Finn Lough

If you're looking for an Irish hotel with a certain 'je ne sais quoi', then our hotel experts have just the thing for you. Whether it be a coastal break in an old lighthouse, some seriously flamboyant design, or a rural stay on an organic farm; there is bound to be something for you. Carefully selected for their service, design, and uniqueness, why not browse through our collection of the best quirky hotels in Ireland to start planning your trip?

For a Dublin pick

O'Neills

  • Kelly's Hotel is a quirky boutique hotel in Dublin's city centre. Rooms are individually styled with the best maintaining the building's Victorian-era charm. A fun bridge leads over to No Name Bar. A great choice for city exploring.
  • O'Neills is a traditional inn at the heart of Dublin's bustling city centre. Classic décor nods to the building's Victorian-era heritage. A whiskey lovers delight, tastings are offered in a dedicated whiskey bar.

For a Belfast option

House Belfast

  • House Belfast is a chic hotel located in Belfast's vibrant city centre. Featuring wood-panelled rooms, quirky artwork and a lively bar and restaurant this is an undeniably cool city crashpad.
  • Merchant Hotel occupies a 19th-century building, formerly a bank. Interiors are grand and there is a superb jazz bar. A luxurious choice for a city escape.
  • The Bullitt is situated in the heart of Belfast, the ideal spot for a city break. This designer property features contemporary and quirky interiors with plenty of artwork adorning the walls. Their funky rooms feature king-sized beds and satellite TVs. A great stay.

For a spa hotel

The Rabbit

  • The Rabbit is a bohemian hotel and spa in the heart of Templepatrick. Interiors feature vibrant, eclectic decor with bold patterns and plush furnishings. The spa is superb with Roman baths, salt chamber, heated lakeside pebble beach, and disco ball lakeside bar, plus there's a buzzy restaurant. Laidback luxury. 

For a coastal stay

Clare Island Lighthouse

  • The Quay House is the place to come to experience traditional Irish hospitality. Located on the coast of Galway, with 15 rooms, all decorated in period style. A welcoming coastal stay.
  • Clare Island Lighthouse is a converted lighthouse offering secluded and chic accommodation on rugged Clare Island. Each room features a wood-burning stove. A unique and cosy choice for an indulgent hideaway.
  • The Montenotte is a contemporary harbour-side property offering both style and luxury. Individually designed rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, pops of colour coming from the soft furnishings and sink-into beds. The glamorous Panorama Bistro and Terrace offers superlative cuisine specialising in seafood.

For a rural escape

Finn Lough

  • The Botanical B&F is a charming cottage hidden away in idyllic countryside in County Cork. Comprising just four rooms, the interiors have a rural chic feel. A secluded place to come to truly get away from it all.
  • Ballylagan Organic Farm in County Antrim features pigs in the pens and sheep in the field; this property is exactly like its name suggests. The original farmhouse boasts four delightful rooms and there is the option of a self-catering cottage.
  • The Old Inn is an utterly charming inn set in a quiet hamlet just outside Belfast. Elegant and characterful throughout, you can expect enormous fireplaces, chandeliers, heavy four-poster beds and rich hues.
  • Finn Lough is a collection of futuristic domes, suites, and villas set within an ancient woodland. Each room is designed to enjoy nature with glass ceilings to stargaze from and a rolltop bath overlooking the forest. There's a Slow Food restaurant and a unique spa experience. The perfect hideaway for some R&R.

For a boutique

Schoolhouse Hotel

  • Schoolhouse Hotel is a converted Victorian school located next to the grand canal in Dublin's Ballsbridge. Awarded four-stars, rooms are luxurious and traditional. A unique stay.
  • The Dean Galway is a boutique hotel in the heart of Galway. Rooms pop with colour and cool touches such as turntables, coffee machines, and mini SMEGs. There's an outdoor pool, a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as a snug pub and an American eatery. All you need for a fun city stay. 

For contemporary style

The Dean Cork

  • The Dean Cork is a modern hotel set in the docklands area alongside the River Lee. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, some with free-standing copper baths. There's a rooftop restaurant with stunning views, plus a chic bar for coffee and cocktails. Add in an indoor pool and sauna, and you have a relaxing city stay.

