The Hotel Guru
20 of the Most Romantic Hotels in Ireland

20 of the Most Romantic Hotels in Ireland

Whether it’s Ireland’s wonderful mythology and storytelling you find impossibly romantic, or the lilting Gaelic music, or the wonderful rolling green of this landscape, or the crash and drama of the coastline, or the numerous golf courses, or how all these things seem when viewed through the amber-y glow of a glass of whiskey that appeals to you, we can all agree that Ireland is a country of much romance! But because we all have different things in mind when it comes to romance we've collated what we think are the most romantic hotels in Ireland. We’ve got some wonderfully remote B&Bs, sea views or mountain views, all out luxury, country house opulence and chic city break material here, so use our guide and start to plan that romantic getaway!

Ireland’s Best Honeymoon Hotels

Unforgettable in its grandeur, Ballyfin is an immaculately restored Regency era country mansion at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. There are only 15 rooms, all of them dripping with gorgeous antiques, only the most sumptuous of fabrics and fittings and original Irish art. In addition to the beauty inside you’re treated to 610 acres of private parkland and manicured grounds, where you can try falconry and clay pigeon shooting, ride one of the horses in the hotel stable, play tennis, or go boating on the lake, and then follow it all up with a wine or whiskey tasting with the sommelier. There’s also an award winning spa and supper is a grand affair, sometimes fancy dress, and often an eight-course tasting menu. Kim and Kanye honeymooned here.

Most Romantic Escapes

In an incredible spot on County Kerry’s Lough Caragh, Carrig Country House was an elegant, Victorian lakeside mansion, but is now a 17 room hotel with wonderful views, four acres of beautiful, lush garden and a restaurant which has been very highly recommended — try the lough trout or salmon. The decor is period style, with some lovely antiques, four-poster beds in some rooms and sophisticated fabrics and wallpapers. This is the perfect place for a relaxing escape.

Tankardstown House brims with Georgian charm, from its boxy, big-windowed exterior to its elegantly panelled walls, decorative ceilings and impressive marble fireplaces. Upstairs are six guest rooms, all traditionally dressed and delightful. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and 80 acres of its own woodland estate in Meath, this is a proper country escape. Don’t worry about going hungry: the restaurant is excellent.
The Killarney Royal Hotel is a stately boutique hotel in a great spot in Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane. This isn’t a total escape, the hotel itself is in the centre of a small, but vibrant, town, but the location offers the sort of activities and opportunities for peace and privacy that you’d normally find at an ‘escape hotel’. Its 32 rooms and suites are sumptuously decorated: think patterned damask drapes, delicate floral fabrics, elegant shaped furniture and large windows. They have family suites too.

Newforge House is a small and sophisticated, family-run country house hotel in a beautifully neat Georgian manor house, which has been in the same family for six generations: the two current generations live in elegant outbuildings giving guests the run of the main house. There are just six rooms and suites, all with plenty of light from the large sash windows, fireplaces, tasteful antiques and art and subtle tones. There’s a small restaurant with an excellent wine list and great, seasonal dishes — one of the family is a professional chef. And you’re in a fantastic position if you want to do a spot of walking or trekking, or cycling or birdwatching.

Romantic Country House Hotels

Set in 35 acres of gardens in County Wexford, Marlfield is a beautiful, traditional country house hotel with 19 rooms and a superb restaurant. Expect roaring fires, crystal glasses on silver trays, classical music, four-poster beds, fresh flowers everywhere, chandeliers and antique furniture. And someone will unpack your bag for you if you permit them. For the full romantic experience you can arrange a special dinner in one of their sumptuous suites. Or take afternoon tea in their elegant restaurant.

Bellinter House is a wonderfully romantic looking Palladian country pile turned 34 country house hotel. During its conversion each of the house’s rooms and suites was individually designed, so have a look at a few. All over the feeling is of luxury, from the restaurant, which is an offshoot of the award-winning Eden in Temple Bar, to the views over the Boyne Valley, and the wide range of treatments available at the Bathhouse Spa. And you’re just 30minutes from Dublin.

Just back from Lough Leane, just outside Killarney and on the borders of the Killarney National Park, the Cahernane House Hotel is in just the spot for a country house escape. Ideal for walking, fishing, cycling or horse riding, this rather grand and luxurious manor has been converted into a luxurious 40 room hotel. The best rooms are within the original house, but there’s a more modern extension too. The restaurant is one of this hotel’s other draws, it has won several fine dining awards and is a great addition to a weekend break in the countryside.

