During any golf journey to Ireland, picking the right hotel is just as important as picking the right golf courses. Location, amenities, price, room types, food & beverage, and overall atmosphere play a role in deciding which properties will best fit your group.
Below are just a few of the hotels we recommend across Ireland when we are planning our experiences for Fairways to Heaven Golf customers. Check them out and see which ones might be right for you!
Aghadoe Heights Hotel
Perched perfectly overlooking the lakes of Killarney & McGillicuddy Reeks just outside the center of town, this 5-star property is a perfect base for those exploring the southwest of Ireland. The first impression of the outside of the hotel may be uninspiring but once inside that all changes. A true 5-star experience awaits with large, well-appointed guest rooms, gourmet restaurant, a world-class spa, personalized service for each guest, and an unsurpassed location.
If you get a chance, spend some time in their 1200 sq ft penthouse which comes with 2 BR’s, wet bar, living area, gas fireplace and dining area capped by a sweeping outdoor patio which provides iconic views of the lakes and mountains of Killarney.
Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Lakes of Killarney, Nunstown, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland
The Suites at Old Head
Golfers across the globe are very familiar with Old Head Golf Links and its unmatched location and views. Most people, however, don’t know that aside from playing here, you can stay here. 15 sea view suites overlooking the 18th green and Old Head Lighthouse with marble-clad bathrooms, in-room sitting area and a private patio are available to visiting golfers.
Additionally, guests can indulge in the spa at Old Head after a round of golf by relaxing in the sauna, luxury steam room, or massage therapy. This is all accompanied by award-winning food and beverage in the clubhouse for guests in the suites. A unique and special place not to be missed!
Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland
Trump International Ireland
While the Trump name evokes a wide variety of reactions, there is no debating the experience provided at Trump International Ireland, Doonbeg. Old world luxury is evoked when driving through the arches into the courtyard surrounded by buildings that look like they could have been built hundreds of years ago but were only completed in the early 2000s.
Set directly along the beach and accompanied by its championship 18-hole links golf course this is a golfers haven. 5-star suites, a fine dining restaurant, lively pub, and world-class practice facilities accompany an award-winning spa at this resort which has been named the #2 resort in Europe by Conde Nast Traveler. When golfing in County Clare, this is the place to be.
Trump International Ireland, Doughmore Bay, Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland
Adare Manor
After a 21-month slumber Adare Manor has reopened to much fanfare after and after being purchased by JP McManus and injected with a multimillion Euro investment. All rooms have been redone to a 5+ star standard with massive beds, huge TV’s, and sitting areas within the room. Over 60 chefs are employed on property and provide guests with an extremely varied and scrumptious dining lineup throughout the property. Not to be outdone, the golf course has undergone a similar transformation under the eye of Tom Fazio.
Every bunker and green on the course was redone and a Subair technology was installed beneath all the greens. Adare, along with Augusta National, is one of the few courses in the world to have this system. With a goal in mind to snare the 2026 Ryder Cup, this is a property and course that should be on your next trip to the southwest of Ireland.
Adare Manor, Adare, County Limerick, Ireland
Mount Falcon Estate
Located in Ballina, County Mayo, the Mount Falcon Estate was originally built in 1876 and was a private home for many years until bought the Alan Maloney and family. With a multimillion euro investment, the property was transformed into a 5-star hotel offering a true Irish experience. Aside from additional hotel rooms, 3 self-catering “villages” were built on the property providing an array of room options when staying at Mount Falcon.
Golfers can easily access courses such as Enniscrone, County Sligo and Carne while staying on property which also features a driving range for guests. Non-golfing activities also abound with salmon fishing on the River Moy, clay pigeon shooting, or falconry to name a few. Gourmet dining in the Kitchen restaurant accompanied by the cozy Boat Hole bar deliver guests an excellent culinary experience all supported by a welcoming and outgoing staff tending to each guest’s every need.
Mount Falcon Estate, Foxford Rd, Drumrevagh, Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland
The Merchant Hotel
As Northern Ireland’s 5 AA Red Star Hotel (if you don’t know, that is a big deal), Merchant Hotel guests are treated to an unparalleled city center experience when staying here. Originally built in the 1850s as the headquarters of the Ulster Bank this ornate and elegant building was transformed in 2010 with a 16-million-euro investment to bring it to the level it is today.
Situated in the Cathedral quarter of Belfast, The Merchant provides easy access to nightlife, culture and history when venturing out. But you may not want to leave as the property offers 3 bars including Belfast’s only dedicated Jazz bar all supporting the Great Room Restaurant offering a true 5-star dining experience. Rooms in the hotel come in two primary, but very different themes: Classic Victorian or Art Deco. Each providing a very different but equally luxurious experience. The Merchant Hotel is an Irish classic updated for the 21st century.
The Merchant Hotel, 16 Skipper Street, Belfast, UK
Slieve Donard Hotel
At the base of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Hotel is bordered by a long stretch of beach on one side and the world famous Royal County Down on the other. The hotel boasts 180 guest rooms, a world-class ESPA spread out over 2 floors, multiple fine dining options, a bar and lounge, and of course, just steps out the back door to the first tee at Royal County Down.
Originally built by the Belfast and County Down railway as an “end of the line” luxury holiday destination in 1898, this classic building houses all the modern amenities to be expected at a 5-star property. Only 30 miles from Belfast and 90 miles from Dublin, guests have easy access from the major international airports to the Slieve Donard to use a base to explore County Down and the rest of Northern Ireland.
Slieve Donard Hotel, Downs Rd, Newcastle, UK
The Marker Hotel
As one of Dublin’s most recent additions to the hotel scene, this modern marvel sits in the Docklands of Dublin convenient to all of Dublin’s sought-after attractions and events. Its 180 luxurious and spacious rooms provide a wide variety of categories from deluxe rooms, corner suites, and even quiet rooms for the light sleepers in the group.
A buzzing rooftop bar and terrace highlight the food and beverage options at the hotel supported by the award-winning Brasserie lead by Executive Head Chef Gareth Mullins. Like all 5-star hotels, The Marker would not be complete without their full-service spa where guests can relax and unwind after a long day on the course or in the city. A consistent top performer on TripAdvisor and other review sites, it is hard to go wrong when choosing the Marker for your stay.
The Marker Hotel, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin
If you are looking to plan a golf experience to Ireland, email me at otoole@f2hgolf.com or call 888-272-3179, and I would be happy to create a trip of a lifetime to Ireland for you.
