The 19 Best Quirky Hotels in Ireland (2025)

Perched along Ireland’s rugged coastline and tucked into its rolling countryside, the country’s hotels offer a little something for every kind of getaway. Fancy a romantic night in a lighthouse with endless sea views? Or maybe a splash of daring design in a city-centre hideaway? Families can find cosy farm stays where kids can roam free, while couples might prefer boutique boltholes with character at every corner. Each of our handpicked quirky hotels in Ireland stands out for style, service, and personality—perfect for a break that’s truly unforgettable.

For Dublin

• Nestled in Dublin's city centre, Kelly's Hotel Dublin charms with its uniquely styled rooms that retain Victorian-era character. Guests can stroll across a quirky bridge to No Name Bar for cocktails or craft beers. Its central location makes it perfect for wandering the city’s streets, markets, and cultural hotspots.
• At Dublin’s bustling core, O'Neills offers a classic inn experience with decor reflecting its Victorian roots. Whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy tastings in the intimate, dedicated whiskey bar. With hearty meals and a lively atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for soaking up authentic Irish tradition right in the city centre.

For Belfast

• Set in the heart of Belfast, House Belfast impresses with wood-panelled rooms, bold artwork, and a lively bar serving creative cocktails. The on-site restaurant draws locals and visitors alike, making it a buzzing spot for both city explorers and nightlife lovers.
• Housed in a former 19th-century bank, Merchant Hotel dazzles with opulent interiors, marble columns, and a stunning atrium. The jazz bar hums with live performances, and fine dining offers a memorable culinary escape—perfect for those seeking grandeur with a vibrant city twist.
• The Bullitt thrills with quirky, contemporary interiors and eye-catching artwork in every corner. King-sized beds, satellite TVs, and a playful vibe make it a creative urban retreat. Its central location puts the city’s best cafes, bars, and galleries just steps away.

For the spa

• 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

• Step into coastal Galway charm at The Quay House, where 15 period-style rooms evoke classic Irish interiors. Driftwood accents, warm textiles, and maritime touches create a homely feel. On-site dining serves fresh, locally inspired dishes, making it a memorable base for exploring the rugged coastline.
• Perched on Clare Island’s edge, Clare Island Lighthouse is a converted lighthouse that turns isolation into luxury. Each room features a wood-burning stove, rugged stone walls, and panoramic sea views. Perfect for a private escape, it’s a striking retreat where dramatic sunsets and the Atlantic’s roar become part of your stay.
• 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

• The Botanical B&B- Tucked into serene countryside, this four-room cottage exudes rural charm with exposed beams, vintage furnishings, and cosy nooks. Sunlit rooms overlook lush gardens, and the quiet surroundings make it ideal for an immersive escape from city life, perfect for slowing down and savouring simplicity.
• Experience farm life up close at Ballylagan Organic Farm, where pigs root and sheep graze nearby. The original farmhouse offers four welcoming rooms, and a separate self-catering cottage provides hands-on countryside living. Rustic interiors and open farmland make it a playful and grounding rural retreat.
• Set in a peaceful hamlet, The Old Inn charms with grand fireplaces, ornate chandeliers, and stately four-poster beds. Rich fabrics and traditional woodwork create an elegant, cosy atmosphere. The inn’s characterful interiors make it a memorable base for exploring the Northern Irish countryside.
• 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 roll-top 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 base

• Housed in a charming Victorian school beside the Grand Canal, Schoolhouse Hotel is a four-star gem that preserves its historic character with high ceilings, wood panelling, and period details. Rooms are spacious and elegantly traditional. Enjoy the cosy bar, relaxed dining, and a location that’s perfect for exploring Ballsbridge’s leafy streets.
• 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 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

• Set in a former tobacco factory, Hotel Isaacs fuses exposed brick and timber beams with contemporary decor. Spacious rooms and apartments feel both modern and inviting. Foodies flock here for Greene’s, a multi-award-winning restaurant serving inventive, locally sourced dishes that have earned national acclaim.
• Step into 800 years of history at Barberstown Castle, where stone walls and antique furnishings create a medieval atmosphere. Guests can savour fine dining in the castle’s elegant restaurant or immerse themselves in a medieval banquet, making this a destination for history lovers and culinary adventurers alike.
• Perched above Balscadden Bay in Howth, Dublin, King Sitric offers panoramic seaside views alongside award-winning seafood. The menu champions freshly caught crab, oysters, and fish from local waters, while the intimate rooms allow guests to wake up to the tranquil rhythm of the coast—a true haven for seafood enthusiasts.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Ireland,
• Expand your search to include our recommendations for the best castle hotels in Ireland or the best hotels in Ireland with a hot tub,
• Alternatively, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.