If you’ve decided to prolong the wedding fun and are having your honeymoon further down the line, you might like the idea of a romantic mini-moon to tide you over until the big trip! Couples looking for a few relaxing days together after all the planning madness have their pick of incredible destinations here in Ireland with everything from luxurious castles to romantic country houses and the most beautiful 5 star hotels where you’ll be treated like royalty. Whether you’re looking for a spa break, to take in some gorgeous sights and scenery with your new hubby or wife, a fab foodie experience or a chic city break, there’s some fabulous choices on our doorstep when it comes to mini-mooning at home. We’ve rounded up 15 of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels and resorts for couples looking for somewhere extra special to spend a couple of unforgettable days!
Trump International Doonbeg, Co. Clare | View Profile
Couples looking for a romantic few days out west will adore the rugged scenery and beautiful views on offer at Trump International Doonbeg. Nestled on the shoreline of Doughmore Beach, the 5* Trump International Doonbeg boasts fabulous suites beautifully appointed with curated furnishings, art, and antiques as well as some amazing activities and facilities. Play a round of golf at their renowned course, wile away a few blissful hours at their state of the art spa, enjoy some water sports or take advantage of the stunning location and explore the breathtaking Clare countryside.
BrookLodge & Macreddin Village, Wicklow | View Profile
Hidden in a secluded Wicklow valley, BrookLodge & Macreddin Village is a charming 5 star retreat ideal for a mini-moon. Couples can enjoy a well-deserved time-out after the wedding and take in the stunning Wicklow surrounds with country walks, cosy up with pints in the cute Actons Country Pub, enjoy a relaxing treatment at The Wells Spa (which has its own outdoor hot tub and a unique indoor-to-outdoor swimming pool ) or simply chill out in front of the fire. It’s also a foodie haven with Ireland’s only certified Organic restaurant – The Strawberry Tree and La Taverna Armento, an authentic Italian Taverna.
Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny | View Profile
If you’re looking to enjoy a few days in the quaint Kilkenny city and have a few luxurious days rest while you’re at it, the romantic Lyrath Estate is the perfect base. Newlyweds can look forward to the warmest welcome, elegant surroundings and the most beautiful setting if a spot of exploring is on the cards. This 5 star hotel has lots of little treats to keep you and the new hubby and wife entertained including a gorgeous walking trail, a multi-award winning Oasis Spa where you can take some time out after all the planning madness, a games room, a 22 seater private cinema and bicycles you can borrow if you fancy taking in the beautiful estate.
Castlemartyr Resort, Cork | View Profile
Kim and Kanye were rumoured to have stayed here for their honeymoon back in 2014 so you’ll be in good company if you mini-moon here! Set on a 220 acre estate, featuring its own castle ruins, a lake and surrounding woodlands, the 5* Castlemartyr Resort is a dream location for honeymooners looking for a few days break. From its luxurious rooms to its exquisite dining option, blissful spa with ESPA treatments, romantic carriage rides that take in the 220 acre estate, and beautiful walks close by, newlyweds have everything they need on hand for an unforgettable few days.
The Marker Hotel, Dublin | View Profile
If you’re after a chic central abode for your first few days of married bliss, this stylish 5 star hotel will tick all your boxes. Dublin’s newest, luxury design hotel – The Marker is located in the vibrant Grand Canal Square. The hotel boasts incredible architectural features, plush rooms, a heavenly spa, and amazing eateries. It’s convenient location means you can easily take in a show at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre, take a stroll in to the city or if you don’t fancy getting up to much, toast your new hubby or wife with a Birdseye view of the city in their stylish roof top bar
Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa, Wicklow | View Profile
Located on the famous Powerscourt Estate, with its historic house with romantic Palladian style architecture, manicured gardens and waterfall, this beautiful setting could be home for a few days. Mini-mooners can enjoy all the luxury Powerscourt Hotel Resort has to offer including two championship golf courses, a 30,000-square foot luxury spa by ESPA, a signature restaurant and traditional Irish pub for cosy pints. It’s also a haven for nature lovers with a magical woodland trail and the picturesque Wicklow countryside at your doorstep if you fancy a spot of exploring.
