Michelin Just Announced Its 16 Top Hotels in Ireland
We're all familiar with Michelin rated restaurants, well, they do the same with hotels. Instead of stars, they rate them by keys. Makes sense!
These are some of the top hotels in Ireland. Like the restaurants, the more Keys, the better. This is how Michelin define their keys:
One Key: a very special stay.
Two Keys: an exceptional stay.
Three Keys: an extraordinary stay.
There are only two three Michelin Key hotels in all of Ireland. They come with a price to match, I find the one and two keys are just as special and at half the price.
Here's a list of all the Michelin Key hotels in Ireland and I've put together two different one-week itineraries around Ireland staying at these hotels. You'll find it below.
Three Michelin Key Hotels
Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin, County Laois
Nearby: Slieve Bloom Mountains, Rock of Dunamase
Ballyfin is a name you may not have heard of, but Irish people have. It's known as possibly the best hotel in Ireland. Laois is not an obvious place to stay, but here Ballyfin itself is the attraction. You probably won't leave its 640 acre ground. You share it with just a few other guests since this country house has just 21 rooms.
Along with a Michelin Key, it has a Michelin star restaurant too. The Irish Times said ‘Downright dazzling, one of the most delicious things I’ve eaten this year’
Check Availability at Ballyfin Demesne
Adare Manor, Adare, County Limerick
Nearby: Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle
Adare Manor is legendary in Ireland, as is its Irish billionaire owner JP McManus.
Sitting on 840 acres, the same size as New York's Central Park. It is host to the 2027 Ryder Cup, there'll be no rowdy behavior in its sacred grounds I would imagine. You don't have to be a pro to play at their Padel court, a sign that even a historic property like Adare recognizes what people love to do today. The spa, gym and sauna will help you relax afterwards.
Adare Manor has 104 rooms with the Lady Caroline Dunraven Suite being the best of all. The Oak Room is a one star Michelin Restaurant, while you can also have Afternoon Tea. Breakfast is served in one of Ireland's longest rooms, the Galley.
Adare is the most requested 5 star resort in Ireland for a reason.
Check Availability at Adare Manor
Two Michelin Key Hotels
Cashel Palace, Cashel, County Tipperary
Nearby: Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle
The Rock of Cashel is a must on everyone's itinerary but most just stop, snap and move on. The Cashel Palace gives you reason to stay. A 300 year old mansion with 42 rooms, some have a view of the famous Rock. Imagine waking up to that.
Its restaurant, the Bishop's Buttery is a one star Michelin restaurant. Another place that is a good first or last night stop given its relative proximity to Dublin Airport.
Check Availability at Cashel Palace
Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo
Nearby: Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey
Former home to the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is a place you base yourself for a few days. It's central to Kylemore Abbey, Galway, Connemara and Mayo. Mayo is shamefully overlooked by many visitors, but if you want to see real & wild Ireland away from the crowds, Mayo is where to come.
Ashford Castle is cozy as far as castles go, the kind of place where you nearly hope for bad weather so you can sit by the fire and watch the rain hit the glass.
Check Availability at Ashford Castle
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare, County Kerry
Nearby: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park
I love Kenmare, much more so than Killarney and the fact Kenmare has two Michelin Key hotels tells you a lot about quality over quantity. Kenmare is the perfect place to base yourself for both the Ring of Kerry & the overlooked Ring of Beara.
The Park has 46 rooms and the scenery from many of them is just gorgeous. Food is big part of the Park Hotel and its Landline restaurant gets excellent reviews.
The Park is in the heart of the town, so you can walk out and explore. Take a peek into the Roughty Bar and say hello to the very friendly Eamon behind the bar.
Check Availability at Park Hotel Kenmare
Sheen Falls, Kenmare, County Kerry
Nearby: Ring of Kerry, Beara Peninsula
The Sheen Falls is just outside Kenmare and overlooks the waterfall. Get a room with waterfall views. I'd describe this as understated luxury. Another Irish country gem where you do as much or as little as you like.
Check Availability at Sheen Falls
The Merrion, Dublin City
Nearby: Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse
I'm in the Merrion most week meeting guests for my Jetlag Walking Tour. I always make a point to get there early and enjoy its 5 star luxury. It's extremely central in Dublin, but in a quieter & more refined area than other hotels. The Irish Taoiseach (the prime minister) offices are directly across the road. The Merrion hotel is formed from Georgian-era townhomes combined into one of Ireland's best hotel. Be sure to book a table at its 2 star Michelin restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud's. It was the first two star in Ireland and has maintained it since.
Check Availability at The Merrion
One Michelin Key Hotels
Castlemartyr Resort, Castlemartyr, County Cork
Nearby: Blarney Castle, Cork, Cobh, Midleton
An 18th century manor with 800 year old castle ruins on its 220 acres. 2 star Michelin restaurant, golf, lakes, horses, wellness, pool. You might never leave its grounds.
Check Availability at Castlemartyr Resort
Dylan Hotel, Dublin City, County Dublin
Nearby: Dublin City. Guinness Storehouse. Book of Kells
A 5 star boutique hotel in Dublin. It's got 72 rooms and is a 15 minute walk from the heart of the city, but it's in a fantastic part of the city. This isn't a dull hotel. The rooms have color and personality. The Ruby Room speakeasy cocktail bar is on-site and on point.