For a City Break

Dublin’s The Wilder is a stylish, Victorian era townhouse with 30 individually designed rooms, all featuring original fireplaces and rich fabrics in a regal palette. There’s an award-winning bistro, but the Gin and Tea Rooms is the place for tea or cocktails — made using the hotel’s bespoke craft gin. This is a fabulous place for a stylishly romantic city break, close to many of the main sights, yet still intimate.

Hayfield Manor has all the country elegance, space and green seclusion of a country house hotel, but it’s only minutes from the centre of Cork city. With 88 rooms and suites, some of them huge, this is quite a large hotel, offering some generous facilities to match. There are two restaurants, one award-winning fine dining, the other a casual bistro, an impressive spa offering a wide selection of Elemis treatments, a gym and carefully manicured grounds that make it feel secluded. But you’re still within a short walk of the attractions and nightlife of Cork.
House Belfast is a chic hotel on Botanic Avenue in the heart of Belfast, with 31 rooms decorated in plush wallpapers and fabrics, quirky art and crisp linens. There’s a great cocktail bar and a lively restaurant. The perfect match to this lively city. It’s also great value.

For a Spa Hotel

With gorgeous, reviving views of the River Moy, the Ice House Hotel and Spa, is an excellent place to come for a relaxing and pampering escape. The top of the range spa overlooks the river too, as does its outdoor barrel bath sauna. The hotel has 32 rooms in two styles: luxuriously tradition or minimalist chic. They also offer a babysitting service. This is a fantastic building to, it was the 19th century Salmon Ice House. County Mayo is also known for its fishing and golf.

Some of the Most Romantic B&Bs in Ireland

Also one of Ireland’s most romantic escapes, Breac.House is an architectural darling, set in the rugged landscape of rural northwest Donegal. With just three B&B rooms each with panoramic sea views — which you can take advantage from out of the floor to ceiling windows or on your private terrace, and artisan furnishings which champion local materials, this is an intimate bolthole in a wild location, perfect for spending time together relaxed and unplugged. There’s a cosy, wood-fired sauna, complimentary seaweed baths and bike hire, and they’ll deliver breakfast to you on a tray right to your bed.
Also small, rural and idyllic, but wrapped in a far more traditional package, Kilgraney House is a five room, two suite B&B close to Kilkenny Castle and Duiske Abbey, County Carlow. The suites are more like apartments, really, with full kitchens and living spaces. There’s also an elegant drawing room to share, plus on Friday and Saturday nights they put on a seven-course seasonal tasting menu, using herbs and vegetables from the lovely gardens.

For coastal views from gorgeous white-on-white country chic bedrooms try Saltwater House in Portstewart, close to the Giant's Causeway. It has just five rooms, a wonderful terrace-with-a-view and delicious breakfast. It’s adults only, and very popular with golfers.

In a perfectly peaceful spot on Galway’s coast, The Quay House offers a warm, traditional welcome, complete with family heirlooms and an open hearth under marble fireplace and huge gilt mirror frames. Originally built for the Clifden harbourmaster 200 years ago, this is a large home, now with 15 rooms available to guests, all individually decorated with period themed antiques and curios. The breakfast room is reassuringly filled with plants. This is a great spot for windswept coastal walks and cycles. Book one of the Harbour View rooms for added romance.

If you’re looking for something a bit smaller you might prefer Knockeven House, a five room B&B with an historic feel, just outside Cobh, a pretty town on the Cork coast. With spacious rooms, sumptuous fabrics, beautiful corniced ceilings, a lounge with an open fireplace and lots of lovely antiques, this is the place to come if you want something small and intimate, yet still luxurious feeling.

Great Value Hotels for Couples

In a tiny hamlet just along the coast from Belfast is the utterly charming The Old Inn. Old to the point of having a thatched roof, enormous fireplaces, tiny windowpanes and a collection of impressive four-posted beds in its 33 rooms — the most impressive beds can be found in the Historic Suites. This is a relatively affordable spot, but it feels indulgent because of the impressive scale of the features and the rich colour palette. The restaurant is absolutely excellent too.

In pretty Adare, just south of Limerick, the Dunraven Arms Hotel is a country house hotel/inn first established in 1792. As well as being historic, the Dunraven Arms has a superb spa and 90 really beautiful rooms. It also has a very elegant restaurant and a pub with plenty of charm. The surroundings offer a wonderful backdrop to a ramble. And it’s very affordable.
The Mustard Seed is a sort of restaurant with rooms, but with 16 rooms, which is quite a lot, so maybe a better description would be a fine-dining hotel. The restaurant is also called The Mustard Seed, and foodies come here for the four course table d’hote menu, which is a celebration of local produce. You’re also well located for fishing, golf, horse riding and walking.