For foodies

Barberstown Castle

  • Hotel Isaacs is a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Cork. Originally a tobacco factory, the rooms and apartments mix contemporary design against traditional features. However, the multi-award-winning restaurant Greene's is the real draw and worthy of a visit alone.
  • Barberstown Castle in County Kildare is a striking 800-year-old castle which has welcomed many-a-renowned guest in its years. Choose this property for the fine-dining restaurant and the opportunity to feast at a medieval banquet!
  • King Sitric is an award-winning seafood restaurant and hotel located in Howth, just outside Dublin. A place to come for breathtaking views of Balscadden Bay to be enjoyed with crab and oysters caught by local fishermen.

Still not sure?

The 19 Best Quirky Hotels in Ireland

Merchant Hotel

Belfast

Stunning transformation of a former 19th century bank. Eclectic contemporary rooms evoke a romantic Napoleon III-style Paris - luscious velvets and silks, rich wool carpets, gold and red chintz wallpapers, and statement artwork. Superb bar, spa and gym plus a live jazz bar. Divine.

  • Spa breaks - One of they city's most renowned spas with five treatment rooms, hydrotherapy and a relaxation room
  • Foodies - Berts Jazz Bar serves delicious dishes, fine cocktails accompanied by live music
  • City Style - Historic accommodation in the heart of Belfast
  • Sights nearby - UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway
from $444 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Schoolhouse Hotel

Dublin (Ballsbridge)

Converted Victorian school located next to the grand canal in Ballsbridge. Especially handy for the centre of town and the new Aviva stadium for rugby enthusiasts. Thirty one traditionally decorated rooms feature king sized beds, free wifi and free movies as standard. Excellent value.

  • Local exploring - Ideally placed in Ballsbridge, close to the city's main attractions including the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and the Aviva Stadium
  • Great walks - Take a stroll along the Grand Canal walkway that runs beside the house
  • Sights nearby - 10 mins walk from Dublin's main sights and events venues
  • Restaurant - Schoolhouse Brasserie
from $167 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Bullitt

Belfast

The Bullitt is situated in the heart of Belfast, the ideal spot for a city break. This designer property features contemporary and quirky interiors with plenty of artwork adorning the walls. Their funky rooms feature king-sized beds and satellite TVs. Breakfast on-the-go offered daily. A great stay.

  • City Style - The Bullitt enjoys a fantastically central location
  • Local exploring - Be sure to see all that the city has to offer!
  • Sights nearby - Head over to Odyssey Arena sport and entertainment complex or visit the historic St Peter's Cathedral
  • Great walks - Wander aimlessly through the city and get a feel for its atmosphere
from $152 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Montenotte

Cork

A contemporary harbour side property offering both style and luxury. Individually designed rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, pops of colour coming from the soft furnishings and sink-into beds. The glamorous Panorama Bistro and Terrace offers superlative cuisine specialising in seafood.

  • City Style - An uber chic hotel complete with trendy bar and harbour views.
  • Sights nearby - Make a trip to the medieval Blarney Castle located just outside Cork.
  • Local markets - Visit the vibrant covered English Market.
  • Swimming Pool - Indoor pool
from $127 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Old Inn

County Down (County Down)

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.

  • 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.
  • Restaurant
  • Boutique
from $127 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Ballylagan Organic Farm

County Antrim

With pigs in the pens and sheep in the field, Ballylagan Organic Farm is exactly like its name suggests. The original farmhouse boasts four delightful rooms and there is the option of a self-catering cottage. Perfect for people looking for an immersive rural experience.

  • Country Escape - Set on a lovely farm in County Antrim, this place is definitely for people who are looking for fresh air and open space.
  • Sights nearby - Take a day trip into Belfast and explore sights such as the Titanic Museum, the Falls Road and the Ulster Museum.
  • Great walks - The surrounding countryside is full of lovely walking routes.
  • Restaurant
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

King Sitric

Dublin (Howth )

An award-winning seafood restaurant and hotel located in Howth. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Balscadden Bay whilst enjoying crab and oyster caught by local fishermen. All rooms are decorated in the turquoise and blues of the sea and have a bright fresh feel.

