Planning your first trip to Ireland and wondering where you should actually stay? 🇮🇪 From colourful seaside towns and cosy pubs to wild Atlantic views and gorgeous little hotels, choosing where to base yourself can be half the fun.
I’ve picked 7 dreamy places that give you a gorgeous mix of Ireland — with ideas for where to stay in each one, whether you’re planning a full Irish road trip or just choosing a couple of stops. ♡
Dublin — Perfect for Your First Night in Ireland ☘️
Dublin is a brilliant place to start an Ireland trip, especially if you’re flying into Dublin Airport. Spend your first day wandering colourful streets, stopping for coffee, exploring Temple Bar and soaking up the atmosphere before heading off on your Irish road trip.
For a first visit, I’d look for somewhere around the city centre so you can explore plenty on foot and make the most of a short stay.
Where to Stay in Dublin ☘️
Want to stay close to the action? Check the latest Dublin hotel prices and availability for your travel dates below. ♡
Kilkenny — Medieval Streets & a Gorgeous Castle 🏰
Kilkenny is one of those places that feels made for a cosy Ireland getaway. With its beautiful medieval streets, colourful shopfronts, traditional pubs and the gorgeous Kilkenny Castle right in the centre, it’s an easy place to fall in love with.
Stay close to the city centre and you can explore most of Kilkenny on foot, from the Medieval Mile to little cafés, restaurants and pubs. It also makes a lovely stop between Dublin and the south or west of Ireland.
Where to Stay in Kilkenny ☘️
Looking for somewhere lovely to stay? Check the latest Kilkenny hotel prices and availability for your travel dates below. ♡
Killarney — Lakes, Mountains & the Ring of Kerry 🌿
Killarney is one of my favourite bases for exploring the southwest of Ireland. Surrounded by mountains, lakes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, it’s perfect if you want that dreamy Irish road-trip feeling.
Stay around Killarney town and you’ll have restaurants, cafés and traditional pubs within walking distance, while Killarney National Park is right on your doorstep. It’s also a brilliant base for exploring the Ring of Kerry.
Where to Stay in Killarney ☘️
Find somewhere gorgeous to stay and check the latest Killarney hotel prices and availability for your travel dates below. ♡
Dingle — Colourful Streets & Wild Atlantic Views 🌊
Dingle is one of those little Irish towns that you’ll want to stay in longer than you planned. Colourful shopfronts, cosy pubs, gorgeous seafood and incredible Atlantic scenery give it that picture-perfect Ireland feeling.
Staying in Dingle town means you can wander out for dinner and drinks in the evening, while during the day you’re perfectly placed for the Slea Head Drive and exploring the beautiful Dingle Peninsula.
Where to Stay in Dingle ☘️
Make Dingle part of your Ireland road trip and check the latest places to stay, prices and availability for your dates below. ♡
Galway — Colourful Streets & the Perfect West Coast Base 🎻
Galway has such a gorgeous atmosphere and is one of the best places to stay if you want to experience Ireland’s west coast. Think colourful streets, live music spilling out of cosy pubs, great food and evenings wandering around the Latin Quarter.
Stay close to Galway city centre and you can explore plenty on foot. It’s also a brilliant base if you want to take day trips to Connemara, the Aran Islands or the Cliffs of Moher.
Where to Stay in Galway ☘️
Find your perfect Galway base and check the latest hotel prices and availability for your travel dates below. ♡
Clare — Cliffs, Coastal Villages & Wild Atlantic Views 🌊
County Clare is perfect if the wild, dramatic side of Ireland is what you’re dreaming of. Home to the Cliffs of Moher, gorgeous coastal drives and little towns and villages packed with traditional Irish charm, it’s an amazing stop on a west coast road trip.
Doolin is a lovely choice if you want traditional music and easy access to the Cliffs of Moher, while Lahinch is perfect for a seaside stay. Clare also puts you in a great position for exploring the Burren and more of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Where to Stay in Clare ☘️
From cosy stays near the Cliffs of Moher to seaside hotels, check the latest accommodation prices and availability in County Clare below. ♡
Donegal — Wild Beaches & Ireland at Its Most Beautiful 🌊
Donegal is for anyone dreaming of the wilder side of Ireland. Think huge sandy beaches, rugged mountains, dramatic coastal roads and some of the most breathtaking scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way.
It’s a gorgeous place to slow down for a couple of nights rather than simply drive through. Donegal Town makes a handy base, while areas around Letterkenny and the coast give you easy access to even more of the county’s incredible scenery.
Where to Stay in Donegal ☘️
Ready for a dreamy escape to Ireland’s northwest? Check the latest Donegal accommodation prices and availability for your travel dates below. ♡
Ready to Plan Your Dream Ireland Trip? 🇮🇪
Ireland is one of those places where the journey really is part of the adventure. Whether you’re planning a few days in Dublin, a cosy weekend in Galway or a full road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are so many gorgeous places to make part of your trip.
Save this guide for later and use the hotel links above to check the latest places to stay and prices for your travel dates. ♡
Happy travels! ☘️
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