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“May the road rise to meet you!” the Irish like to say. Who wouldn’t want to visit that land of full-blooded adventure and magical escapes? So what exactly does this Island country have to offer? A history so powerful and rich that it colours every aspect of Irish living, a people so passionate and proud they’ll fire you up with their love for life, and a landscape as dramatic as their history. Any travel bucket list that does not include Ireland would be incomplete. “Rustic” may be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Ireland – cosy little taverns, quaint villages with cottages, green fields or tall mountains with log-cabins may be what you’re picturing. But it is also a fantastic destination for 5 Star Hotels and luxury escapes even in Belfast City Centre. So here is our own list of the Best Luxury Hotels in Northern Ireland. For Spa Breaks and Honeymoon Escapes.
The Bushmills Inn (Causeway Coast)
If you’re looking for a quiet, luxurious retreat, The Bushmills Inn could be just the place for you. It is located on Dunluce Road, Bushmills, ten minutes away from the Giant’s Causeway. Originally a Coaching Inn built in the 17th century, it boasts unconventional, yet quiet, 4-star luxury, and great complimentary perks like a full Irish breakfast. The Inn is also reputed for its award-winning restaurant, offering the finest dishes made from seasonal, locally grown produce. The service here is streamlined to be quiet and unobtrusive, yet attentive, and it is hard to look further for the best luxury hotels in Northern Ireland Causeway Coast region.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel (Belfast)
The Fitzwilliam calls itself “Belfast’s five-star superstar”. This hotel brings you the best of 5-star luxury, in a prime location. Luxurious rooms, a world-class dining experience, and exciting cultural events at the hotel will ensure that your stay here will be memorable. The hotel is strategically located so that there are a lot of interesting things to do within walking distance. According to reviews left by guests, the hotel’s staff are the salt of the Fitzwilliam experience. Everyone from the front-desk receptionist to the chatty doorman is there to help ensure that your stay is genuinely a five-star experience.
The Culloden Estate and Spa (Cultra)
The Culloden Estate claims to be “Built for a Bishop, Fit for a King”. Combining a palatial estate, exquisitely decorated rooms, and a luxurious spa experience, it was an estate built originally for the Bishops of Down. Perched high on the hills of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline, it is placed close to the city centre and is easily accessible by the Gold Coast Train Line between Belfast and the seaside town of Bangor. This is definitely the place to go to if you’re looking for a full package. There are a number of scheduled cultural events, an award-winning dining experience, and a unique spa experience to choose from.
Lough Erne Resort (Fermanagh)
If you’re a golf enthusiast, you should consider staying at the Lough Erne Resort. Their star-attraction is a full-size 36-hole golf course that would be a delight for anyone. It is “one of the best golf resorts in Ireland in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands”. Featuring 5-star accommodation, a luxury golf-resort, a commendable Thai Spa experience, and a unique restaurant, there is something here for everyone, no matter what the occasion. The friendly, welcoming staff and the beautiful location have had guests coming back year-after-year for more. What’s more, the resort also has quaint Holiday Homes up for sale at their exclusive Lough Erne Resort Golf village.
The Merchant Hotel (Belfast)
Situated at the heart of bustling Belfast’s historic Cathedral Quarter is the AA 5 Red Star Merchant Hotel. Get away from the grit and grease of daily living and revel in the grandeur of this Grade A listed building, featuring a stunning luxury spa, a rooftop gymnasium, breathtaking views, and a fabulous jazz bar. The hotel has a myriad of exclusive events like the Prosecco Festival, a Christmas special, and an Art Deco-inspired wing with exciting amenities. With its prime location, the hotel is just s short distance away from the best of Belfast’s star attractions like Victoria Square shopping centre, the Ulster Museum, the Titanic Quarter and The Waterfront Hall. It really is hard to beat when it comes to the Best Luxury Hotels in Northern Ireland.
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The Old Inn (Crawfordsburn)
For rustic and rural scenery not far from Belfast, I would head towards Bangor where the sleepy village of Crawfordsburn where it is set on the perimeter of the scenic Crawfordsburn Country Park and just a short walk from the North Down Coastal Path. The Old Inn (aka the Crawfordsburn Inn) would be the lifeblood of Crawfordsburn village where the bar and restaurant have fed and watered the locals and travellers for hundreds of years (since 1614) including special guests like C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia) who Honeymooned at the Inn way back in 1958. This luxury hotel is also one of the oldest inns in all of Ireland and many features, such as a thatched roof, have been relatively well preserved through to this day.
Bishop’s Gate Hotel (Londonderry)
Ireland’s rich history is one of its defining features, and the Irish are proud of their cultural heritage. The Bishop’s Gate Hotel is a testament to the intense pride the Irish people take in the people and events that have shaped them as a nation. The lovingly renovated Edwardian style hotel first built in the 1800s, seamlessly blends historic architecture, timeless style, and modern luxury. The modern hotel is a reincarnation of its Edwardian predecessor, featuring The Wig and Gown Champaign Room and Restaurant, the magnificent Northern County Ballroom, and a world-class service that’ll keep you coming back time and time again.
Belmont House Hotel (Banbridge)
The quaint old Belmont House Hotel looks like something straight out of a fairy-tale – think cottage-style structure covered in lush green ivy, forming a magnificent archway entrance to greet you at the door. The four-star hotel also features a funky bar and beautiful gardens. The freshly cooked Irish or vegetarian breakfast is also a star feature here.
Blackwell House (Armagh)
8 km from Banbridge, in the countryside bordering County Down and County Armagh, the imposing structure of Blackwell House looks like the perfect romantic getaway for a busy couple. Guests rave about the attention to minute details, including individually decorated rooms, luxurious bedding and toiletry, an elegant dining experience, featuring scrumptious local meals, and a great village-style setting for a quiet, restful break.
Killeavy Castle Estate (Newry)
A visit to Ireland could never be complete without the experience of staying at a castle. The Killeavy Castle Estate promises you an uncommon and precious gift – “the feeling of having the world to yourself”. In the bustle of today’s world, there aren’t too many places that can promise you that. Throw in a gamut of boutique-hotel style rooms, an exquisite restaurant serving delicious food, world-class spa facilities, and idyllic settings, you won’t be able to help but come away with a sense of refreshment and healing.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Modernization has rendered luxury an element that is accessible to almost anyone, almost anywhere. When life gets a little rough, a little bit of sparkle and comfort can make it all seem better! So, why not try ones of these best luxury hotels in Northern Ireland and make your vacation comfy and awesome!