Romantic Summer Getaways in Ireland

1. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

If you're looking for a uniquely luxurious place to rest your head during your trip to Ireland, look no further than the Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. This incredible four-star hotel is located inside a historic stone castle built in 1756, and it's set on a scenic 450-acre estate.

The rooms and suites offer views of either the neighboring mountain range or of the salmon fishery below the hotel, and they're all equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. Another highlight of a stay at the castle is a visit to the elegant on-site restaurant or pub, which specialize in creative, seasonally-inspired fare.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Recess, Connemara, Recess, Co. Galway, Ireland, Phone: +35-39-53-10-06

2. Castlewood House

Established in 2005, the Castlewood House is a boutique hotel conveniently situated within five minutes' walking distance of the town of Dingle. The sophisticated rooms are an appealing blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort, and they're individually decorated with unique pieces of artwork.

They also feature marble bathrooms and amenities like luxurious whirlpool bathtubs, flat screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served every morning in the dining room overlooking the bay, and an afternoon tea service is available for groups of six or more people. On-site parking is available free of charge.

Castlewood House, The-Wood, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, Phone: +35-36-69-15-27-88

3. Ard Na Sidhe Hotel

Set on the shores of the breathtaking Caragh Lake, Ard Na Sidhe Hotel offers a small selection of boutique-style rooms decorated with beautiful antique-style furnishings. Some of the rooms are located inside an elegant stone manor that dates back to 1913, and the rest can be found inside a separate building out in the garden courtyard. Breakfast and dinner can be had in the hotel's elegant dining room if desired, and delicious picnic lunches can be purchased to enjoy by the lake. Because of the hotel's lakeside location, rooms are only available for rent between May and September.

Ard Na Sidhe Hotel, Caragh Lake, Killorglin, Co. Kerry, V93 HV57, Ireland, Phone: +35-36-69-76-91-05

4. Ballyvolane House

Nestled in the beautiful countryside of Northern Cork, the Ballyvolane House is an intimate bed and breakfast with six traditionally-decorated rooms to choose from. The spacious rooms are intentionally free of televisions, and they offer wonderful views of the terraced laws and gardens surrounding the house.

A traditional Irish breakfast is included in the room rate, and delicious four-course dinners are available for an extra charge. Both breakfast and dinner are served in the house's elegant dining room, and much of the food is prepared with ingredients sourced right from the estate or from local artisans.

Ballyvolane House, Nr Fermoy, Castlelyons, Co. Cork, P61 FP70, Ireland, Phone: +35-32-53-63-49

5. Bellingham Castle

Located just outside of a historic medieval village, Bellingham Castle is set on a lush 17-acre estate overlooking the River Glyde. The castle offers nineteen luxurious rooms, all of which come with flat screen TVs, luxurious bathrooms, and coffee makers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel's common areas.

A complimentary breakfast is served every morning in a dining room overlooking the gardens, and guests are also welcome to enjoy complimentary tea and cookies in the elegant castle library. Room availability depends on the season and on the wedding schedule at the castle, so guests are advised to book their stay well in advance.

Bellingham Castle, Castlebellingham, Co. Louth, Ireland, Phone: +35-34-29-37-21-76

6. Blairs Cove Restaurant

With its remote location on a bay in the Wild Atlantic Way, Blairs Cove Restaurant is ideally suited to visitors who want to experience the isolated splendor of Ireland while still enjoying all the comforts they're used to.

The accommodation here consists of four private suites centered around a peaceful courtyard; all units come with full kitchens and separate living areas, and two offer stunning views of the water. Bed and breakfast packages are available if desired, and guests are encouraged to enjoy a meal or two in the on-site restaurant, which is located inside a beautifully restored stone-walled barn on the property.

Blairs Cove Restaurant, Murreagh, Durrus, Co. Cork, Ireland, Phone: +35-32-76-11-27

7. Brook Lane Hotel

Situated within walking distance of the small town of Kenmare, the Brook Lane Hotel is a family owned and operated hotel known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere. The accommodation options include rooms and suites as well as studio apartments for guests who want more space; all rooms are equipped with iPod docking stations, yoga mats, and flat screen TVs. Complimentary coffee and cookies are provided upon request, and free Wi-Fi is available all throughout the hotel. A complimentary breakfast is offered every morning, and the hotel also owns two excellent restaurants, one of which is located in the nearby town of Kenmare.

Brook Lane Hotel, Casey's, killarney Road, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, V93 T289, Ireland, Phone: +35-36-46-64-20-77

8. Castle Leslie Estate

The Castle Leslie Estate has been the home of the Leslie family since it was founded in the 1660s, and it offers the unique opportunity to experience authentic Irish hospitality at one of the only Irish Castles still owned by the original family. There are plenty of different rooms to choose from, some of which are located in the castle itself and some of which can be found in the property's country-style lodge. Larger groups can also book one of the hotel's four or five bedroom cottages, which are located approximately fifteen minutes away from the castle on foot.

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, Phone: +35-34-78-81-00

9. Ahernes Seafood Restaurant and Accommodation

Family owned and operated for three generations, the Ahernes Seafood Restaurant and Accommodation is the perfect base for exploring southeast Ireland. The charming rooms and suites are all individually decorated with pieces of antique furniture, and they feature complimentary Wi-Fi. Lunch and dinner are available in the on-site bar, and there is also a restaurant that is open for dinner seven nights a week. The food is prepared using locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh-caught fish and Irish beef. Bed and breakfast packages are available for guests who would like to enjoy a hot Irish-style breakfast each morning of their stay.

Ahernes Seafood Restaurant and Accommodation, 163 N Main St, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland, Phone: +35-32-49-24-24

10. Dunbrody Country House Hotel

Sitting on the Hook Peninsula on the country's southern coast, Dunbrody Country House Hotel is owned and operated by a friendly husband and wife team. The cozy rooms are set inside a beautiful Georgian-style mansion, and they come with flat screen TVs, high-quality sound systems, and iPod docks. Some also offer lovely views of the hotel gardens. The hotel also boasts several special culinary features, including an award-winning restaurant, a casual seafood bar, and an on-site cooking school with courses ranging in length from one to five days. Massages and beauty treatments are available at the on-site spa.

Dunbrody Country House Hotel, R733, Arthurstown, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 R597, Ireland, Phone: +353-51-38-96-00