Where to stay in Ireland?

Where to stay in Dublin?

Where to stay in Galway?

Where to stay in Clare?

Where to stay in Killarney?

Why visit Dublin?

Lonely Planet described Dublin as a ‘mix of heritage and hedonism’, we couldn’t put it better ourselves. Our small capital has a well-deserved awesome reputation around the world. 

A visit to Ireland’s fair city truly offers something for everyone no matter where your interests lie:

 Food and drink

In the last decade Dublin has become foodie heaven. In addition to the traditional Irish fare of warming stews and soda breads, the city has become a culinary hot bed. You can look forward to a host of restaurants serving food from all over the world. Dublin is also home to several Michelin Star restaurants if you want to experience some fine dining during your visit to Ireland. 

Things to do in Dublin

You will find many artifacts from Ireland’s ancient past in the National History Museum, more recent history can be enjoyed on a tour of the Little Museum of Dublin. Across the street, is Dublin’s city oasis, St Stephen’s Green. The mile square park is a wonderful place to escape the buzz of the city. 

Nearby is Trinity College, Ireland’s oldest university founded in 1592. Don’t miss out on a visit to the exquisitely hand painted book of Kells where you will be impressed by the vivid colours even though it is more than a thousand years old. If you are interested in Ireland’s more recent past, Kilmainham jail and the GPO Museum are well worth a visit.  This is only a small taste of what lies in wait for you, discover even more in our insider’s guide to Dublin.

Where to stay in Dublin 

A question we are often asked is where to stay on a visit to Dublin? Fortunately, you will find the city full of fantastic hotels. Just some options for your stay include:

The Shelbourne Hotel:

The Shelbourne Hotel is Dublin’s most prestigious and historic five-star hotels making it a fantastic place to stay in Ireland. For almost 200 years it has stood at the centre of our capital city, looking out over the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green and surrounded by the city’s main cultural and historical sites and shopping areas. Magnificently restored and majestically conducted, The Shelbourne offers exquisitely appointed guest rooms. The exceptional range of amenities includes an opulent spa, beauty salon, health club with swimming pool, as well as an in-house florist, and genealogy butler.

The Marker Hotel

Located in the heart of Dublin’s most vibrant cultural quarter, The Marker Hotel is the perfect five-star urban retreat for those who crave the unconventional on a stay in Ireland. With an emphasis on original, cutting-edge contemporary design, each guestroom delivers on style. Indulge in locally sourced produce in the Brasserie and stunning Rooftop Bar or relax in the Spa complete with 23-metre infinity pool, eucalyptus infused steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.

The Westin

Experience a luxury city centre sanctuary at the Westin where a warm welcome always awaits on a stay in Dublin. Enjoying a privileged and unique location in the heart of the city, overlooking Trinity College and Dublin City Centre with shopping, entertainment and many attractions on our doorstep. Each room at the Westin is designed with comfort and relaxation in mind and features artwork inspired by the local area.  The concept for the new Heritage Wing at the Westin was inspired by the dramatic Irish coastline.

The Gibson hotel

The Gibson hotel is a unique Dublin hotel in the heart of the docklands, located beside the 3arena and close to the convention centre. Our city-centre location is an ideal base for exploring Dublin city or for some pre-concert food and drinks. Dine during your stay in Dublin at the trendy coda restaurant, which was named after Led Zeppelin’s final studio album, and is home to the Irish First Dates restaurant.

Why visit Galway? 

Located midway along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is possibly Ireland’s most bohemian city. Its young student population keeps this ancient city vibrant and full of life. Famous for its summer festivals, atmospheric pubs and talented street buskers, Galway is the kind of place that lifts your soul. 

Food and drink

From fine dining to street food, Galway offers a wide range of delights to tempt your taste buds. On a visit to this eclectic city, known for its seafood, you can enjoy traditional Irish food in brightly painted pubs as well as cuisine from the four corners of the world in a host of cafés and restaurants. 

Things to do in Galway

Galway from late spring well into autumn is all about festivals. From arts, to film, to horse racing, there is a festival to suit every visitor. If you are in Galway for one of them, you can expect the city to be buzzing with life as people enjoy the events themselves followed by lots of socialising afterwards. 

So much of a visit to Galway city is about soaking up the atmosphere in the maze of cobbled streets. In a city known for cutting edge art, design and music scenes, you will find entertainment around every corner.  A visit to the iconic Spanish Arch is a must. It is thought to be part of the original city walls. Right behind it you will find the Galway City Museum where you can discover more about the city’s fascinating history. 

Less than a five-minute drive away, is the seaside resort of Salthill. It is the place to go for award winning sandy beaches followed by a walk along the famous Prom. 

There’s so much to see outside of the city too. On a day trip to Connemara National Park you can explore over 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, woodland and expanses of peat bogland. Admission is free and there are many marked trails to follow. The National Park is also home to a herd of the famous Connemara Pony.

The Aran Islands off the coast of Galway are a great day trip while on the Wild Atlantic Way, discover even more things to do in our Galway county guide. 

Where to stay in Galway?

Much like the city itself Galway has something for everyone when it comes to accommodation. Some options include:

The Galmont

The Galmont Hotel is located in the heart of Galway City centre. The Galmont offers a host of comfortable bedroom options including classic, superior, deluxe, family, interconnecting rooms to executive rooms each with a private balcony to enjoy during your stay in Galway.  Within three minutes walking distance, Galway City offers a range of activities whether it’s taking in the local sights to discovering this beautiful part of the Wild Atlantic Way.  

