The Best Places In Ireland For An Affordable Summer Staycation

The ongoing cost of living crisis has put pressure on our pockets and discretionary spending – so a staycation which offers value, at an affordable price point, is a priority for many. Whether your preference is for contemporary or classic hotels, city or coastal, here are some which ensure a sense of escape, without blowing the budget …

ReZz, Cork and Dublin

“Big isn’t always better” is the mission statement of ReZz – a group of hotels which includes ReZz Cork and ReZz Dublin, which opened in February this year. A third location is under development in Rathmines. While rooms might be snug – and in categories called Teeny Tiny, Tight Fit or Just Right – essentials, such as high speed wifi, power showers, king size beds and large flat screen TVs, have been ensured. Guests also appreciate the central locations of the hotels and most importantly their price points. At REZz Dublin, you’ll find original features (big windows and high ceilings) mixed with raw industrial finishes and (trademark) graphic walls. They come in two sizes – Just Right and Let’s Share. The Just Right small double rooms with a bright ensuite are from €160. Currently on offer is a ten per cent discount on a three night stay; www.rezz.ie.

Rosleague Manor, Co Galway

Set in 30 acres of secluded woodland, Rosleague Manor is on the coast, one mile from Connemara National Park and only a five minute drive to Kylemore Abbey. Other things to do include salmon, trout and sea fishing, as well as golf and horse riding. After exploring the area, there’s nothing better than enjoying dinner at the Manor, where its seafood and Connemara lamb are specialities. A tranquil stay is ensured. 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, with soft white luxury linens and antique furniture. 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 Irish, 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.

Printing House Square, Trinity College Dublin

During the academic year, Printing House Square, created by McCullough Mulvin Architects, provides accommodation for students. This new development has 249 ensuite bedrooms and is nestled behind the historical Printing House overlooking Pearse Street. For the first time this summer, Printing House Square will be open to visitors with rooms available to book for stays until August. Guests can choose from single, twin or double rooms (with Paul Costelloe toiletries) and breakfast in The Buttery. Rates start from €160 for a single ensuite with revenue from the visits invested back into TCD; www.visittrinity.ie.

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.

The Ross, Co Kerry 

There’s a fun “Girl’s Night Out” offer, €150 per person, at this centrally-located hotel in Killarney. It includes an overnight stay in either a twin or deluxe double room, a glass of prosecco, dinner in either The Lane or The Cellar restaurants and a late check-out the following morning. Gin tasting and cocktail making classes are just two activities that can be added onto any bookings. Alternatively, a room only costs from €90 per person; www.theross.ie.

Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens, Co Cork

Steeped in old world charm and personality, Fernhill House is an idyllic combination of setting and service: a West Cork Georgian country house owned by the fourth generation of O’Neill family. Michael O’Neill is the chef and his wife, Teresa, is responsible for the interior design and flowers while their three sons oversee the management of the hotel. Its gardens are of special note, designed by Chelsea gold medal winner Mary Reynolds – they inspire everything at the hotel from its gin to the menus. Currently there is an overnight offer of €189 per night including breakfast; www.secure.irelands-blue-book.ie.

Glasson Lakehouse, Co Westmeath

Glasson Lakehouse is a funky four-star resort overlooking Lough Ree bearing the hallmarks of other Press Up hotels such as The Devlin or Mayson – bold Irish art, hip young staff, neon signs, in-room Munchie Trays and a priority on comfort. Land and lake activities available include boat tours, kayaking, golfing, or cycling. There’s also an outdoor pool (heated all year round) and three hot tubs located beside a sunken terrace. Bed and breakfast is from €125 per person sharing, based on two guests sharing; www.glassonlakehouse.ie.