  • Foodies - King Sitric offers a varied menu specialising in wild Irish fish and shellfish caught by local fishermen
  • Local exploring - Explore the sleepy fishing town of Howth - don't forget to visit Howth Castle
  • Fishing - The town of Howth is a popular fishing spot for tourists and locals alike
  • Great walks - King Sitric is surrounded by stunning walks on the Irish coast
from $168 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Kelly's Hotel Dublin

Dublin (Dublin Castle)

This quirky boutique hotel is located in the heart of Dublin's city centre. Individually styled rooms boast hand-selected design pieces and comfy beds; the best retain the building's Victorian-era charm with exposed wooden beams. Take the novel hotel bridge over to No Name Bar. A lively city stay.

  • Short break - This hotel is perfectly situated for a short fly weekend away; throw a few things into a bag and book your flight
  • City Style - You can't get a more central location than this hotel's; use this as a base for exploring Dublin's city sights
  • Romantic Break - With its unique design and cosy rooms, this hotel is great for couple's looking for a lively romantic break
  • Sights nearby - Visit Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin's most historic city sights
from $104 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

O'Neills

Dublin (Trinity)

A traditional inn at the heart of Dublin's bustling city centre. Traditional décor nods to the building's Victorian-era heritage, with original fireplaces and antique furnishings. Book in for a whiskey tasting at the pub's own whiskey bar or sample a local beer. A charming, family-run guesthouse.

  • Families - With family rooms available, and children's meals on offer in the restaurant, this is a good option for families
  • Local exploring - Located in the heart of Dublin, this is a great base for exploring the city's historic sights
  • Romantic Break - With cosy rooms in a pretty, heritage building, this is perfect for a quiet couples' getaway
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Guiness Storehouse; it involves a self-guided tour over 6 floors with everything you ever wanted to know about Guiness
from $175 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

House Belfast

Belfast (Belfast BT7 1JL )

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.

  • 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
from $84 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Quay House

County Galway (Clifden)

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.

  • 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
from $147 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Hotel Isaacs

Cork

Originally an Edwardian tobacco factory, now a boutique hotel, set in the heart of Cork. A collection of rooms and apartments mix contemporary and traditional styles resulting in a clean and simple aesthetic. The multi-award-winning restaurant Greene's is the real draw and worthy of a visit alone.

  • Foodies - The multi-award winning Greene's restaurant is the real draw serving up modern Irish cuisine
  • Local exploring - A boutique base in the heart of Cork's theatre district
  • Local markets - Make a stop at the English Market, Ireland's most famous covered food market
  • Sights nearby - Visit one (or both) of the Gothic cathedrals in the city
from $94 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Clare Island Lighthouse

County Mayo (Co Mayo)

A converted lighthouse offering secluded and chic accommodation on rugged Clare Island. A handful of rooms are beautifully styled with wood-burning stoves, cast-iron beds, and hardwood floors. Homemade food is fresh and skilfully made. An indulgent rural escape.

  • Back to Nature - Designed to take in the spectacular surrounds. This island hotel is the perfect place to get back to nature
  • Restaurant - There is a daily changing four course dinner menu and all guests dine together around a communal table.
  • Great walks - Walking along the numerous hiking trails is one of the best ways to discover the island
  • Minimum Stay - Two nights minimum stay
from $526 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Barberstown Castle

County Kildare (Co Kildare)

A striking 800-year-old castle which has welcomed many-a-renowned guest in its years. Traditional interiors are everything one desires from a historical building: roaring fires, heavy antiques, and rich fabrics. Boasting a fine-dining restaurant and the opportunity to feast at a medieval banquet!

