Keen to organize a honeymoon in Ireland? The Emerald Isle is the perfect destination for newlywed couples to enjoy together.
The best Ireland honeymoon itinerary includes posh luxury hotel suites, therapeutic spas, local craft beer and whiskey sips, postcard-perfect panoramas, marvellous museums and fairytale Irish castles.
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Romantic Honeymoon in Ireland
Looking for the best Ireland honeymoon tips? Dobbernationloves has extensively visited the Emerald Isle to help you plan the ultimate Irish honeymoon.
Hunting for Ireland honeymoon packages? Or interested in including an Irish layover on a larger European holiday? You won’t regret romancing yourself on a luxurious honeymoon in Ireland. Dublin Airport is Ireland’s busiest, offering excellent service options via Aer Lingus Ryan Air, who are headquartered here.
The team at Luxurious Ireland are specialists in destination weddings and bespoke Irish honeymoons. Tanya Dawson, Wedding and Honeymoons Director at Luxurious Ireland says, “Ireland is the ultimate location for enjoying the best of the best in luxury accommodations, outstanding service and the most spectacular locations for that memorable vacation as you start life as a married couple. We hand pick our suppliers with accommodations and service providers who have the same ethos as we do, to provide five star service to couples who have decided to make their wedding vows or have their honeymoon on the island of Ireland. It has to be unique to them.”
Plan a Luxurious Honeymoon in Ireland
Ireland is one of the world’s best honeymoon destinations because it offers romantic couples so much diversity.
If you love exploring historical city’s plan a honeymoon in Ireland with stops in Dublin, Belfast and Cork. A rural romp more your thing? Enjoy jaw-dropping views from popular Ireland road trips such as the Causeway Coast and Wild Atlantic Way.
When planning a honeymoon in Ireland create unforgettable memories by booking the best romantic hotels. Luxury hotels in Ireland offer incredible diversity to couples on an Irish honeymoon.
Spend your time in Dublin at the city’s iconic Shelbourne Hotel, a luxury property steeped in history. Then enjoy a spa getaway to Galway’s g Hotel, designed by world-famous hat maker Philip Treacy.
No Irish honeymoon is complete unless you’ve lived like a King and Queen while sleeping at an Irish castle. Ireland has plenty of castle hotels to chose from but some of our favourites include Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara and Ballygally Castle on the Causeway Coast.
Best Luxury Hotels for a Honeymoon in Ireland
Ireland’s best honeymoon hotels allow romantic couples to rest and relax on their most important holiday. You’ll enjoy a serene sleep in fancy suites, loiter in luxury at a therapeutic spa, indulge in the afternoon ritual of High Tea, and enjoy candlelit fine dining at some of Ireland’s most acclaimed restaurants.
The Shelbourne Hotel Dublin
27 St Stephen’s Green, 353-1663-4500
A national treasure built in 1824, The Shelbourne Hotel has been magnificently restored and is wildly known as the creme de la creme in five-star accommodation and dining in Dublin.
The Shelbourne Hotel Dublin is where visiting celebrities are spotted, rock bands party hearty and local notables pop by for a feast.
Overnight guests enjoy plush bedding, generous bath, deluxe amenities and spacious seating area in each of the hotel’s suites. The Shelbourne Hotel is also home to Dublin’s best spa, offering an array of pampering options for romantic newlywed couples.
The luxury hotel’s fine dining concept is The Saddle Room, featuring an oyster bar and open kitchen. The culinary team at The Shelbourne Hotel’s restaurant does a marvellous job at executing perfect plates that resonate with Irish terroir and haute cuisine sensibilities.
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Our favourite restaurants in Dublin include:
- Gallaghers Boxty House Restaurant in Dublin
- Fade Street Social Restaurant in Dublin
- 37 Dawson Street Restaurant in Dublin
- The Church Bar and Restaurant in Dublin
Ballynahinch Castle
Recess, 353-953-1006
We suggest starting a Wild Atlantic Way adventure at the historic Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara.
Built in 1756 by the Martin Family, Ballynahinch was the Manor House for one of the largest estates in Ireland and The British Isles at the time. The area, previously ruled by the O’Flaherty Clan in the 16th Century, and home of the infamous pirate queen, Grace O’Malley is steeped in history and legend.
Ballynahinch Castle’s estate offers a wild variety of woodland and riverside walks with ample opportunity to explore local flora and fauna: red squirrels, pine martins, peregrine falcons, Atlantic salmon and red deer.