If you haven’t found your idea of the most romantic hotel in Ireland on our Guru’s list you could:

Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Ireland? which is quite a long list, so you might want to
refine your search to the best hotels in Dublin? or the best places to stay in County Cork? or the best hotels in County Galway? for example?
Or you could consider our Guru’s recommendations for 15 of the Best Spa Hotels in Ireland? or 20 of the Best Luxury Hotels in Ireland?
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Ballyfin Ballyfin, County Laois 15 rooms from €1200
  
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  Country House  -  Considered the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland
  Outstanding location  -  Set in 610 acres of parkland and manicured grounds
  Artworks  -  Collection of Irish art and china
  Hotel
  Recommended by  -  Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, CN Traveller
  
  Immaculately restored, opulently furnished, Regency country mansion situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Five-star luxury throughout. Sumptuous rooms filled with original Irish art. The price tag is steep but it's an iconic stay. See More
  
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- Bellinter House Navan, County Meath 35 rooms from €120
  
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  Fishing  -  Private fishing rights on 3 miles of the River Boyne plus a ghillie to assist!
  Spa breaks  -  A number of well-being and spa packages are offered by the Hotel
  Restaurant  -  The Eden restaurant is sister to the award wining Eden in Temple Bar, Dublin
  Spa  -  Wide range of rejuvenating treatments on offer at the Bathhouse Spa
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, CN Traveller
  
  An architectural gem of a Palladian mansion turned country house hotel. Situated in beautiful countryside overlooking the River Boyne. 35 individually designed stylish rooms with luxury accessories. The restaurant is an offshoot of the award winning Eden in Temple Bar. Sophisticated country retreat. See More
  
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- Marlfield Gorey, Co. Wexford, County Wexford 19 rooms from €200
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Sumptuous suites, private in-room dining, lovely gardens and a spoiling spa
  Foodies  -  Several fine dining options
  Sights nearby  -  Pretty fishing villages, abbeys, castles and lush rolling countryside
  Local markets  -  Waterford Crystal Factory
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide, Relais & Chateaux
  
  Set in 35 acres of gardens sits a traditional country-house hotel with superb restaurant. The interiors ooze classical elegance - sparkling chandeliers, abundant fresh flowers, crackling fires and antique furniture. Grand bedrooms with four poster beds and garden views. A fab getaway. See More
  
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- Carrig Country House Killorglin, Co Kerry, County Kerry 17 rooms from €150
  
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  Garden  -  Four acre gardens running down to the lake with many rare and unusual species. The head gardener will give you a personal tour.
  Views  -  Glorious views over Lake Caragh and the Kerry mountains
  Outstanding location  -  Stunning situation on the shore of Lake Caragh
  Restaurant  -  Lakeside restaurant serving highly regarded Irish cuisine featuring salmon & trout from the Lake and Kerry lamb
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Lakeside Victorian residence turned country house hotel. Traditional period style interiors with rich fabrics, four poster beds and views to die for across Lake Caragh and the Kerry mountains. Highly recommended restaurant serving trout & salmon from the lake & Kerry lamb. See More
  
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- Tankardstown House Slane, County Meath 6 rooms from €207
  
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  Great walks - The surrounding countryside is perfect for walking.
  Sights nearby - Visit the nearby Slane Castle.
  Full of character
  Spa
  
  Brimming with period charm, Tankardstown House is a gorgeous Georgian property in Meath. Set amidst 80 acres of beautiful woodland, the house boasts delightful rooms, an excellent restaurant and landscaped gardens. A sumptuous countryside getaway. See More
  
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- Newforge House Magheralin, County Armagh 6 rooms from €219
  
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  Foodies  -  Fine three course dining offering seasonal dishes
  Great walks  -  Lurgan, Moira and Hillsborough Parks
  Sights nearby  -  Lurgan Park & Brownlow House
  Sailing  -  Kinnego Marina
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Sophisticated family-run country house hotel with excellent food. Original Georgian interiors have been updated with modern elegance - fireplaces, large sash windows, paintings, and tasteful furniture are highlighted by lots of natural light and subtle tones. A romantic escape with plenty to offer. See More
  
