There are thousands of bed and breakfasts across Ireland, and they come in all shapes and sizes, from quaint country homes to lavish manor houses and everything in between. Most are private, family-run establishments where both lodging and a home-cooked breakfast is provided. While visiting Ireland’s top attractions is a must, these quaint accommodations offer you a chance to become immersed in the local culture. These top properties offer some of the best of the best in the Emerald Isle.
Rosleague Manor - Letterfrack, Galway
One of the best bed and breakfasts in Galway, Rosleague Manor is a luxury B&B that offers accommodation in a 19th-century manor house. It’s nestled on the shores of Ballinakill Bay across 30 acres of beautiful, private wooded grounds near the scenic Connemara town of Letterfrack. Known as one of the country’s finest regency manor houses, The Foyle Family runs the home with meticulous care and attention to detail to retain its period charm and character. Enjoy an out-of-this-world dining experience amid an open log fire and historical paintings, as well as afternoon tea in the Victorian conservatory. You’ll be just minutes from the popular town of Clifden and many of the area’s top attractions like The Twelve Bens, Connemara National Park, and Kylemore Abbey.
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Located on the shores of Ballinakill Bay and close to top attractions like The Twelve Bens, Connemara National Park, and Kylemore Abbey
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Highly rated dining experience during your stay
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Daily afternoon tea in the conservatory
Rosleague, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 CK26, Ireland— +353 95 41101
Lough Dan House - Roundwood, County Wicklow
Lough Dan House is an award-winning B&B that sits across 80 acres of farmland overlooking the magnificent Lough Dan, the largest natural lake in the eastern region of Ireland. Hosts and owners Sean and Theresa Byrne are fifth-generation Byrnes who can tell you a lot about the history of the area as well as give lots of great advice on what to see and do. The property is ideal for those who want to hike among breathtaking scenery, set in Wicklow National Park among the highest mountains in Ireland. The house is just a short distance from where the History Channel series, “The Vikings,” was shot, with scenes filmed at both Lough Dan and neighboring Lough Tay, allowing visitors to view some of the same magnificent vistas showcased in the popular show. This is a Full Board experience with delicious local cuisine served daily. There is also the option to arrange tours and airport transfers with the hosts.
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Easy access to hiking in the nearby Wicklow National Park
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Included meals feature delicious local cuisine
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Airport transfers and tours available upon request
Carrig Country House - Caragh Lake, County Kerry
Carrig Country House is nestled on Caragh Lake at the foot of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks in Caragh Valley, offering an especially magnificent location on the Ring of Kerry. This Victorian Country Manor features an award-winning restaurant overlooking the glistening lake and the Kerry mountains, as well as beautifully-appointed rooms with luxurious king-size beds. It makes an ideal base for enjoying nearby activities like hiking, golf, and horseback riding along the beach as well as exploring the Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Skelligs.
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Award-winning restaurant overlooking the lake and mountains
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Rooms feature luxurious king-size beds
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Easy access to hiking, golf, horseback riding, and exploring the local attractions, including the Ring of Kerry
Caragh Lake, Ring of Kerry, Glannagilliagh, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, Ireland— +353 66 976 9100
Ardlenagh View - Donegal, County Donegal
This gorgeous, family-friendly B&B looks across Donegal Bay out to the Bluestack Mountains near Donegal town in Ireland’s northwest, known for its miles and miles of picture-perfect coastline, including idyllic sandy beaches and sheer ocean cliffs. The hosts are incredibly hospitable, getting to know each guest by name while providing customized traditional Irish breakfast options as well as plenty of recommendations as to what to do and where to go throughout this beautiful region of the Emerald Isle.
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Waterfront location with views of Donegal Bay and the Bluestack Mountains
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Daily Irish breakfast customized to your preferences
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Trip planning support and recommendations during your stay
Bantry House and Garden - Bantry, County Cork
Bantry House and Garden is renowned as one of the finest historic houses in Ireland, and it also commands one of the very best views over Bantry Bay in West Cork. Dating back to the 17th century, this historic private estate has been open to the public for nearly 70 years and is still owned and lived in by the Shelswell-White Family, direct descendants of Richard White, Earl of Bantry, and his family. You’ll enjoy especially elegant accommodations with views over the property’s magnificent gardens as well as the glistening waters of the bay, along with freshly-cooked breakfasts. Area activities include fishing, sailing, golfing, and hiking.
