15 Beach Hotels To Book in Ireland – Whatever Your Budget

The Armada Hotel, Co Clare

The team at The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, are celebrating this month; they are the only hotel in Ireland to have been awarded B Corp certification. As such, Armada is the go-to destination for travellers who seek hotels that prioritise people over profit, empower local communities, assist conservation efforts and boost connections between tourists and locals. Of course, its beach location is a huge draw too and was the backdrop for designer Aoife McNamara’s latest collection, Season 9: Bláth Fiáin. McNamara used the beach as a catwalk for the floral-inspired designs in pretty pastels.

Part of The Armada’s environmental efforts includes regular beach cleans with Clean Coasts and it also collaborates with Coastwatch to support the conservation of an endangered seagrass species, which contributes to the long-term sustainability of coastal environments. Pictured is a sand art B Corp logo on Spanish Point Beach drawn by Waterford artist Sean Corcoran to celebrate Armada Hotel’s certification.

A stay at the hotel is inspiring and comfortable. Guest rooms reflect the colours of the hotel’s natural surroundings, from Abigail Edward’s seascape wallpaper, the handwoven tweed blankets draped over each guest bed, Kevin Lowery art featuring some of the most popular surfing waves, to the Handmade Soap Company amenities. Food is a forte too, with two restaurants and a bar. An insider tip is to order the chowder at Johnny Burkes pub. Midweek room rates in July and August start from €276; www.armadahotel.com. 

Dunmore House, Co Cork

With its picturesque setting overlooking Clonakilty Bay, a trip to Dunmore House is ideal for fans of breezy Atlantic walks, excellent seafood, beautiful gardens and great beaches – ten to be exact within ten minutes of the front door! From Duneen to Red Strand and Inchydoney beach across the bay, Dunmore House is perfectly positioned for beachcombers of all description. After a day spent swimming or beach-combing, guests can be assured of a warm welcome back and great food. Seafood takes centre stage on the menu with produce from the hotel’s organic Ocean Garden. Prices start from €250 per night; www.dunmorehousehotel.ie. 

Shoreline Hotel, Co Dublin

The Shoreline Hotel is nestled on Donabate peninsula on a four kilometre sandy beach overlooking the Irish Sea and Lambay Island. It’s the ideal base for a morning walk, perhaps a swim, or just enjoying the sea air from its beachfront terrace. Other recommended activities in the area are the cliff walk from the hotel to Portrane, a visit to Newbridge House or trying out one of the five golf courses including The Island links course, beside the hotel.

The hotel’s newly refurbished bedrooms offer spectacular views over the beach, and further along the coast towards Malahide and Howth Head. Its current “Dine Out, Stay Out” offer includes overnight bed and breakfast for two people, a two-course evening meal with wine, and costs €209 per couple; www.shorelinehotel.ie. 

Rathmullan House, Co Donegal

Situated on the shores of Lough Swilly, just a short walk from a two-mile stretch of golden sandy beach, a stay at Rathmullan House offers both adventure and total tranquillity. Guests can explore the beauty of the Fanad peninsula, and in the seaside village of Rathmullan, try a range of watersports, or take a trip on the ferry to Buncrana for access to gems along Inishowen, including Malin Head, Fort Dunree and Kinnagoe Bay.

After a day exploring, relax at the this family-owned hotel has been in managed by the Wheeler family for over 60 years. The decor is comfortable and charming; bedrooms range from romantic doubles with garden views to large garret rooms for families. There is also a heated indoor swimming pool on the premises, as well as several relaxing sitting rooms, the Cook & Gardener restaurant, serving seafood, and The Pavilion, where pizzas, homemade ice cream and locally brewed beer from the Kinnegar Brewery are popular. All this can be explored on a two-night bed and breakfast escape which costs €440 total stay; www.rathmullanhouse.com.

Ballygally Castle, Co Antrim

The 17th-century Ballygally Castle is located on the Causeway Coastal Route and is just steps away from Ballygally beach and bay. Other attractions within easy driving distance from the hotel include the Giant’s Causeway and Carnfunnock Park offering adventure playgrounds, mini golf, a miniature railway and much more.  Currently on offer is a “Sea Dips & Hot Sips” package which includes accommodation and breakfast as well as the use of the castle’s dry robes, hot water bottle, slippers, and a flask filled with hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate. This costs from €359 for a family of four; www.hastingshotels.com. 

Rosleague Manor, Co Galway

Set in 30 acres of secluded woodland, Rosleague Manor overlooking Ballinakill Bay, is on the coast, one mile from Connemara National Park and only a five minute drive to Kylemore Abbey. In prime position to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, other things to do include salmon, trout and sea fishing, as well as golf and horse riding. Guests also have a tennis court at the Manor. After exploring the area, there’s nothing better than enjoying dinner at the hotel, where its seafood and Connemara lamb are specialities. Bed and breakfast costs €170; www.rosleague.com. 

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Co Dublin

This family-owned and managed 18th-century four-star castle is minutes from Killiney Beach, and blends service and setting seamlessly. All 113 en-suite boutique bedrooms are individually designed to ensure a relaxing stay. As for dining, whether you’re looking for a lively buzz or a more intimate setting there’s plenty of choice. Pj’s restaurant boasts quiet candlelit corners and excellent wine lists, Mapas Restaurant serves the best of locally-sourced seasonal produce, while the Library Cocktail Bar is a favourite setting for afternoon tea. An overnight stay with breakfast is from €194; www.fitzpatrickcastle.com. 