The G Hotel

Perched on the edge of Europe along Ireland’s legendary Wild Atlantic Way, the 5-Star g Hotel & Spa is only minutes’ walk from Galway City centre. The hotel is designed with a focus on romance, gastronomy, and wellness. Feel the warmth of friendly hospitality, luxurious bedrooms and suites, an award-winning ESPA and enjoy the pleasures of discovering unique flavours of the finest local cuisine at 2 AA Rosette Restaurant.

The Galway Bay Hotel is a luxurious four-star hotel located on the famous Salthill Promenade overlooking Galway Bay and the Clare Hills. It is known for its award-winning food, committed to creating menus bursting with fresh, locally sourced produce. Salthill is a wonderful place to base yourself during a stay in Ireland.

Why visit Clare?

Clare is one of the most naturally beautiful parts of Ireland. You can look forward to dramatic scenery from the soaring cliffs of Moher to the rugged landscape of the Burren. The Clare countryside is peppered with over 100 castles, some left to nature while others are beautifully restored. There is no doubt county Clare is a wonderful place to base a vacation in Ireland.  

Food and drink

When it comes to food and drink in Clare, variety is most certainly the spice of life. Close to the coast you can enjoy delicious seafood in settings from fine dining restaurants to food trucks without compromising on taste or flavour. Across the county there is a wonderful selection of options, from a medieval banquet to locally produced cheeses and charcuterie there is something to suit every appetite.

Things to do in Clare

For a relatively small part of Ireland, Clare certainly packs a punch when it comes to things to do, particularly if you enjoy the outdoors. 

A visit to the majestic Cliffs of Moher is a must. As is a visit to the lunar like landscape of the Burren. The nearby Aillwee Caves are amongst the oldest in Ireland. On a tour you will be guided across bridged chasms and ancient rock formations to see a dramatic underground waterfall. 

If you are feeling more active surf lessons in Lahinch are popular or water sports in one of the many activity centres dotted along the coastline. 

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park makes for a more sedate but no less wonderful day out. Explore ancient Ireland as you wander round the restored rooms of the castle. Travel back to the Ireland of the 19th and 20th century in the adjoining folk park.

Where to stay in Clare?

Like the county itself, Clare has a variety of places to stay from coast to castle, just some options include:

Bunratty Castle Hotel:

Stay close to the historical heart of Clare in the Bunratty Castle Hotel. This four-star hotel is only a short stroll from Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The relaxed neutral colours of the comfortable, spacious rooms make a stay here feel like home away from home.

Armada Hotel

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean along the Wild Atlantic way the Armada Hotel offers luxurious rooms making it perfect option for a family stay. Close to Spanish Point Golf Club and all that the Clare coast has to offer, the hotel boasts a high end-restaurant and oceanside bar.

Why visit Killarney?

Killarney is in Kerry, the county in Ireland known as ‘The Kingdom’ and for good reason. Home to the renowned ‘Ring of Kerry’, it was one of the first places in Ireland to attract international tourists. On a visit to this charming town surrounded by the majestic McGillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in the country, you will understand why. It is a wonderful place to stay in Ireland to explore all this part of the country has to offer. 

The many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants in Killarney pop with vibrant colours. It is a bustling place in the height of summer and yet you are only a stone’s throw away from the peace and tranquillity of Ireland’s first National Park.   

Food and drink

The culinary offerings in Killarney are all about artisan producers. As a visitor you can enjoy mouth-watering seafood caught just off the coast. Locally produced cheeses, meat and vegetables can be enjoyed in a number of Killarney’s cafes and restaurants.

Things to do in Killarney

There is so much to do in and around Killarney, it could be a piece on its own. Just some of the highlights are walking a lakeside trail in the national park, a visit to nearby Muckross House and Gardens or a water cruise. For the more active, Kerry is a hub for outdoor activity, particularly hiking, rock climbing and horse riding. Exploring more of ‘The Kingdom’ is easy from Killarney, Dingle, Skellig Michael (a filming location for the most recent Star Wars Films) or the scenery at the Gap of Dunloe are all within easy reach.

Where to stay in Killarney?                 

There are many hotels to stay in Killarney, including:

The Killarney Park

The Killarney Park is one of the few family run five-star hotels in Ireland. The hotel is situated right in the heart of Killarney town, with private gardens to the rear and an outdoor Garden Terrace for dining. Guests can enjoy the use of the indoor pool, outdoor hot tub and gym facilities and are also offered complimentary on-site parking during a stay in Killarney. Step out of the hotel and straight into 25,000 acres of stunning National Park, enjoying lakes, castle ruins, deer, rivers and meandering walkways and cycle tracks. 

The Killarney Plaza Hotel

Close to Killarney town and overlooking the National Park the Killarney Plaza Hotel offers opulent, neutrally decorated rooms, the perfect place to unwind after a busy day sight-seeing. Hotel amenities include informal restaurants, a piano bar, day spa and leisure centre.  

Flexible flights for you – all year long

You can change any flight taking off in 2021 for free until 31 December 2021. This applies to any flight you’ve already booked for any date in 2021, as well as any new flight you book for 2021.

What’s more, you can change your flight as often as you need to and up to two hours before you fly – for free. And with our guaranteed voucher options and refund fares, it’s easy to give your bookings even more wiggle room.

To help you plan and prepare for your journey, please see our Entry Requirements for Ireland page for details.

If you are dreaming of a stay in Ireland book your flight directly with Aer Lingus and look forward a warm welcome onboard.