For a small island, Ireland offers many different settings as travelers move throughout the country. The hustle and bustle of Dublin. The beautiful river views in Waterford. The stunning countryside found around Cork. The seascapes found on the west coast. Each is charming in its own way, and visitors will want to experience all of them. The same is true of accommodations in the Emerald Isle. One night can be spent in a large hotel, the next in a small bed and breakfast, another in the shadow of a castle, and yet another in a more modern setting. Here are four options in four different counties.
County Waterford Hotel
Visitors who want to visit the famous House of Waterford Crystal or attend the Tall Ship Races will find that the perfect place to experience the town of Waterford is the Athenaeum House Hotel. The husband and wife team of Stan & Mailo Power have restored a 17th Century Georgian house with views of the River Suir and downtown Waterford. Room options include a number of suites and 25 en-suite rooms, many of them named after famous people such as James Joyce or John Lennon.
Guests will want to stick around for breakfast, lunch or dinner all seven days of the week at Zaks, a restaurant situated in the hotel. The menu specializes in taking traditional Irish favorites and giving them an exciting new twist.
Athenaeum House Hotel - Christendom Waterford, Co. Waterford, Ireland
353-51-833999
County Cork Resort
Ireland is full of history, and travelers can even have that history be part of where they stay when spending time at Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork. The rooms in the classic manor house of this 5-Star property sit just a window view away from the ruins of an 800-year-old castle. Those who want an even closer brush with history can stay in “The Mews” which are built right onto the side of the castle.
Surrounding the castle and accommodations is an 18-hole golf course, and guests can also play croquet on the lawn, ride bikes around the 220 acres of 18th century parkland, take the resident Irish Setters for a walk, swim in the indoor pool, work out in the gym, get a treatment in the spa or simply walk in the beautifully manicured garden behind the manor house.
There are also a number of dining options on the property, including the Bell Tower, which overlooks the gardens, or enjoy classic afternoon tea with home-made scones and clotted cream out on the Garden Terrace.
Castlemartyr Resort - Ladysbridge Road Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, Ireland
353-21-421-9000
County Kerry Bed and Breakfast
No trip to Ireland will be complete without staying in a charming, family-owned B&B. Kingfisher Lodge in Killarney is just such a place, operated by the husband-and-wife team of Ann and Donal Carroll. Besides serving up a great traditional Irish breakfast, they also offer helpful advice on getting around the famous Ring of Kerry, which is easily accessed from Killarney.
Kingfisher Lodge also happens to be located within easy walking distance of downtown Killarney, where travelers can find pubs, music, shops and restaurants.
Kingfisher Lodge - Lewis Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
353-64-663-7131
County Clare Hotel
One of the most popular destinations in all of Ireland are the Cliffs of Moher which rise above the Atlantic Ocean and offer stunning views. Not far away is the Hotel Doolin, a hotel with a very modern feel sitting in an area of Ireland known for its tradition and culture. Doolin is a small village, so it is easy for travelers to mingle among the locals that can be found at Fitzpatrick’s Bar, part of a series of shops and restaurants that are all part of the Hotel Doolin property.
Hotel Doolin - Doolin, Co. Claire, Ireland
353-65-707-4111
There are many different things to see and do in Ireland, one can even try searching for one's irish roots. While enjoying this beautiful and whimsical place one can also appreciate the many different types of accommodations to stay while savoring exciting experiences.
Kathleen Curry - As a self-professed travel guru Kathleen Curry has spent many of her days and future retirement savings on travel. She has worked in the ...