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Elegant rooms with garden and bay views
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Freshly-cooked breakfasts every morning
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Easy access to fishing, sailing, golfing, and hiking
Ballymaloe House Hotel - Shanagarry, County Cork
Ballymaloe House Hotel offers simple yet elegant B&B accommodation in an old Georgian manor built on the ruins of a Norman castle on 400 beautifully landscaped acres. Each room is calm and relaxing, with fresh flowers from the garden brought in daily, including sweet peas in the summer and old roses in the fall. Guests can even enjoy massage and beauty treatments right on-site, as well as golf, tennis, croquet, a heated outdoor pool, and even theater, concerts, ballet, and other performances.
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Thoughtful touches in the rooms, including fresh flowers from the garden
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Access to massage and beauty treatments on-site
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Home to a heated outdoor pool, theater, golf course, and tennis courts
Ballymaloe More, Shanagarry, Co. Cork, P25 Y070, Ireland— +353 21 465 2531
Rossroe Lodge B&B - Cashel, County Galway
Rossroe Lodge B&B is ideally located in the heart of Connemara in a remote, beautiful location overlooking Cashel Bay. This modern home provides luxurious comfort along with impeccable views and easy access to the area’s renowned sites like Kylemore Abbey and Connemara National Park. A tasty, wholesome breakfast is provided, with dinners available upon request. Highly acclaimed meals include extensive use of local ingredients. Guests are also welcome to use the sitting room with a real turf fire as well as numerous books and brochures that will help you plan your tour of the area.
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Waterfront location overlooking Cashel Bay
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Tasty, locally-sourced breakfast included every morning, and dinners available upon request
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Cozy sitting room with a real turf fire, books, and local brochures
Rossroe, Cashel, Canower, Connemara, Co. Galway, Ireland— +353 87 666 8718
Mallmore Country House - Clifden, County Galway
This spectacular family-run B&B is listed as a historic home dating back to the late 1700s. Mallmore Country House is surrounded by 35 acres of ancient woodland, teeming with native wildlife, as well as lovingly restored gardens. Take a scenic walk to the shores of Clifden Bay and enjoy a cozy fire after a day of play in the stylish sitting room. Located just minutes from Clifden, you’ll also have easy access to the town’s many outstanding pubs known for featuring nightly live music.
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Within walking distance of Clifden Bay and surrounded by ancient woodland
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Rooms feature views of Clifden Bay and the gardens
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Award-winning breakfast served daily in the elegant dining room
Ballyconneely road, Ardbear, Clifden, Co. Galway, H71 PY98, Ireland— +353 95 21460
Maggie O's Bed & Breakfast - Killarney, County Kerry
This luxurious B&B is located in a peaceful area near some of Killarney’s most stunning scenery, yet an easy stroll to the center of Killarney town. You’ll find an especially homey atmosphere, along with king-size beds and LCD flat-screen televisions. Your lovely host and her family are more than happy to help you organize tours or trips to the area’s most famous attractions. A complimentary ride can be provided to and from the bus or train station, and bike hire is available right on-site.
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Rooms feature king-size beds and LCD televisions
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Support organizing tours and trips in the area
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Complimentary transfer to and from the bus or train station
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Bike hire available on-site
14 Muckross View, Dromhale, Killarney, Co. Kerry, V93 RD21, Ireland— +353 64 663 7229
Woodside Lodge B&B - Westport, County Mayo
Woodside Lodge, a premier bed and breakfast just 10 minutes from the center of Westport, known for its flower-lined bridges and charming streetscapes, provides a very warm Irish welcome with a French touch. Your hosts, Helen, a native of Westport, and Patrice, originally from Northern France, are both bilingual in English and French. Take advantage of complimentary bikes to explore the colorful town and the area’s abundance of award-winning beaches.
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Within walking distance of the center of the charming town of Westport
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Access to complimentary bikes for exploring the local area
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Bilingual hosts that speak English and French
Golf Course Road, Deerpark East, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 FV12, Ireland— +353 98 26436
19th Lodge Guest Accommodation - Ballybunion, County Kerry
19th Lodge Guest Accommodation is an ideal B&B for golf enthusiasts. It was named for its enviable location, directly opposite the legendary Ballybunion Golf Club, a stunning seaside links course. Here, you’re likely to feel as if you’re visiting an old friend, as the hosts offer an especially gracious, warm welcome to all guests. The property has frequently been voted as one of the best B&Bs in all of Ireland, beloved for its gourmet breakfasts and dining room with panoramic views of the course.