It’s a luxurious Irish castle hotel that offers plenty of opportunity to poke around. Stroll through the hotel’s ancient halls and you’ll find shimmering chandeliers, antique sofas, ancient libraries and cracking fireplaces.
Ballynahinch Castle’s little pub is the best place to enjoy a pint of fresh Irish beer, (we suggest a cold glass of Smithwick’s). After a few sudsy swigs prance over to Owenmore Restaurant for a romantic evening of contemporary Irish feasting.
Fun Fact: celebrated Canadian author Margaret Atwood (Handmaids Tale) visits the Ballynahinch Castle regularly. She’s known for coming here to write for weeks at a time, enjoying the hotels quiet calm.
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The g Hotel Galway
Old Dublin Road, 353-91-865-200
The g Hotel in Galway is one of Ireland’s most iconic design hotels. The interior here is playfully jaw-dropping, designed by world famous Irish hat designer Philip Treacy.
A visit to Galway is not complete without a stroll through the wild and whimsical rooms of the luxurious 5 star g Hotel.
Located on the edge of Loug Atalia as you enter the heart of the city, the g Hotel is ideal for a romantic escape in Ireland. The luxury boutique hotel offers the only 5 star destination spa in Galway, featuring two dedicated floors designed by ESPA International.
If you’re a wandering foodie be sure to book Afternoon Tea at The g Hotel in Galway. The daily tea tradition is served in the hotel’s stylish Signature Lounge, which feel a bit like you’ve dropped into Alice and Wonderland. Tantalize your tastebuds with handmade pastries, freshly baked scones and savoury bites.
If you have a free night we also suggest booking dinner at Aniar Restaurant, one of the best fine dining experiences in Galway.
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Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
1 Great Victoria St, 44-28-9044-2080
The luxurious Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast acts as the glamorous neighbour to the Grand Opera House on c. The design-led luxury property is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland’s capital, adding an enthusiastic stylish flare to the city.
The look of the Fitzwilliam Hotel plays on “Baronial Moderne,” coined in reference to an interior design concept that marries traditional references to the grand baronial mansion house with a modernistic and deco styling.
Arriving in the lobby guests are greeted by a cosy fireside nook, perfectly juxtaposed by edgy white leather sofas, which sit on black and gold carpet under a dramatic double height lobby. The Restaurant at Fitzwilliam Hotel in Belfast is also considered one of the city’s best.
On the 8th floor six studio suites boast fabulous open plan layouts where bedroom flows into bath, past a jaw dropping panorama of the city via floor to ceiling window wall. An opulent free standing bath offers the perfect solo bubble party while double walk in shower and glitzy dressing area adds a touch of refined romantic potential.
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Our favourite restaurants in Belfast include:
- Saphyre Restaurant in Belfast
- Hadskis Restaurant in Belfast
- Deanes Meat Locker Restaurant in Belfast
- John Hewitt Bar in Belfast
The Bushmills Inn
9 Dunluce Road, 44-28-2073-3000
The Bushmills Inn is an ideal spot to stay if you’re planning a drive from Belfast to Bushmills Distillery. Located on Ireland’s picturesque Causeway Coast, The Bushmills Inn shares a strong history with the neighbouring distillery.
Dating back to 1608 when Bushmills Distillery was granted the world’s first ever license to distill whiskey. It was in the 1820’s when the main hotel was built as part of a major redevelopment of the town and quickly became a haven for saddle-sore visitors on their way to the Giant’s Causeway.
The Bushmills Inn features 41 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, many with views extending over the River Bush. Amenities include a treatment room, private 30 seat cinema, heli-pad and patio for al fresco dining.
Poking around the property one finds peat fires, nooks and crannies and a secret library perfect for curling up with a hot pot of tea. The boutique hotel’s cozy bar is still lit by gas light and a perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner pint.
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Ballygally Castle
Coast Road, 44-28-2858-1066
Ballygally Castle was first built in 1625 by James Shaw and his wife Isabella Brisbane. Over the years the castle has served as a place of refuge for the Protestants during the Civil Wars, a coastguard station, personal residence and hotel.
Fans of the spooky will be delighted to know a ghost has been haunting the castle for over 400 years. The popular theory: Lord Shaw wanted a son, and when his wife delivered his heir, he snatched the baby from his wife and locked her in a room at the top of the castle. While trying to escape to search for her beloved child, Lady Isabella fell to her death from the tower window.
Ballygally Castle is so fiercely proud of their permanent resident that they have even dedicated a room to her, “The Ghost Room” in one of the towers in the oldest part of the castle.
