The Best Hotels in Ireland: All the Michelin Keys

Three MICHELIN Keys

Of the 13 hotels in Great Britain & Ireland awarded the highest honour of Three Michelin Keys, Ireland is proudly home to two. Both fairly centrally located within Ireland, they bring with them the chance not only to indulge in the finest luxuries but also to take in the wonders of the Irish countryside.

Just over two and a half hours' drive from Dublin, the stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece that is Adare Manor in Adare was once the home of the Earl of Dunraven – and you'll certainly feel like nobility when staying here. Set beside the River Maigue, it comes with 840 acres of formal gardens and parkland, which together with the house provide stunning scenes whether you're on the inside looking out or the outside looking in. Traditional columns and wood-panelling remain throughout, but are joined by an air of modernity in the light-hued bedrooms. This is luxury but without any old-fashioned stuffiness. As you'd expect, the spa is top-notch and there's an array of outdoor pursuits to busy yourself with. The golf course is also a real draw and is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2027. When it comes to dining, head for The Oak Room, their MICHELIN-Starred restaurant offering refined dishes that champion Irish ingredients.

An hour closer to Dublin you'll find Ballyfin Demesne in Ballyfin. Its grounds, too, are expansive, with 614 acres of parkland and woodland to explore. A spectacular Regency house, it's been wonderfully restored to its former glory and exudes Bridgerton-esque vibes. With just 20 lavishly decorated bedrooms, you're sure to already feel part of an exclusive set, but for the ultimate in privacy there's the two-storey Gardeners Cottage complete with a hot tub on the terrace. When it comes to wellness, there's a pool and four treatment areas, while for dining there's the MICHELIN-Starred Ballyfin restaurant, which looks out over the estate and serves delicious dishes crafted using produce from their own walled garden. As well as the intimate Cellar bar, be sure to seek out the Conservatory, which was built in 1848 and is hidden behind a secret door in the Library's bookshelves.

Two MICHELIN Keys

It's not just these two hotels that impressed our inspection team, as five Irish hotels have also been recognised with Two MICHELIN Keys. From a hotel in the capital boasting one of the country's finest restaurants to a medieval castle beside a loch, a former Archbishops' residence to two idyllically peaceful spots overlooking the bay, the falls and the mountains, Ireland's Two-Key hotels offer something for everyone.

Two hours southwest of Dublin, in Cashel, sits Cashel Palace, once home to the town's Archbishops. A Palladian manor house dating back to 1728, it was transformed into a hotel in 1959, when it became a celebrity haunt – a place to see and be seen. It still retains some of its historical features but, today, it's much more modern, with each of the buildings taking on a slightly unique feel. Some bedrooms have views of the famous Rock of Cashel and there's even direct access via their gardens to the Bishops' Walk which leads up to the site. Relax in the small spa and pool, go horse riding, then end the night in the MICHELIN-Starred Bishop's Buttery, where desserts a real highlight!

Find out more about a stay at Cashel Palace here.

Two hours further on you'll come to the Park Hotel Kenmare, a Victorian gem that's been a fixture of the Irish hospitality scene for well over a century. Here, luxurious bedrooms still pay their tribute to the 19th century, but have been subtly modernised to incorporate state-of-the-art mod cons. Some rooms face the beautiful gardens, while others offer stunning views over the Kenmare River and the Caha Mountains – themselves providing a host of outdoor activities – and the hotel's art collection is there to be explored too via daily tours. When it comes to relaxation, the spa provides plenty of appeal, while its elegant restaurant, Landline, offers attractive dishes and a strong selection of classic wines.

Also located in the town of Kenmare is Sheen Falls Lodge. The location is simply idyllic, with parkland and woodland as far as the eye can see and stunning views out over Kenmare Bay and the Sheen Falls. The one-time summer residence of the Marquis of Landsdowne, it now has a more contemporary feel, but still one with a certain level of pastel and floral luxury. The suites, villas and cottages take things to another level, meanwhile – one even has its own guesthouse! There are activities aplenty on offer here, from golf, tennis and a luxurious spa to fishing, shooting, falconry and they even own a 1936 Buick Roadmaster that's a hit amongst classic car lovers. The restaurant boasts not only one of the largest wine cellars in Ireland, but also stunning views out over the falls.

Four hours north you'll find yourself in Cong, home to a genuine medieval castle on the shore of Lough Corrib. A truly one-of-a-kind spot, Ashford Castle's residents once included the Guinness family, and despite the inclusion of some more modern comforts, you'll feel suitably noble while staying at this grand residence, as its the castle's history that still takes centre stage. Every bedroom sports a different look, but all are equally lavish, with the self-contained waterside Boathouse being a particular hit. Activities range from tennis to shooting, with the oldest falconry school in Ireland also finding its home here. Those who prefer the slow-life can head to the spa or one of the many bars and restaurants, which include George V, a striking wood-panelled, blue-hued dining room serving classic French cuisine.

Back in Dublin itself, The Merrion, too, provides a classic feel. Located opposite the Irish Government buildings, it comprises four restored Georgian townhouses. The interiors were redesigned from scratch in the Nineties, but in the style of the 18th century, resulting in a feeling of traditional elegance but with all the amenities a modern-day traveller might need. Italian linens, marble bathrooms and a stylish spa sit alongside a classical garden designed by the famous Irish landscape artist Jim Reynolds. A choice of bars and restaurants includes the iconic, gilt-ceilinged Patrick Guilbaud, which was established in 1981 and boasts Two MICHELIN Stars.

One MICHELIN Key

Eight Irish hotels are also the proud recipients of One MICHELIN Key. These range from a characterful Victorian nurses' boarding house in the capital to a riverside castle with country views; from intimate hotels comprising just 20 rooms to large resorts offering all manner of activities and outdoor pursuits. Whatever your style, you're sure to find something here to suit.

Click below to find out more and book directly with The MICHELIN Guide.

Ballyvaughan: Gregans Castle Hotel  (See also MICHELIN-recommended Gregans Castle Restaurant)
Castlemartyr: Castlemartyr Resort  (See also Two-MICHELIN-Starred Terre)
Dublin: Dylan Hotel
Dublin: Wilder Townhouse Dublin
Killarney: The Killarney Park
Killarney: The Victoria
Limerick: No. 1 Pery Square
Newmarket-on-Fergus: Dromoland Castle

Hero Image: One of Ireland's best hotels, Adare Manor holds Three MICHELIN Keys and is also home to One-MICHELIN-Starred The Oak Room. It is set to host the Ryder Cup in 2027 (© Adare Manor).