The top 4 Irish golf hotels

A debate about what our favourite Irish golf hotels are, is like trying to choose your favourite child, its impossible. So instead, we asked a range of our clients to place their top 5 Irish golf hotels in 2019/20, and below is their feedback. The list is divided into rough geographical areas, and we have also added in some comments of our own for added context. These properties represent the best of the best in Irish hospitality and are all great inclusion on any golf vacation to Ireland.

The North

The Merchant Hotel in Belfast came out as our clients number one favourite in the North of Ireland by a considerable distance. Guests comments included the fabulous service and the large comfortable “Art Deco” bedrooms as being notable. The hotel location however was the one comment that was consistently cited. The Merchant is located in the city’s extremely vibrant ‘Cathedral District’. Guests mentioned the convenience of just walking out the door and being in the heart of the action just yards from some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. A real bonus on a golf vacation to Ireland!

Author Comments: Yes we couldn’t agree more. A fabulous hotel with some extraordinarily beautiful design features. The ‘Cocktail Bar’ is the place to see and been seen in the city.

Notable mentions: The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa. The Bushmills Inn.

The East

The Merrion Hotel in Dublin city came out as our guests number one in the Eastern region. A collection of converted Georgian Townhouses, the Merrion has been a consistent performer for many years. Guests commented on the opulence of the public areas and the ‘relaxed formality’ of the service. The Cellar Bar was a firm favourite hangout and the location was praised for its proximity to many of the sights and pubs of Dublin. In addition, many of our guests mentioned the comfort of the hotel beds – always a crowd pleaser!

Author Comments: The Merrion is a stunning property. A five-star haven in the middle of Dublin city and within walking distance of Trinity College, Grafton Street and St. Stephens Green. This property never fails to hit the mark.

Notable mentions: Brooks Hotel and The Fitzwilliam Hotel

The South

The Killarney Park Hotel in the centre of Killarney Town was a clear winner in the South region despite intense competition. Our guests commented on the friendliness of the staff and the fabulous location as being of particular note. Other comments on the Killarney Park specifically mentioned the fabulous array of choice for breakfast, the great food in The Garden Bar as well as its outdoor terrace. Guests also commented on the spacious, comfortable bedrooms in the hotel.

Author Comments: The Killarney Park ticks all of the boxes. Situated in the heart of the town it is a great base for both golf and exploring Killarney itself. We agree wholeheartedly with the remarks made by our guests, the staff could not be more helpful.

Notable mentions: Hayfield Manor and Great Southern Killarney.

The West

The Adare Manor Resort was an overwhelming guest favourite property in 2019/20. We acknowledge its dubiously allocation to the “West” as opposed to the South category, but Adare deserves a category all to itself. Guests absolutely raved about Adare. The words used to describe the resort ranged from ‘spectacular’, to ‘awesome’ to ‘unbelievable’. There were simply no negatives. Guests praised the golf course widely, service was exemplary and the recent renovations were universally applauded. Consequently, the Adare Manor Resort came out as the overall winner as nominated by our guests on their golf vacations to Ireland.

Author Comments: There is very little here to disagree with. The redevelopment of Adare Manor is stunning. We have seen many hotels around the world during our career, and this ranks up there with the very best of them. Everything is flawless. Bedrooms are comfortable and beautifully appointed. The original part of the Manor House has been lovingly restored and improved immensely. The Carriage House/clubhouse is now one of the best you will find anywhere in the world. We highly recommend a stay for all our future guests.

Notable mentions: Mount Falcon Estate, Ashford Castle.

When you are planning your next golf vacation to Ireland we highly recommend that you consider including some or as many of the irish golf hotels highlighted above. Trust us you will not be disappointed.