For those more interested in the land of the living, Ballygally Castle features 54 rooms, many of which boast stunning views over the bay or the boutique hotels beautiful landscaped gardens.
If you’re looking to relax, snuggle up to a booming fireplace at the bar and enjoy a romantic Afternoon Tea. For dinner satiate your hunger at The Garden Restaurant, which showcases a menu that celebrates what’s in season.
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Cliff at Lyons
Lyons Road, 353-1-630-3500
Located a short 20km from downtown Dublin, Cliff at Lyons offers an unforgettable romantic getaway a short 30 minute drive from the airport.
The luxurious rural retreat is made up of a series of old mill buildings from the late 18th century, which feels as though you’re skipping through an ancient estate. There are 25 cottages on the estate as well as 14 rooms located in two stately manor houses that overlook a grand lily pond.
Ryanair co-founder, the late Dr Tony Ryan, spent years restoring Cliffs at Lyons to its former, historic glory. Fireplaces and even a tiny chapel were rescued from a crumbling French chateaux. The romance factor at Cliffs at Lyons makes it one of Ireland’s most popular wedding venues.
The restaurant, bar, cafe, shop and hotel’s reception are all located in original buildings that are covered in fresh foliage and set around a central courtyard.
The Orangery restaurant is Cliffs at Lyons fine dining concept serving locally sourced ingredients under a jaw-dropping domed glass ceiling. Skip into the Cliffs at Lyons Bar and you’ll find a darker and more traditional vibe featuring wooden floors and walls.
Guests at Cliff at Lyons are free to use complimentary bicycles to ride along the canal or to nearby Celbridge to relax in a spa or take a cooking class.
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Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny
Thomastown, 353-56-777-3000
Mount Juliet Estate is located a short drive outside of the medieval city of Kilkenny.
For more than 250 years, Mount Juliet has polished its reputation as one of Ireland’s finest country estates. It all stared in 1750, when the young Somerset Hamilton Butler married Juliet Boyle. Using her dowry, he bought 1,500 acres across the river from his father’s Castle, with the dream of building his own Irish paradise.
Today, the sprawling luxury resort features a celebrated golf course, state-of-the-art health club, award-winning Equestrian Centre and on-site fishing, falconry and archery.
Honeymooners looking to book a holiday here can choose from two distinct properties – the posh 32 bedroom Georgian Manor House, or the 93 bedroom Hunter’s Yard, which offers laid-back luxury with a twist.
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Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore
Middle Road, 353-24-87800
Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore is a gorgeous oceanside resort near Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford.
The 5 star hotel’s architecture is a true marvel, built directly into the side of a cliff. The rural resort is located in a small fishing village and is regarded as one of the best small luxury 5 star hotels in Ireland. It features just 39 well-appointed suites, featuring private balconies where you can spot lobster pots and dolphins at play below.
Cliff House Hotel’s elegant bar, al fresco terrace, fine dining restaurant, spa and each guest room offer jaw-dropping views of the bright blue bay. Guests can also enjoy beautifully sculpted gardens and an outdoor rock pool in the warm summer months.
Foodies pilgrimage to Cliff House Hotel to enjoy Michelin-starred dining at House Restaurant. Chef Martijn Kajuiter uses fine local ingredients such as organic salmon, local beef and edible flowers.
With direct access to the sea, Cliff House Hotel offers plenty of active adventures for couples who are keen to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Guests can enjoy ocean kayaking, surfing, whale watching, fishing and rock climbing. There are also a handful of beaches nearby that you can hike to via a famous Ardmore cliff walk.
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Ballymaloe Hotel and Cookery School
Shanagarry, 353-21-465-2531
If you’re a newlywed couple keen to impress guests with your culinary skills Ballymaloe Hotel and Cookery School is an ideal romantic retreat.
Ballymaloe House is located a short drive east of Cork. It’s a family run country guest house offering a lauded restaurant and award-winning cooking school in the quaint Irish countryside.
I earliest iteration of Ballymaloe Hotel and its Irish cooking school were dreamed up by Myrtle Allen 55 years ago. Myrtle’s husband, Ivan Allen, bought the Georgian country house, built on the remains of a Norman castle, in 1947. Myrtle began cooking for guests from the farm’s produce in the 1960s and later the operation evolved into a 30-bedroom hotel, self-catering cottages and cooking school.
Internationally recognized as the birthplace of modern Irish cuisine, Ballymaloe House was voted Ireland’s Favourite Food Experience 2019 by the Independent and won a World Restaurant Award for having the world’s best dessert trolley!