Redcastle Oceanfront Golf and Spa Hotel, Co Donegal

Seascapes, sandy beaches, superb Voya spa treatments and a great nine hole golf course: Redcastle offers everything needed for a top family holiday. This family-owned hotel, only 20 minutes from Derry city, recently underwent a €500k refurbishment. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surroundings especially Lough Foyle and Inishowen, (as well as Leisureland and Wild Ireland Nature park). An overnight stay in one of its spacious double bedrooms is from €180; www.redcastlehoteldonegal.com. 

Clontarf Castle, Co Dublin

Just a stone’s throw from Dollymount Strand, Clontarf Castle offers the perfect blend of traditional castle with a contemporary art gallery adorning its walls, a stunning lobby, beautifully landscaped gardens and outdoor terrace. With kite surfing available on Dollymount Strand and a strong sea swimming brigade at The Bull Wall, Clontarf Castle is a great base to enjoy sun, sea and sand just 15 minutes from Dublin city centre. Prices start from €249 per night; www.clontarfcastle.ie. 

Roseville House, Youghal, Co Cork

With access to four Blue Flag beaches Roseville House, Youghal (originally built in 1838) couldn’t be more accessible. It has just been renovated by owners Richie and Caroline Foley, who took over the family B&B business and have been finessing the offering. With the help of local designer Catherine O’Flynn they have created two swish self-contained suites, which are large, airy and house posh larder cupboards. Guests are delivered delightful breakfast baskets each morning, the perfect prelude to a walk on the sheltered Front Strand and Claycastle beaches and exploring the delights of Youghal (Aherne’s Seafood Restaurant being just one). Rooms start at €65 per person sharing; www.rosevilleyoughal.com.

The Twelve, Co Galway

The Twelve Hotel is on the coast road from Galway into Connemara. With Barna pier just two minutes from the front door, guests can have a quick dip and be back in time for breakfast to start the day the right way! Afterwards, escape to the west and enjoy long beach walks on Silver Strand or Furbo beach – pick up a picnic from The Twelve Bakery before you go. In the evening, enjoy dinner in its buzzy gastrobar, The Pins, or book an indulgent Voya treatment at Le Petit Spa. As the hotel is dog-friendly – you can bring your best friend too! Prices start from €155 per night; www.thetwelvehotel.ie. 

Cliff House Hotel, Co Waterford

This seaside boutique beauty overlooks the arty village of Ardmore. The Well by the Sea spa at Cliff House Hotel, has a pool with panoramic views, while its Michelin-starred chef patron is on a mission to see House, as one of Ireland’s next two-star restaurants. Currently on offer is a “Seascape Experience” overnight stay which includes accommodation in a deluxe sea view room, a 45-minute outdoor bathing therapy using organic seaweed, and a three-course supper in the panoramic Bar Restaurant. This costs €454 for two; www.cliffhousehotel.ie. 

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Co Cork 

With breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean from its unrivalled position in West Cork on Inchydoney’s Blue Flag Beach, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa combines an incredible vista with spectacular surroundings. For those with adventure in mind, there is plenty to enjoy. From whale watching off the coast to a midnight kayak, a lesson in surfing at the surf school next door, or a complimentary yoga class on the headland, guaranteed to relax and connect mind and body. 

In an area famous for its food and artisan food producers, guests won’t be short on dining options either using plenty of delicious local ingredients – many of which come from within just a few kilometres of the hotel. Add to that a menu of relaxing seawater treatments at the spa, and you’ll never want to leave. The current “Linger a little Longer” offer is a three-night break with breakfast each day, lunch in Dunes Bistro one day and dinner one evening in the Gulfstream Restaurant, which costs from €470 per person sharing; www.inchydoneyisland.com. 

Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, Co Dublin

Tucked away in a quiet corner of “The Velvet Strand”, one of Ireland’s most stunning stretches of uninterrupted coastline, is the historic Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links, which was once the family home of the Jameson dynasty. The hotel exudes a country club vibe: guests are a mix of golf and spa devotees. Rooms are inspired by the seaside setting and are decorated in cool blues and are very comfortable. I remember a stay several years ago, where supper in the 1780 restaurant was a highlight. Afternoon tea is also popular with tables overlooking the coast in The Seaview Lounge; www.portmarnock.com.

Slieve Donard Hotel, Co Down

One of the most exciting re-openings this year is that of the Slieve Donard Hotel, which has been taken over by Marine & Lawn, who have been updating the guest rooms and renovating the meeting and restaurant spaces. The hotel will reopen in August. It’s in a prime position for the beach – where the mountains of Mourne really do sweep down to the sea – as well as the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Club.

The hotel has a rich history, and having been built by the Belfast and County Down Railway in 1898, it has welcomed various stars over the years including Charlie Chaplin, Tiger Woods, Catherine Zeta Jones, Dame Judi Dench and many more.
The new interior design will pay homage to the hotel’s seaside location and heritage while preserving the Victorian elements of the building. Many of the 180 refurbished rooms offer panoramic views over the Mourne mountains and Co Down coastline. The opening rates for August start from £189 for a double room; www.marineandlawn.com. 

Inis Meain, Aran Islands, Co Galway

Marie-Thérèse and Ruairí de Blacam’s Michelin green-starred restaurant and guest house on Inis Meáin has gained almost mythical status. A multi award-winning enterprise, the suites have consistently booked out nearly a year ahead with return guests.

After 15 successful years, the duo has embarked on a new chapter by developing the hospitality offering further, leaving the restaurant behind and creating the new Inis Meáin Island Stays. These stays will place an emphasis on slow travel and environmental preservation. Read more about Inis Meáin Island Stays in this post. www.inismeain.com.