa facilities that helped us recover.

Adventures that’ll get your heart racing:

Kayaking on the fjord with guides who know every hidden cove
Zip-lining through ancient forests (surprisingly not terrifying)
Mountain hiking with views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous
Surfing lessons on the wild Atlantic coast
Horse riding through landscapes that look computer-generated

Where you’ll sleep:

Mountain-view lodge rooms with spa access included
Family apartments with full kitchens (great for longer stays)
Glamping pods for people who want to try camping without the misery
All options get you access to their wellness facilities

The food focuses on local ingredients, and their seafood chowder has achieved legendary status. I’m not kidding – locals drive up from Galway just to eat it. Also, the staff are all outdoorsy types who genuinely love what they do, so you get insider tips on secret swimming spots and hidden hiking trails.

Fair warning: Cell service is spotty in the mountains. For some people, that’s the point. For others, it’s mildly panic-inducing.

Gregan’s Castle Hotel, County Clare – Intimate Luxury in Alien Territory

Last but definitely not least, Gregan’s Castle offers something you literally cannot experience anywhere else on Earth. It sits in the middle of the Burren, which is this bizarre limestone landscape that looks like someone dropped you on Mars.

The Burren is home to plants that grow nowhere else in Ireland, ancient stone circles that predate recorded history, and some of the most otherworldly scenery you’ll ever see. Gregan’s Castle is the perfect base for exploring this geological weirdness.

I ended up here in May 2023 after a friend cancelled on our planned trip at the last minute. Instead of cancelling the whole thing, I decided to go solo – something I’d never done before. Best decision ever.

Every morning I’d wake up thinking I was still dreaming. The landscape outside my window was so alien and beautiful that I kept expecting David Attenborough to start narrating my breakfast. The wildflowers were incredible, and the hotel staff arranged these guided walks where I learned about the area’s unique ecology and ancient history.

Why Gregan’s Castle won my heart:

Just 22 rooms, so service feels incredibly personal
The restaurant uses ingredients foraged from the Burren itself
You’re 15 minutes from the Cliffs of Moher but away from tour bus crowds
Staff are genuinely passionate about local culture and history
It’s fancy without being pretentious or stuffy

Chef David Hurley creates dishes that taste like the Irish countryside tastes in your imagination. His wild garlic soup made me understand why people get obsessed with foraging, and his Burren lamb was so good I dreamed about it for weeks.

Small downside: The Burren can feel isolated, especially in winter. If you’re someone who needs constant entertainment and stimulation, this might feel too quiet and remote.

Real Talk About Booking These Amazing Places

When to Visit (This Actually Matters More Than You Think)

After staying at dozens of places to stay in Ireland during different seasons, here’s my brutally honest take on timing:

Summer (June-August):

Longest days, warmest weather
Everything’s open and operating at full capacity
Most expensive rates, biggest crowds
Book six months ahead or prepare for disappointment

Spring and Fall (April-May, September-October):

My personal favorite time to visit Ireland
Great weather without the summer crowds
Reasonable pricing compared to peak season
Perfect lighting for photography

Winter (November-March):

Cheapest rates, best availability
Cozy indoor experiences, fireplaces actually matter
Weather’s unpredictable but often beautiful
Some outdoor activities might be weather-dependent

Booking Tricks That Actually Work

Here’s what I’ve figured out after making way too many hotel reservations:

How to save money:

Always book directly with hotels – they give better perks to direct bookings
Tuesday through Thursday stays cost way less than weekends
Package deals usually save money compared to booking everything separately
Sign up for hotel newsletters – they send exclusive deals to subscribers

Questions worth asking before you book:

What exactly is included in my room rate?
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies?
What happens if weather affects planned outdoor activities?
Are there any additional fees I should know about upfront?
Can you arrange transportation from Dublin or Cork airports?

Insider move: Pick up the phone and call instead of booking online. Irish hospitality is legendary, and they’ll often include extras like room upgrades or welcome gifts for people who book directly.

Getting Your Money’s Worth From These Expensive Stays

These luxury places to stay in Ireland cost real money, so here’s how to make sure you get every penny’s worth:

Before you arrive:

Research the property’s history – it makes the experience richer
Make restaurant reservations immediately after booking your room
Ask about seasonal activities and book popular ones early
Check dress codes and pack accordingly (seriously, don’t ignore this)

While you’re there:

Don’t spend your whole time hiding in your room – explore everything
Talk to staff about local recommendations and insider secrets
Try things outside your comfort zone – you’re already there, might as well
Put your phone down occasionally and actually be present

Making it last:

Write something in the guest book if they have one
Buy a small souvenir from the property (I collect hotel coasters, don’t judge)
Take photos but don’t live your entire experience through a camera lens
If you meet other interesting guests, exchange contact info

Why These Places Will Ruin Regular Hotels Forever

Look, I could write another thousand words about why these places to stay in Ireland are worth the investment. But here’s what really matters: these aren’t just accommodations. They’re experiences that become part of your personal story.

Whether you choose the fairytale luxury of Ashford Castle, the dramatic ocean theater of Cliff House Hotel, the all-inclusive aristocracy of Ballyfin Demesne, the adventure-packed beauty of Delphi Resort, or the intimate otherworldliness of Gregan’s Castle, you’re not just buying a place to sleep. You’re investing in memories that’ll outlast whatever you spent.

Each place offers something completely different, but they all have that magical Irish ability to make strangers feel like they belong. It’s not just about fancy amenities or gourmet food – though those are nice – it’s about how these places make you feel like you’re part of something special.

My advice? Pick the one that makes your stomach flutter with excitement when you read about it. Trust that feeling. Book it before you can talk yourself out of it. And prepare for an experience that’ll make you understand why some people become completely obsessed with Irish travel.

Quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

WhereBest ForRough CostWhat You'll Remember MostAshford CastleSpecial occasions, luxury lovers€500-1,200/nightFeeling like actual royaltyCliff House HotelRomance, incredible food€300-800/nightSleeping above the crashing oceanBallyfin DemesneAll-inclusive luxury, total escape€1,000-1,500/nightLiving in a period dramaDelphi ResortAdventure addicts, active families€120-350/nightMountain adventures with comfortGregan's CastleCouples, culture enthusiasts€200-500/nightExploring an alien landscape

Have you stayed at any of these incredible places to stay in Ireland? Planning a trip and need help deciding which one fits your style? Already discovered some amazing Irish accommodation I haven’t mentioned? Drop a comment below – I genuinely love hearing about people’s Irish adventures, and I’m always happy to help with travel planning questions!