Check Availability at the Dylan Hotel
Wilder Townhouse, Dublin City, County Dublin
Nearby: St Stephen's Green, Dublin City
I love their branding of their rooms, from The Shoebox to the Suites. Honesty in rooms. In one of my favorite parts of the City Centre, more local than tourist. But close to everything.
Check Availability at the Wilder
The Killarney Park, Killarney, County Kerry
Nearby: Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula
Killarney, the most popular town in Ireland for visitors. The Killarney Park hotel will keep you away from the masses in the town. You feel like you're in the country here. And any hotel with a horseshoe bar wins my business. It makes it easy to be social in the friendliest country in the world.
Check Availability at The Killarney Park
The Victoria, Killarney, County Kerry
Nearby: Gap of Dunloe, Muckross House & Gardens
This is owner run and you can tell. No corporate managers here, just Sinead and John treating the guests as if they were guests in their own home. Because they are. Delightful.
Check Availability at The Victoria
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare
Nearby: Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren
A 5 star lake front hotel in 16th century castle on 400 acres of land. Do I need to say anymore. This is a real castle feeling hotel, not always the case when a place has castle in its name. Plan at least 2 nights, one to explore the grounds and the other to explore Clare including the Cliffs. Handy for Shannon Airport too.
Check Availability at Dromoland Castle
Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan, County Clare
Nearby: Cliffs of Moher, The Burren
The ivy covered 18th century house is family run and intimate with just 20 rooms, so you'll feel part of the family too.
No 1 Pery Square, Limerick City, County Limerick
Nearby: Shannon Airport, Cliffs of Moher
Overlooking the People's Park in Limerick, this is another owner run 21 room hotel is in an 1830 townhome. If you are flying in or out of Shannon Airport, this would be the place to stay. Much better than a dreary airport hotel.
Check Availability at No 1 Pery Square
Regency House Belfast, Belfast, County Antrim
Nearby: Giant's Causeway, Titanic Belfast
The first hotel in Northern Ireland to get a Michelin Key. Forbes said "Simply put, my stay was unforgettable and the property ranks as one of my favorite accommodations ever". The Regency takes personalization to a new level and are known to call you ahead of time to ask your preferences. No rooms are the same. If you're in Belfast, look no further.
Check Availability at Regency House
A Week In Ireland's Michelin Key Hotels
My philosophy on visiting Ireland is to drive 50% less than you think. It's a mistake many people make thinking that cute little Ireland is seeable in one week. It's not. Especially when staying in this calibre of hotel. The hotel itself is worthy of time.
So I have developed two one-week itineraries. The first visits the southwestern part of Ireland, Cork and Kerry, . The second goes west to Clare, Galway & Mayo.
Itinerary 1: Dublin, Cork, and Kerry (7 Days)
This is the iconic itinerary that many people do. And for a reason. It's stunning. It's very busy in the Summer though so itinerary 2 is less crowded. Slightly.
Day 1-2: The Merrion, Dublin
- Stay at The Merrion and explore Dublin's cultural highlights
- Visit Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, and Christchurch Cathedral
- Dine at the hotel's two-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud
Day 3-4: Castlemartyr Resort, Cork
- Drive from Dublin to Castlemartyr Resort in Cork (3 hours)
- Stop at the Rock of Cashel along the way.
- Midleton Distillery, Cobh, Cork City & Blarney Castle are close.
Day 5-6: Park Hotel Kenmare, Kerry
- Drive from Cork to Kenmare (1.5 hours)
- Choose between Park Hotel Kenmare or Sheen Falls for your stay
- Explore the Ring of Kerry, Ring of Beara, & Killarney National Park.
Day 7: Return to Dublin
- Drive from Kenmare to the Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois (3.5 hours)
- Spend your final night at this luxurious country house hotel
- Enjoy a leisurely morning before a short drive to Dublin Airport (1.5 hours)
Itinerary 2: Rock Of Cashel, Clare, Mayo, and Dublin (7 Days)
This gets you straight into the Irish countryside with a short drive when you land. Leaving Dublin for the end.
Day 1: Cashel Palace Hotel, Cashel, Tipperary
- Arrive at Dublin Airport and drive to Cashel Palace Hotel (2 hours)
- Visit the iconic Rock of Cashel and other nearby attractions
- Relax in the spa after your long flight in the hotel
- Enjoy dinner at the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, The Bishop's Buttery
Day 2-3: Dromoland Castle, Clare
- Drive from Cashel to Dromoland Castle (2 hours)
- Explore the landscape of the Burren and visit the Cliffs of Moher
- Indulge in the hotel's exceptional dining experience, showcasing local ingredients
Day 4-5: Ashford Castle in Cong, Mayo
- Drive from Ballyvaughan to Ashford Castle in Cong (2 hours)
- Immerse yourself in the castle's rich history and opulent accommodations
- Enjoy the estate's wide range of activities, such as falconry, fishing, and golf
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park
- Savor the exquisite dining options at the castle, including the George V Dining Room
Day 6: The Dylan Hotel, Dublin
- Drive from Cong to Dublin (3 hours)
- Check into The Dylan Hotel for a one-night stay in the heart of the city
- Explore Dublin's cultural and historical attractions, such as Trinity College and St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Enjoy a memorable dinner at one of Dublin's top restaurants, such as Chapter One or The Greenhouse
Day 7: Departure
- Enjoy a leisurely morning at The Dylan Hotel
- Take a short taxi ride to Dublin Airport for your departure
Ireland by Locals
Ireland by Locals
Ireland by Locals
