The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Ireland

Situated on a tree-lined avenue of Edwardian villas in the upscale Dublin neighbourhood of Ballsbridge, the 16-room Aberdeen Lodge combines outstanding personal service with the charm and period features sought after by the discerning traveller. Guests are welcomed like old family friends with a drink and home-made treats on arrival. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the conservatory or the pristine gardens. While this sounds like a rural retreat, Aberdeen Lodge is less than a ten-minute drive from Dublin city centre.

Outdoor activities and hiking are the biggest draw to the most southerly part of Ireland. After a day exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or the nearby beaches, the warm welcome of a hot drink beside a roaring fire is really appreciated. While the house is located in a rural setting, it is within walking distance of Cahersiveen town with cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The gateway to the Beara Peninsula is famous for its outstanding natural beauty, nature reserves, scenery, golf, walking and cycling. The River’s Edge B&B is right at the heart of the action, close to the bars and restaurants of County Cork’s rural Glengarriff village, yet offers a tranquil space to relax in a traditional family home. The freshly prepared breakfast sets visitors up for their daily adventures, with Leo, the host, born and bred in the village, offering advice on where to go and what to see.

The Wild Atlantic Way scenic route has fast become a chief part of visitors’ travel itineraries in Ireland. Mulranny House is perfectly situated on the route, close to Ballycroy National Park, the religious retreat at Croagh Patrick and the pretty town of Westport. Each ensuite room has private access and offers views of the mountain and Clew Bay.

Imagine telling your friends you were planning to stay in a real Irish castle. Killiane Castle, nestled in the peaceful Wexford countryside in southeast Ireland, dates back over 500 years having survived countless battles and sieges, so a tourist’s stay will present little problem! Accommodation at the castle is reached by a magnificent 17th-century staircase, while rooms have views of the grazing cattle and the castle gardens. Dining offers a true farm-to-plate experience, with most meats and vegetables sourced from the farm itself.

The mysterious prehistoric monument Newgrange in County Meath has been a magnet for visitors for centuries. Rosnaree House overlooks this important megalithic site, boasting access to 3mi of private fishing along the banks of the River Boyne, which is well stocked with salmon and trout. The house is owned by a renowned Irish artist and is replete with paintings, artefacts and antiques from her private collection, gained from travels in India and Africa. Guest rooms are decorated in period style and some feature four-poster beds and river views.

The Barrow Valley in the Blackstairs Mountains of County Carlow is renowned for its verdant scenery and heritage: nearby Kilkenny is famous for its medieval buildings, and the Vikings populated Waterford and Wexford, which are also close by. Lorum Old Rectory finds itself in one of the most historic areas of Ireland. The hearty breakfast on offer sets you up for a day exploring the region and the fine dining meals in the evening are convivial and entertaining.

Sitting on the edge of a spectacular peninsula on the southwest coast of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way lies the charming Dingle. Over the year, the village, nestled in an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region, has revolved its tourist operation around a wild dolphin called Fungie, that lived in the bay for over 30 years, but sadly has not been seen since late 2020. While you may not see Fungie, a visit to An Daingean (as the town is known in Irish) will offer an abundance of activities, from cycling to rock climbing. Pax House offers a number of comfortable rooms overlooking the seascape, which evoke a calmness and serenity for visitors.

The Inishowen Peninsula is the part of the Republic of Ireland that is actually further north than neighbouring Northern Ireland. SeaVista is located close to the shore of Lough Swilly and offers a boutique experience with spectacular views and a sun terrace. For the ultimate relaxation, guests can book yoga classes or, for the more adventurous, horse-riding nearby.