5 Star Hotels

Ranging from elegant, stately castles to prestigious country clubs and top-class city hotels. Exceptional service and personalized welcome are the norm in these hotels.

Here are a few of our favorites to serve as examples:

DROMOLAND CASTLE
Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare

Regarded as one of the top luxury hotels in Europe, Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th Century and is the ancestral home of the O'Brien Clan, direct descendants of Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland. Priceless reminders of the Castle's historic past are everywhere—in the splendid wood and stone carvings, magnificent panelling, original oil paintings, romantic gardens and grounds. With today's luxury accommodations, it is truly a perfect blend of past and present.

All 75 guest rooms and suites are decorated individually, with great attention to detail. In the suites, the decor includes rich damask wallpaper, antique furnishings, and custom-designed carpets and drapes. Beautifully appointed, large, and luxurious bedrooms feature unique personality, blending old-world charm with modern amenities, and offering attractive views of the flowering herb garden, 16th century courtyard or shimmering lake. The Prestigious British travel guide 'Egon Ronay' has named Dromoland Castle's dining room as the best restaurant in Ireland. Dromoland Castle offers vacation pleasures in full measure. Golf, tennis, fishing and boating are available on the Castle estate. www.dromoland.ie

KILLARNEY PARK HOTEL
Killarney, Co. Kerry

The Park Hotel's attention to personal pleasure is evident right from the moment you step inside. Warm, soothing colours, plush sofas nestled by cheering log fires, elegant antiques and discreet, efficient service make you believe you have wandered into a Victorian country home. This particular country home, however, is superbly located adjacent to the centre of Killarney town, literally a stone's throw from everything Killarney has to offer, yet offering the quietness, intimacy, and privacy associated with times past.

The bedrooms have been designed to offer every comfort. The spacious suites speak for themselves with their luxurious sitting area, open fire, beautifully designed fabrics and furnishings, and splendid antique beds. Both suites and deluxe rooms offer individually controlled air conditioning. All the guestrooms have been expressly and individually designed to recreate an atmosphere of tranquil, unhurried comfort. www.killarneyparkhotel.ie

MERRION HOTEL
Dublin, Dublin Co.

As far as most people are concerned, the Merrion is Dublin's top hotel. The understated exterior gives no indication of the sumptuous luxury and gracious elegance inside. The bedrooms, suites, restaurants and bars represent the best there is in Dublin. If you want the best and if you can afford it, this is the place for you!

The Merrion comprises 145 guest rooms and suites. The interior is designed using Irish fabrics and antiques to reflect the architecture and original interiors of the 18th Century Townhouses. Classically elegant rooms in the contemporary Garden Wing overlook the box hedges and lush flowerbeds of the landscaped period gardens. There are echoes of gracious Georgian style in the authentic design of the fabrics and in the exquisite detail of the furniture. And hints of timeless luxury in the unmistakable touch of crisp Frette linen and the sheer opulence of Italian marble bathrooms. Each room has been decorated, using rich colours, silk curtains and specially commissioned carpets with an 18th century pattern.

Great care has been taken to retain all the outstanding architectural features for which Georgian Dublin is so famous—intricate plasterwork, high ceilings and large windows. Located in the hotel is Dublin's only 2 Star Michelin Restaurant, and the holder of 3 Rosettes for excellent food from the Automobile Association—Patrick Guilbaud. The restaurant overlooks the hotel's 18th century style private gardens and is home to a stunning collection of Irish art. The menu offers the finest in-season Irish ingredients, cooked simply and served classically. www.merrionhotel.com

K-CLUB
Kildare, Kildare Co.

Set amongst 330 acres of Kildare countryside, 45 minutes drive from Dublin City and 30 minutes drive from Dublin Airport, the K Club's opulent, classical surroundings reflect Ireland's history and warmth of welcome. Within the grounds there is salmon and trout fishing, coarse fishing, indoor and outdoor tennis, an exercise centre, and indoor swimming pool, health and beauty centre and three restaurants to cater to your every desire. www.kclub.com

ASHFORD CASTLE
Cong, Co. Mayo

On the northern shores of Lough Corrib in Western Ireland lies Ashford Castle. Lofty panelled ceilings, knights in armour, weathered battlements, rich furnishings, noble paintings and objects d'art surround you in gracious halls and luxurious reception rooms.

The original castle dates back to the 13th century. Successive Lords left their mark on it by continually expanding and improving the structure. Lord Ardilaun built the central building, a French style chateau, which incorporates the remains of the original castle, in the mid 1700’s. It became the home of the Guinness family in 1852 and remained so until 1939, when it was transformed into one of Ireland's finest hotels.

Voted 'The Best Hotel in Ireland' by the prestigious travel guide Egon Ronay, Ashford Castle is set amongst acres of beautiful grounds, with a multitude of romantic gardens, forest and walks. Offering the finest in country living, Ashford boasts beautiful rooms and two of Ireland's finest restaurants: The George V Room, offers traditional and continental menus, while The Connaught Room specialises in French cuisine. www.ashford.ie