Boutique hotels in Ireland

Ireland has a long tradition of the country-house hotel: Georgian manors, Victorian lodges and restored castles run by families who know the neighbors, the fishermen and the best local table. Smaller places are often the most memorable, with turf fires, walled gardens and kitchens built on local seafood, lamb and dairy.

Cities and towns

Dublin has Georgian townhouse hotels around St. Stephen's Green and Merrion Square, along with modern design stays in the docklands. Cork, Galway, Kilkenny and Sligo are compact and walkable, with small hotels in old merchant buildings.

The Atlantic coast

The west is the country's most dramatic stretch: the Dingle Peninsula, Connemara, the Aran Islands, Achill and Doolin. Kenmare, Killarney and Kinsale are the classic bases in the south-west, each with a gourmet reputation and a choice of country houses nearby.

When to go

May to September has the longest days and best chance of dry weather. Shoulder months are quieter, and many coastal hotels close from November to March. Rain is possible in any month, so pack layers.