The KBT Guide to Ireland’s Most Memorable Stays

Ireland has a way of capturing your heart quietly, through misty mornings, warm pub laughter, dramatic coastlines, and the timeless charm of manor homes. But, while the scenery can take your breath away, the hotels you stay in are what truly set the tone.

Having such close ties with partners worldwide, grants us the ability to enrich our clients experiences and ensure every element of the trip is remarkable. Here’s our handpicked collection of the most special hotels in Ireland, each one personally vetted, emotionally resonant, and curated with our clients in mind. Each unique in their own ways, it’s truly about the feeling each place evokes. 

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The Merrion | Dublin

Elegant, artsy, and timeless

If you’re drawn to old-world elegance and art-filled spaces, The Merrion is the accommodation for you. Nestled in the heart of the city of Dublin and spanning four grand Georgian townhouses, this boutique luxury hotel feels like a private residence. There’s a newer Garden Wing for additional rooms, but the original details: gold chandeliers, stately fireplaces, and winding staircases, remain untouched.

What makes The Merrion so memorable is its art. It holds the largest private art collection in Ireland, personally owned by the hotel’s founder. The Art Tea, their signature afternoon tea, is one of my favorite moments to share with clients: pastries are created to mirror the artwork hanging on the walls. It’s creative, immersive, and entirely unique, not to mention photogenic!

There’s also a charming speakeasy tucked beneath the hotel for an after-dinner cocktail, and the spa is serene and classic. For travelers who appreciate sophistication, heritage, and meaningful touches, The Merrion is your perfect fit.

The Westbury | Dublin

Bright, modern, and perfectly located

Just around the corner from The Merrion but offering a completely different vibe, The Westbury is a fantastic choice for those who lean more contemporary. It’s light, airy, and beautifully designed.

This is the hotel I often recommend for families or multigenerational trips. With excellent connecting room options and flexible service, it’s the kind of place that adapts to a traveler’s needs without any extra hassle. It doesn’t have a spa, but it makes up for in warmth, ease, and location. From here, you're perfectly positioned to explore Dublin on foot.

The Westbury is also a favorite for clients who want a city stay that feels elevated but modest. It’s comfortable, polished, and incredibly consistent across every touchpoint.

Adare Manor | County Limerick

A fairytale estate with world-class acclaim

If there’s one place in Ireland that feels like stepping into a living fairytale, it’s Adare Manor. Voted #1 resort in Europe and the world by Conde Nast and holding a five-star Forbes rating, it’s a grand manor that delivers on every visual element: carved stone staircases, manicured gardens, high ceilings, and antique-filled rooms.

But Adare isn’t just a place to sleep, it’s a destination. From horseback riding and archery to falconry, private wine tastings, and its legendary golf course (set to host the 2026 Ryder Cup), this is where activity meets luxury. Guests are welcomed with a horses and hounds greeting, a ceremonial arrival that feels straight out of Downton Abbey!

A quick note from me as your concierge: because the property is so large, service can sometimes feel a bit stretched. It's not a dealbreaker, but it’s something I guide my clients on, managing expectations and planning wisely so that you’re supported and well-paced.

Cashel Palace | County Tipperary

Design-forward with spa luxury and equestrian flair

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Cashel Palace is a personal favorite. It sits in the shadow of the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most iconic historical sites, and blends heritage with sleek, contemporary design in a way that few properties do well.

Think “Ralph Lauren meets equestrian chic”, gold accents, beautiful stables, and a lobby bar that feels like a scene from a high-fashion editorial. The spa here is phenomenal, world-class even, with a glass-enclosed pool and wellness offerings that easily justify spending an entire day on property.

The Garden Room restaurant, an indoor/outdoor dining space encased in glass, is another standout. It’s ideal for romantic dinners, or long lunches with a view of the manicured grounds. For travelers who crave style, wellness, and a sense of place, Cashel Palace is a dream.

Killarney Park Hotel | County Kerry

Small-town warmth with elevated amenities

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Located just outside Killarney National Park, this hotel is a perfect blend of local charm and modern comfort. Killarney itself is adorable, think pubs, colorful shops, and the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula.

Every detail here feels considered. The rooms smell fire-fresh thanks to signature diffusers. Each room comes with a Dyson blow dryer, and suites are stocked with Dyson Airwraps, a perk I always mention to my glam-savvy clients. :) Even the housekeeping is high-tech: body heat sensors detect if you’re in the room, so there’s no knocking while you’re mid-nap or getting ready.

It’s a great base for nature-lovers, families, and anyone wanting access to the national park right at their doorstep. This hotel feels like home, one with elite service and gorgeous murals of wildflowers.

Ballyfin Demesne | County Laois

Exclusivity, intimacy, and pure magic

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I saved the most special for last. Ballyfin is a rare experience, just 21 rooms on a one-square-mile private estate, with a maximum capacity of 41 guests. When you stay here, you’re not checking into a hotel. You’re stepping into a private world.

Everything feels cinematic: rooms named (not numbered), guests so relaxed they don’t lock their doors, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a live pianist in the red velvet bar every evening. The estate is rich with activities: horseback riding, archery, falconry, but they’re offered quietly, personally, and only if you want them. No pressure, just possibilities!

There’s also a private one-bedroom cottage for guests wanting total seclusion. It’s an incredible choice for honeymoons, milestone celebrations, or just a reset from the world.

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In all my travels, few places have felt as personal and perfect as Ballyfin.

Ireland is more than just sweeping landscapes and postcard views, it’s a country defined by its warmth, charm, and heartfelt hospitality. But when it comes to travel, where you stay shapes how you experience it. Every property on this list was chosen not just for its beauty, but for the lasting impression it leaves. That’s what we want for every Katie Bean Travels client: hotels that are as stunning in person as in the photos.

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At Katie Bean Travels, our job is to pair the right property with the right traveler. We take care of everything from spa appointments to room selection and afternoon teas, because the smallest details often become the best memories.

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If Ireland is calling, I’d be honored to help plan your perfect escape, tailored to the experience you are seeking. 

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