Dromoland Castle, Clare | View Profile
The historic Dromoland Castle is the perfect blend of old world elegance and contemporary luxury, and is an unforgettable treat for mini-mooners. Enjoy a weekend of luxury indulging in some gourmet fine dining, take a boat out on the lake and take in the beautiful grounds, unwind in the Castle’s 5* luxury spa or if you can manage to pull yourself away from the comforts of the castle, you can explore the gorgeous Clare countryside including The Burren or the spectacular Cliffs of Moher.
Fota Island Resort, Cork | View Profile
A stint at the enchanting Fota Island is a blissful way to start married life. Nestled at the heart of a peaceful island, surrounded by gorgeous scenery in Co. Cork, it’s a haven for mini-mooners looking for a laid back yet luxurious setting for a few days of relaxation. Couples have everything they need close by for a memorable stay including a tempting selection of restaurants, a championship golf course, an indulgent spa, as well as the most picturesque grounds should you feel like getting outdoors. They offer both harmoniously stylish hotel rooms and luxurious residential lodges.
The K Club, Kildare | View Profile
Honeymooners looking for a little luxury south of the city will fall in love with The K Club. Located in the charming village of Straffan in Kildare, the house was originally modelled on a French chateau and now offers guests an incredible 5 star experience. Newlyweds can look forward to sumptuous, individually designed bedrooms featuring original paintings and antiques and bathrooms with exquisite hand painted murals. And the surroundings are just as beautiful with a 550 acre estate to explore. Amenities include two championship golf courses, several award-winning dining experiences and a stunning spa with secluded outdoor hot tub.
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal | View Profile
The stately Lough Eske Castle is a haven for those looking for a romantic weekend with their new spouse after the wedding day fun! Just 10 minutes from Donegal town, Lough Eske Castle is close to all the main Donegal sights, including the stunning Slieve League Cliffs if you fancy some sightseeing. Or if you’re happy to just kick back and relax, bask in the the castle’s beautiful interiors and views of the surroundings woodlands, Lough Eske shores and Blue Stack mountains. If you fancy some pampering, look no further than the glorious Solis Spa where you can spoil yourselves with some treatments and try out the luxurious thermal area.
The Dunloe Hotel, Kerry | View Profile
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors and indulge with some spa treats, the 5* Dunloe Hotel in Co. Kerry will tick all your boxes. Set on its own 64 acre estate, The Dunloe overlooks the famous Gap of Dunloe and River Laune and has its own 12th century castle if you fancy taking romantic strolls on the grounds. Just 5 miles from Killarney National Park, it’s ideal for leisurely afternoon walks or even a cycling tour and is an ideal base if you’re hoping to take in the Ring of Kerry! After your fill of outdoor adventures, you can look forward to retiring to the most sumptuous setting for some pampering at their state of the art spa or some gourmet delights at their Garden Cafe or Oak Restaurant.
The Westin Hotel, Dublin | View Profile
A former bank, this historic yet contemporary city centre hotel is a stone’s throw from Grafton Street and will be a real treat for couples looking to enjoy a chic city break in Dublin. Treat yourselves to one of the The Westin‘s rooms with a view, where you can take in the amazing city views and unwind or wander up town for a spot of shopping and sightseeing. If you’re a fan of afternoon tea, their ‘Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea’ should defo be on your to-do list with Mojitos served in teapots! Their award-winning Mint Bar is one of the coolest spots for cocktails in the city and their art-deco inspired Exchange Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic, celebratory meal.
The Heritage Killenard, Laois | View Profile
The Heritage Killenard is a heavenly 5* hotel located in Laois with stunning views of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Couples can look forward to an environment of absolute comfort with bedrooms using soft muted colours, deep luxurious mattresses and fresh crisp linen of the highest quality. Mini-mooners can take their pick of activities or simply chill in the most luxurious surroundings – treat yourself to afternoon tea, unwind at the thermal suites at their award-wining spa, indulge with a treatment or two, enjoying a leisurely walk around their 5km trail or even a game of tennis.
Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort, Wicklow | View Profile
This 5* Wicklow getaway will be a big hit with nature lovers and spa enthusiasts alike. The beautiful Druids Glen Resort is located on 400 acres of rolling countryside, nestled between The Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. Couples looking for a beautiful suite for a few days, some fabulous dining options and total luxury will have it all here. If either of you are golf fans, you can take in a game or two onsite, if you want some serious relaxation, wile away a few hours in their luxurious spa or explore the wealth of gorgeous Wicklow walks on your doorstep.
InterContinental Hotel Dublin | View Profile
