My current favorite hotels

I get asked about hotels in Ireland all the time. Yes, I have favorites but that list changes from year to year depending on experiences. Here is my current list. Some are luxurious, some a little easier on the  wallet. All of them deliver on hospitality.

Harvey’s Point

It is incredible to me that this iconic hotel hasn’t 5 stars on paper because in real life, it delivers. There is nothing more luxurious than the lakeshore setting, almost too large rooms, the incredible restaurant and informal dining. The breakfast is worth the stay, alone. Most of all though, astonishing staff who balance formal hospitality with that unique Donegal charm. www.harveyspoint.com

Murray’s Doonmore Hotel

From the moment, owner, Andrew Murray picked us up from the ferry to the moment we were dropped back we were treated to one of my all time favorite hotel stays. The hotel offers simple, gorgeous modern Irish rooms with spectacular sea views, an exceptional food menu and best of all, a bar with incredible live traditional music and a guarantee that you will end up chatting to someone. Do yourself a favor, forget the world and head to Inisbofin. It is just perfect. www.doonmore.com

 Ballynahinch Castle

The warmth you get walking in the door is unmatched. That ancient fireplace on the way bids you to stop a while to enjoy the peace that the place offers. The art collection is stellar, the formality of the dining room and the old world charm of the pub give you options for food. The rooms are impeccably designed with a distinctly Irish point of view. www.ballynahinch-castle.com

Cashel Palace

The quiet confidence of the building in the heart of Cashel is matched by the staff. They know they have built something special and they leave it there for you to enjoy without looking like they try too hard. Impeccable design that is somehow old world and post modern. The options of Michelin star fine dining in house at the Buttery to the just as fine, casual but elevated dining of Mikey Ryans, the on site pub means you have options. www.cashelpalacehotel.ie

Trinity City Hotel

This place caught me by surprise this year. It sneaked up on me with incredible staff remembering my name and genuinely caring that I was having a great time. I am not looking for luxury in the city. I am looking for convenience as I love to walk around town. While the place could do with a design makeover, the rooms are simple, elegant and quiet. Beside Trinity college, it is so convenient for shopping, a stroll on Stephen’s Green or a walk along the Liffey. While hotels in Dublin aren’t cheap, this place is good value. www.trinitycityhotel.com

Ferrycarrig Hotel

Yes, I am biased but I recently a spent a few days there visiting my mam and I was genuinely blown away by the warmth of the staff, the food which has improved dramatically in style and substance and those rooms with a view of the estuary are just gorgeous. Overall, the peace of the place stands out. Morning swims in the enormous leisure center, the morning air on the river bank and the incredible breakfast overlooking the Slaney River are all reasons to go back, time and time again. www.ferrycarrig.ie

The Europe

Arriving at this luxurious resort, one would be forgiven for thinking that the modern design looks somewhat generic for a hotel of this stature but the spectacle awaits on the other side of the building. Walking through the ornate OTT lobby leads you to a view that is unmatched. The combination of stately hallways, a world class spa, excellent food options and possibly the best bedrooms in Ireland is what keeps this classy establishment at the top of everyone’s list. www.theeurope.com

The Victoria

This small hotel has sneaked up to the top of a lot of lists over the past few years. There is nothing generic about the place. Quite often the rooms and suites are misshaped, quirky but above all, quite luxurious. Recently earning a Michelin key, I am thrilled to see it rise in the rankings as it has been my secret for a while now. For sure, it was where I ate the finest Irish breakfast, I have ever had. Goose down duvets, in room tea sets and bold art choices make this place a memorable but relaxing option on the outskirts of Killarney which is a safe distance from the madness but walkable to the town center. www.thevictoriakillarney.com