Hotel bars hold enduring appeal for me, whether I’m a sojourner or not. In a good hotel, even the shortest visit has the ability to make me feel like a cherished guest. The oft luxurious setting with good food and excellent drinks means that an evening in a hotel bar can be an experience to remember. Here’s a selection of our favourites to visit for a night out.

The Sidecar at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin

The epitome of style and sophistication, The Sidecar at The Westbury oozes luxury from a bygone era. It goes without saying that the cocktails are top notch but the food is excellent too. What to eat? The Carlingford Lough oysters with shallot mignonette would be a good choice, and for liquid refreshment it has to be The Sidecar martini, prepared tableside from the drinks trolley. www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-westbury-hotel 

No 27 at The Shelbourne, Dublin

When it comes to a choice of bars, The Shelbourne Hotel certainly has every eventuality covered with The Lord Mayor’s Lounge, The Horseshoe Bar and 1824 Bar – which incidentally happens to be showcasing Hennessy Fire & Ice cocktails exclusively for the month of March. However, when it comes to casual hotel bar dining, it has to be No 27. The No 27 club sandwich might set you back €22 but when a club sandwich is this good and served with such panache, it somehow feels like good value. When it comes to cocktails, we are partial to a granny smith spritz complete with St. Germain, avallen calvados, apple sherbert, lime, soda and cremant de Bordeaux. www.theshelbourne.com 

Bar No.23, The Merrion, Dublin

Located at the front of The Merrion hotel, overlooking Merrion Street and in the surrounds of Georgian Dublin, No. 23 cocktail bar has an intimate feel that is perfect for a glamorous date night. Opt for one of the signature cocktails, a flute of Champagne, or a glass of wine while you snack on some delicious canapés, and book a table afterwards for dinner in The Garden Room. www.merrionhotel.com

Dundon’s Champagne Seafood Bar, Dundrody House, Arthurstown, Co Wexford

The clue is in the name when it comes to the bar at Dunbrody House so do expect plenty of seafood on the menu and Champagne on the wine list. But there is so much more on offer for those averse to seafood – or Champagne for that matter. Beef sliders, chicken liver pâté or prime Wexford steak are just a few of the options and we can’t wait to return when the hotel reopens after its ongoing facelift, complete with stunning Louise Kennedy chandeliers, Liberty fabrics and special touches from The White Company. www.dunbrodyhouse.com 

The Cocktail Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Another hotel with a selection of bars to suit every taste, The Merchant Hotel is the perfect Belfast base – although there is always the risk that you won’t want to leave. Jazz lovers will enjoy Bert’s Jazz bar with its Art Deco opulence but for a more sedate dining experience, head to The Cocktail Bar for seared scallops with mango compote, yuzu aioli, chicory and micro herbs or a charcuterie board and Bushmills blends whiskey tasting flight for two. www.themerchanthotel.com 

The Parlour, Haddington House, Dun Laoghaire

While there is no specific bar food menu at The Parlour at Haddington House, the Afternoon Tea menu is bound to satisfy even the hungriest of patrons. The menu, which is served over three courses, is filled with delectable morsels including the standout beef fat brioche with Lough Neagh eel, horseradish and dill pickled shallot. Cocktails are excellent and the soon to be launched (from March 9) charming Parlour illustrated cocktail book is sure to confirm the Parlour at Haddington House as a major player in the cocktail world. www.haddingtonhouse.ie 

The Fisherman’s Pub & Ranji Room, Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara

In their own words, The Fisherman’s Pub and Ranji Room at Ballynahinch Castle represent all that is great about Connemara. The simple menu is a celebration of authentic local produce that showcases the larder of Connemara in a relaxed and friendly environment. Both the lunch and dinner menus are concise and feature traditional dishes such as local cod fish and chips, Connemara lamb pie and Killary Fjord mussels. The room itself ticks all the boxes for relaxed country dining, complete with an abundance of dark wood and open fires to complete the picture of perfection. www.ballynahinch-castle.com