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Easy access to the seaside Ballybunion Golf Club
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Daily gourmet breakfast accompanied by panoramic views in the dining room
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Attentive hosts who look after every detail of your stay
Golf Links Rd, Ballyeagh, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland— +353 68 27592
The Green Gate - Ardara, County Donegal, Ireland
The Green Gate is a hidden treasure. This thatched cottage set atop a seaside bluff with spectacular views of the water and countryside offers a ton of rustic charm and character. Its cozy rooms feature wood-beamed ceilings, pillowy beds, and thick comforters. If you’re expecting something like the Holiday Inn, you’ll be disappointed – there are no televisions or Wi-Fi. But for those that seek the interesting and authentic, this is the place for you.
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Privileged location atop a seaside bluff with views of the sea and countryside
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Cozy rooms with wood-beamed ceilings, pillowy beds, and thick comforters
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Daily breakfast included
Brownes Bed & Breakfast - Dingle, County Kerry
Brownes Bed & Breakfast is an award-winning B&B, frequently ranked among Ireland’s very best, in a region renowned as one of the most breathtaking spots on the planet, the Dingle Peninsula. It’s just a short stroll from town with its many lauded restaurants, pubs, and shops in a quiet setting overlooking the bay. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike on-site and will be given local ordinance maps as well as advice on planning the most memorable journey. Breakfasts are especially tasty, including porridge served with Bailey’s Irish Cream, local smoked salmon, free-range eggs, homemade brown bread, and much more.
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Bikes available for rent on-site
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Breakfasts include local classics, like porridge served with Bailey’s Irish Cream, smoked salmon, and homemade brown bread
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Within walking distance of the restaurants, pubs, and shops in Dingle
Lady's Cross, Milltown, Commons of Milltown, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland— +353 66 915 1259
The Lighthouse - Dingle, County Kerry
The Lighthouse is a wonderful family-run B&B that commands striking views, while popular pubs, eateries, and shops in Dingle are all just a 10-minute walk away. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lots of natural light with massive windows providing incredible vistas of the sea and Dingle Harbor from each room as well as the dining room, guest lounge, and garden patio. The hosts go out of their way to ensure a wonderful stay while also providing an amazing breakfast and beautiful common spaces filled with books, games, binoculars, and more.
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Views of the sea and Dingle Harbor from every room
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Access to a dining room, garden patio, and guest lounge filled with books, games, and binoculars
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Top-rated breakfast served daily
High Road, Farrannakilla, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland— +353 66 915 1829
South Aran House - Inisheer, County Galway
Inisheer, the smallest of the three Aran Islands, offers the chance to experience old-world Ireland along with the ultimate peaceful, relaxing escape at South Aran House. Although you’ll have to leave your vehicle behind and walk onto the ferry, this two-square-mile island is easy to get around on foot, by bicycle, or by hiring a traditional “Pony & Trap” at the pier upon arrival. South Aran House provides a warm welcome and a comfortable stay in a home near the edge of the Atlantic, just a few minutes away from the pier, along with delicious breakfasts and dinners mostly based on fresh, local produce.
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Each room features its own private entrance and underfloor heating
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Located minutes from the pier and Atlantic coastline
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Delicious breakfast and dinner served daily and featuring fresh and local produce
Inisheer, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland— +353 87 340 5687
Hook Head Bed and Breakfast - Fethard-On-Sea, County Wexford
Hook Head Bed and Breakfast is centrally located on the Hook Peninsula, a beautiful but less-visited area of Ireland home to the world’s oldest working lighthouse and numerous idyllic beaches. Enjoy a wide array of water sports in the summer, as well as scenic walks, world-class golf, and horseback riding. Hook Head B&B is ideal for those who want the chance to get to know the local culture and feel as if they’re visiting an old friend while still enjoying a very comfortable stay in a meticulously decorated home that’s quite relaxed and inviting at the same time. Every room features tea- and coffee-making facilities and flat-screen TVs. Your host is truly the highlight of a stay here. Not only can you look forward to a delicious home-cooked breakfast but wonderful conversations with a host who is excited to share this fabulous region of the Emerald Isle with visitors.
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Easy access to water sports, walking trails, world-class golf, and horseback riding
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Rooms feature tea and coffeemakers, as well as flat-screen TVs
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Delicious home-cooked breakfast served every morning
Hook Head, Fethard On Sea, Kilcloggan, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland— +353 86 089 7915