  • Weddings - Well seasoned in hosting weddings, the hotel offers experienced staff and a beautiful setting
  • Local exploring - From medieval castles to megalithic sites there is plenty to explore in the surrounding area
  • Restaurant - The fine dining restaurant serves the best of French and Irish cuisine
  • Sights nearby - Visit Newgrange, a 5,000 year old megalithic site
from $242 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Botanical B&B

County Cork

A charming cottage hidden away in idyllic countryside. Offering just four rooms which have been immaculately styled to create a rural chic feel. Communal areas are warm and cosy with roaring fires and beamed ceilings. Superb breakfasts are served using local produce. A quirky country escape.

  • Groups - With just four bedrooms this is the perfect property to rent out in its entirety with friends
  • Country Escape - A secluded spot in a beautiful rural setting. An ideal choice for a countryside getaway
  • Great walks - Take long scenic walks starting straight from the property's front door
  • Restrictions on children - Adult only
from $145 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Finn Lough

County Fermanagh (Enniskillen )

A collection of futuristic domes, suites, and villas set within an ancient woodland. Each room is designed to enjoy nature from glass ceilings to stargaze to a rolltop bath overlooking the forest. There's a Slow Food restaurant and a unique spa experience. The perfect hideaway for some R&R.

  • Foodies - The restaurant follows the Slow Food movement. Much of the produce is grown on-site and chefs create innovative regional menus
  • Spa breaks - Unlike traditional spas, the self-guided experience offers a private two-hour trail through a series of cabins in the woods
  • Local exploring - A perfect couples' escape — sleep in a romantic dome hidden in the forest and spend days in nature or in the spa
  • Great walks - There are miles of scenic nature trails to explore starting right from the property
from $222 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Rabbit

County Antrim (Country Antrim, Northern Ireland)

A bohemian hotel and spa in the heart of Templepatrick. Interiors feature vibrant, eclectic decor with bold patterns and plush furnishings. The spa is superb with Roman baths, salt chamber, heated lakeside pebble beach, and disco ball lakeside bar, plus there's a buzzy restaurant. Laidback luxury.

  • Spa breaks - Enjoy the luxurious spa featuring lakeside hot tubs, Roman baths, and a heated pebble beach, perfect for a rejuvenating escape
  • Romantic Break - Indulge yourselves with an al fresco bathtub in your private courtyard, cosy wood-burning stove, and serene lakeside view
  • Learning - Partake in the Rabbit Bar's cocktail masterclasses, where expert mixologists teach you to craft the perfect drink
  • Local exploring - Explore the nearby scenic beauty and cultural attractions of County Antrim
from $254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on My Luxury Hotel

The Dean Galway

Galway (County Galway)

A boutique hotel in the heart of Galway, close to Eyre Square. Rooms pop with colour and cool touches such as turntables, coffee machines, and mini SMEGs. There's an outdoor pool, a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as a snug pub and an American eatery. All you need for a fun city stay.

  • Local exploring - Explore the nearby Latin Quarter with its cobbled streets, filled with bars, restaurants, theatres, cafes, and bespoke boutiques
  • Foodies - A foodies' paradise with the Elephant & Castle's comfort food on the ground floor plus the buzzy Sophie's rooftop restaurant
  • Great walks - The 3km-long Salthill Promenade is the ideal place to stretch those legs and sample some of that famous Atlantic air
  • Restaurant - Soak in the views while you dine at Sophie’s Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
from $158 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

The Dean Cork

Cork (Northern Quarter)

A modern hotel set in the docklands area alongside the River Lee. Rooms are elegant and comfortable, some with free-standing copper baths. There's a rooftop restaurant with stunning views, plus a chic bar for coffee and cocktails. Add in an indoor pool and sauna, and you have a relaxing city stay.

  • Local exploring - Explore the nearby town of Blarney with its historic castle, chocolate factory, and the legendary Blarney Stone
  • Total relaxation - Relax by the stunning indoor pool or unwind in the sauna at this hidden oasis in the city
  • Sights nearby - Fota Island, Ireland’s only wildlife park, is 20 minutes’ from the city centre, where monkeys, big cats & kangaroos run free
  • Restaurant - Head for the 6th floor for panoramic views and delectable bites at Sophie’s rooftop restaurant
from $221 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Written by Katie Harris

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