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- Cahernane House Hotel Killarney 40 rooms from €180
  
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  Foodies  -  Award winning restaurant.
  Luxury
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Romantic Break
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays
  
  Exceedingly grand and luxurious country house hotel on the edge of a national park with a most special atmosphere and ambience for business, weddings, and fine dining. See More
  
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- The Wilder Dublin (St Kevin's) 30 rooms from €199
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The plush beds and romantic heritage building make this a great hotel for couples
  City Style  -  Located in the heart of Dublin, this makes a great base for a stylish city break
  Foodies  -  Foodies will love the award-winning bistro in the hotel
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the main sights of Dublin easily from this hotel, including the Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral
  
  This stylish, Victorian-era townhouse is located in the heart of Dublin. Individually designed rooms boast original fireplaces and rich soft furnishings in regal colours. Enjoy a cocktail with bespoke craft gin in the Gin and Tea Rooms and eat at the award-winning Rolys bistro. A smart city break. See More
  
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- Hayfield Manor Cork, County Cork 88 rooms from €159
  
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  Restaurant  -  Fine dining in Orchids Restaurant plus Perrotts Garden Bsitro for more casual meals
  Sights nearby  -  Close to all of Cork's attractions including the University and Shandon Chruch.
  Spa  -  Wide selection of Elemis treatments available at the Beautique Spa
  Local markets  -  Cork's famous English Market is only 1.5km away
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection, Small Luxury Hotels, Michelin Travel, CN Traveller
  
  Hayfield Manor has all of the elegance of a country house hotel in its own secluded grounds yet it is only minutes from Cork city centre. Stylish & luxurious bedrooms and suites, plus gourmet dining, spa and gym. Family friendly too. An indulgent spot from which to explore County Cork. See More
  
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- House Belfast Belfast BT7 1JL 31 rooms from €80
  
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  Local exploring  -  Located on vibrant Botanic Avenue, Belfast's main attractions and great nightlife are all within walking distance of this hotel
  City Style  -  With its stylish interiors and central location, this hotel makes a contemporary, chic Belfast hotel
  Romantic Break  -  The comfortable hotel beds and cosy restaurant score highly with couples
  Sights nearby  -  Head to the classical City Hall, located in nearby Donegall Square; guided tours of the historic building are available
  
  This chic hotel is located in Belfast's vibrant city centre. Interiors feature upholstered furniture, quirky artwork and cosy wood-panelling, while the stylish guestrooms boast feature wallpaper and plush soft linens. Don't miss the great food and cocktail menu in the restaurant; a lively city stay. See More
  
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- Killarney Royal Hotel Killarney (County Kerry) 32 rooms from €179
  
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  Local exploring  -  Set in the charming town of Killarney, this hotel is a great base for local exploring in and around County Kerry
  Active Holiday  -  There are great outdoors activities on this stretch of Ireland's west coast, from hiking to climbing and golf
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the classic interiors at this boutique bolt-hole; book a luxury suite for added indulgence
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens, a Victorian manor house which now houses a museum
  
  This stately boutique hotel boasts a privileged location in the centre of the vibrant town of Killarney in Ireland. Opulent guestrooms are dressed in a regal palette and are peppered with antiques; book a suite for a luxurious living room. Dine in the elegant Candle Room Restaurant; a stylish hotel. See More
  
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- Ice House Hotel & Spa Ballina, County Mayo 32 rooms from €115
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Fabulous spa, fine dining, all ensconced in the rolling green pastures of County Mayo
  Fishing  -  Salmon and seatrout fishing on the River Moy.
  Sights nearby  -  Ballycroy National Park is twenty miles away.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  
  Luxurious furnishings and stunning views combine to create the impressive Ice House Hotel. With its deluxe spa overlooking the river Moy, it's the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away. Ideal for fisherman keen to cast their fly for a salmon or seatrout on the Moy. A charming Mayo delight. See More
  
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- Saltwater House Portstewart 5 rooms from €127
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Take a trip to the magnificent Giants Causeway.
  Great walks  -  Go for lovely walks along Portstewart Strand.
  Restrictions on children  -  Adult only
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  
  Overlooking Portstewart Strand, the Saltwater House is a stylish, modern B&B. With a selection of elegantly designed rooms and delicious breakfasts, it's a great base from which to explore the surrounding coastline. An especially good spot for keen golfers. See More
  
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- Breac.House Co. Donegal, County Donegal 3 rooms from €225
  
