The launch of the Michelin Key in the UK and Ireland at the end of 2024 saw Ireland's hotels awarded in every category, which is no mean feat considering the size of the country. That said, this is a place whose reputation for its hospitality goes before it, with a warm welcome guaranteed behind every door.
There are plenty of stunning Irish hotels to choose from within overall The MICHELIN Guide selection, but here we take a look at the-best-of-the-best. Put simply, the Michelin Key is the hotel version of the Michelin Star – and Ireland received 14, in the form of 2 Three Keys, 3 Two Keys and 9 One Keys.
Perhaps surprising to some is the balance between the number of Key hotels in the capital versus those in the countryside – Dublin far from dominates the selection, with a great spread of Key hotels more further afield.
Read on to discover the country's top places to stay when booking your next trip.
© Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin
Three Michelin Keys
Of the 14 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 manor 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 looking 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 Michelin-Starred The Oak Room, which offers refined dishes which 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 woodlands to explore. A spectacular Regency house, its 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 are twin rooms looking out over the estate which serve 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 bookshleves.
© Sheen falls Lodge, Kenmare
Two Michelin Keys
It wasn't just these two hotels that impressed our inspection team, three Irish hotels were also recognised with Two Michelin Keys. From a hotel in the capital boasting one of the country's finest restaurants to the former home of the Archbishops beside a famous landmark to an idyllically peaceful spot overlooking the bay and the falls, 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 the 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 Kenmare and 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 restaurants boasts not only one of the largest wine cellars in Ireland, but also stunning views out over the falls.
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 modern 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.
© Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore
One Michelin Key
Nine Irish hotels are also the proud recipients of One Michelin Key. These range from a characterful former boarding house and a townhouse in the capital to a clifftop retreat and 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
Ardmore: Cliff House Hotel
Castlemartyr: Castlemartyr Resort
Dublin: Dylan
Dublin: Wilder Townhouse Dublin
Killarney: The Killarney Park
Killarney: The Victoria
Limerick: No. 1 Pery Square
Newmarket on Fergus: Dromoland Castle
© Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-on-Fergus
Hero Image: © Adare Manor