The boutique hotel is located on a 300-acre farm, and the menus at its restaurant are written daily to reflect the seasonal vegetables available that morning. If you’ve signed up for a cooking course you’ll enjoy hands on experience within a lofty demo kitchen.
Cooking classes range from half-day to 12 weeks and are taught by Darina Allen (Myrtle is her mother-in-law). Novice cooks and professional chefs visit from all over the world to learn how to forage for mushrooms, ferment vegetables, bake pizza and cook their own baby food.
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Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork
Perrott Avenue, 353-21-484-5900
Located alongside the historic University College Cork, Hayfield Manor is the city’s most luxurious hotel. The posh property is set within a secluded walled garden, a short walk from Cork city centre.
Cork’s favourite 5 star hotel was newly built just 20 years ago by the Scully family. The grandiose double-wing oak staircase is a replica of the original design, while the marble fireplace in the lobby is an original artifact. Skip through Hayfield Manor’s bright interior and you’ll find Georgian windows, antiques, pretty plasterwork, thick carpets and furnishings painted in gold.
Each of the luxury boutique hotel’s 88 spacious rooms are uniquely decorated featuring 300 sqft of space. The Master Suite is truly a royal treat, overlooking Cork city and featuring a working fireplace, whirlpool bath and lounge area.
Hayfield Manor Hotel in Cork is the perfect honeymoon retreat for those looking to rest and relax in the lap of luxury. The quality of service here can’t be beat: from the top-hatted doorman to curious concierge.
The hotel’s 16-metre pool overlooks an enclosed garden with sauna, steam rooms and outdoor hot tub. The Beautique Spa features nourishing products by Elemis and a wide range of couples treatments and packages.
Are you an Irish whiskey fan visiting Cork? We suggest booking an unforgettable Jameson Distillery Tour in nearby Mildleton.
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Longueville House
Longueville, 353-22-47156
The “pretty in pink” 16-bedroom Longueville House is a cider lovers dream. Located in a stunning 300 year old Georgian Country House, Longueville is hidden in the heart of a 450 acred wooded estate.
Located a short 30 minute drive north of Cork, Longueville House is steeped in history and features crackling fire places, vintage hearths, period art pieces and freshly clipped flowers from the garden.
Longueville House has a craft cider named after the estate, which is fermented on site from apples harvested in the 30 acre orchard. Each year the properties beverage baron takes some of the cider and distills it into a calvados style tipple, labeled Longueville House Apple Brandy.
Cider lovers staying at Longueville House can enjoy a tour of the cider production area and distillery as well as a stroll through rustic garden, biking, hiking, fly fishing, archery and falconry.
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Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare
Main Street, 353-61-605-900
Originally established in 1792, Dunraven Arms Hotel is an oasis in the picturesque village of Adare near Limerick. Considered one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, it offers those planning a honeymoon in Ireland a first-class country house experience.
The boutique hotel in Limerick features 86 rooms, all beautifully appointed with four-poster beds, antique furniture, private dressing rooms and ensuite bath.
Step inside The Maigue Restaurant and you’ll find a menu offering perfectly cooked Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. The restaurant’s signature experience is its roast rib of beef carved from a trolley under shimmering chandeliers.
For those looking to rest and relax you can take a dip in the hotel’s 17m pool, soak in the steam room or enjoy a restorative treatment in one Dunraven Arms Hotel’s beauty rooms. Guests can enjoy the great outdoors by booking a round at the local golf club, horseback riding and fishing. You’ll also a find beautifully weathered Augustinian priory and romantic riverside castle nearby.
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Review Our Travel Checklist When Planning Your Next Adventure!
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Never travel without insurance! We suggest World Nomads comprehensive coverage as it includes over 250 adventure activities such as scuba diving, bungee jumping and surfing.
If you’re planning a road trip make sure to compare the best local car rental options.
Looking to book a tour or VIP experience on holiday? Book the best local tours on Viator.
Be sure to check your travel destinations electrical plug requirements in advance. If you travel often be sure to purchase a multi-region adaptor.
Whether you’re marching through a city or exploring a rugged rural landscape, it’s important to ensure you’re traveling with comfortable footwear. We suggest these comfortable walking shoes for urban adventures or these waterproof hiking boots when embarking on a hike holiday.
Capture your holiday on a quality camera. We suggest the pocket-sized Canon Powershot G7 or professional SLR we shoot with Canon EOS 6D.
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