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  Back to Nature  -  Set on a headland overlooking the Atlantic, on the wild coastline of Donegal, this hotel offer a serene back-to-nature retreat
  Hideaway  -  With a remote location and just three guestrooms, this hotel makes a perfect choice for an unplugged holiday
  Romantic Break  -  This boutique design bolt-hole is popular with couples; enjoy a seaweed bath after a couples' sauna
  Great walks  -  Explore the dramatic coastline on a long walk; ask your hosts for their favourite routes and a picnic to take with you
  
  This contemporary nature retreat is located in the rugged landscape of northwest Donegal. Interiors champion local materials and artisan furnishings; each guestroom offers panoramic sea views and doors leading to a sit-out terrace. Escape from the world in the cosy wood-fired sauna. A chic escape. See More
  
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- The Quay House Co Galway, County Galway 15 rooms from €140
  
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  Active Holiday  -  With great opportunities for hiking, fishing and cycling in the area, this hotel makes a great option for active holidaymakers
  Romantic Break  -  Couples love the period details and unique décor at this family-run B&B; book a harbour-view room for added romance
  Local exploring  -  Explore the coastline and the pretty town, with easy access from this seafront bolt-hole
  Great walks  -  Try the Derrigimlagh/Marconi walk, a 5km trail across blanket bog over a rugged and wild landscape
  Recommended by  -  Sawdays, Good Hotel Guide
  
  Experience traditional Irish hospitality at this heritage hotel on the coast of Galway. Family heirlooms and an open hearth make for a warm welcome. Upstairs, guestrooms are period themed, featuring lovely antiques, a fireplace and rich linens. A beautiful B&B, perfect for a weekend by the sea. See More
  
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- Kilgraney House County Carlow 5 rooms from €280
  
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  Country Escape  -  Kilgraney House is surrounded by lovely herb gardens with stunning walks, fishing and riding all available nearby
  Romantic Break  -  Gorgeous accommodation, a quiet atmosphere and divine cuisine-the ideal choice for a romantic getaway
  Foodies  -  On Friday and Saturday evenings enjoy a seven course seasonal tasting menu!
  Fishing  -  Southern County Fishing Resort provides trips to three different lakes locally
  
  Kilgraney House is an idyllic rural B&B. Interiors are elegant with cream furnishings, garden views and modern bathrooms. Apartments have full kitchens. Aromatherapy spa, outdoor thermal pool, drawing room and herb gardens. Excellent seasonal locally sourced menu. A welcoming and friendly stay. See More
  
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- The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, County Down 33 rooms from €115
  
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  Total relaxation  -  A charming and indulgent inn set in a tiny hamlet with superb food and glorious walks.
  Great walks  -  Just five minutes from Helen's Bay and the start of a deservedly popular coastal walk all the way to Bangor.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  
  An utterly charming inn set in a quiet hamlet just outside Belfast. Elegant and characterful throughout expect enormous fireplaces, chandeliers, heavy four poster beds and rich hues. Opt for a historic suite to feel like you've stepped back in time. The exemplary restaurant tops this fabulous hotel. See More
  
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- Knockeven House Cobh, County Cork 5 rooms from €110
  
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  Romantic Break  -  With sumptumous fabrics, a quiet location and attentive hosts, this hotel is perfect for a couples' weekend away
  Hideaway  -  Set just outside of the pretty coastal town of Cobh, this B&B is a great choice for an opulent hideaway holiday
  Local exploring  -  Located close to the coast and the charming town of Cobh, there is plenty to explore local to this hotel
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the nearby historic coastal town of Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  This period B&B is tucked away just outside of the Irish coastal town of Cobh. Inside, there are pretty heritage details, from the open hearth to the Victorian cornice ceilings. A grand staircase leads to spacious guestrooms with hand-selected antiques, perfect for a romantic getaway. See More
  
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- The Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge Co. Limerick, County Limerick 16 rooms from €129
  
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  Foodies  -  Feast on the four course table D’hote menu at the Mustard Seed Restaurant which uses seasonal and local produce.
  Sights nearby  -  Take a stroll through the O'Brien's Gardens in Foynes.
  Fishing  -  Spend the day trying your hand at Celtic angling.
  Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
  Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide
  
  An elegant hotel and fine-dining restaurant in a pretty area of County Limerick. Spacious rooms are traditionally dressed with antique furniture, enormous sash windows and dark hues. The superb restaurant, and main focus of the establishment, celebrates local produce. A spoiling country escape. See More
  
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