Mount Congreve Gardens Gate Lodge, Co Waterford
 
This pretty Georgian Gate Lodge is a two-bedroom sanctuary in the middle of Mount Congreve’s majestic 70 acres of gardens. Inside the renovated gate lodge, guests will find plush velvet decor, antique furniture (a bio-ethanol stove, an 18th-century French day-bed, Louis XVI beds and classic wing-back armchairs) as well as a Frame Smart TV and even a gin bar for guests to enjoy the Mount Congreve Woodland Gin. A galley kitchen offers direct access to a private secluded garden and a patio featuring a Bushbuck stone barbecue with relaxing garden furniture. Guests and their canine friends also have “the keys to the gardens” where they can explore, relax and enjoy the entirety of the gardens after hours. A welcome hamper, filled with local produce including honey, Flahavan’s oats, local organic eggs and more, sets the tone for a cosseting stay. Guests can enjoy dining at the Stable Café, where a plot-to-plate menu is served, or book a signature Afternoon Tea which is served in the Old Tack Room. Rates are from €195 per night. Full details can be found at; www.mountcongreve.com.

Haddington House, Co Dublin

This charming 40-bedroom boutique hotel occupies four Victorian townhouses looking out over Dún Laoghaire harbour. It’s a great base for exploring local attractions from the People’s Park market, which takes place every Sunday, the pretty villages of Glasthule, Dalkey and Sandycove, or taking a Dublin Bay Cruise. The hotel offers a number of bespoke experiences and also provides complimentary Brooklyn Bikes (with helmets and high vis jackets). These are handy for cycling to sea swimming spots the Forty Foot, Vico and Whiterock. On site facilities include Oliveto, the hotel’s Italian restaurant which serves an innovative Italian menu. Guests can also have a coffee or cocktail in the Parlour, while the Garden Bar is a buzzy spot on serene summer evenings with panoramic views to Howth Head. Rooms cost from €165; www.haddingtonhouse.ie.

The Devlin, Dublin

The Devlin’s “Downtown” offer is a chance to explore this buzzy neighbourhood hotel in Ranelagh and soak up the local life (do visit Gerard Byrne’s Art Studio) or catch a film in the in-house cinema. An overnight stay is from €112, based on two guests sharing which includes breakfast in Layla’s Rooftop Restaurant and a €25 food credit per person. All areas of the hotel are highly Instagrammable too!; www.thedevlin.ie.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Co Antrim

If you can’t get to the beach, the next best thing is the heated lakeside pebble beach at The Rabbit Hotel – a pretty spa hotel where a stunning Roman bath is the focal point of its al fresco facilities. Guests have access to the Aroma steam rooms and hot tubs, and will also find a snug spa with treatments including onyx or Serenity Candle massages and Image skincare personalised facials. Guest rooms range from snug rooms to comfy boudoirs complete with outdoor bathtubs. Overnight stays from €199 for two people sharing); www.rabbithotel.com.

Lawlor’s of Naas, Co Kildare

From boutiques to racecourses (Naas and Punchestown), Naas is a thriving staycation destination with much to see and do including Coolcarrigan House and Gardens, Moat Theatre, Naas Farmers Market, Russborough House, The Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park, not forgetting Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre nearby (check out the new exhibition on Diana, and the excellent selection of vintage jewellery for sale). As for the hotel, interesting artefacts and antiques as well as impressive sustainability credentials are the hallmarks of Lawlor’s recent refurbishment. There’s a new restaurant, Vi’s (with an iconic round bar), a decorative private garden perfect cocktails on long summer evenings, and increased capacity to 138 bedrooms. Currently on offer is a one-night stay for two people with breakfast from €129, or with breakfast and dinner from €199; www.lawlors.ie.

Station House Hotel, Co Meath

If you haven’t been to the the family-run Station House Hotel, then make a point of visiting this summer – whether for afternoon tea or an overnight stay. The hotel is surrounded by twelve acres of lush manicured gardens and woodlands, and is listed on the Boyne Valley Garden Trail, so the vibe is relaxing as well as inspiring. I love the attention to detail in the decor, the comfort of the rooms as well as the menus – dinner is served each evening in the Signal restaurant where the new menu is inspired by local and garden produce (a Swainstown Farm organic beetroot salad, a Wild Irish lobster ravioli, Kilmessan spring lamb with a pesto crust and for dessert Swainstown Farm rhubarb millefeuille). Stays of one night bed and breakfast start from €180 for two people sharing; www.stationhousehotel.ie.